Mountain Shadows Resort Scottsdale tops this list with a 9.3 guest score and a stellar 9.7 Cleanliness rating. The JW Marriott Camelback Inn offers the best balance of historic character and location score at 9.2. Both deliver genuine five-star luxury in the desert.
Scottsdale’s five-star scene is stacked. I’ve ranked every property by verified guest scores to find which ones actually deliver on the promise.
Why Trust This Guide
I analyzed 6 properties and 400+ total verified guest reviews, with an average guest score of 8.7/10, to compile this definitive ranking of the best 5-star hotels in Scottsdale, Arizona.
🎯 Quick Picks: Skip to What You Need
- Highest Rated: #5 Mountain Shadows Resort→ Rates
#6 Four Seasons Troon North→ Rates - Best for Families: #1 Fairmont Scottsdale Princess→ Rates
- Top Location: #2 Grand Hyatt Scottsdale→ Rates
#4 JW Marriott Camelback Inn→ Rates - Best Pet Policy (Free): #5 Mountain Shadows Resort→ Rates
- Best Value: #5 Mountain Shadows Resort→ Rates
Editor’s Note on Booking: We use smart routing to find you the best available rates. Clicking our availability buttons checks live pricing across trusted platforms to ensure you secure your stay.
Quick Compare: Top Places To Stay
| Property | Rating | Book |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Fairmont Scottsdale Princess | (150+ Reviews) |
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| 2. Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort | (100+ Reviews) |
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| 3. Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows | (50+ Reviews) |
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| 4. JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn | (40+ Reviews) |
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| 5. Mountain Shadows Resort Scottsdale | (40+ Reviews) |
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| 6. Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North | (30+ Reviews) |
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Detailed Reviews: The Best 5-Star Hotels in Scottsdale Arizona
1. Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
The Vibe
This is the family-friendly heavyweight in North Scottsdale. The Fairmont scores a 9.3 for Cleanliness and a 9.2 for both Comfort and Location. Guests consistently rave about the beach pool and Toro restaurant. Staff hits 9.5, the highest in this category outside the Four Seasons.
What You Actually Get
You get a sprawling property with a massive year-round pool and four restaurants serving breakfast through dinner. Upper floors are accessible by elevator, and the garden views are a solid bonus. The property welcomes children of all ages (18+ charged as adults) and allows pets with potential fees. Note: there’s no airport shuttle — Phoenix Sky Harbor is 7 miles away. Groups booking more than 7 rooms face different policies.
Choose this if: You’re traveling with family and want multiple pool areas plus excellent on-site dining without leaving the resort.
2. Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort
The Vibe
Ten pools. Seven restaurants. A spa. The Grand Hyatt doesn’t do subtle — it does abundance. Location scores 9.4, tied for best in this list alongside Mountain Shadows. Comfort hits 9.3, and the property is just a 10-minute walk from Gainey Ranch Golf Club. Guests praise the well-maintained grounds and multiple pool options for beating the heat.
What You Actually Get
Each room comes with a flat-screen cable TV and pay-per-view channels, plus a balcony on select units. Free Wi-Fi (scoring a perfect 10.0) keeps you connected. The property serves a wonderful breakfast (included or $30 depending on rate) and offers private parking on-site. Pets are allowed on request with potential charges. Guest rooms sleep up to 6 with 2 queen beds and a sofa bed — the pool is heated to 83 degrees daily.
Choose this if: You want maximum variety — pool-hop each day, eat at a different restaurant every night, and relax at the spa.
3. Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows
The Vibe
This is the quieter, lower-slung option — bungalows, not towers. The Andaz scores an 8.9 for Location, putting it within a couple miles of Scottsdale’s best restaurants and nightlife. Guests call it a “gorgeous, quiet setting” with top-notch service (Staff 8.6). The pool is heated year-round, and the on-site restaurant is a genuine draw.
What You Actually Get
Bungalow-style rooms in the Albers and Girard houses include bathtubs — a nice touch for longer soaks. Free Wi-Fi (perfect 10.0), a fitness center, and private parking round out the basics. Wonderful breakfast is available (€31 or included depending on rate). Pets are allowed with charges; historically, weight limits were generous (up to 75 pounds combined for two dogs). Check-out is a relaxed noon.
Choose this if: You want a quieter, more intimate five-star experience within easy reach of Old Town nightlife and dining.
Check Tonight’s Price for Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows →
4. JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa
The Vibe
This is Scottsdale history with a five-star polish. The Camelback Inn scores a 9.2 for Location and a 9.1 for Facilities — tied with the Four Seasons for the highest facilities score. Guests describe it as “quiet, relaxed, historical ambience” with “impeccable gardens.” The minimum check-in age is 21, so it skews slightly more adult than the Fairmont.
What You Actually Get
Free bikes, an outdoor swimming pool, and a garden with shared lounge create a resort that feels more like a retreat. The facilities score of 9.1 is strong, though the Wi-Fi scores a notably low 3.8 — worth knowing if you need to work remotely. Exceptional breakfast is available (€25 or included). Children 12 and above are charged as adults. Pets are allowed with charges; groups booking more than 9 rooms face different policies.
Choose this if: You value peaceful, historic character over flash — the Camelback Inn feels like Old Arizona.
Check Tonight’s Price for JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa →
5. Mountain Shadows Resort Scottsdale
The Vibe
This is the highest-rated property in this list at 9.3 overall — and it’s not even close. Mountain Shadows scores a 9.7 for Cleanliness, 9.6 for Comfort, 9.6 for Facilities, and 9.4 for Staff. Location ties at 9.4. Guests call it “very clean and updated” with great parking and a helpful staff. The Value score of 9.0 is the highest on this list by a wide margin.
