Fairmont Scottsdale Princess: A Five-Diamond Desert Sanctuary

Experience world-class luxury, adventure, and rejuvenation at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, the Sonoran Desert’s premier five-diamond resort.

By Sneha Tete, Integrated MA, Certified Relationship Coach
Created on

Set within the stunning Sonoran Desert and framed by Arizona’s McDowell Mountains, the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess stands as the crown jewel of Scottsdale hospitality. Since opening its doors in 1987, the resort has masterfully blended Southwestern splendor with unparalleled modern luxury, earning accolades such as the coveted AAA Five Diamond Award year after year.

Overview: More than a Resort

The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess spans 65 acres of impeccably landscaped grounds, abloom with native flowers, cacti, and lush gardens. Its 750 guest rooms—including 66 Fairmont Gold rooms and 223 suites—offer guests spacious havens infused with local charm and modern sophistication. The property is celebrated not just for its tranquil accommodations but also for its array of amenities designed to enchant travelers of every age and interest.

  • Six stunning heated swimming pools, including a white sand beach and waterslides
  • 44,000-square-foot Well & Being Spa for transformative wellness experiences
  • Championship golf at two adjacent TPC Scottsdale courses
  • Five celebrated restaurants with global cuisine
  • A kids club and Family Adventure Center for endless family fun
  • Personalized concierge services and expansive event spaces

Accommodations: Tranquility Meets Southwestern Elegance

Lavish comfort is ever-present at the Princess. The resort’s accommodations—ranging from cozy guest rooms to ultra-luxe Presidential Suites—evoke the spirit of the desert horizon with Spanish colonial-style architecture and modern flourishes. Every room is designed for restorative slumber and privacy, offering:

  • Patio or balcony, often with spectacular mountain, garden, or pool views
  • Spacious bathrooms with oversized showers, dual vanities, and designer toiletries
  • Southwest-inspired decor and furnishings
  • Refreshment centers with Nespresso makers and mini-fridges
  • Eco-friendly features including recycling and LED lighting
  • Options for adjoining rooms and child-friendly amenities
Room TypeFeaturesView Options
Fairmont King/Two QueensPatio/balcony, oversized shower, modern amenitiesResort grounds
Fairmont View King/Two QueensBalcony, golf course views, signature amenitiesGolf course
Deluxe View KingPatio/balcony, premium pool views, Le Labo amenitiesPools
Fairmont Gold RoomsPrivate check-in, exclusive lounge, dedicated Gold ConciergeVarious
Executive & Presidential SuitesSeparate living/dining areas, elevated luxury, large terracesPanoramic mountain, pool, or golf course

Dining: A Culinary Adventure Awaits

The Princess sets the stage for flavor, bringing together award-winning chefs and regional ingredients for a compelling culinary journey. Guests can embark on a global tasting adventure without ever leaving the resort:

  • Bourbon Steak: A AAA Four-Diamond steakhouse helmed by renowned chef Michael Mina, specializing in modern American classics and prime-aged beef.
  • La Hacienda by Richard Sandoval: Voted the best Mexican restaurant in Arizona, serving authentic cuisine enhanced by an unrivaled tequila selection.
  • Ironwood American Kitchen: Family favorites, handcrafted cocktails, and market-fresh fare in a relaxed, garden-inspired setting.
  • Toro Latin Restaurant & Rum Bar: Overlooking the 18th green of TPC Scottsdale and fusing Pan-Latin flavors with Asian flair, sushi, and over 150 rums.
  • Plaza Bar: The social heart of the resort, serving creative libations and tapas-style bites in a chic indoor-outdoor lounge.
  • In-Room Dining: Extensive menus available around the clock for those seeking intimate meals in their rooms or terraces.

Well & Being Spa: Rejuvenation in the Heart of the Desert

The Well & Being Spa is a cornerstone of the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess experience. This 44,000-square-foot sanctuary invites guests to embrace relaxation, mindfulness, and holistic well-being. Highlights include:

  • Signature massages, body treatments, and skin therapies
  • Themed wet rooms, inhalation and eucalyptus steam rooms, and aromatherapy experiences
  • Rooftop adult-only pool and waterfall grotto
  • Movement and fitness sessions, from yoga to aerial hammock classes
  • Personalized wellness consultations and medi-spa services
  • Dedicated men’s and women’s lounges for post-treatment tranquility

Pools and Outdoor Adventure: Dive into Fun

The Princess delights with six sparkling pools, each crafted to offer its own distinctive atmosphere:

  • Sonoran Splash Pool features waterslides, cabanas, and a splash pad for families
  • Princess Pool: Iconic, with expansive views, sun loungers, and elegant cabanas
  • Sunset Beach Pool: Boasts a soft white sand beach and vibrant beachside fun
  • Well & Being Rooftop Pool: Exclusive to spa guests, adults-only, tranquil ambiance
  • Lagoon Pool: Serene, surrounded by palm trees and gardens
  • Privado Pool: Private, for Privado guests seeking a boutique pool experience

Adventurers will also find hiking, biking, and easy access to world-class golf at TPC Scottsdale—home to the highest-attended event on the PGA Tour, the Waste Management Phoenix Open. A dedicated golf concierge can assist with tee times, lessons, and equipment rentals.

