• About
  • Work With Me

Mobile Menu

  • Destinations
  • Categories
    • Europe Travel
    • Travel In the Americas
    • Food & Drink Travel
    • General Travel Tips
    • Oktoberfest
    • Packing & Gear
    • Travel at Home
    • Travel Health & Wellness
  • Time Budget Travel
    • How to Plan Quick Trips
    • Quick Trip Itineraries
  • Resources
    • Oktoberfest Trip Planning
    • Travel Resources
    • What to Pack
    • How to Start a Blog
    • Blogging Resources + Gear
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Search
  • facebook
  • twitter
  • instagram
  • pinterest
  • Menu
  • Skip to right header navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Before Header

  • About
  • Work With Me
  • facebook
  • twitter
  • instagram
  • pinterest

MY WANDERLUSTY LIFE

#TimeBudgetTravel

  • Destinations
  • Categories
    • Europe Travel
    • Travel In the Americas
    • Food & Drink Travel
    • General Travel Tips
    • Oktoberfest
    • Packing & Gear
    • Travel at Home
    • Travel Health & Wellness
  • Time Budget Travel
    • How to Plan Quick Trips
    • Quick Trip Itineraries
  • Resources
    • Oktoberfest Trip Planning
    • Travel Resources
    • What to Pack
    • How to Start a Blog
    • Blogging Resources + Gear
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Search
Where to Stay in Scottsdale, Arizona for two very different experiences | Comparing the iconic Hotel Valley Ho and Civana Wellness Resort and Spa | Mid-century modern architecture and design vs. a spa resort in the desert #scottsdale #arizona #spa #midcenturymodern #wheretostayinscottsdale

Where to Stay in Scottsdale, Arizona for Two Very Different Experiences

You are here: Home / Quick Trip Itineraries / Where to Stay in Scottsdale, Arizona for Two Very Different Experiences

January 19, 2020 //  by Ashley Smith Leave a Comment

This post contains affiliate links and I’ll earn a percentage of the sale if you purchase through them, at no extra cost to you. As always, all opinions are my own & I’ll never promote something I don’t personally use or believe in.
FacebookPinterestTwitterEmailWhatsApp

Choosing where to stay in Scottsdale is going to be one of your tougher choices. Do you spa or do you city? Do you desert or do you resort? Well, during my recent 4 days in Scottsdale, Arizona I stayed in two completely different places because, as you know, Ashley gots to have it all! 

Where to stay in Scottsdale, Arizona

The growing city that it is, Scottsdale, Arizona offers a ton of accommodation options with all different vibes. For instance, it’s a land of elaborate resorts and spas, but also of mid-century modern design and urban accessibility. What it’s not is a retreat merely for golfers and grandparents anymore (that’s mid-century design of a different sort). 

Where to stay in Scottsdale, Arizona will be a tough choice… so let me make it easier for you and tell you about the two places I stayed. These two places are pretty close to polar opposites, but I love that I got to experience two very different sides of Scottsdale hotel life.

This post is the result of a paid partnership between myself and Experience Scottsdale. Regardless, and as always, all opinions, content, and photos are mine, all mine!

Exterior shot of the Hotel Valley Ho, iconic mid-century modern design | Where to Stay in Scottsdale, Arizona for two very different experiences | #hotelvalleyho #scottsdale #arizona #wheretostay

Hotel Valley Ho

Hotel Valley Ho is the iconic Scottsdale hotel. It opened in 1956 and is still the epitome of mid-century modern architecture and design.

And what does that mean for your Scottsdale vacation? It means the chance to live out your biggest and baddest Mad Men fantasies… only without all the cigarettes and that time they drove that lawnmower through the office.

Staying here you’ll feel like you’re back in the 1950s and 60s in the time of classic Hollywood—as this once was a retreat for the rich and famous. No detail was left out and everything here from the furniture to the light fixtures to the pool has that fab #midmod aesthetic. It truly is shagadelic, baby.

Pro tip
─

For the optimal Hotel Valley Ho experience, pack a splendidly retro outfit for your dinner at their on-site restaurant–it’s one of the things I wish I’d packed. For everything else you need to know for what to pack for a winter trip to Arizona, check out that link!

