Fairmont Scottsdale Princess sits easily in my list of top hotel rooms. In the panoramic desert in North Scottsdale, the AAA Five Diamond resort has been a favorite in Arizona since it was built in 1987.

Cholla Suite at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. Photo courtesy Fairmont Scottsdale Princess

Following a $45 million renovation, I decided I needed to actually see the inside of the resort. Amazingly, even though I’d lived in Scottsdale for well over a decade, I had never stayed at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. I had heard so many great things about it, had enjoyed visiting the property for special events, and had made a visit to the spa, but I wasn’t sure what to expect on my overnight stay when I finally checked in during 2010. Once I arrived, I was not disappointed and now I definitely understand its long-lasting attraction in the Valley of the Sun.

I stayed in one of the resort’s Cholla suites overlooking the pool. The muted colors of taupe and browns were soothing, and I instantly wanted to kick off my shoes and relax. The suite was gorgeous, very large at just under 1000 square feet, and had wonderfully soft linens. I hated to get out of bed when I awoke the next day and knew I had to return home. I could easily have stayed for several days.

As I’ve discovered with other “favorite rooms,” the entire resort was a major part of what made my stay at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess memorable. The Willow Stream Spa is beautiful and offers some of the best spa treatments I’ve received. The setting is relaxing and once you book a treatment, you can use the spa facilities all day long. The resort’s grounds are lush, with courtyards hidden around every corner. There are multiple pools and sipping a cool drink poolside with the warm Arizona sun shining down is a great way to spend an afternoon.

The bar at Bourbon Steak. Photo courtesy Bourbon Steak

One of the key ingredients for me when I stay anywhere is access to food. I always say you can tell a lot about a place by its food. If that’s the case at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, then there’s a lot to say. I love Michael Mina’s BOURBON STEAK. I’ve eaten at the burger bar a couple of times (catch my article on the burger bar here and another article here where I talk about their luscious truffle fries) and I’ve enjoyed the main restaurant a couple of times. I’ve never been disappointed. La Hacienda by Richard Sandoval is also a local favorite, offering some great and unusual Mexican dishes. They have some great margaritas. Check out the El Piña Diablo I tried there. The restaurant even has a separate tequila menu that I really must sample someday. (Doesn’t that sound like a great excuse for staying overnight again?) I’ve had some incredible seafood at The Grill at TPC as well. As you can see, you probably won’t go hungry while you stay here!

Between the spa, the pools, the restaurants, this is an incredible resort. It made my stay in the Cholla suite an evening to remember. I think this is another “must do again” stay. I’m definitely a fan of Fairmont Scottsdale Princess.

Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. Photo courtesy Fairmont Scottsdale Princess

Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
7575 E Princess Drive
Scottsdale, AZ 85255
480-585-4848
http://www.scottsdaleprincess.com