
The Phoenician, Scottsdale
Best for travelers who prioritize Camelback Mountain views, a broad spa program, and a quieter, golf-and-relaxation–oriented stay.
Prices in other currencies are estimates. You’re charged in USD.
The Phoenician, Scottsdale is a polished, Camelback‑facing luxury resort for travelers who want mountain views, championship golf and a refined spa experience. Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is a larger, family-forward luxury resort known for multiple pools, golf and big event spaces — read this if you’re choosing between a mountain-centric leisure stay and a pool-and-family focused resort.
Updated

Best for travelers who prioritize Camelback Mountain views, a broad spa program, and a quieter, golf-and-relaxation–oriented stay.

Best for families, pool-focused vacations, and groups needing large event or conference facilities.
When The Phoenician, Scottsdale wins: choose The Phoenician if you want direct access to Camelback Mountain trails, a compact but varied pool and spa program (including an adults‑only rooftop pool), and a resort oriented toward polished leisure, golf and mountain views.
When Fairmont Scottsdale Princess wins: pick the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess if you want a very large resort with many onsite pools and poolside bars, extensive family amenities and playgrounds, and more meeting/ballroom capacity for weddings, conferences or big groups.
Bottom line: Both are full‑service, five‑star Scottsdale destination resorts. The Phoenician skews toward mountain scenery, refined dining and spa/golf leisure; Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is bigger, more overtly family- and event-oriented, and centers its identity on pools and large‑scale facilities.
| Category | The Phoenician, Scottsdale | Fairmont Scottsdale Princess |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Refined, mountain‑view luxury focused on leisure and polished service | Large, activity- and family-focused luxury resort with strong pool identity |
| Location | At base of Camelback Mountain; close to Old Town Scottsdale and Scottsdale Fashion Square | Near Scottsdale Quarter and Kierland Commons; located in Scottsdale (Princess Drive) |
| Property scale | 250 acres (desert setting at Camelback Mountain base) | Large resort property with 750 rooms |
| Room count | Not published | 750 rooms |
| Ages / policy | All ages welcome; kids 17 and under stay free in same room (existing bedding); adult‑only pool available | All ages welcome; family amenities and playground on site |
| Pools | Multi‑tiered pool complex with nine outdoor pools, family splash area, 197‑ft water slide, dedicated adults‑only pool and a 9,000 sq ft white‑sand splash area | Six outdoor pools and 2 hot tubs plus poolside bars and rentable cabanas |
| Restaurants & bars | Multiple venues including J&G Steakhouse, Mowry & Cotton, The Phoenician Tavern, Afternoon Tea, Thirsty Camel and The Marketplace | Five restaurants, multiple bars/lounges and three poolside bars |
| Spa & wellness | The Phoenician Spa — three floors, 22,000+ sq ft, 24 treatment rooms, rooftop adults‑only pool; Athletic Club fitness center | Full spa with massages and body treatments; on‑site health club and fitness classes |
| Golf | 36 holes of championship golf on property | Golf course on site, plus golf lessons and driving range |
| Event & meeting space | Extensive event venues including Phoenician Grand Ballroom (large capacity) and many lawn/ballroom options | Large conference and ballroom space (about 46,005 sq ft / 4,274 m²) for meetings and weddings |
| Onsite family features | Children’s splash pad, playground treehouse, 197‑ft water slide, kids’ activities | Playground and family‑oriented pool programming |
The Phoenician sits at the base of Camelback Mountain with direct access to hiking and a short drive to Old Town Scottsdale.
Choose The Phoenician for mountain scenery and direct trail access plus proximity to central Scottsdale shopping and dining.
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is located in Scottsdale near Kierland Commons and Scottsdale Quarter, convenient for shopping and restaurants.
Pick the Fairmont for easy access to Scottsdale shopping and suburban Scottsdale activities.
The Phoenician offers a range of rooms and suites with many mountain‑ or pool‑view layouts and suite/kitchenette options.
The Phoenician is a good fit if you want varied suite configurations and mountain or pool views.
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess lists a long set of room types from standard Fairmont views to multiform Privado studios and 1‑bedroom suites.
Fairmont offers many room categories and suite styles, including Privado studio and one‑bedroom suite options with fireplace or soaking tubs.
The Phoenician emphasizes refined dining and a range of venues from steakhouse to afternoon tea.
Choose The Phoenician if you value refined evening dining and several distinct, atmospheric venues.
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess operates multiple restaurants and poolside bars geared to families and casual pool dining.
Fairmont is well suited for families and guests who want easy poolside dining and several casual meal options.
The Phoenician’s pool complex is a central feature: multi‑tiered pools, family splash zone and adults‑only spaces.
The Phoenician balances family fun and quieter adult spaces with a wide variety of pool experiences.
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess highlights multiple pools, poolside bars and cabana rentals as a core draw.
Fairmont emphasizes a large pool program with multiple poolside bars and cabana options for families and groups.
The Phoenician’s spa and fitness offerings are structured around a dedicated spa building and a 24/7 athletic club.
The Phoenician is best for guests who want a substantial spa program plus fitness and more restrained evening venues.
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess provides spa services, fitness classes and multiple bars for evening drinks.
Fairmont covers standard resort wellness needs and provides casual evening bar options for families and groups.

The Phoenician — property borders Cholla Trail and offers guided Camelback hikes and strong mountain views.

Fairmont Scottsdale Princess — multiple outdoor pools, pool bars and cabana rentals make it a clear pool‑first choice.

The Phoenician — a three‑story, 22,000+ sq ft spa with a rooftop pool and many treatment rooms.

Fairmont Scottsdale Princess — extensive conference and ballroom space and many meeting venues for weddings and corporate events.
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess leans more family‑forward overall with multiple pools, poolside bars and playground facilities; The Phoenician also welcomes families and has a large splash area and water slide but skews a bit more toward refined leisure.
The Phoenician is the better choice: it sits at the base of Camelback Mountain, borders the Cholla Trail, and runs guided hikes for guests.
Yes. The Phoenician has a dedicated Adult Pool and a rooftop spa pool reserved for spa guests 18+, while Fairmont Scottsdale Princess lists pools and club areas but is primarily family‑oriented.
Both properties offer extensive event venues, but Fairmont Scottsdale Princess highlights large conference space (about 46,005 sq ft / 4,274 m²) and The Phoenician lists large ballrooms and many indoor/outdoor wedding lawns.
Explore how The Phoenician, Scottsdale stacks up against other hotels nearby:
vs. sites like Expedia, Hotels.com and other OTAs ·