10Best romantic hotels in Scottsdale: desert escapes you'll both love



Romance comes easy at the Royal Palms Resort and Spa in Scottsdale, which has been named one of the country's most romantic resorts by several top travel publications. The luxurious hotel resort has even coined a term to describe the kind of starry-eyed stay couples can expect at the Royal Palms: a "romantication." 

What makes the Royal Palms so romantic? It's in the details. The hotel staff works hard to set the mood for love by providing guests with rose-petal turn-downs, love notes, couples' massages at the Alvadora Spa. The staff will even help make arrangements for private plane rides or mountaintop proposals. 

Another Scottsdale hotel that is a destination for romance is the historic Hermosa Inn (featured in the movie "Waiting to Exhale"). This boutique hotel, tucked away in the highly desirable Paradise Valley neighborhood, was once the home and studio of Western artist Lon Megargee. Today, the private suites are warmly and elegantly appointed with Southwestern furnishings and antiques. Plan on enjoying a long, leisurely couples' brunch at Lon's, the hotel's acclaimed restaurant. 

If you and your significant other want to enjoy the heart of Scottsdale's urban center, book a room at the always-fashionable Hotel Valley Ho. This mid-century gem is the place to see and be seen. Stake out a poolside cabana, order a drink from award-winning Cafe Zuzu, and enjoy some sunshine-filled downtime with your sweetie. 

If you're looking for a more intimate stay in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale, book a room at the Bespoke Inn. The small, four-room inn offers unique comforts in a perfect location, just steps from Scottsdale restaurants, galleries and shopping. Plus, the inn is home to one of the city's best restaurants, Virtu Honest Craft. 


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The Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North is nestled at the foothills of Pinnacle Peak, where luxurious Southwestern-style casitas create a warm, comforting ambiance perfect for a perfectly relaxing desert getaway. Guests are invited to dine at Talavera Restaurant, a modern take on the classic steakhouse, which offers some of the best patio dining in the city and excellent views of the surrounding desert scenery. Guests also enjoy special privileges at Troon North Golf Club and Clubhouse, which earned the Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale the distinction of being named one of the top golf resorts in North America by Golf Digest.

Recommended for Romantic Hotels because: Gorgeous desert scenery and unrivaled luxury set the mood for love at the Four Seasons in north Scottsdale.

Read more about Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North →




This highly acclaimed Scottsdale resort offers visitors one of the most scenic desert escapes in the Southwest. Green cottonwoods, looming palm trees, and surrounding mountainscapes set a dreamy desert mood that is impossible to resist. Escape the pace of workaday life while taking in the natural beauty of the Sonoran Desert. Enjoy on-site restaurants, plentiful state-of-the-art meeting rooms, the renown Willow Stream Spa (ranked as one of the top spas in North America by Travel+Leisure Magazine), and two 18-hole championship golf courses make the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess one of the city's premier hotel resort destinations and a golf enthusiast's dream.

Recommended for Romantic Hotels because: Swaying palm trees, poolside cabanas, and one of the best spas in the country are the perfect recipe for romance at the Fairmont Scottsdale.

Read more about Fairmont Scottsdale Princess →


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Art District


Where is the hippest place to stay in downtown Scottsdale? Although others may be vying for the title, Hotel Valley Ho continues to be Scottsdale's preeminent hip hotel. Built in 1956 and reopened in 2005, the hotel has a long and storied history as a destination for young and stylish travelers. Back in its early days, the hotel attracted a cadre of young celebrities, including Bing Crosby and Tony Curtis. Today, locals and travelers gather at the Valley Ho to mingle at the oh-so-cool ZuZu Lounge, relax at the VH Spa, or enjoy one of the spacious suites in the seven-story Tower, the elite hotel within a hotel featuring generously sized signature guest rooms.

Recommended for Romantic Hotels because: Hotel Valley Ho is a fun, hip hotel that's perfect for couples who want to stay close to downtown Scottsdale shopping, dining and nightlife.

Read more about Hotel Valley Ho →


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Paradise Valley


The Hermosa Inn, a boutique hideaway that was once the home and studio of Western artist Lon Megargee, features 34 hacienda-style accommodations and casitas on more than six acres of attractive desert landscaping. Each room and suite is decorated in an elegant and warm Southwestern style. Fireplaces, secluded patios, and vaulted ceilings are some of the amenities you'll find here. Most rooms also offer newly remodeled bathrooms featuring Waterworks fixtures, antique pedestal tubs, and luxe bedding. Complimentary high-speed wireless Internet is offered throughout the property. For some of the best dining in the Valley, reserve your seat at the Hermosa Inn's on-site restaurant, Lon's at the Hermosa.

Recommended for Romantic Hotels because: Nestle up with your sweetie at the historic Hermosa Inn, a welcoming respite bursting with southwestern hospitality.

