11 Best Family Hotels in Scottsdale

Scottsdale is hailed as the “West’s Most Western Town,” and is one of the ultimate travel destinations in Arizona. The city has something for all kinds of travelers, from art enthusiasts and intrepid adventurers to families like ours. What makes this city in the heart of the Sonoran Desert such a perfect year-round destination is its perennially sun-kissed weather, making it easy to find loads of things to do. It’s also the reason why Scottsdale is so popular with families large and small, including ours, especially since there are many amazing choices for the best family hotel in Scottsdale as well. With endless blue skies, a stunning landscape, mesmerizing attractions, activities, and adventures abound, and hotels in spades, this resort town was where we headed on our family vacation. Here’s a guide to staying comfortably with your family in Scottsdale, Arizona, a.k.a. the ‘Beverly Hills of the Desert.”

Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort

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Having undergone a major renovation, the Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort is one of the most beautiful properties we’d ever seen. The kids loved it too, especially the huge 2.5-acre pool area playground, which is an absolutely incredible place. It not only had a water playground for the kiddos to go completely crazy in but also had a sandy beach and water slides for the younger ones. For the older kids, there was a putting green, tennis courts, and even a rock-climbing wall. When the entire family wanted to have fun together, we indulged in family games like giant chess and Jenga.

There was a lot for us families to do here beyond the facilities. Some standout experiences included Native American crafts, poolside games, and guided nature walks. Moreover, there’s a presentation at 4 pm every Friday on Arizona birds of prey, followed by a Native American dance performance. The best bit? They have live music every weekend! A bunch of restaurants, spacious rooms and suites, and excellent service make this place great to stay with the family.

Great Wolf Lodge Scottsdale

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Best waterpark for kids. Since we were visiting Scottsdale at the start of the winter season, temperatures were going down. So, we were looking for a place where the kids could have fun indoors. What better place than the Great Wolf Lodge Scottsdale for that?

There’s so much to do here that we hardly found any time to actually step out of the place. To begin with, the kids loved getting their signature ‘wolf ears’ at check-in. Moreover, the indoor waterpark was the center of all action, offering endless fun for families with kids like ours. Later on, we all even indulged in fun activities like arcades, ropes courses, mini-golf, and even indoor bowling. The best bit about staying here was that we could check in at 1 pm, allowing the kids to get an early start at the waterpark. Furthermore, they also allowed us to stay at the waterpark after we’d checked out, allowing us to enjoy with the kids until we had to leave for the airport for our late-night flight.

We didn’t even have to leave the lodge for every cuisine under the sun, especially for the kids. As for the digs, the rooms and suites, all done up in woodsy themes, offered lots of sleeping space for families like us.

Arizona Biltmore, LXR Hotels & Resorts

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We were excited to stay at the nearly century-old grandaddy of Phoenix resorts, the Arizona Biltmore, LXR Hotels & Resorts. Designed and built in 1929, this resort has seen decades of desert glamor, and we wanted to experience it too — and we weren’t disappointed at all.

While we’ve never had ground-floor rooms earlier, our assigned ground-floor room in the Paradise wing, right next to the Paradise pool complex, turned out to the star highlight of our stay. That’s because our room bordered the pool! We even had a lovely patio with chairs and tables that opened right up to the pool area, making it perfect for us to kick back with a cold one as the kids splashed about happily. Plus, it had a lot of room for the kids and us, thanks to the two double beds, closet space, and luxurious bathroom.

The star amenity here was the pool complex, which had not one or two, but a whopping eight pools! While the Paradise pool, with cabanas, a slide, and a pool bar was perfect, we also loved The Bougainvillea, which lay in the middle of the villa complex. We also took advantage of the gorgeous 22,000 sq. ft-huge spa, whirlpool, fitness classes, and the wet steam room. When we wanted to enjoy meals together, the fine dining and all-day restaurants were perfect.

ADERO Scottsdale, Autograph Collection

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Scottsdale is a dark-sky city, so we wanted to take advantage of the clear skies and indulge in stargazing with our grown-up kids. What better place to do that than at ADERO Scottsdale Resort, Autograph Collection, the sole Autograph Collection Resort in a certified Dark Sky Zone? This energizing Sonoran Desert-inspired escape was all about outdoor adventures by day and stargazing by night. Our kids loved the endless views of Arizona’s famed McDowell Mountain Range and Four Peaks, whether it was from our digs or the rest of the property. Since we were looking for a stargazing experience, we booked an evening experience with ‘Star Dudes’ guides who had all the latest telescopes. So, we could take a closer look at the sky in all its nighttime glory.

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The rest of the property was amazing too, especially the amenities. We had fun choosing desert-inspired spa treatments, while those with a penchant for working out had a swish hotel gym to themselves. Multiple award-winning restaurants ensured that we, or the kids, were never bored when it came to the food. That said, one of our favorite things about the property was the rooms and suites with oversized balconies. The coolest bit, though, was the presence of telescopes and binoculars in every room, so we could soak in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia

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The Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia resembles an Andalucian village. Tucked in the heart of the picturesque Paradise Valley, the storybook setting with Camelback Mountain views was perfect for our laid-back family vacation. with the finest amenities imaginable for every member of the family.

