Why it made this week's list
Late October through November is a useful window to investigate Scottsdale. Average daytime highs fall from about 89°F in October to 78°F in November, making outdoor sightseeing far more comfortable than it is during summer. Families can combine pool time with hiking, Old Town, wildlife attractions, and patio dining without planning every activity around extreme heat.
This period also falls before Scottsdale’s busiest winter stretch. Rates can begin climbing as colder parts of the country enter winter and holiday travel approaches, so searching now may reveal better choices than waiting until December or spring break. Fairmont’s current suite offer includes a complimentary fourth night after three paid nights for qualifying stays from September 8, 2026, through January 31, 2027, although availability and blackout dates apply. That makes a five-night stay especially worth comparing across room categories and private member pricing.
Why families may like it
The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess works well for families who want resort downtime without spending the entire trip inside one property. Younger children can enjoy zero-entry water, sand play, a splash pad, and afternoon access to the Trailblazers Recreation Center. Children at least 42 inches tall can use the two waterslides at Sonoran Splash.
Older children and teenagers may prefer the slides, pools, golf-area scenery, desert hikes, Old Town, or nearby Arizona Boardwalk attractions. Parents can alternate active mornings with slower pool afternoons, while adults seeking quiet time have an 18-and-over pool and the Well & Being Spa.
Rooms include private terraces and mini-refrigerators, while larger suites provide more separation. The 1,150-square-foot Princess One-Bedroom Suite sleeps up to four and includes a parlor with a Murphy bed. Families larger than four should verify occupancy and connecting-room options before booking.
The main limitation is location: this is not a walkable city stay. A rental car or rideshare budget is helpful for most sightseeing.
Hotel overview
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is a large desert resort in North Scottsdale, near TPC Scottsdale and roughly a 25- to 35-minute drive from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport under normal traffic. Its landscaped grounds, lagoons, palms, golf views, and Southwestern architecture create a greener atmosphere than many travelers expect in the desert.
The resort has six pools. Sunset Beach combines a large pool with 9,000 square feet of white sand and a splash pad. Sonoran Splash offers zero-entry water and two 200-foot waterslides, with a 42-inch minimum height. Sonoran Landing is reserved for guests 18 and older, while the rooftop pool is associated with the spa experience. Pool access or operating hours can vary, so confirm seasonal details before arrival.
Guest rooms have terraces, mini-refrigerators, and defined living areas. Suites and Privado accommodations add space or additional services, but privileges differ by category. Cribs, rollaways, bottle warmers, high chairs, night lights, and a limited number of jogging strollers may be requested; some items may involve charges.
Dining ranges from casual pool food and American breakfasts to La Hacienda and Bourbon Steak. Families should review menus and reserve popular restaurants ahead of busy weekends.
The resort fee includes afternoon family access to Trailblazers. Its supervised morning children’s program and lunch cost extra and are limited to ages 5–12, for up to three children.
Best for
Families Wanting an Easy Resort Stay
The pools, splash areas, onsite dining, recreation center, and spacious grounds allow you to spend an entire slow day without driving. It may feel too spread out for travelers who prefer small boutique hotels.
Families With Children Ages 5–12
This age group can use the Trailblazers children’s program and is likely to enjoy Butterfly Wonderland, the aquarium area, wildlife attractions, and beginner desert walks. The supervised morning program costs extra.
Families With Teenagers
Teenagers may enjoy the waterslides, hiking, resort pools, architecture, shopping, and Old Town restaurants. Those seeking nightlife or a highly social teen club may find the resort quieter.
Multigenerational Families
A mix of pools, spa experiences, golf, dining, and low-intensity attractions gives family members room to separate and reconnect. Larger families must carefully confirm room occupancy and connecting-room arrangements.
Couples Adding Family-Friendly Comfort
Adults can use the spa, fine-dining restaurants, golf, and the 18-and-over pool while still enjoying the lively resort atmosphere. Couples wanting a quiet, adults-only property should consider another option.
Scottsdale, AZ
Scottsdale combines Sonoran Desert scenery with polished resorts, galleries, restaurants, golf, and easy access to the greater Phoenix area. North Scottsdale, where the Fairmont is located, feels spacious and resort-oriented. Old Town, approximately 20 to 30 minutes away depending on traffic, offers a denser mix of shops, public art, restaurants, historic buildings, and galleries.