Read more about Hermosa Inn →




Located off busy Scottsdale Road on a quiet city lane, the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale stands as a sumptuous oasis of calm and comfort against the background of the McDowell Mountains. This 27-acre Scottsdale hotel resort is home to the world-renown Spa Avania, a 2.5-acre water playground, championship golf, four casual and fine dining destinations, and nightly entertainment. Spacious guestrooms and suites offer private balconies or patios, perfect for entertaining with friends or families or simply for watching the stars rise over the desert. The exclusive Gainey Ranch Golf Club is a golfer's paradise with a 27 hole course and a full-service clubhouse.

Recommended for Romantic Hotels because: The Hyatt Regency is a sprawling luxury resort with loads of couple-friendly amenities. Nothing says romance like a gondola ride for two.

Read more about Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Gainey Ranch →


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Formerly known as Kimpton's Firesky Resort, The Scott is one of the newer boutique resort offerings in central Scottsdale. The recently updated hotel boasts a unique Spanish Revival meets Bauhaus design, and it brings a dash of tropical chic to Scottsdale's crowded pool scene. It boasts an impressive indoor/outdoor lobby, with rattan furnishings and lots of greenery, which was inspired by the porches of Old Havana. As of 2017, guest rooms are in the process of being renovated to include private outdoor patios and balconies, as well as updated bathrooms. What hasn't changed, however, is the resort's killer location, which is convenient to both Old Town and North Scottsdale.

Recommended for Romantic Hotels because: The Scott's architecture and design, based on the four elements, sets the perfect tone for a long, luxurious romantic getaway.

Read more about The Scott Resort & Spa (formerly FireSky Resort) →


Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort and Spa
Photo courtesy of Sanctuary on Camelback


This luxury boutique hideaway on Camelback has been a personal sanctuary for Hollywood celebrities, honeymooners, and solo travelers seeking a unique retreat in the desert. The resort overlooks Paradise Valley, offering spectacular views of the desert landscape. Guests are invited to relax in a spa or mountainside casita. Sanctuary Spa offers a host of Asian-inspired treatments and classes designed to relax and rejuvenate. Dine at the award-winning Elements, with cuisine designed by Food Network star Chef Beau MacMillan, or savor a signature cocktail and enjoy unrivaled views at the popular Jade Bar. Tennis, hiking, lounging, shopping: it's all at your fingertips during your stay at Sanctuary on Camelback, one of the Valley's premier boutique resorts.

Recommended for Romantic Hotels because: The Sanctuary Camelback Mountain is intimate, romantic and thoroughly upscale. Come here for world-class, mountainside views.

Read more about Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort and Spa →


Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia
Photo courtesy of Montelucia Resort & Spa


This posh Scottsdale boutique resort and spa seeks to recreate the essence of southern Europe in the heart of Scottsdale. Montelucia is inspired by the rich history and sunny climes of Spain's Andalusia region. The resort is at the foothills of iconic Camelback Mountain, offering an ideal location for achieving a quiet, tranquil escape from the city. Enjoy amazing sunset and city views, great hiking, golf, recreation, and easy access to the nightlife, galleries and entertainment that Scottsdale is famous for. Montelucia is also home to the award-winning Prado restaurant and Joya Spa. Guestrooms are comfortably appointed with deluxe furnishings, with many rooms affording great city or mountain views.

Recommended for Romantic Hotels because: Montelucia's gorgeous Spanish-styled grounds and architecture will sweep you and your sweetie off your collective feet.

Read more about Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia →




If you're looking for a boutique hotel in downtown Scottsdale, the Bespoke Inn offers a distinctive stay with luxury touches. The small, bicycle-themed inn only has four rooms, each decorated with unique decor and well-appointed with Kings Down mattresses, luxury bedding, 38″ flat-screen TVs with expanded channel selections and small refrigerators. The three bottom-level floors have high ceilings and French doors that open up into a courtyard featuring mature olive trees and lots of cozy sitting nooks. The signature suite has reclaimed wood floors with French doors opening to a wrap-around balcony. All rooms have private baths. There is also a rooftop garden, 43-foot-long infinity pool, and Pashley bicycles that you can borrow to ride around downtown. One of Scottsdale's best restaurants, Virtu Honest Craft, is located on-site.

Recommended for Romantic Hotels because: Nothing says romance like a small, cozy bed and breakfast, and the Bespoke Inn in Scottsdale fits the bill.

Read more about Bespoke Inn, Cafe & Bicycles →




If privacy and luxury are what you crave, the Royal Palms Resort and Spa offers the perfect escape. The property consists of 119 private casitas set amidst lush gardens scented with citrus trees and exotic flowers. Stone paths invite guests to enjoy a leisurely stroll across the resort. The decor is Old World elegant, with rooms furnished and decorated with European antiques and artifacts. The Resort is also home to the four-star Alvadora Spa and one of Arizona's most romantic restaurants, T. Cook's. For couples seeking a romantic getaway, ask about the resort's special "romantication" packages, which feature custom romantic experiences tailor-made for you and your sweetie.

Recommended for Romantic Hotels because: Royal Palms Resort is a beautifully landscaped hotel resort that rolls out the red carpet for lovers. The "romantication" package sets the mood for romance.

Read more about Royal Palms Resort and Spa in the Unbound Collection by Hyatt →


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Meet Patricia Escarcega

Patricia Escarcega works as a writer and editor in Phoenix.

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