For one, we had the choice of different combinations of connecting rooms, allowing us to have our own privacy while also being able to keep an eye on the kids. What’s more, cots and rollaway beds are available upon prior request, with prices depending on the availability. That’s not all. The little ones loved the complimentary Pack ‘n Plays, as well as the “Kids Crew”, an amazing backpack that overflowed with goodies. Think everything from binoculars to crayons, stickers, and even activity books. Come evening, the children were even treated to cookies and milk at turndown.

That didn’t mean that there was nothing for the adults here. We spent hours lounging poolside at a cabana at the adults-only pool with a cocktail. While there was a 24-hour fitness center, we chose to pamper ourselves at Joya, the Moroccan-inspired spa that felt like a desert haven. No wonder it’s one of Scottsdale’s best 5-star hotels.

Boulders Resort & Spa

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Best family activities. Millions of years ago, at the edge of the Sonoran Desert, its iconic rocks and boulders were forming. It was only fitting that amongst the gaggle of resorts that came up here, one of them would be named after the iconic rocks. We’re talking about the Boulders Resort & Spa, a high-desert retreat and an excellent choice for our family with teens.

“Luxury living and outdoor activities instead of TV in the room? Count us in!”

WOW Travel

There were no teddy-bear teas or kids’ clubs here; the family-friendly activities at Boulders are all about an impressive lineup of outdoor adventures. Think desert hikes through centuries-old Native American dwellings, rock climbing, and mountain biking among the towering Saguaro cacti. The stay-and-play isn’t limited to just high-octane activities; as a family, we’d been looking forward to the stargazing sessions with the resident astronomer and expert-led desert photography tours. If you’re all into golf, don’t miss the family golf picnic at the Boulders Golf Academy!

We had a great choice when it came to accommodations too, ranging from spacious one- to four-bedroom villas. What more could we ask for?

Fairmont Scottsdale Princess

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We’re an outdoorsy family, which is why we chose to stay at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. The hotel’s seasonal programs are practically famous at this point. For instance, its annual “Christmas at The Princess” event boasts an enchanted Santa’s Secret Headquarters, a desert ice-skating rink, and a spectacular LED light display. However, this kid-friendly Arizona resort is perfect for the rest of the year too.

This is thanks to the Trailblazers Kids Club & Family Recreation Center, which boasted a whole bunch of interactive group activities. There were nature walks, dodgeball competitions, panning for gold, solar s’more roasts, and even activities that kept the little ones engaged as we indulged in some much-deserved R&R at the 44,000 sq. ft. spa. At the same time, we also got in some tee time; after all, it’s one of the best golf clubs around. Afterward, we recouped at one of the six sparkling pools, but the zero-entry Sunset Beach pool was the children’s favorite. If they meet the minimum height requirement, they even get to flock to 2 200-ft waterslides! Four multi-cuisine restaurants round up the amenities here. Finally, we were impressed by the room sizes and choices too, which meant there was enough space for us adults and the kids to spread out and be comfortable.

JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa

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JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa is perched prettily near the Phoenix Mountains Preserve. The Western theme is all-pervasive, right from the casita digs to the hacienda-style architecture. Flowers bloomed everywhere at this historic desert gem, which was perfect for our all-adults family vacation.

Our first stop here was the Spa at Camelback Inn, which also happens to be one of the first destination resort spas in the entire Southwest. Since we scheduled treatments that lasted more than 30 minutes, they even waived the spa fee for us, which we appreciated a lot. During the day, we’d usually be at the adults-only pool, swimming and sipping cocktails, followed by a soak in the whirlpool. What’s more, we even had the wet and dry saunas to relax, as well as the relaxation lounges and the outdoor terraces. We also loved the main swimming pool as it had spectacular mountain views. Wrapping things up were the five restaurants, landscaped gardens, and a golf course.

All rooms and suites were subtly luxurious, not surprisingly, and blended Old West with new. So, while it had a contemporary-chic southwest design, there were also wet bars and patios/balconies. We especially found the marble bathrooms luxurious, complete with deep-soaking tubs, cotton robes, and slippers. No wonder it’s one of Scottsdale’s best five-star hotels.

The Phoenician

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Where do we begin with the Phoenician? One of the city’s brightest gems, this evergreen family favorite was where we decided to put our feet up next. Kids of all ages had plenty to dig into here, thanks to the 2,100-sq-ft-huge Game Room. It had an arcade as well as video games, foosball and pool tables, shuffleboard, and modern and classic board games. When the kids wanted to step out, there were basketball and pickleball courts to choose from. Meanwhile, we even rented complimentary bikes from the Athletic Club, which was a great way to sightsee the resort’s huge landscaped grounds.

