Great Blog Phoenix: Stay and Play

With more than 70 resorts and hotels and nearly endless itinerary options, Scottsdale makes for a memorable vacation. The city radiates a warm and welcoming atmosphere with numerous TAG-approved hotels and resorts, a vibrant dining and nightlife scene, and an abundance of outdoor adventures, art galleries and upscale shopping venues. Here are a few of our favorite places to stay and play.

Rest and Refresh

A true urban gem, the Hotel Valley Ho* is a mid-century, retro-chic hotel in downtown Scottsdale. Enjoy the hotel’s hip outdoor scene at the OH Pool, or try the relaxing and newly added OHasis pool offering serene water features, towering palm trees, and food and drink service all day long. Both pool areas are perfect for soaking up the Arizona sunshine! Take advantage of the Preferred Pride package offering a discounted rate and a bottle of wine upon arrival, or indulge in the new and spacious Presidential Loft Suite featuring impeccable views of Camelback Mountain.

You’ll find another standout hotel just north of the downtown area. The sophisticated design, lush grounds and plentiful amenities at Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch* are nothing short of impressive. With 2.5 acres featuring 10 pools, 20 fountains, 45 waterfalls, a sand beach, and a three-story waterslide, the breathtaking water playground is both visually sensational and relaxing. Once you’re done lounging poolside, hit the links at Gainey Ranch Golf Club, take a Gondola ride on the resort’s scenic waterway, catch a Native American dance performance, or enjoy live music at the Center Stage Bar. With so much to do, you might need an extra day to try it all! Extend your stay with the Sunshine on Sale package offering one free night to complete your vacation.

Looking to stay in the middle of all the action? The Saguaro Hotel* is located in the heart of the city in the midst of plenty of dining, arts and culture, and nightlife options. The Saguaro offers comfy cabanas and sleigh-beds for relaxing poolside or you can check out a cruiser bike to go for a quick ride. You can also unwind at The Saguaro Spa with irresistible treatment offerings like the Desert Flower Herbal Poultice Massage or the Chocolate Truffle Body Wrap. And don’t miss the margaritas and street tacos at the Saguaro’s Distrito Restaurant featuring cuisine by Iron Chef Jose Garces. To stay, book the Trifecta package, which offers a $60 spa credit, in-room movie, pitcher of Sangria, and late check-out included with accommodations.
Downtown Dining

When it’s time for a bite, head downtown and discover dynamic dining at spots like The House Brasserie, FnB, Hula’s Modern Tiki, and Brat Haus. If you’re not sure where to start, consider a savory sampling of some of the best joints in town with the Old Town Food Tour by A Taste of Old Town Scottsdale. Three-hour lunch or dinner tours give you the chance to try delectable bites from Cowboy Ciao, The Mission, Grimaldi’s, Super Chunk Sweets and Treats, and more!
Vibrant Nightlife

As evening sets in, check out local LGBT favorite BS West or head to one of Scottsdale’s country bars like the Rusty Spur Saloon or Dierk’s Bentley’s Whiskey Row. If you’re looking for a more relaxed feel, check out Kazimierz World Wine Bar for a warm and comfortable ambiance, small bites and a colossal wine list. Those looking to break in their dancing shoes can move around at The Mint Ultra Lounge or head to the Living Room at W Scottsdale to socialize. Scottsdale’s diverse nightlife scene offers nearly 90 other bars and clubs in downtown alone – most within walking distance of each other.
The Great Outdoors

If you’re craving adventure, Scottsdale’s McDowell Sonoran Preserve is the ideal playground for outdoor enthusiasts. For hikers, the Preserve offers more than 60 miles of shared-use trails. And while the Sonoran Desert is a distinctive and beautiful place when observed from ground level, the view from above is all the more breathtaking! Catch the sights on a hot air balloon ride and celebrate the occasion with champagne served in a complimentary etched flute available through a special offer by Rainbow Ryders. For a different kind of scenic flight, hop aboard a seaplane with Desert Splash Adventures and soar over nearby landmarks like the McDowell and Superstition mountains before finishing with a water landing on Roosevelt Lake.
Beautiful Civic Center Park

For a relaxing outing, venture into Scottsdale’s Civic Center Park, where eye-catching fountains, grassy knolls, colorful flower beds and public art installations fill the landscape. Sink your teeth into classic American cuisine coupled with cocktails on the patio at AZ88 or stop by the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA) and explore the art, architecture and design of our time. Right next door, choose from dance, music or theater performances offered by the extensive programming at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts.
The Best of Art and Shopping

Scottsdale is a shopper’s paradise with an eclectic mix of national and boutique shops. For premier retailers like Barneys New York, Neiman Marcus, Prada and Ted Baker, look to Scottsdale Fashion Square, the largest shopping center in the Southwest. Shop ‘til you drop at over 250 stores, with even more on the way, including Lorna Jane and Diane von Furstenberg opening in 2015. The shopping excursion continues at the Scottsdale Arts District. Meet emerging artists and browse a variety of one-of-a-kind pieces at the Scottsdale ArtWalk every Thursday night on Main Street and Marshall Way. Just around the corner, Scottsdale’s 5th Avenue District will tempt you with nearly 30 restaurants and bars, and 60 shops. Stop into On The Edge Gallery, Touchstone Gallery or French Designer Jeweler, just to name a few of the unique shops you’ll find in the area.

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*Tag Approved properties. Click here for a complete list of TAG approved hotels in Scottsdale.