The region’s defining landscape is the Sonoran Desert, where saguaros, palo verde trees, rocky mountains, and dramatic evening light create scenery unlike most American resort destinations. The McDowell Sonoran Preserve protects more than 30,500 acres and contains over 230 miles of trails. Gateway Trailhead has parking, restrooms, water, shade, interpretive signs, and an accessible nature trail, making it one of the more practical introductions for families. Preserve entry is free.
Families should also explore beyond the resort. Arizona Boardwalk, roughly 15 to 20 minutes away, groups Butterfly Wonderland, OdySea Aquarium, illusion attractions, restaurants, and other indoor experiences in one area. Old Town works well for an evening meal, while Papago Park, the Phoenix Zoo, and Desert Botanical Garden can be paired during a longer outing toward central Phoenix.
A rental car offers the greatest flexibility. Distances may appear short on a map, but Scottsdale is spread out and summer walking can be unsafe. During hot periods, plan outdoor activities near sunrise and move indoors or to the pool by late morning. The city advises hikers to shorten routes, carry ample water and electrolytes, use sun protection, and avoid bringing dogs when temperatures exceed 90°F.
Things to do with children
Enjoy the Resort Pools
Spend a half or full day between Sunset Beach, the splash pad, and Sonoran Splash. Best for all ages, although waterslide riders must be at least 42 inches tall. Confirm operating hours.
Butterfly Wonderland
Walk through a tropical conservatory with free-flying butterflies, an emergence gallery, reptiles, fish, and a short 3D film. Best for ages 2–12; allow about two hours. It is approximately 15–20 minutes from the resort and works well on a hot or rainy afternoon.
OdySea Aquarium and Arizona Boardwalk
Combine marine exhibits with another Boardwalk attraction. Best for preschoolers through early teens; allow three to five hours. Compare combination tickets before purchasing.
Gateway Trailhead
Try the accessible Bajada Nature Trail or a short portion of a longer route. Best for ages 5 and older; allow one to two hours. Go near sunrise, carry more water than expected, and turn back before anyone becomes tired.
Phoenix Zoo
See desert animals and species from around the world. Allow three to four hours and visit early. Seasonal hours are shorter during summer; the zoo currently operates from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. from June through August.
Old Town Scottsdale
Browse public art, Western storefronts, dessert shops, and casual restaurants. Best for school-age children and teens; allow two to three hours.
Taliesin West
Tour Frank Lloyd Wright’s desert home and studio. Best for architecture-curious children around age 8 and older; allow approximately two hours. Reserve ahead.
McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
Ride the train, explore railroad displays, and use the playground. Best for toddlers through age 8; allow two hours. This is a lower-cost, lesser-known option.
Desert Botanical Garden
Follow desert trails and look for unusual cacti, birds, and seasonal art displays. Best for ages 5 and older; allow two to three hours. Visit early or near sunset.
Sample family itinerary
Day 1: Arrive and Settle In
Morning: Travel to Scottsdale.
Afternoon: Check in, unpack, and explore the resort grounds. Spend an hour at the closest family pool.
Evening: Choose an easy onsite dinner and return to the room early.
Family note: Avoid scheduling a major attraction after travel delays or time-zone changes.
Day 2: Resort Day
Morning: Enjoy Sonoran Splash before the busiest part of the day.
Afternoon: Lunch, rest, and slower time at Sunset Beach or Trailblazers.
Evening: Reserve La Hacienda or choose casual poolside dining.
Family note: This is the intentionally slow day.
Day 3: Desert and Old Town
Morning: Drive about 15–20 minutes to Gateway Trailhead for a short family walk.
Afternoon: Return for lunch, naps, or pool time.
Evening: Explore Old Town and eat nearby.
Family note: Replace the hike with an indoor attraction during excessive heat.
Day 4: Arizona Boardwalk
Morning: Visit Butterfly Wonderland and OdySea Aquarium.
Afternoon: Eat at Arizona Boardwalk or return to the resort for downtime.
Evening: Swim or relax at the hotel.
Family note: One major Boardwalk attraction may be enough for younger children.
Day 5: Papago Park Area
Morning: Visit the Phoenix Zoo or Desert Botanical Garden.
Afternoon: Return for a final long pool session.
Evening: Have a special final dinner at the resort.
Family note: Start early and avoid an overly long zoo visit.
Day 6: Departure
Morning: Breakfast, a short swim, and packing.
Afternoon: Check out and travel to the airport.
