Scottsdale has recently become a popular destination for brides bidding their single life goodbye. And for many great reasons. So let’s cut to the chase. If you want a traditional bachelorette party with tons to do right outside your door (think nightclubs, where-to-be-seen dining, world-class shopping and chic bars), then you want Old Town Scottsdale. This is often where many visitors come when they visit Scottsdale. It’s home to world-famous Scottsdale Fashion Square Mall, a vibrant nightlife scene (we call it our mini Vegas) and tons to do.
For those who want something more relaxing and quieter (like spa and pool days everyday), consider heading to North Scottsdale or Paradise Valley. But for the sake of this article, we’re sticking to the Old Town area.
Where To Stay
All these options are either within the Old Town Scottsdale area or a short couple minute drive away. Whichever you choose, you’ll be close to it all.
W Scottsdale
This is your best bet for staying as close to the nightclubs as possible. No Uber needed. Moreover, W Hotels are known for their hip, young vibes and this one is no exception. The rooftop pool hosts killer pool parties in the summer months and on-site Sushi Roku is a hotspot for where-to-be-seen dining, perfect for dinner before heading to the nightclubs. wscottsdalehotel.com
Great for: pool parties, nightlife, spa
Saguaro
If you’re at all familiar with the famous Saguaro hotel in Palm Springs (you know, the rainbow-colored, pool-party-having desert hotel all over Instagram?), then you’re already familiar with this one. Also outfitted with the iconic rainbow hues, this boutique property is within walking distance to the nightclubs and plays host to some fun pool parties in the summer. thesaguaro.com/scottsdale
Great for: pool parties, nightlife
The Scott Resort
With a fun Cuban theme of tropical palms and vintage Havana vibes, The Scott is perfect for a girls’ trip. Most notably, its eye-catching lobby bar and restaurant The Canal Club is a must for tropical cocktails and photos. thescottresort.com
Great for: Instagram
Hotel Valley Ho
This retro hotel is the real thing. Built in XX, the Valley Ho is a historic slice of Scottsdale and used to be where Hollywood stars would flock to escape the hustle and bustle of California. Today, it still has much of its retro charm and original architecture. Bold pops of orange and turquoise make it a very fun place to stay. They also have a great summer pool party scene with DJs and their famous frosé. hotelvalleyho.com
Great for: pool parties, retro vibes
Mountain Shadows
If Valley Ho is retro and historic, then Mountain Shadows is the complete opposite: new and modern. Located in Paradise Valley, this property has some of the best views of Camelback Mountain. It also has a slightly more laidback vibe for calmer days. mountainshadows.com
Great for: chic and contemporary vibes
Andaz Scottsdale
The Andaz brand is known for being playful and unique. Featuring bungalows scattered throughout the property, the Scottsdale location is clean and contemporary with a pop of local art and design. They also have a great boutique spa with its own pool with killer views of iconic Camelback Mountain. andazscottsdale.com
Great for: spa, relaxing
Where to Eat
There are SO many great places to eat in the Scottsdale and surrounding area. Plus tons of local spots to sink your teeth into.
Breakfast/Brunch
Some local faves include Hash Kitchen, known for their creative over-the-top dishes and live DJs (it’s a scene) and Breakfast Club, a laidback local staple (yoga pants meets mimosas type of vibe). This is a great spot to nurse a hangover. If a good cup of coffee and a bite to eat is all you’re looking for, Berdena’s or Sweet Dee’s will do the trick.
Dinner
For a nice dinner, El Chorro is a charming historic destination with some of the best patio dining in the state (and famous sticky buns!). Dig into margs and tacos at The Mission, an upscale authentic Latin restaurant. Keep in mind, the North Scottsdale location has more of an upbeat vibe than the Old Town location. For chic patio dining overlooking the water, head to Olive & Ivy. The Mediterranean restaurant is great any time of the day and will have you guzzling glasses of wine in no time.
If you want upscale with an edgy atmosphere, head to Maple & Ash. It has all the niceties of the usual fancy steakhouse but with a younger vibe. Other more laidback choices include Blanco, a modern Mexican outlet that plays all the 90’s hits. Postino, an upbeat wine bar, is another local favorite known for their killer bruschetta.
If you’re looking for a serious scene, West Hollywood’s Toca Madera has opened its second location in Scottsdale. This place is a mood. Borderline seductive nightclub meets upscale taqueria meets L.A. vibe. meets Day of the Dead.
Where to Go Out
Depending on the scene you’re looking for will depend on where you go. If you want a true nightclub experience with bottle service and all, then you’ll want to go to Old Town Scottsdale’s Entertainment District. Riot House, El Hefe, Hi-Fi and The District are all great picks, but the clubs are within walking distance so they’re easy to navigate. And since many are indoor-outdoor, you can check out the scene of the club without having to step foot inside.
Kelly’s at Southbridge is ideal for a slightly calmer atmosphere. It’s a spacious pub-style bar with plenty of seating to relax.
Where to Shop
Scottsdale Fashion Square is the crown jewel of the city’s shopping scene. The three-level mall has pretty much everything you can think of. The newly added Luxury Wing has shops like Saint Laurent, Jimmy Choo, Gucci, Salvatore Ferragamo, Prada and more. Other notable stores include Nordstrom, Lululemon, Quay, Morphe, AG Jeans and more.
Within walking distance of the mall, Old Town Scottsdale’s shops along Fifth Avenue are great for browsing Southwestern goods. Pop into Leela Market or Carmen for desert-inspired apparel, accessories and gifts.
Other Things to Do
There’s countless other things to do depending on what you’re into. Hiking is extremely popular in Arizona. Camelback Mountain is easily the most well-known hike, paying off with great views at the top. Or practice your boozy swing at Topgolf.
If riding in a hot air balloon is on your bucket list, Arizona is a great place to do it. Rainbow Ryders and Hot Air Expeditions are both great companies offering dreamy rides over the Arizona desert.
If you’re looking to really unwind in luxury, Joya at Omni Montelucia is one of the best spas in the state. Plus, it’s great for large groups. It features a Spanish-Moroccan theme and has its own co-ed spa pool and all the bells and whistles of a five-star escape.
Not sure when to go? Click here to read why visiting Scottsdale in the summer is actually a great idea.