What You Actually Get
An outdoor swimming pool, hot tub/jacuzzi, terrace with mountain views, and a fitness center set the scene. Free Wi-Fi scores a perfect 10.0. Private parking is available on-site. Pet owners, listen up: pets are allowed with no extra charges — the only property in this list offering free pet stays. Standard rooms have mini-fridges; suites have full-sized fridges. Check-out is at a leisurely noon. Children 16 and above are charged as adults.
Choose this if: You prioritize 5-star hotels in Scottsdale Arizona with the best cleanliness, comfort, and value — Mountain Shadows is the clear winner.
Check Tonight’s Price for Mountain Shadows Resort Scottsdale →
6. Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North
The Vibe
Four Seasons delivers its impeccable service standard here — Staff scores 9.7, tied with Facilities, Cleanliness, and Comfort all at 9.7. That’s a clean sweep of near-perfect scores across every category except Value (8.3). Guests say the rooms are “extremely comfortable” and the staff is “very friendly and accommodating.” Location scores 9.1 in North Scottsdale.
What You Actually Get
Two outdoor swimming pools, three restaurants, and a fitness center form the core amenities. Each room includes a balcony, free Wi-Fi, and private parking. Pets are allowed with charges. The resort is a 5-minute drive from Troon North Golf Club and surrounded by hiking trails with access to Pinnacle Peak. Some suites offer plunge pools on the patio — ask about the Oasis One-Bedroom Suite category. Groups booking more than 8 rooms face different policies.
Choose this if: Service is your non-negotiable — this is the gold standard for 5-star hotels in Scottsdale Arizona, with staff that genuinely anticipates your needs.
Check Tonight’s Price for Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North →
Final Verdict: Our Top 3 Picks
🏆 Best Overall
#5 Mountain Shadows Resort Scottsdale
9.3 overall score, 9.7 Cleanliness, 9.0 Value — no other property matches this combination of quality and price.
Check Tonight’s Price for Mountain Shadows Resort Scottsdale →
💰 Best Value
#5 Mountain Shadows Resort Scottsdale
Highest guest score at 9.3 with the best Value rating (9.0) in the list, plus free pet stays.
Check Tonight’s Price for Mountain Shadows Resort Scottsdale →
✨ Editor’s Choice
#6 Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North
9.7 across four categories — Staff, Facilities, Cleanliness, Comfort — sets the service benchmark for Scottsdale.
Check Tonight’s Price for Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North →
How We Ranked These Scottsdale Hotels
I evaluated 6 five-star hotels in Scottsdale using 400+ verified guest reviews to rank by actual traveler experience, not marketing claims. Properties had to maintain an 8.0+ overall score with at least 30 reviews to qualify.
- Guest score thresholds: Only properties with 8.0+ overall and 30+ verified reviews
- Score breakdown analysis: Prioritized cleanliness, location, and value — the categories that drive repeat bookings in desert resorts
- Amenity verification: Cross-referenced advertised five-star amenities against guest review patterns
- Location signals: Proximity to Camelback Corridor, North Scottsdale golf clubs, and Old Town dining
Frequently Asked Questions
Are pets allowed at these Scottsdale five-star hotels?
Most allow pets with charges, but Mountain Shadows Resort Scottsdale is the standout — pets stay free with no extra fees. The Grand Hyatt allows pets on request (charges may apply), while the Andaz and Four Seasons permit pets with charges. Fairmont and JW Marriott also allow pets but may apply fees. Always confirm the specific pet policy when booking, as weight limits and fees vary.
Which Scottsdale five-star resort has the best pool scene?
Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort wins on quantity with 10 swimming pools. Fairmont Scottsdale Princess counters with a massive year-round beach pool that families love. For a quieter experience, Four Seasons at Troon North offers two pools with mountain views, and Mountain Shadows features a hot tub alongside its main pool. The Andaz keeps its pool heated year-round.
What’s the best time to visit Scottsdale for five-star resort stays?
October through April offers the most comfortable weather — highs in the 70s and 80s, perfect for pool lounging and hiking. Summer (June-August) brings extreme heat (110°F+) but significantly lower rates at these five-star properties. If you’re booking in summer, Mountain Shadows and the Grand Hyatt both heat their pools to around 83°F, so swimming stays comfortable despite the heat.
Which Scottsdale five-star hotel offers the best hiking access?
Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North is the clear winner — it’s surrounded by trails with direct access to Pinnacle Peak. The concierge can point you to routes right from the property. Mountain Shadows and JW Marriott Camelback Inn are also near Camelback Mountain trails, though you’ll need a short drive to the trailheads.
Can I check in late at these Scottsdale resorts?
All six properties have standard check-in from 4:00 PM. Late arrivals are generally accommodated — just notify the property in advance. The Andaz and Mountain Shadows offer later check-out at 12:00 PM (noon) compared to 11:00 AM at the others, giving you an extra hour to enjoy the pool or a morning round of golf before departing.
Which Scottsdale five-star hotel has the best free Wi-Fi?
Four properties score a perfect 10.0 for Wi-Fi: Grand Hyatt, Andaz, Mountain Shadows, and the Four Seasons. The Fairmont doesn’t list a Wi-Fi score in its data. The JW Marriott Camelback Inn is the weak link here — its Wi-Fi scores just 3.8, so remote workers should plan accordingly. Mountain Shadows offers the best combination of top Wi-Fi and high overall value.