How to Find Hotels in Scottsdale, Arizona

Scottsdale, part of the Greater Phoenix area, is a thriving tourist destination. Golf courses and resorts are particularly popular. The city has approximately 230,000 residents and is growing by leaps and bounds as more businesses find their home in this booming part of Arizona.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Internet access

Know Your Destination

1. Understand that Scottsdale is primarily driven by the tourism industry. Approximately 39 percent of the city's workforce is employed in a tourism-related capacity. Many high-end retail businesses and eateries are headquartered in the city as well.

2. Appreciate the local buildings. Architect Frank Lloyd Wright was especially influential in the Scottsdale area. Many buildings in the area were designed by Wright, and there is a memorial dedicated to the prolific architect in northern Scottsdale.

3. Bring your golf clubs. Scottsdale, Arizona, is a mecca for golf lovers, and more than 200 golf courses dot the cityscape. Course layouts differ greatly, but all of them can be tried, thanks to the never-ending sunshine in the area.

Get From Place to Place in Scottsdale

4. Arrive in Scottsdale by flying into Sky Harbor International Airport, which is located in Phoenix. Although Scottsdale has its own airport, it does not handle large commercial flights.

5. Drive to Scottsdale via state Route 101. Major highways run to nearby Phoenix and make Scottsdale easily accessible by car. Rental cars to explore the area are available at Sky Harbor International Airport.

6. Get around downtown with one of the free trolleys that run seven days a week, every 10 minutes between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m. Public buses also help visitors get around town; the regular adult fare is $1.25.

Choose Your Accommodations in Scottsdale

7. To book accommodations, contact Scottsdale Convention and Visitors Bureau at [phone] or visit their Web site (see Resources below).

8. Book mid-level accommodations if you're looking for quality at an affordable price. Most chain motels and hotels at this level will still be a bit pricey, running between $100 and $150 per night.

9. Lay your head on premium pillows covered in Egyptian cotton cases at one of the luxury hotels and resorts located in Scottsdale. At a five-diamond accommodation, prices can easily soar to nearly $700 per night.

Tips & Warnings

• If you'd like to experience Scottsdale but are on a limited budget, you can save money by staying and eating in Phoenix. You can then travel to Scottsdale to visit during the day.