The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess opened in 1987 across 65 acres of Mexican colonial-style buildings and fountained plazas, and it describes itself as Arizona's longest-running AAA Five Diamond resort. With 750 rooms and suites, including the Privado Villas, a hotel within the hotel, and connecting Sunset Beach Suites that open into three bedrooms, it is built for families. There are six pools. Sonoran Splash has two 200-foot twisting slides and a zero-entry pool, Sunset Beach has 9,000 square feet of white sand, and Sonoran Landing is kept for adults. Camp Trailblazers keeps children busy with virtual reality, a life-sized game of Pac-Man and catch-and-release fishing in the lagoons. The resort borders TPC Scottsdale, whose Stadium Course hosts the WM Phoenix Open, and dining includes Bourbon Steak by Michael Mina, La Hacienda and Toro by Richard Sandoval, and Ironwood American Kitchen. The Well & Being and Sisley-Paris spas cover 44,000 square feet. The calendar is a reason to visit in itself: Christmas at the Princess, from November 20, 2026, to January 2, 2027, brings 17 million lights, a real-ice rink and a 120-foot Ferris wheel, and Easter and Independence Day have their own traditions.
- Nearest airport
- Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX), 16 Miles / 26 Kilometres
- Rooms
- 750 rooms and suites
Insider tip Leave a morning for the Well & Being and Sisley-Paris spas, which together combine treatments, fitness classes and quiet.
Why I choose it A desert playground for families, at its most comfortable from October to May, well away from July's 107°F highs. An expansion is approved, so ask about building work before booking.