ADERO Scottsdale Resort, Autograph Collection

HOTEL OVERVIEW

You know what struck me first about ADERO Scottsdale? It’s tucked way up in the foothills – I mean really up there on Eagle Ridge Drive – and the moment you pull into the circular drive, you’re hit with this incredible sprawling view of the Sonoran Desert that just goes on forever. The valet parking is actually seamless here (thank god, because navigating those winding mountain roads in a rental car had me a bit stressed), and honestly, the whole check-in process felt refreshingly low-key for a resort this nice.

The property itself has this really cool contemporary desert vibe that doesn’t feel forced or theme-park-ish like some Scottsdale places can. They’ve got these amazing outdoor fire pits scattered around where people actually hang out in the evenings – not just props for photos. The pool area is where this place really shines though. It’s this gorgeous infinity setup that seems to blend right into the desert landscape, and during sunset… well, let’s just say I spent way more time there than I planned. The rooms are solid – clean lines, those floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the mountain views perfectly, and the bathrooms are spacious with really good water pressure (you’d be surprised how often that’s an issue at desert resorts). One thing I appreciated: the AC is powerful and quiet, which matters when it’s 110 degrees outside and you’re trying to sleep.

What really sets ADERO apart is its location in the Scottsdale foothills – you’re far enough from the Old Town madness to feel like you’re in nature, but close enough that a quick Uber gets you to all the restaurants and nightlife if that’s your thing. The hiking trails are literally right there, and if you’re into that early morning desert walk thing, you can access some really beautiful paths without even leaving the property. The staff seems to genuinely know the area too – they pointed me toward this lesser-known viewpoint about ten minutes away that most tourists never find. My only minor gripe? The resort can feel a bit quiet during weekdays, especially in summer when the snowbirds aren’t around, but honestly that might be a plus depending on what you’re looking for. The on-site dining is pretty good, though I’d still recommend venturing out to some of the local spots in nearby Carefree or Cave Creek for dinner at least once. Overall, it’s one of those places that manages to feel both luxurious and genuinely connected to the desert landscape – not an easy balance to strike in a town full of resorts trying to do exactly that.