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Fairmont Scottsdale room

I recently visited Scottsdale, Arizona, and had the opportunity to stay at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess resort. Located in North Scottsdale, it’s a little out of the way, but that may just be the whole point.

The Fairmont Scottsdale is a sprawling resort complete with multiple pools and eateries, as well as a two-story wellness spa, for maximum desert-style relaxation.

First, the rooms. Our room had ample space, with a walk-in closet, desk, seating area and private balcony. The bed was comfy, and the bathroom had both a stand-up shower and a tub, as well as Le Labo bath products. No complaints.

View from our room

Welcome amenities at Fairmont Scottsdale

Amply stocked minibar at Fairmont Scottsdale — with my fave Macallan 12

Fairmont Scottsdale bathroom

As Scottsdale is known for its luxurious spa experiences, I naturally partook in a treatment at the resort’s Well & Being at Willow Stream Spa, which offers everything from traditional spa treatments and a rooftop pool to aerial yoga classes and nutrition and fitness consultations. I opted for a full body scrub and light massage with natural Body Bliss and Naturopathica skin products, all of which are derived from natural and/or organic ingredients. My provider Mistie made me feel comfortable right away and explained everything to me. And with access to the open-air pool, grotto waterfall, steam room, Swedish dry sauna, eucalyptus inhalation room, Swiss shower, hot whirlpool and cold plunge pool, as well as a full spa cuisine menu, you can easily spend a full relaxing day here. Oh, and fitness classes are included in your booking. Score!

Aerial yoga

If you’re looking for something on the other end of the spectrum, Fairmont Scottsdale is hosting nighttime summer pool parties with black lights, lasers, fog, LED hula hooping, glow-in-the-dark bubbles, drinks and a DJ.

But if you’re looking for family-friendly activities, Fairmont Scottsdale has you covered, too. This summer, the resort has the new SplashRider X-treme, a wave experience, in addition to its existing water slides. There are also poolside Dive-In movies on the weekends complete with hot dogs and a taco cart, as well as an intermission with fireworks. And at the resort’s lagoons, there’s a 37-foot-high zip line.

When it comes to food, Fairmont Scottsdale has several options, including an outpost of Chef Michael Mina’s Bourbon Steak. But La Hacienda, Chef Richard Sandoval’s Mexican food restaurant, is a more Arizona experience and one that I recommend. I was skeptical of this high-end concept, as I am generally of high-end Latin American, as well as Asian, food because I usually find the best at holes in the wall, but La Hacienda pleasantly surprised me. Yes, the tableside preparations are a bit cheesy, but just go with it — they’re fun. And the food and drink are good, too.

La Hacienda has 240 tequilas to sample and even a tequila sommelier, Abeer Besharieh. She suggested we try the Snake Bite sampler with a tequila, sotol and mezcal, which we found to be a fun way to learn the difference between the three (the sotol was new to me). The fresh mango margarita I also had was well-balanced and not as sweet as I initially thought it would be.

Snake Bite tequila flight at La Hacienda

Mango margarita

The guacamole, prepared tableside, has a nice kick from serranos. There’s actually an entire guacamole menu that even includes a spicy crab version. The lobster tacos, which are topped with black beans, chile de arbol sauce and avocado, are a good starter option. So is the sweet corn tamal served with caramelized onion, portabello mushrooms and poblano cream.

Lobster tacos

Sweet corn tamal

For dessert, there’s an entire flaming drink menu to choose from. I tried the Cafe 1921 with 1921 tequila de crema, also prepared tableside. Take a look:

Cafe 1921

Summer room rates at Fairmont Scottsdale start at $169 per night through Aug. 31. Summer is actually a good time to go to Arizona, if you’re looking for a deal and can stand the heat! But if you’re looking for an elevated experience, I would suggest booking a room on a Gold level, which isn’t available at all Fairmont properties. Scottsdale’s Fairmont Gold benefits not only include special concierge services but also access to complimentary breakfast (tasty, too), and drinks and snacks throughout the day, in the Gold Lounge. You know I’m all about the food, right?

Note: This stay and meal were hosted.