So. I have fallen in love with the desert.

In Scottsdale, Arizona, cacti, palm trees, and mountains create a beautiful oasis in the Sonoran Desert. The mountains are rocky and dry but create incredible scenery and awesome hiking. When I booked the spontaneous trip to Scottsdale with my sister, I had no idea what to expect. She was going for 10 days of training with her new business and I was going for a week of leisure because #yolo (do we still say that?).

I did a ton of research in a very little amount of time when I was looking for places to stay in Scottsdale. Because I knew I was going for fun and my sister was going for work, we wanted to be in the heart of Scottsdale. I searched for hours going back and forth between several resorts, but I think I truly found one of the best places to stay in Scottsdale: Andaz Resort and Spa. After my husband and I stayed at the Andaz in Maui for our honeymoon, I had high expectation, and Andaz didn’t disappoint.

Arriving at The Andaz Scottsdale

Right off a main road, but nestled in the quiet desert, the Andaz’s location is perfect. It was probably the best check-in experience I’ve ever had. Valet greeted us and took us to the lobby, or as they call it, the “guest house”. We were welcomed with more genuine smiles and a calm, happy, atmosphere. After giving our names for check-in, we were offered a drink and if you know me, I can’t turn down a glass of complimentary wine (er, any wine for that matter). The process was quick and easy, and I was even allowed to take my glass of wine with me as we got back in the car to drive around to our room! (They’re private property and said it was okay 🤷‍♀️).

I immediately noticed the beauty of the property. The landscaping, alone, was impeccable. The mid-century modern design was minimalist yet comfortable. The mix of organic and vibrant colors are inspired by the elegance of the desert. Incorporating local artwork to the property and rooms was a special touch that made it more memorable.

 

Bungalows

Unlike a typical hotel with rooms stacked on top of each other, long hallways, and noisy neighbors, Andaz features single-story bungalows. Because I was looking for places to stay in Scottsdale so last minute, the queen rooms weren’t available when I booked. While we could’ve switched upon arrival, the Saarinen King Room was even bigger and nicer than the Queen room so we chose to share a bed for a few nights.

Each bungalow is assigned a number and is home to several individual casitas. Each room has it’s own private patio out front and our room, 20D, was steps from the pool. The Saarinen King Room was spacious and featured a couch, coffee table, and a mid-century style chair right when you walk in. They stock the rooms with a mini-bar and all non-alcoholic drinks are included. The closet space was attractive and had plenty of storage, but the jaw-dropper was the stunning bathroom.

For a full room tour, check out my Scottsdale highlights on Instagram!

Side Note: We had planned on only staying at Andaz for 3 nights and then going to another hotel with a two bedroom suite with a kitchen and living room. After one night away (that might turn into another post for another time), we packed everything back up and went back to Andaz. That should tell you something about Andaz. We ended up in a room with two queens right next to the guest house and pool. We were just as happy as we were the first time around.

 

Resort Pool & Turquoise Bar

The heart of the resort is the pool. Lounge chairs, daybeds, and private cabanas made it a luxurious experience in the sun. Bright yellow towels were provided along with ice cold water and a friendly bar staff. Plenty of umbrellas provide much-welcomed shade and, most days, you can find a pool float or two begging to be the highlight of your Instagram.

The Turquoise Bar is open every day from 11:00am until 5:00pm and around 11:30am, they provide a daily drink. The one day I was out there at 11:30, I was given an electrolyte ice pop and it was everything I didn’t know I needed. Seriously, that popsicle brought me back to life in the 100+ degree weather. My go-to drink was the Tequila Rose, a tasty combination of tequila, lemon juice, and rosé. 😋

Related: The Best Hotel for a San Francisco Tourist

Weft & Warp Art Bar & Kitchen

Serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, and craft cocktails, the on-site restaurant is a must-do. The contemporary and new restaurant offers several different dining experiences. You could sit at the beautiful bar with talented mixologists making your drinks or you could book a private table in a glass-box for a special experience watching the chef. The dining space overlooks the pool and they also offer a semi-private area for large groups. The meals we had here were incredible.

For the morning, a breakfast sandwich on a brioche bun was the best start to the day. Their menu is often updated with the chef’s choices and we loved our dinner there. From a corn chowder to fresh scallops, every bite was divine. My one complaint was our server. She had absolutely no interest in taking care of us. Luckily, all the other staff members made up for her sour attitude. This is a reminder to not let one bad apple spoil the bunch.

 

Palo Verde Spa

Many of the places to stay in Scottsdale will have a spa. After all, TripAdvisor says there are more spas per capita in Scottsdale than any other U.S. city. Staying at the Andaz is truly a posh experience in itself, but being alone the majority of the day meant I needed to spoil myself at the spa. I booked a 60-minute sea-salt stone massage, and I was in spa heaven for hours. Greeted with a glass of champagne, the peaceful energy matched the rest of the resort vibes. The relaxation was much needed, and the spa staff went above and beyond to take care of me.

With any spa appointment, you’re allowed to enjoy the separate spa pool and amenities all day long. It was a little slice of heaven in the middle of the desert.

 

Resort Services

When looking for places to stay in Scottsdale, the amenities and services can make all the difference. Andaz Scottsdale pushes expectations with an incredible resort, but of course, there’s also the infamous resort fee. At $39/night, Andaz knows they need to impress. Like other Andaz resorts, they offer GoPro rentals and complimentary valet. They offer a Tesla drop off service within a 5-mile radius and even a golf concierge. If you’re interested in arts and culture, they offer daily access to the Cattle Track Art Compound and the Arizona State University Kerr Cultural Center. Andaz Scottsdale is also pet-friendly, so bring along your furry best friend.

More than anything, Andaz takes care of their guests. Never be hesitant to make a request for something that will make you more comfortable. Above all, the staff (other than our bitter server one night), made us feel like royalty. There are several top-knotch, beautiful resorts in Scottsdale, but when it comes to location, comfort, style, service, and luxury, I’m confident that Andaz is one of the best. I can’t wait to go back.

What do you think?
Would you want to stay at Andaz Scottsdale for a few nights?