Whenever I visit a new (or well-loved) city, part of the fun of the experience is staying in wonderful hotels. Phoenix and the surrounding area in central Arizona are especially well-known for luxurious resorts, with spas and golf courses aplenty. On my most recent trip to Phoenix, I stayed at Mountain Shadows outside of Scottsdale and absolutely loved it! I’m sharing the details of this gorgeously designed resort and all the amenities you can expect if you’re looking for a place to stay near Phoenix, Arizona.
About Mountain Shadows
Mountain Shadows is a boutique resort located in Paradise Valley, perfectly set at the base of Camelback Mountain and Mummy Mountain. The geographical features gave the hotel its name when it first opened in 1959. Over the years, Mountain Shadows resort was a feature of the upscale town, attracting Hollywood visitors, international travelers, and families who enjoyed soaking up the Arizona sun. Though it had many different owners over time, the resort’s name remained the same, even following it through its closure in 2004 and reconstruction in 2017.
The resort was completely rebuilt from the ground up and reopened in 2017, but there’s still a sense of the property’s history as you look around. From the ‘50s and ‘60s-inspired architecture to the breeze block by the pool, the resort is intentionally designed to give homage both to Mountain Shadows’ long history and the beautiful landscape in which it’s set.
Mountain Shadows is still an iconic and beloved destination for travelers to the Phoenix and Scottsdale area, and it was the perfect place to stay for our girls’ trip to Phoenix.
Location
Paradise Valley, which Mountain Shadows is at the center of, is a town in the suburbs of Phoenix, Arizona, nearer to Scottsdale. The town is known for its upscale living, including luxury golf courses, shopping and dining, and, of course, luxury resorts like Mountain Shadows. It’s actually Arizona’s wealthiest municipality and a premier tourist destination. Despite not being directly in Phoenix, Mountain Shadows is less than a 30-minute drive from Downtown Phoenix, making it a perfect home base for your Arizonan adventures. The hotel is also super easy to access from the Phoenix airport!
Rooms
Mountain Shadows has several different guestrooms and suites to choose from when you’re booking your accommodations, all of which are styled in a modern, desert-chic design. Most of the rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows that let in plenty of light and let you see sweeping views of the Sonoran Desert landscape. Choose from a mountain view with a patio, poolside access, or third-floor accommodations with a view of Camelback Mountain from a luxurious tub in your room. There are also luxury residential condos at Mountain Shadows that may sometimes be offered as premium rooms to hotel guests.
All rooms are equipped with plush bedding, custom furnishings, a cocktail cart with locally inspired recipes, unlimited WiFi, a 55” flat-screen TV, cozy robes and slippers, Red Flower toiletries, and in-room coffee and bottled water.
Amenities at Mountain Shadows Resort
Mountain Shadows has all the amenities you would expect from a luxury resort and more, with pools, a premium fitness center, golf courses, and on-property dining options.
Swim + Fitness
All of the fitness and swimming amenities at Mountain Shadows are collected under the heading of The Citizens Club, named after The Citizens Committee that came together to found the town of Paradise Valley in 1961 with the intention of creating a community with an incredible quality of life. Mountain Shadows Resort Scottsdale honors this mission by offering a wide range of activities for resort guests, including a 4,000+ square foot fitness center with Pilates, classic and aerial yoga, cycle and barre classes, and much more!
Two 75-foot pools are connected by an over-water walkway and offer gorgeous views of the mountains and the resort’s architecture. Rent a private cabana and spend a day lounging by the pool with an included chips & dip platter and a bottle of house rosé.
Golfing
The Short Course at Mountain Shadows was named one of the best par-3 courses in America by Golf.com and is a 18-hole course perfect for beginners and pros alike. Set in the rugged landscape of the Sonoran Desert, you can enjoy the beautiful views while you practice your swing. Resort guests also get access to the putting green included in the resort fee, if you’re not up to playing a full 18-hole course.
Dining
Hearth ‘61 is the restaurant located on the Mountain Shadows resort property, featuring modern American cuisine from renowned Chef Charles Wiley. The dishes at Hearth ‘61 are ingredient-driven and create delicious flavor pairings. The open-layout restaurant and bar is perfect for dinner or drinks, and if you’re an interior design fan like me, you’ll love to know that Architectural Digest named Hearth ‘61 The Most Beautifully Designed Bar in Arizona. You can certainly see why when you step inside, though it hardly feels like it since you can still see the mountains in the near distance!
Pay a visit also to Rusty’s golf grill on The Short Course at Mountain Shadows. The more casual grill is the perfect place to watch a few holes and sip a brew or two.
Spa Services
If you like to take your vacations as an opportunity to treat yourself, you can book a massage service in your own room at Mountain Shadows Resort Scottsdale. Looking for an even more immersive spa experience? The Mountain Shadows concierge can help you plan your perfect spa day at Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa.
Whatever your travel style, Mountain Shadows Resort in Paradise Valley is a must-stay if you’re visiting Phoenix or Scottsdale. Between the artfully designed interiors to the sweeping desert views and amazing amenities, Mountain Shadows is truly a wonderful resort!
If you’d like to read more about exactly what to do during your stay in Phoenix, check out my Ultimate Phoenix Travel Guide to get my top restaurant recommendations, the best things to do, and more!
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