Best Western Hotels in Scottsdale: A Traveler's Guide
Scottsdale sits just east of Phoenix in the Sonoran Desert, known for golf courses, spa resorts, Old Town nightlife, and easy access to hiking trails on the McDowell Mountains. It works well both as a standalone base and as a quieter alternative to staying in downtown Phoenix. This guide covers how the city breaks down by area, what to plan for, and how to book directly for the best rate.
About Scottsdale
Scottsdale is really several distinct areas strung along Scottsdale Road. Old Town Scottsdale is the walkable core, with galleries, restaurants, bars, and the Scottsdale Fashion Square mall — good for travelers who want to leave the car behind in the evenings.
North Scottsdale is quieter and more spread out, closer to golf resorts and desert preserves like the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. It suits travelers focused on golf, hiking, or spa time rather than nightlife.
South Scottsdale, nearer the Tempe and Phoenix border, tends to be more budget-friendly and puts you closer to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and Tempe's Arizona State University area.
The city is bordered by Phoenix to the west, so many visitors combine a Scottsdale stay with time in downtown Phoenix or a day trip to Sedona, roughly a two-hour drive north.
Planning your stay
Phoenix Sky Harbor is the main airport, generally a short drive from Scottsdale depending on which part of the city you're staying in — expect traffic to add time during rush hour.
Peak season runs from late fall through spring, when daytime temperatures are mild and events like the Waste Management Phoenix Open and Cactus League spring training games draw larger crowds. Book well ahead if your visit overlaps with these.
Summer (June through September) brings very high daytime temperatures, which also means lighter crowds and different rates — it can be a good time for pool-and-spa-focused trips if you don't mind the heat and plan outdoor activities for early morning.
Three to four nights is enough to cover Old Town, a hike or two, and a round of golf or a spa afternoon. Add extra nights if you're combining Scottsdale with Sedona or the Grand Canyon.
A rental car is useful outside Old Town, since the metro area is spread out and public transit coverage is limited compared to denser cities.
How to book the best rate
Best Western Online lists rates directly from the hotel, updated in real time, so the price you see reflects current availability rather than a static number that goes stale.
Booking direct means no third-party account setup and no added booking-site fees layered on top of the room rate.
Rates shift with demand, especially around spring training, the Phoenix Open, and holiday weekends — checking a few dates around your preferred travel window can surface a better rate.
If a specific area (Old Town versus North Scottsdale) matters more to you than a specific property, search by neighborhood on the site to compare what's currently available there.