Evening: Return home.
Family note: Allow extra time for traffic and rental-car return.
Best time to visit
Scottsdale is most comfortable from late October through April. Average highs are approximately 89°F in October, 78°F in November, 68°F in December, 69°F in January, 73°F in February, and 78°F in March. Winter mornings can be chilly, with average lows falling into the upper 30s and 40s.
Late October and November offer a strong balance of warm pool weather, more comfortable hiking, and fewer peak-winter visitors. March and early April bring excellent weather but typically greater demand because of spring training, spring breaks, golf travel, and events.
June through September can produce attractive resort rates, but daytime highs commonly reach or exceed 100°F. July and August also fall within Arizona’s monsoon season, when sudden thunderstorms, dust, lightning, and localized flooding are possible. Pools remain appealing, but playgrounds, hikes, and outdoor sightseeing require careful timing.
December holiday periods and February through March are often among the most expensive times. Heated pools can make winter swimming possible, but air temperatures after sunset may feel cold.
Best overall: Late October through November
Best value: Summer, with major heat tradeoffs
Best weather: February through early April
Best for fewer crowds: Early December or late April
Period to approach carefully: June through September
Family travel tips
Choose Transportation for the Trip You Want
Phoenix Sky Harbor is the main airport and is typically 25–35 minutes from the resort, although traffic can increase that time. A rental car is useful for trails, Old Town, the zoo, and Papago Park. Rideshares may be sufficient for a mostly resort-based stay.
Request Family Equipment Early
Cribs, rollaways, high chairs, bottle warmers, outlet covers, night lights, and jogging strollers may be available in limited quantities. Contact the hotel before arrival rather than depending on same-day availability.
Confirm What the Resort Fee Covers
Afternoon family access to Trailblazers is included, but the supervised morning program and lunch cost extra. Spa credit restrictions and transportation inclusions should also be reviewed for your specific rate.
Pack for Temperature Swings
Bring strong sun protection, refillable bottles, swimwear, sandals, closed-toe walking shoes, and light layers. Fall and winter afternoons may be warm while mornings and evenings feel surprisingly cool.
Reserve Key Meals
The resort’s most popular restaurants can fill during weekends and events. Secure one special dinner in advance, then leave the rest of the schedule flexible.
Important things to know before booking
Resort fee: Confirm the current nightly amount, taxes, and exact inclusions for your rate. Some activities and the morning children’s program cost extra even though afternoon Trailblazers access is included.
Children’s program: Supervised morning programming and lunch are offered for ages 5–12 and for up to three children, subject to availability. Ask about reservations and cancellation policies.
Waterslide restriction: Children must be at least 42 inches tall to use the Sonoran Splash slides.
Room occupancy: Do not assume a suite can hold a large family. The Princess One-Bedroom Suite, for example, lists a maximum occupancy of four. Connecting rooms must be requested and confirmed directly.
Season and heat: Outdoor plans can become unsafe during extreme heat. Summer travelers should build the trip around early mornings, pools, indoor attractions, and substantial rest periods.
Promotional rates: Complimentary-night and resort-credit offers have qualifying dates, blackout periods, room restrictions, and availability requirements. Compare the final total rather than assuming a package is automatically the lowest price.
Final thoughts
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is a strong choice for families who want a relaxing resort stay without giving up the chance to explore. The pools, waterslides, spacious grounds, dining options, and family activities make it easy to enjoy slower days, while the surrounding desert, Old Town Scottsdale, and nearby attractions add enough variety for a five-night trip.
This stay is especially appealing from late October through spring, when the weather is comfortable enough for both pool time and outdoor adventures. Families traveling during summer may find better prices, but the extreme heat requires a much slower schedule built around early mornings, indoor activities, and time in the water.
The resort is not the best fit for travelers seeking a walkable city vacation or a small, quiet hotel. It works best for families who enjoy having plenty of amenities nearby and do not mind driving to explore the destination.
For the right family, this trip offers a comfortable balance: memorable desert experiences, plenty of time to recharge, and enough flexibility for children, parents, and grandparents to enjoy the stay at their own pace.
Unlock Premium Deals & Save More
You're already a free member. Premium unlocks more deals, bigger savings, and access to travel your way — try it for 30 days for $1.
Get more deals and bigger savings.
Check live availability and book your dates.
Premium members save $100s on family stays.
Search 2M+ hotels and book at private rates.