Let’s be real for a second. When you look at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, you're seeing more than just a hotel; you’re looking at a massive, sprawling institution that basically defines the high-end Arizona resort experience. It’s huge. Honestly, the first time you pull up to the valet, the sheer scale of the 65-acre property can be a little intimidating. You’ve got over 750 guest rooms, six pools, and enough golf grass to make a pro swoon. But the question everyone asks before dropping a few thousand dollars on a long weekend is whether the "Princess" still holds up or if it’s just riding on its 1980s reputation.
It’s expensive. You know that going in.
But here is the thing about the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess—it operates like a finely tuned machine. You don't get this kind of longevity in the desert heat by accident. It opened in 1987 and has undergone enough renovations to keep it feeling fresh, even if the Mediterranean-inspired architecture feels a bit classic compared to the ultra-modern, glass-and-steel boxes popping up in Phoenix lately.
The Pool Situation is Kind of Intense
If you’re coming here in July, you’re basically living in the water. The resort has six different pools, and they all have a very specific "vibe." You have the Sonoran Splash pool which is basically ground zero for families. It has two 200-foot waterslides. If you have kids, you will spend 80% of your life here. It’s loud, it’s splashy, and it’s exactly what a vacation should feel like for a seven-year-old.
Then you have Princess Pool. This is the heart of the resort. It’s where people go to see and be seen.
If you want peace? Go to the Casita Pool. Or better yet, the rooftop pool at the Well & Being Spa. That one is adults-only and feels significantly more "Scottsdale chic." There is something about floating in a rooftop pool while looking at the McDowell Mountains that makes the high resort fees feel a little more justifiable. Just a little.
Why Foodies Actually Care About This Place
Most resort food is mediocre. It’s usually overpriced club sandwiches and soggy fries. The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is a weird exception because it houses some of the best actual restaurants in the city, not just the "best for a hotel."
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- Bourbon Steak: This is a Michael Mina restaurant. It’s dark, moody, and expensive. They bring out these trio of duck fat fries when you sit down that are, frankly, dangerous. If you like a $70 ribeye and a wine list that looks like a phone book, this is your spot.
- La Hacienda: This is Richard Sandoval’s place. It’s Mexican food, but high-end. Think tequila sommeliers—yes, that’s a real job title—and tableside guacamole. It’s consistently voted the best Mexican restaurant in Arizona.
- Ironwood American Kitchen: This is where you get breakfast. It’s reliable.
- The Plaza Bar: Great for a cocktail before dinner, but it gets packed during conference season.
The weirdest thing about the dining here? You don't actually have to leave the property. Usually, I tell people to get an Uber and go to Old Town Scottsdale for dinner, but here, the restaurants are actually the destination.
The Spa is a Whole Other World
The Well & Being Spa is a massive 44,000-square-foot facility. It’s not just a place to get a massage. They have a freaking waterfall. The "Grotto" is a mineral pool where you can sit under a thundering curtain of water to pound the tension out of your shoulders. It works. It’s also one of the few places where the fitness classes actually matter—they do aerial yoga and wall yoga, which is cool if you’re into that sort of thing.
Most people don't realize you can get a day pass for the spa facilities even if you aren't staying at the resort, though they restrict this during the "high season" when the hotel is full.
Christmas at the Princess: The Legend
You cannot talk about the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess without mentioning "Christmas at the Princess." It has become a legitimate Southwest phenomenon. They bring in real ice for a skating rink in the middle of the desert. They have over six million lights. There’s a train.
Is it crowded? Yes.
Is it "touristy"? Absolutely.
But honestly, they do it better than anyone else. If you’re visiting between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, the resort transforms into a literal winter wonderland. It’s the one time of year when the resort feels less like a corporate retreat center and more like a theme park.
The Room Logistics (Avoid the Long Walks)
Because the property is 65 acres, where your room is located matters immensely. If you’re tucked away in the far corners of the Casitas, you might be walking 10 minutes just to get to the lobby. Some people love the privacy. Others hate the hike in 105-degree weather.
The rooms themselves are "Fairmont Standard." This means high-quality linens, Miller Harris toiletries, and those heavy, oversized robes that make you feel like a billionaire. The recent refreshes have moved away from the heavy "Southwest" look—fewer terracotta pots and more neutral, modern tones.
The TPC Scottsdale Connection
The hotel sits right next to the TPC Scottsdale Stadium Course. This is where the Waste Management Phoenix Open happens every year. If you are a golfer, staying here is a bucket-list item. You can literally walk from your room to the course. During the tournament in February, the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess becomes the epicenter of the golf world. The lobby is a sea of Vineyard Vines and golf spikes. If you aren't a fan of crowds, stay far away during the first two weeks of February.
What Most People Get Wrong
A common misconception is that this is a "boutique" experience. It isn't. It’s a Fairmont. It’s owned by Accor. It’s a massive operation. If you want a quiet, intimate, "hidden gem" vibe, go to The Hermosa Inn or Castle Hot Springs.
The Princess is about grandiosity. It’s about having everything you could possibly want within a 10-minute walk. It’s about the fact that if you need a dry martini at 11 PM or a specific type of pillow, someone will get it for you immediately.
Actionable Tips for Your Stay
- Join the ALL (Accor Live Limitless) Program: Even the basic tier gets you free Wi-Fi. Without it, they charge you. It’s a silly fee, so just sign up for the free loyalty program before you check in.
- Request a Room Near the Plaza: If you hate walking, ask for a room in the main building or near the Plaza Bar. You’ll be closer to the food and the front desk.
- Book Dinner Reservations Weeks Out: Especially for Bourbon Steak and La Hacienda. They aren't just for hotel guests; locals flood these places on Friday and Saturday nights.
- Check the "Resort Fee" Details: It’s steep (usually around $50+ per night). It covers things like GoPro rentals, shuttle service within the resort, and some basic fitness classes. Make sure you actually use those services to get your money's worth.
- Visit the McDowell Sonoran Preserve: It’s a 10-minute drive away. The resort is beautiful, but the actual desert hiking at Gateway Trailhead is world-class and provides the "real" Arizona experience that a manicured resort can't fully replicate.
The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is a machine designed to make you forget the outside world exists. It succeeds because it nails the basics—service, food, and atmosphere—on a massive scale. Just bring your walking shoes and a high credit limit.