The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is a renowned oasis, promising relaxation, adventure, and culinary delights.
But to truly unlock its magic, a little planning goes a long way. Before you pack your bags, let’s explore the essential questions that will transform your trip from good to unforgettable, ensuring every moment is perfectly tailored to your desires.
Table of Contents
Before You Book: Setting the Foundation for Your Stay
From opulent accommodations to a diverse culinary scene, here’s what to consider:
Choosing Your Oasis: Accommodations
What are the different room types and their features/views?
The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess offers a range of luxurious rooms and suites. You’ll find everything from spacious Deluxe View rooms with desert accents and contemporary Southwestern design, often overlooking lush resort grounds, golf courses, or serene lagoons, to more expansive Signature rooms and various suites.
For an elevated experience, consider the Fairmont Gold Junior Suites, which offer lounge access with complimentary breakfast and additional amenities. Suites, like the Princess One-Bedroom Suite, often feature separate living areas and multiple bathrooms, while the exclusive Privado Villas boast fireplaces and pool views for ultimate privacy.
Understanding the views (garden, pool, golf, lagoon, panorama) and features (balconies, oversized showers, Nespresso machines) will help you select your perfect sanctuary.
A Taste of Paradise: Dining Delights
What dining options are available, and do I need reservations? The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess boasts a remarkable array of dining experiences:
1. La Hacienda: Voted Arizona’s number one Mexican restaurant, indulge in fresh, modern Mexican cuisine with signature tableside experiences. Reservations are highly recommended.
2. Bourbon Steak: A gourmet steakhouse by award-winning Chef Michael Mina, featuring the finest cuts of grilled beef and poultry or the freshest seafood. Reservations are highly recommended.
3. Toro Latin Restaurant & Rum Bar: A vibrant blend of Pan-Latin flavors by Chef Richard Sandoval and a vast rum library. Reservations are recommended.
4. Ironwood American Kitchen: A casual bistro serving classic American fare for all-day dining in a warm atmosphere overlooking the Princess Pool.
5. The Plaza Bar: A chic setting blending modern resort bars with inviting fire pits for signature craft cocktails.
6. Princess Pool & Bar: Perfect for poolside snacks, sandwiches, and refreshing drinks. While casual spots like the pool bar may not require reservations, it’s always best to book ahead for the signature restaurants, especially during peak season.
Making a Splash: Poolside Perfection
What are the pool areas like, and are there any adults-only pools or family-friendly options? Get ready to dive into luxury with six sparkling pools, each offering a unique vibe!
1. Princess Pool: Enjoy sweeping views of lush lagoons and the TPC Stadium Course from this newly-renovated, postcard-perfect pool with a poolside café.
2. Sunset Beach: Arizona’s only white sand beach, featuring 9,000 square feet of soft white sand, swaying palm trees, and a giant splash pad for kids.
3. Sonoran Splash: The ultimate family-friendly spot with two thrilling 200-foot water slides (children must be a minimum of 42″ tall to ride) and zero-entry waters for the youngest guests.
4. Sonoran Landing: An adults-only (18+) retreat featuring plush day beds, floating bean bags, two 25-meter lap lanes, and poolside libations for a tranquil escape.
5. Privado Pool: Nestled in the exclusive Privado Villas enclave, this relaxation pool overlooks the TPC Scottsdale Stadium Course, exclusively for Privado guests.
6. Well & Being Rooftop Pool: Perched atop the award-winning Well & Being Spa, this serene and secluded open-air enclave is exclusive for spa guests (or those with a day pass/Gold room access), offering ultimate relaxation.
During Your Stay: Maximizing Your Fairmont Experience
Once you’ve settled in, it’s time to explore the endless possibilities for adventure and relaxation.
Adventure & Relaxation: Activities Galore
What activities are offered on-site for both adults and children? The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is a hub of activity!
1. For Adults: World-class golf at the adjacent TPC Scottsdale courses (home of the WM Phoenix Open), pickleball courts, state-of-the-art fitness classes, access to the Well & Being Spa, diverse shopping boutiques, and various dining and bar experiences.
2. For Children: The famous Trailblazers Kids Club offers daily group activities including crafts, sports, swimming, and virtual reality games. The Family Rec Center provides additional fun with arcade games, pool tables, and board games.
The resort also features a catch-and-release fishing lagoon and a desert tortoise enclosure. Seasonal events often include dive-in movies, glow parties, and more!
Rejuvenate & Renew: The Well & Being Spa
Is there a spa, and what services do they offer?
The award-winning Well & Being Spa is a 44,000 sq. ft. sanctuary for transformation, offering an innovative fusion of wellness and relaxation. This adults-only (18+) environment offers:
- A wide array of massages, facials, and body treatments, including unique local therapies and advanced skincare from the Sisley-Paris Spa within the facility.
- Access to luxurious amenities like an outdoor waterfall grotto, hot therapeutic whirlpool, cold plunge pool, eucalyptus aromatherapy room, sauna, steam room, and the private rooftop pool.
- Innovative fitness classes such as aerial hammock yoga, spinning, and FloatFit, with a full fitness center. Guests are invited to arrive 45 minutes before their scheduled appointment to enjoy the facilities.
