SmarterTravel Spotlight: W Scottsdale Review

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The W Scottsdale blends the W’s signature cheeky style with a touch of local Southwest flair, creating a sophisticated stay in the heart of Old Town. Recently renovated, the property features 241 guest rooms, including 44 lavish suites, all outfitted with the latest high-tech amenities.

Like most W hotels, the atmosphere at this Scottsdale outpost is undeniably trendy and upscale. During the week, the hotel offers a relaxing base from which guests can explore downtown’s lively shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. However, come the weekend, the W Scottsdale transforms into the destination itself, with its infamous adults-only parties taking over the WET Deck outdoor pool.

Whether you’re seeking a convenient home base for discovering Scottsdale or a raucous party scene, the W strikes the perfect balance of metropolitan sophistication and Southwest charm. With its chic design, high-end amenities, and lively social calendar, this is the place to see and be seen in Scottsdale. 

The Location

With a prime location in Scottsdale’s charming Old Town area, the W Scottsdale is within easy walking distance to an array of art, shopping, and nightlife that make up the city’s buzzing Entertainment District. Tempe is just 15 minutes away, and Phoenix is accessible within 25 minutes. 

Just outside the door, you’ll find the Arizona Canal path, a nearly 70-mile multi-use path perfect for jogging or biking. Grab one of the hotel’s bikes and enjoy a breezy ride along the scenic waterfront.

During my visit, I dropped my car off at the valet as soon as I drove in from the airport, and I didn’t need it again until it was time to leave because everything is so close to the hotel. 

Dining

The W Scottsdale’s main restaurant, Donabe, is a Japanese steakhouse serving sushi, seafood, and Wagyu atop the hotel’s Wet Deck. Donabe is open for a more casual breakfast and lunch before transitioning into a vibey nighttime scene at dinner. The business casual or “date night” attire dress code is enforced in the evening.

Next to Donabe, you’ll find Cottontail Cafe & Louge, a small nook offering craft cocktails and small bites with pool views. 

Down on the W Scottsdale’s first floor, you’ll find the Living Room Lounge (the lobby bar) and Sips on Social (an outdoor patio), where you can drink and mingle with locals and other guests. 

The Pool

The W Scottsdale’s lively social scene centers around its expansive second-floor pool area. Although the Wet Deck entices guests all week, the party atmosphere heats up on the weekends, when the 21-and-up crowd gathers for high-energy DJ sets and bottle service. Whether unwinding in a private cabana or dancing the night away, the W Scottsdale delivers a quintessential desert oasis experience.

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Guests looking to be treated like VIPs can rent one of the private cabanas lining the pool’s perimeter. These luxurious enclaves come equipped with flat-screen TVs, personal attendant service, and perhaps the most important feature during a Scottsdale summer—shade.

The pool is located on the hotel’s second floor, and you can get a sneak peek when you check in by simply looking up—the glass portholes give a glimpse into the pool from below. 

The Rooms

The spacious guest rooms at the W Scottsdale exude the brand’s signature sassy style, blending a muted, somewhat retro aesthetic with vibrant pops of color. Playful paintings of martinis and rabbits adorn the walls, complementing the natural wood tones and clean lines of the decor.

I stayed in the W Scottsdale’s Wow Suite, a two-bedroom apartment-style accommodation that truly lived up to its name. Both bedrooms featured plush W Signature king beds, walk-in closets, and ensuite bathrooms stocked with Davines toiletries, Frette slippers, and cozy robes. 

In addition to the bedrooms, the 1,500-square-foot Wow Suite boasts a full kitchen, dining area, half bath, separate living room, and private balcony overlooking the pool and Camelback Mountain. For extended stays, the in-suite laundry room with a washer and dryer was a nice convenience.

The Spa

After a lively day or night exploring Scottsdale, guests can retreat to the AWAY Spa at the W Scottsdale, the city’s premier wellness and beauty destination. Whether recovering from one of the hotel’s renowned pool parties or preparing for an evening out on the town, the spa’s expert practitioners are on hand to provide the perfect pampering experience.

For post-party rejuvenation, a detox massage paired with a CBD balm enhancement can work wonders. And for those looking to amp up the glamour before a night on the town, the spa’s makeup and lash application offerings can help you get photo-ready.

Price and How to Book

Rooms at The W Scottsdale start at around $195 and can be booked on Expedia. 

Editor’s Note: The W Scottsdale hosted the author of this story.

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