The Scott Resort & Spa

Previously the FireSky Resort & Spa, this 1960s-built hotel was purchased in 2016 by Phoenix-based Classic Hotels & Resorts, who gave the property a sleek new identity by way of a $15-million renovation completed in 2018. While set on downtown Scottsdale’s busy main drag, this eight-acre property feels like a private oasis with its Havana-inspired decor, intimate gardens grounds, and upscale boutique vibe. Rooms unfold in white two-story buildings across gardens scattered with the odd hammock, hanging chair, fire pit, and plenty of quiet nooks for relaxing. The sky-lit lobby puts a trendy Scottsdale spin on Old Havana with its Bauhaus-esque lighting, lush indoor landscaping, and giant black-and-white vintage artworks. Cushioned rattan settees invite guests to linger, work, or just take time out to soak up the scene -- and many do -- while the Canal Club bar, emblazoned with a vintage neon fuchsia sign, hosts buzzy evening happy hours. The adjoining restaurant takes the Cuban theme in a retro-chic direction with plush velvet booths, large pendant lights, and fun palm-print wallpaper. The outdoor area is equally hip and inviting, with neat garden hedging surrounding white umbrella-shaded bistro tables and a big outdoor fireplace. Light globes strung overhead enhance the nighttime ambience. While the two outdoor pools provide options for the mix of couples, bachelorette groups, families, and business travelers here, the hotel sells day passes on weekends, leading some guests to complain about overcrowding. 

The hotel sits on Scottsdale's main drag, Scottsdale Road, which is lined with everything from office complexes, to strip malls, to large-scale department stores, hotels, and eateries. The Scott is a 10-minute walk from upscale department stores (Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, and more) at the Fashion Square Shopping Center, plus it's close to plenty of dining options. Old Town Scottsdale offers a popular hub of boutique shops, bars, and restaurants that are all about a six-minute drive away. There are about a dozen golf courses within an hour's drive, including the Phoenician (six minutes), Continental Golf Club (also six minutes), and Talking Stick (12 minutes). The Scott is about a 15-minute drive from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Self and valet parking is covered in the daily resort fee, as is the shuttle service to anywhere within three miles of the hotel.

There are a couple of different room categories here, divided into Lagoon View, Pool View, and Courtyard Rooms, as well as suites. All are spacious, spotless, and open onto wide private patios or balconies. Art Deco and mid-century elements give the spaces a handsome retro look that blends matching walnut-wood furniture with brass accents like table lamps, wall mirrors, and picture frames. Raffia chandeliers add a tropical touch echoed by the lush garden views from many units. All rooms have work desks. Thoughtful accents like brass cocktails shakers, ice buckets, and crystal whiskey glasses are a classy touch. Convenient amenities include Nespresso machines, plush bathrobes, minibars, and safes, while tech features include flat-screen TVs with Staycast streaming capability, iHome clock radios, and Wi-Fi (covered by the resort fee). Comfy beds, available in king or two queen configurations, come with pillowtop mattresses and feather pillows. Sleek, large bathrooms feature walk-in rainfall showers, spa-inspired toiletries, and white marble vanities paired with brass fixtures.One-bedroom Parlor Suites add spacious living areas with murphy beds and large second bathrooms to layouts. The 1,200-square-foot Presidential Suite comes with a wet bar, double-sided fireplace, claw-foot bathtub, and three balconies. 

The Scott comes with a solid line-up of features evocative of a mini-resort. Private, beautifully landscaped grounds feature two outdoor pools. They include the La Boca Pool, which offers private cabanas for rent and is illuminated with flaming torch lights at night. The La Playa Pool has a sandy bottom and a little beach at one end -- the shallow end makes it a popular spot for kids. There’s also an outdoor fireplace with comfy lounge seating, and a fire pit circle in the garden where hammocks and swinging chairs are scattered throughout. La Vidorra spa offers six treatment rooms and a range of massage, body, and beauty treatments that include a Vichy shower and hot stones. The 24-hour fitness center offers a good range of modern cardio and weight machines, including treadmills, elliptical machines, stationary bikes, exercise balls, and yoga props. Bicycles are also available to guests at no charge, and private guided hikes can be arranged (at extra cost).Other amenities include two huge ballrooms that come with audiovisual equipment, catering to meetings, parties, galas, and wedding receptions. The resort shuttle offers a drop-off and pick-up service within a three-mile radius. Daily resort fees cover things like the shuttle, self and valet parking, Tesla charging stations, bike rental, and Wi-Fi. The resort is pet-friendly, though weight restrictions, a pet waiver, and a fee all apply. 

Open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and brunch on weekends, The Canal Club puts a Cuban twist on American fare in a Havana-inspired setting. It also has a bar area with daily happy hours, great cocktails, a tapas menu, and espresso coffee. The restaurant spills outside to an open-air patio, which adds some more casual fare to the menu (such as wraps and salads). Room service is available from The Canal Club, though it’s not available 24/7.