Smooth Sailing: Logistics & Etiquette
What are the check-in and check-out times? Standard check-in time at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is 4:00 PM, and check-out time is 11:00 AM.
What is the recommended dress code for different areas of the resort (e.g., dining, pools, evening)? During the day, the resort maintains a relaxed, vacation atmosphere. Swimwear is appropriate at the pools but is not permitted in main dining areas. For evening dining at the upscale restaurants like Bourbon Steak or La Hacienda, a “resort casual” dress code generally applies.
This typically means no swimsuits, and appropriate footwear is required. Many guests choose to dress in chic or trendy outfits for evening cocktails and dinner, reflecting the resort’s fashionable ambiance.
Beyond the Resort: Exploring Scottsdale & Beyond
Your Scottsdale adventure doesn’t have to end at the resort gates.
Getting There & Around: Transportation
What transportation options are available from the airport to the resort? The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is located approximately 18.5-24 miles from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX).
- Taxi/Rideshare: The fastest option, taking about 30 minutes, with costs typically ranging from $50-$65.
- Bus: The most economical option, a Valley Metro bus (Line 72) can get you there for around $4, though it takes a longer route (approx. 2 hours 7 minutes with transfers).
- Towncar/Private Car Service: Offers a more luxurious and direct transfer, with prices generally ranging from $90-$130. The resort also offers complimentary shuttle services to its on-site restaurants, spa, pools, and to the nearby TPC Scottsdale and Grayhawk golf courses.
Local Insights: Weather & Events
What is the typical weather in Scottsdale during my visit (mentioning July as an example)? If you’re visiting in July, be prepared for hot desert weather. The average temperature in Scottsdale in July typically ranges from a high of 107°F (41°C) to a low of 80°F (27°C). Days are very hot and sunny, making pool time and indoor activities essential.
Are there any notable seasonal events or special programming during my visit? The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is renowned for its vibrant seasonal events and special programming. For Summer 2025, expect:
- Sunset Swim-in Cinema (Dates vary through Aug 29, 2025): Enjoy poolside movies under the stars.
- Live Music Poolside (Select days, Apr 5 – Sep 1, 2025): Unwind with live entertainment by the pool. Other popular annual events include “Christmas at the Princess” during the holiday season. Always check the resort’s official website or contact their concierge closer to your travel dates for the most up-to-date schedule.
Discovering the Desert: Nearby Attractions
What nearby attractions or excursions are easily accessible from the resort? Scottsdale and the surrounding Sonoran Desert offer a wealth of attractions:
- Old Town Scottsdale: Known for its vibrant arts scene, boutiques, dining, and nightlife.
- McDowell Sonoran Preserve: Perfect for hiking, mountain biking, and experiencing the desert landscape.
- Musical Instrument Museum (MIM): A world-class museum showcasing instruments from across the globe.
- Taliesin West: Frank Lloyd Wright’s former winter home and architectural school.
- Desert Botanical Garden: Showcasing the unique flora of the Sonoran Desert.
- Hot Air Balloon Flights, ATV/UTV tours, and Jeep Tours: Excellent ways to explore the desert scenery. The resort concierge can assist with arranging excursions and transportation.
Essential Considerations: Don’t Forget to Ask!
A seamless vacation often comes down to the details.
Is there a resort fee, and what does it include? Yes, the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess charges a daily resort fee, currently $55 plus tax per night. This fee typically includes:
- Unlimited basic internet access in guest rooms and public areas.
- Afternoon access to Trailblazers Recreation Center for the family. (Morning Kids Club program and lunch available at additional cost for children ages 5-12).
- Access to the 24-hour Fairmont Fitness Center.
- “Live your best life” Morning Fitness activity.
- On-site transportation services within the resort (guest rooms, restaurants, spa, pools, meeting space).
- Shuttle transportation service to Toro Scottsdale, TPC Scottsdale, and Grayhawk golf courses.
- Courtesy shopping shuttle transportation to Scottsdale Quarter and Kierland Commons (10 am-4 pm daily).
- A $30 Well & Being credit per paid night towards a body or facial treatment at the Well & Being Spa (credit not cumulative and valid once per day).
- Adult bicycle rentals (first come, first served, 1-hour usage daily).
- Preferred TPC Scottsdale rates and tee times, plus golf bag storage.
- Courtesy fishing pole rental for lagoon catch-and-release fishing.
- Access to pickleball courts and equipment.
- Electric vehicle charging stations.
- Infused water stations, fruit, and specialty lemonade in the lobby. Always confirm the current inclusions directly with the resort upon booking.
Are pets allowed? Yes, the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is a pet-friendly resort, welcoming friendly dogs with their “Posh Paws” program.
The policy includes a $50 charge per night plus taxes and a $150 cleaning fee per stay. A maximum of two animals are permitted per guest room. While pets are welcome in guest rooms and certain designated outdoor areas, due to health regulations, dogs are not permitted in pool areas or food and beverage outlets unless they are service animals.
The resort provides amenities like beds and bowls upon request. Housekeeping will not enter the room to clean unless the dog is either out of the room or crated.
Read More: Your Ultimate Guide to Scottsdale’s Resort Pools & Water Parks
Read More: Our Top 5 Picks for Scottsdale Water Park Resorts
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