Family Experiences: Unlimited Fun for All Ages

The resort’s Trailblazers Kids Club & Family Adventure Center is a wonderland for younger guests. Under the watchful care of the resort’s expert staff, children can engage in themed activities, crafts, and nature adventures. Family amenities include:

  • Supervised kids’ programs and games
  • Arcade and video game lounge
  • Sports courts for basketball, tennis, and pickleball
  • Outdoor movie nights under the stars
  • Seasonal events such as pumpkin festivals and holiday light shows

The property’s design ensures that families and couples each find their perfect balance of togetherness and privacy, with separate pool areas, dining, and lounges to suit all preferences.

Events, Meetings, and Celebrations: Crafting Unforgettable Moments

With 316,000 square feet of sophisticated indoor and outdoor meeting space, the Princess is Arizona’s premier host for corporate retreats, weddings, and special occasions. Guests can choose from grand ballrooms, lush gardens, terraces, and even lakeside settings for memorable gatherings.

Dedicated event professionals assist with every detail, ensuring events—from intimate ceremonies to corporate conventions—unfold seamlessly amidst the resort’s spectacular backdrop.

Sustainability: Commitment to Green Luxury

The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is an Eco-Certified Property, proudly participating in programs such as Green Key Global to reduce its environmental impact. Initiatives include:

  • Energy-efficient lighting and recycling programs
  • Eco-friendly cleaning products in guest rooms
  • Electric car charging stations and bike rental options
  • Sustainable sourcing for food and spa products

How to Make the Most of Your Stay

Whether indulging in a romantic escape, a family adventure, a golf-focused getaway, or a rejuvenating retreat, the Princess offers something for everyone:

  • Book a spa treatment for access to the adults-only rooftop pool and wellness facilities
  • Reserve a table at La Hacienda or Toro to experience Scottsdale’s finest cuisine
  • Enroll kids in the Trailblazers Kids Club for creative play while you golf or relax
  • Take a sunrise hike in the McDowell Mountains, arranged by the resort concierge
  • Plan your visit around signature events, like festive holiday light displays or the PGA tournament

Guest Impressions and Accolades

The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is continually lauded by travelers and industry leaders alike. Condé Nast Traveler readers named it the “Best Resort in the Southwest,” and guest reviews consistently praise:

  • Attentive, personalized service
  • Meticulously maintained grounds and facilities
  • Diverse dining options and outstanding food quality
  • Family-friendly programming and kids’ amenities
  • Proximity to Scottsdale’s shops, art galleries, and outdoor attractions

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What are the dining options at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess?

A: The resort offers five unique restaurants, including fine American cuisine at Bourbon Steak, authentic Mexican flavors at La Hacienda, Pan-Latin creations at Toro, casual favorites at Ironwood American Kitchen, and craft cocktails at Plaza Bar.

Q: Does the resort have accommodations suitable for families?

A: Absolutely. Families can choose from spacious suites with multiple bedrooms, connecting rooms, and easy access to family pools and the Trailblazers Kids Club.

Q: What makes the Well & Being Spa special?

A: The spa’s immersive wellness experiences include advanced fitness classes, medi-spa services, themed saunas, adults-only facilities, and innovative therapies for total rejuvenation.

Q: Is the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess a good spot for golfers?

A: Yes, with direct access to two championship TPC Scottsdale courses and a golf concierge, the resort is a premier destination for golf enthusiasts.

Q: How does the resort contribute to sustainability?

A: The Princess adheres to strict eco-friendly practices across operations, including energy conservation, recycling, responsible sourcing, and green certifications.

Q: What nearby attractions can guests explore?

A: Guests are close to the cultural offerings of downtown Scottsdale, desert adventure in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, and shopping at Kierland Commons and Scottsdale Quarter.

Final Thoughts: The Princess Experience Awaits

With its blend of legendary luxury, contemporary comfort, and ties to the Sonoran landscape, the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess embodies the very best of Arizona hospitality. Whether you seek adventure, serenity, culinary excellence, or unforgettable family memories, the Princess promises an escape that is as magical as the desert itself.

‹›