Bedroom at the Hotel Valley Ho, iconic mid-century modern design | Where to Stay in Scottsdale, Arizona for two very different experiences | #hotelvalleyho #scottsdale #arizona #wheretostay
LOVE the design here
Bathroom at the Hotel Valley Ho, iconic mid-century modern design | Where to Stay in Scottsdale, Arizona for two very different experiences | #hotelvalleyho #scottsdale #arizona #wheretostay
ENORMOUS bathrooms
Brunch in the room at the Hotel Valley Ho, iconic mid-century modern design | Where to Stay in Scottsdale, Arizona for two very different experiences | #hotelvalleyho #scottsdale #arizona #wheretostay #brunch
Brunch in the room because we can!
Views from my room at the Hotel Valley Ho, iconic mid-century modern design | Where to Stay in Scottsdale, Arizona for two very different experiences | #hotelvalleyho #scottsdale #arizona #wheretostay
Amazing room views

Why I love Hotel Valley Ho

Hotel Valley Ho’s location makes it the perfect place to stay—walkable (and golf cart-able) to all of Old Town Scottsdale and the surrounding areas. The staff is incredibly friendly and accommodating and you’ll feel truly away from it all here. “It all” referring to the 21st century and all its nonsense. 

Staying at the Hotel Valley Ho was one of the grooviest lodging experiences I’ve ever had and I can’t wait to return for another… this time with a proper Betty Draper wardrobe.

Check out Hotel Valley Ho here on Booking.com, my favorite booking site.

Pro tip
─

While staying at Hotel Valley Ho, be sure to have dinner at their on-site restaurant Zuzu. This was my favorite meal of my entire 4 days in Scottsdale. Loved the ambience, love love loved the food! 

Dinner at Zuzu at the Hotel Valley Ho, iconic mid-century modern design | Where to Stay in Scottsdale, Arizona for two very different experiences | #hotelvalleyho #scottsdale #arizona #wheretostay #zuzu
Betty Draper-approved!
4 Days in Scottsdale, Arizona // A Jam-Packed Itinerary With a Bit of Everything | Where to eat in Scottsdale: Zuzu at the Hotel Valley Ho, showstopper shake #scottsdale #midcenturymodern #zuzu
Zuzu’s Showstopper Shake for December–it’s got an entire ice cream sandwich as a garnish, for crying out loud.

Civana Wellness Resort & Spa

During the second half of my 4 days in Scottsdale I stayed at Civana Wellness Resort & Spa. This was a deviation from everything… from big city life, from reality, and from the kinds of places I typically find myself sleeping on vacation. I mean, it’s in a part of Arizona called Carefree. Like, the city is Carefree, Arizona. C’mon. 

Exterior shot of the spa at Civana Wellness resort in Carefree | Where to Stay in Scottsdale, Arizona for two very different experiences | #civana #spa #wellness #scottsdale #arizona #wheretostay
View of the spa from my room at Civana

Lemme preface this by saying I am not a spa person. At least, I didn’t think I was before I stayed here. It really is amazing how quickly one can adapt to #robelife and being spoken to in hushed tones.

Great introduction to spa life

Civana is a great introduction to spa life for those who think spa life isn’t for them. While there is an all-encompassing menu of spa treatments, there’s also a huge calendar of free, included classes and events like yoga, pilates, and guided desert hikes. There are art classes, culinary demonstrations, and tons of relaxation… stuff. (What is this “relaxation” of which you speak?)

Save some money
─

Did you know hotel rooms in Scottsdale, Arizona cost 33% less in the winter? That’s just one of the many reasons to visit Scottsdale in the winter. Check out the rest in that link!

Bedroom at Civana Wellness Resort and Spa | Where to Stay in Scottsdale, Arizona for two very different experiences | #civana #spa #scottsdale #arizona #wheretostay
Clear walls, clear mind… no?

bathroom and cactus garden bridge at Civana Wellness Resort and Spa | Where to Stay in Scottsdale, Arizona for two very different experiences | #civana #spa #scottsdale #arizona #wheretostay

Main pool area at Civana Wellness Resort and Spa | Where to Stay in Scottsdale, Arizona for two very different experiences | #civana #spa #scottsdale #arizona #wheretostay
The main pool area — Hawaii or Arizona?

Healthy smoothie and the aqua therapy circuit at Civana Wellness Resort and Spa | Where to Stay in Scottsdale, Arizona for two very different experiences | #civana #spa #scottsdale #arizona #wheretostay

Watching the sunset at Civana Wellness Resort and Spa | Where to Stay in Scottsdale, Arizona for two very different experiences | #civana #spa #scottsdale #arizona #wheretostay #sunset
I’m telling you, Civana has the best sunsets!

There are a couple of restaurants on site (both amazing), beautiful pools and cactus gardens, and anyone staying at Civana has free run of the spa and their aqua therapy circuit. Did you hear that? Anyone can use the spa, no expensive appointments required! 

Check out Civana here on Booking.com and start practicing your spa voice.

What all did I do at Civana?
─

Check out my full post on my 4 days in Scottsdale itinerary and head straight to Day 4 (and the morning of Day 5) to see how I spent an entire day taking advantage of #spalife at Civana. 