When it came to laidback recreation, everybody loved the Phoenician’s massive pool complex, which is one of the best hotel pools In Scottsdale. While there was an adults-only Mother-of-Pearl Pool when we needed a quick break, it was the kid-friendly upper pool deck that was the real star of the show. Aside from a 197-ft-long twisting waterslide, it even had a Kid Zone splash pad, complete with a suspension bridge and treehouse and falling buckets of water and spray guns. What more could the kids ask for? We’ll tell you what — the specially designed “Funicians Club” for kids aged 5-12 years with a wide range of amazing activities.

What we also loved about the resort were the unique family-friendly accommodations. While they had rooms and suites, we went for the casita. It not only had easy access to all amenities but also more space and mod-cons for us and the kids.

The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa

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Best for younger kids. Although the Westin Kierland Resort & Spa may sound more like an adult getaway, it happens to be one of the most exciting and adventurous places for kids. There was plenty to keep our tots busy on this sprawling 250-acre property.

For one, our kiddos loved the OdySea Aquarium featuring SeaTrek Helmet Diving and a shark tour. However, the single biggest reason for staying at this Westin outpost was the Adventure Water Park with a Tommy Bahama-designed “private island,” a 900-ft-long lazy river, and a 110-ft-long waterslide. Moreover, we took on the waves of the Kierland FlowRider, a surfing simulator with speeds up to 30 mph! While we were at the pool, we even rented a family-friendly poolside cabana to relax as the kids had fun in the water. But that’s not all there was for kids here. There was even the Westin Family Kids Club for children aged 4-12 years of age. With the kids busy, we enjoyed teeing off at The Westin Kierland Golf Club and pampering ourselves at Agave, The Arizona Spa & Salon. A well-equipped Fitness Studio as well as yoga and mindfulness classes wrap up the amenities.

When it came to laying down our heads at the end of the day, we found the guest rooms and suites very comfortable, thanks in part to the Westin Heavenly Beds. Plus, there were a variety of rooms to choose from to suit our family’s needs.

Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North

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Most luxurious. One of the top reasons that the Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North ranks as the best hotel for families in Scottsdale is the complimentary “Kids for All Seasons” program. The program is open to kids between the ages of 5 and 12 years daily from 9 am to 5 pm. So, we could safely leave our children in the capable hands of the camp counselors and enjoy the other facilities on offer for the adults. This included relaxing in the luxury poolside cabana, exploring the desert, and even enjoying some tee time at the Golf Club. When we wanted to spend time as a family, we’d head out to the main family-friendly pool, which even included a pool just for the kids, and play games in the family game room.

There is a lot more to do here, besides the bi-level pool, the kids’ programs, and the golf course. We even enjoyed locally inspired spa treatments at the Four Seasons Scottsdale Spa. We also loved the tennis and paddle courts, a fitness center, and the homemade ice cream at Proof, one of the many restaurants. REI Custom Adventures, which are specialized tours created just for guests of the Four Seasons. 

As expected, the guest rooms are tastefully furnished with a good range of comforts. The rooms had everything from children’s slippers and infant toiletries to childproof electrical outlet covers. We could even have tent setups in our room as part of the kids’ program! For us adults, there were huge flatscreen TVs, deep soaking tubs — the works.

Our Verdict!

While we loved all of Scottsdale’s family stays, we decided to whittle down the list so it’s easier for you to choose where to stay with your family.

• Best family activities: Boulders Resort & Spa
• Best for younger kids: The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa
• Most luxurious: Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North
• Best waterpark for kids: Great Wolf Lodge Scottsdale

Where to Stay in Scottsdale?

Despite Scottsdale being a much smaller city than the neighboring Phoenix, it’s still large enough for you to have to choose where to stay, depending on the accommodation of your choice.

Are you visiting Scottsdale for the first time? You, and the kids, will love the Old Town neighborhood. This buzzing and lively tourist district boasts not only amazing museums, but also fantastic restaurants and bars. Secondly, if you plan to have the resort babysit the kids and experience Scottsdale’s nightlife, nothing is better than Downtown Scottsdale. Sitting just north of Old Town, Downtown is all about hip cafes, trendy restaurants, and bopping bars. Moreover, it’s also great for shopping fanatics, since it’s home to Arizona’s largest shopping mall, Fashion Square. Finally, if you want to explore the many, many outdoor activities on offer in the city, will love South Scottsdale.

Which is the best hotel for teens in Scottsdale?

That would be the Boulders Resort and Spa for its massive roster of outdoor activities for teenagers.

Which is the best Scottsdale hotel to stay at for kids under 10 years?

The Phoenician, with its specially designed “Funicians Club” for kids between 5 and 12 years of age, is ideal. Another option is the Westin Kierland Resort & Spa.

What is the best part of Scottsdale to stay in?

Overall, Old Town is an excellent neighborhood to stay in for its many attractions and things to do for people of all age groups.