You may or may not know that I have a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) from the Thunderbird School of Global Management in Glendale, Arizona. While Thunderbird gets by on its prestigious title of being the #1 ranked International Business School in the world; it’s location is less than desirable. So when I was in business school, I would often get a room at the W Scottsdale for the weekend with my friends.
W Scottsdale always had a great bar and pool scene, especially on the weekends and I always loved being there. Now, 3 years after graduation, I still find myself back at W Scottsdale 2-3 times a year.
This past week, as part of a partnership I have with American Express and Starwood Hotels and their SPG Amex credit card, I spent the week at the W Scottsdale and couldn’t have had a better stay.
Scottsdale, Arizona is one of my favorite places in the US and a place that I can see myself living permanently at some point. Scottsdale as a location has great weather; which is a given but it also has great restaurants and a ton to do both indoors and out.
Yes it’s hot in Arizona and can get up to 120 or so in the summer but it doesn’t bother me. It’s a dry heat and it doesn’t feel nearly that hot. I much prefer that dry heat to the summer in Miami or New York where the mugginess and humidity is unbearable.
The W Scottsdale is right in the heart of Scottsdale at the intersection of Camelback Road and Scottsdale Road. It is walking distance to the Fashion Square mall if shopping is your thing and of course to Old Town.
Old Town is a collection of great bars, restaurants and old western style shops, boutiques and art galleries. It is a great place to walk around and grab a great meal.
That said, the W Scottsdale is the best place to stay in the center of town and always my first choice. This past week, I stayed in one of their new WOW Suites. It was ridiculous to say the least. It is the type of suite/apartment that you never want to leave and would love to live in.
In the past I have normally stayed in the corner “party” suites overlooking the pool; which are great for weekends. However, with these new WOW Suites, it brings the luxury suite experience to a new level and yes, if I could live there, I would!
I have almost always been able to stay in suites at W Scottsdale and other Starwood Hotels because I am a Starwood SPG Platinum member and have been for some 10+ years. This means that I am entitled to upgraded rooms at Starwood properties; which often entails suites-a great perk!
So as I write this post, I know it may sound like a little sales pitch for the W Scottsdale and I know I rarely write directly about specific hotels. Also, I do have a partnership with American Express and Starwood for this program and American Express on a much larger program called the #PassionProject that announces this week.
However, the W Scottsdale is truly one of my favorite hotels anywhere and I have literally stayed there some 20 times over the past 5 years. Next time you’re in Scottsdale, give it a shot. Weekend nights at the pool bar in the fall are unforgettable!
W Scottsdale: One of my Favorite Hotels
June 24, 2013 by 17 Comments
I love this hotel as well. Great bar scene and amazing beds!
Lee, W Scottsdale is a perfect place to stay in Phoenix. There are a lot of nice hotels but not many that offer a resort feel with an urban touch.
One of my favorite W Hotels without a doubt, although I’ve never stayed in a WOW Suite!
Looks like a great place to stay in Scottsdale. The hotel looks really nice and would be a fun place to check out. Thanks for sharing this article and photographs.
Wow this hotel is top notch. I love traveling, maybe one day when I am there, I will look into it.
Definitely a great place to be at in Scottsdale.
Beautiful pictures. Thanks for sharing. Next time I’m in Phoenix I’ll definitely be staying at the W Scottsdale!
Snowing here in Boise and this looks like the place to get to. Great photos and awesome looking place.
Thx
Is that bathroom shower the real thing. If it is i need to get out of Gilbert with the wife and stay a night or two.
Great place.
Loved this hotel. Up there with one of our best holidays.
I was traveling the area on business and we stayed in this hotel. Loved every part of it thanks for the reference!
I just booked a weekend in a WOW Suite with my wife and we’re leaving the kids at home. We’re excited to say the least. It’ll be a hot stay in Scottsdale in a few weeks and with some old friends coming in to see us, we thought we’d splurge on the suites to have the extra room. Thanks for the photos. She’ll be glad to see these.
We went to the Phoenix Open and ended up staying here. We give it 5*. One of the best hotels I have ever stayed in and I am on the road 200 days a year for work.
Thanks for the pics! I’m going to check this place out next time I’m in town!
Really enjoyed this article. Always looking for new places to explore in Arizona. Good stuff!
Great article. Thanks for the info. Scottsdale is such a great place with some fantastic restaurants as well. I’m afraid to see what the real estate prices and hotel rooms do in the near future so enjoy those wonderful hotels while you can. Good stuff!
Nice post – I am from California, but I definitely plan on visiting Arizona pretty soon, so this was useful. I went down to University of Arizona awhile ago, but besides that, haven’t had a chance to explore the area much
Sweeeeet! I’m from Fort Lauderdale and have visited the area numerous times. We Floridians can only wish for those cool evening temperatures like Scottsdale. Good read.