4 Days in Scottsdale, Arizona // A Jam-Packed Itinerary With a Bit of Everything | Things to do in Scottsdale: walking through the cactus garden at Civana #cactus #robelife #wellness #spa #scottsdale #arizona
So much robe life–sorry not sorry.

More info on where to stay in Scottsdale

Heading to Scottsdale? Read hotel reviews on TripAdvisor then book your room here!
But where do I personally recommend? The hip Hotel Valley Ho or the relaxing Civana Resort
Don’t forget to pick up an Arizona guidebook for more cool Arizona experiences!
What camera did I use for this post? My Olympus OM-D EM-5 Mark II with 40-150mm lens + Google Pixel 3
Like this post? Have questions? Hit me up on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

Have you decided where to stay in Scottsdale yet?
Let me know below!

But first, pin me ⇣⇣⇣

Where to Stay in Scottsdale, Arizona for two very different experiences | Comparing the iconic Hotel Valley Ho and Civana Wellness Resort and Spa | Mid-century modern architecture and design vs. a spa resort in the desert #scottsdale #arizona #spa #midcenturymodern #wheretostayinscottsdale
Where to Stay in Scottsdale, Arizona for two very different experiences | Comparing the iconic Hotel Valley Ho and Civana Wellness Resort and Spa | Mid-century modern architecture and design vs. a spa resort in the desert #scottsdale #arizona #spa #midcenturymodern #wheretostayinscottsdale
Where to Stay in Scottsdale, Arizona for two very different experiences | Comparing the iconic Hotel Valley Ho and Civana Wellness Resort and Spa | Mid-century modern architecture and design vs. a spa resort in the desert #scottsdale #arizona #spa #midcenturymodern #wheretostayinscottsdale
FacebookPinterestTwitterEmailWhatsApp

Filed Under: Quick Trip Itineraries, United States

Related Posts

11 Ways to Fill Your Days During a Weekend in Vermont | Craft beer, farmers market, bed and breakfast hiking in the mountains, von trapp family lodge, shopping, history, etc. #vermont #newengland

How to Spend a Weekend in Vermont: 11+ Ways to Fill Your Days

Brooklyn's New York Transit Museum // Underground and Underrated | The best New York City museum you've never heard of | New York City hidden gem | #NewYorkCity #museum #transitmuseum #brooklyn #nycmuseum #traveltip #timebudgettravel

Brooklyn’s New York Transit Museum: Underground and Underrated

Historical sites in San Antonio, Texas | San Antonio Missions, historic hotels in san antonio, where to stay in san antonio

16 Noteworthy Historical Sites in San Antonio, Texas (That Aren’t the Alamo)

Should You Visit Universal Orlando During the Pandemic? Ehh, Maybe Not | Universal Studios, Orlando, Florida - Islands of Adventure, Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Should You Visit Universal Orlando During the Pandemic? Ehh, Probably Not

3 Days in Sarasota, Florida / What to do and where to stay, all the best things to do in Sarasota, a relaxing guide (but fun-filled), best beaches in the country #sarasota #florida #gulfcoast #beach #siestakey

3 Days in Sarasota, Florida: Relaxing Itinerary, Info Guide, and More

7 Worthwhile Ways to Spend a Weekend in Dallas, Texas | Things to do in Dallas, 2 days in Dallas | Reunion Tower, 6th Floor Museum, Dealey Plaza, and more

7 Worthwhile Ways to Spend a Weekend in Dallas, Texas

Previous Post: «Another long weekend in Washington, D.C. // 17 more awesome things to squeeze in Another Long Weekend in Washington DC // 17 More Awesome Things to Squeeze In
Next Post: 4 Days in Scottsdale, Arizona: A Jam-Packed Itinerary With a Bit of Everything! 4 Days in Scottsdale, Arizona // A Jam-Packed Itinerary With a Bit of Everything #scottsdale #arizona #thingstodoinscottsdale #scottsdalerestaurants #cowboy #publicart»

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Hi, I’m Ashley!

My Wanderlusty Life travel blog by Ashley Smith - home of Time Budget Travel

Welcome to My Wanderlusty Life! I’ve made it my mission to help you travel the world on a Time Budget. I hope you like museums, hiking, beer and pretzels!

To learn more about this blog and the girl behind the blog, start here!

  • facebook
  • twitter
  • instagram
  • pinterest

Footer

Search This Site

Thanks for Visiting!

My Wanderlusty Life participates in several affiliate programs. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. See this site’s full Privacy Policy / Disclosure here.

All website content & images ©2014-2021 Ashley Smith unless otherwise stated. Please contact me before using any original photos or content.

Site Footer

  • Home
  • Contact

Copyright © 2021 My Wanderlusty Life - All Rights Reserved.