Where to Eat, Sleep and Play in Scottsdale, Arizona

When you talk to a local in Scottsdale, Arizona, you might hear stories about the extreme summer heat, or maybe the chilly temperatures and potential for snow in the area in winter. But when the discussion turns to spring, well, it’s nothing but smiles.

Spring is the reason so many people choose to live in the upscale enclave of Scottsdale, which is set within the greater Phoenix region. Perfect sunny days and comfortable nights (ideal for sitting around a firepit) call to visitors from all around the country this season.

Here are tips for your clients who are looking for an upscale spring getaway in the “Beverly Hills of the Desert.”

Eat: Talavera, Toro, La Hacienda, Citizen Public House and Postino

There are plenty of gourmet options in Scottsdale, as well as a quietly vibrant local food scene. Instead of the usual chain steakhouses, check out Talavera at the Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North. In addition to great steaks, this Spanish eatery features a variety of tapas and a delicious seafood paella. If your clients are coming with a group, be sure to book the restaurant’s charming private room for family dining.

At the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, there are two excellent Richard Sandoval restaurants. Toro is located off the 18th green of TPC Scottsdale — home of the wildly popular PGA Tour Waste Management Phoenix Open — and it specializes in Latin-Asian fusion dishes. Be sure to suggest that clients try the Cuban sandwich and the sushi. La Hacienda, the other Sandoval option, is a fine-dining spot notable for its upscale Mexican cuisine paired with a huge menu of Tequilas and mezcals. (There’s even a sommelier called the Tequila Goddess, who can help pick the perfect brand for your meal.)

If clients are looking for something local, send them to Citizen Public House in Old Town Scottsdale. The chopped salad here is legendary. Another option is Postino Kierland, in the Kierland Commons, featuring $6 pitchers of beer and glasses of wine every day until 5 p.m., which can be paired with a wide selection of bruschetta boards and other snacks. 

Sleep: Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North and Fairmont Scottsdale Princess

For clients looking for a desert oasis ambiance, send them to the Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North. Located on the north edge of Scottsdale, the vibes here are classic ranchero, with low casita-style buildings spread out across a desert landscape. Many of the rooms have fireplaces and a balcony for enjoying the tranquility and Scottsdale's vibrant sunsets. The resort is located close to hiking at Pinnacle Peak Park and world-class golf at Troon North Golf Club and Grayhawk Golf Club.

RELATED: A Family's Review of Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North

For visitors who prefer to be closer to the action, the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is a great option. Centrally located near shops and spring-training stadiums, the Fairmont has 750 rooms and suites, including 66 Fairmont Gold rooms (with their own lounge that serves breakfast) and 122 ultra-luxe Privado Villas (featuring their own reception area, lounge, entrance and amenities). There are also four restaurants on property (for clients who are there on the weekend, tell them to check out the “donut wall” during brunch at Ironwood American Kitchen), as well as six swimming pools (plus a splash pad, water slides and a sand beach) and a great outside lounge area with firepits. 

Play: Spring Training, Golf and Hiking

Spring in the Phoenix area means spring training baseball. Fifteen Major League Baseball teams make up the Cactus League, and they hold near daily practices and games at 10 fields across the region. Fans can get up close to their favorite players in cozy stadiums or by watching teams work out on the practice fields. Scottsdale in particular is home to the Giants, Rockies and Diamondbacks.

Another popular spring option in Scottsdale is world-class golf. Courses such as Troon North Golf Club, TPC Scottsdale and Grayhawk Golf Club are bucket-list destinations for golfers and are well worth the price to play. But there’s a wide variety of courses for all budgets and handicaps across the city.

Families and less serious golfers might want to check out PopStroke Golf, which bills itself as “Scottsdale’s Mini-Golf Oasis.” Between an elaborate mini-golf course, a fan-favorite ice cream parlor and food and cocktails served on the links, PopStroke has something for everyone.

Finally, hiking is the unofficial sport of Scottsdale in spring. The city is surrounded by miles of amazing trails and a range of canyons and parks, often featuring incredible valley views. Just tell clients to do their research and pick a trail that is not too strenuous and be sure to bring lots of water.