Fairmont Scottsdale Princess

"It’s all about versatility at this 65-acre desert favorite. At the Arizona resort's Trailblazers Family Adventure Center, little ones can enjoy a different themed adventure each week—including a life-size game of Pac-Man. At the Sonoran Splash Pool, a 200-foot twisting water slide will keep the kids busy while you unwind in a luxurious private cabana. Nearby, the Children’s Museum of Phoenix offers more than 300 hands-on exhibits. When hunger strikes, take your pick from five award-winning restaurants and bars on the property." - Nina Kokotas Hahn

"Scottsdale, Arizona boasts 333 days a year of sunshine and impeccably powder blue skies, and the almost always sunny weather reflects off the six glimmering pools of the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. While Scottsdale definitely won't see a white Christmas, the hotel goes all out by stringing its palm trees with lights, having on-site holiday characters meet-and-greet the younger guests, and opening up its firepits for s'more roasting. Not to mention the skating rink where guests can cut ice beneath the stars."

"Scottsdale, Arizona boasts 333 days a year of sunshine and impeccably powder blue skies, and the almost always sunny weather reflects off the six glimmering pools of the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. While the Spanish Colonial architecture of the resort is classically Southwestern, the pools are refreshing reprieves from the at-times record-breaking heat. Kids will have a blast at the Sonoran Splash Pool, with its twisting twin water slides, and at the adults-only Sonoran Landing Pool, older guests can lounge about on floating bean bags and oversized hammocks. Neutrals and umbers theme the various guest room and suite offerings, and views show off the estate’s golfing grounds, gardens, and lagoon. The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is also just a stone’s throw away from Scottsdale’s arts and culture venues such as the Heard Museum, natural landmarks like the McDowell Sonoran preserve, and shopping venues such as the city’s Fashion Square." - CNT Editors

"Even those who can’t escape to a tropical paradise this summer can enjoy the same experience sipping a frozen pina colada from a coconut while their toes are in the sand at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess’ beach pool. This go-to summer cocktail is done at the Princess with Captain Morgan spiced rum, Bacardi white rum, pineapple, and lots of coconut." - Jamie Killin

"Opened in 1987, the relatively youthful Fairmont Scottsdale Princess may not have the history of some of its neighboring resorts, but the North Scottsdale spot—with its fountained plazas, Mexican colonial–style architecture, and 65 scenic acres—has everything needed for a vacation in the sun. It’s big and it’s busy, and there is always something for everybody to do—just one of the reasons it’s popular for family events such as reunions, school holidays, and weddings. Drive a ball down a fairway on the two 18-hole championship golf courses (one of which hosts an annual PGA tournament), relax by one of the six pools (the newest, Sunset Beach pool, is surrounded by 9,000 square feet of white sand), or give yourself over to the innovative therapies and unique fitness offerings at the Well & Being Spa. All the 750 rooms and suites are fresh and comfortable, with terraces, wet bars, and oversize bathrooms. Some, especially the casitas, are located about a five- to 10-minute walk from the main building, but golf carts are always just a call away. The wealth of top-rated foodie options—which include the Mexican-accented La Hacienda and the pan-Latin Toro, both by chef Richard Sandoval, and Bourbon Steak from chef Michael Mina—help make this one of the best destination-dining resorts in town."