The bold letters near the lobby entrance proclaiming “WTF”—under a small sign reading “Where’s the Fun?”—set the tone for my stay. Hotel Adeline in Scottsdale, Arizona is playful, stylish and a little edgy, and you never have to wonder where the fun is when you stay here. Fun is everywhere, from the lobby’s hip décor to the cabanas on either side of the zero-entry pool.

Pool bar and lawn area at Hotel Adeline. Photo by Teresa Bitler.

Accommodations at Hotel Adeline

One of Marriott International’s Tribute Portfolio properties, Hotel Adeline has 213 guestrooms, most of which are 285 square feet. I stayed in one of those with a pool view. If you want a little more space, four king guestrooms are 425 square feet while five suites boast 587 square feet of space. All rooms have 50” LG Smart TVs and rainfall showers.

Wander Tip: Ask for an even-numbered room; they face the pool.

Where’s the Fun at Hotel Adeline. Photo by Teresa Bitler

The hotel describes its décor as bohemian although the retro leather lounge chair in my room reminded me more of the “Mad Men” era. I half expected to find a hidden cocktail bar with crystal goblets tucked inside a cabinet somewhere. As I unpacked, I noticed the carpet looked a little worn despite a $13 million dollar renovation in 2018. Otherwise, the room was exceptionally clean and comfortable.

I have to admit I didn’t spend much time in the room—why would you with a swimming pool just feet from your door?—but I loved the room’s hip, nostalgic vibe.

Rooms at Hotel Adeline. Photo by Teresa Bitler

Exploring the Property

Before relaxing at the pool, I decided to check out the hotel. Hotel Adeline reminds me a bit of Hotel Valley Ho or Mountain Shadows Resort, two popular Scottsdale hotels. Like those properties, it seems to have been ripped from the late 60s or early 70s. Pops of orange and turquoise catch the eye, and little touches, like the cabana pillow that reads “My Happy Place,” inject whimsical personality into the setting.

Lounging by the pool at Hotel Adeline. Photo by Teresa Bitler

Much of the lobby is open with seating areas on both sides. When the pandemic is over, I can imagine it filled with people sipping drinks on leather couches under the macrame wall art. For now, especially since I visited during the week, it was quiet. During your stay, head down the hall to the right of the check-in desk to see the telephone booth built into the hotel. (Shhh! It may just be the secret entrance to the hotel’s speakeasy.)

Lobby at Hotel Adeline. Photo by Teresa Bitler

This hallway is where you’ll also find the 1,708-square-foot Hayden Ballroom, which seats up to 100 guests. Here on business? Hotel Adeline has a boardroom that can accommodate up to 12 people and, close by, a small fitness center with Precor equipment.

At the Pool

Activity at Hotel Adeline centers around its 3,000-square-foot pool. Rent one of the eight poolside cabanas, and plan to spend the day. (For a weekend stay, book a cabana online before you go.) The misted pool bar serves craft cocktails, wine, beer, and sandwiches and offers views of Camelback Mountain over the main lobby.

Can’t lounge all day by the pool? No worries. Turquoise lounge chairs shaded by turquoise umbrellas line the pool deck, and there are three pool area sitting areas where you can kick back for an hour or two. If you don’t want to get wet, take advantage of the lawn games, like cornhole, instead. Want to simply reflect poolside? The hotel hosts yoga classes on the elevated platform behind the pool.

The zero-edge pool at Hotel Adeline. Photo by Teresa Bitler

Every Saturday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. during the summer, the pool becomes the ultimate party hangout scene for the hip, selfie crowd. A DJ plays live music, the cabanas are packed and adult beverages flow from the bar. If you’re looking for a quiet escape, this isn’t it during a summer weekend. But if you want to party at the pool, book your cabana early.

Dining at Hotel Adeline

Hotel Adeline has one main restaurant, Selfmade. While the dining room, with its orange booths and mix of round and square tables, wasn’t open when I visited, I did dine in the bar area. The cocktails surprised me; they were expertly crafted, unique and tasty. Given that the restaurant was serving only a limited menu during my stay, I can’t fairly comment on the restaurant. The French fries I had that evening and the avocado toast I ate for breakfast were good, but not really a test of the chef’s culinary ability.

A coconut mai tai at Selfmade. Photo by Teresa Bitler

Likewise, Good & Proper, the coffee shop open for breakfast and lunch, was closed for my entire stay. I couldn’t sample the sandwiches, salads, pastries, and gourmet coffee usually available there.

Based on the cocktails I sampled at Selfmade’s bar, I’ll definitely have to come back to experience Straight Up, the hotel’s speakeasy. Open Friday and Saturday night, the bar features an extensive list of cocktails, curated flights, and premium whisky. You can find the password on Facebook.

Around Old Town Scottsdale

Located one block north of Scottsdale Fashion Square, Hotel Adeline is not in what I would consider Old Town Scottsdale. But it’s close. You can ask for a complimentary Lime Bike or pink Bird Scooter at the front desk to make the 1½-mile trek south. Or, call an Uber or Lyft. The ride will cost about $7.50 each way.

In Old Town, visit Western Spirit, a Smithsonian-affiliated museum dedicated to the Western United States. Most of the museum focuses on artwork celebrating the nation’s Western heritage, but you’ll also see, military saddles, sheriff’s badges, spurs, and other artifacts.

Don’t miss the sculpture garden featuring works by Allan Houser, John Coleman, and others.

Public art in Old Town Scottsdale. Photo by Teresa Bitler

The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art is equally inspiring, especially if you love modern art. Check online for current admission guidelines—you may have to reserve a timeslot—before you go. Or, simply discover public art throughout the Old Town area while there.

The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham

Scottsdale is known for its sophisticated shopping scene. Visit the recently renovated Scottsdale Fashion Square for upscale name brands, then make your way to Old Town for boutique shopping. In addition to clothing, you can find stores selling Arizona souvenirs, art galleries, and specialty shops in Old Town.

Looking for a place to grab a cocktail or a bite to eat? Try Citizen Public House, one of the Valley’s best cocktail bars and restaurants. Or, make a reservation at AZ88, known for its martinis, salads, and sandwiches. Blue Clover Distillery serves tasty cocktails made at their Scottsdale location as well while Scapegoat Wine and Beer pours libations from around the world.

Be sure to check out more recommendations from our Wander With Wonder travel experts about what to so and do when you visit Scottsdale, Phoenix, or other areas in Arizona.