An institution in Scottsdale since it opened in 1956, the four-pearl, 241-room Valley Ho exudes a retro charm that draws the young and the hip. It's ideally located just on the outskirts of the Old Town, which is the dining and entertainment hub of the city -- its restaurants, shops, and galleries are within a 15-minute walk. In 2005, a full renovation brought it into the 21st century, while retaining (and refreshing) its cool 1950s style. Grounds are immaculate, the main pool is one of the liveliest in the Phoenix area, rooms are stylish and colorful, and the restaurant serves tasty food. Room categories range from standard kings that surround the pool to loft-style suites in the tower, all decorated in the hotel's funky aesthetic. But it's worth comparing rates with the nearby Aloft Scottsdale, which offers free high-speed Wi-Fi and free covered parking.

The Scott Resort & Spa (formerly FireSky Resort) is a chic upscale oasis right by Scottsdale’s busy main drag, close to great shopping and dining. Given its intimate, boutique vibe, The Scott crams a surprising number of features into its beautifully landscaped grounds, including two gorgeous pools (one has a sandy bottom and beach), a fitness center, day spa, an upscale Cuban-American restaurant, and a lively lobby bar serving top-notch cocktails. All 204 rooms and 13 suites are spacious and feature handsome Miami-esque Art Deco style, plus they're equipped with minibars, Nespresso machines, iPod docks, and outdoor areas. Daily resort fees are pricey, but they cover perks like bicycles, a local area shuttle, valet parking, and Wi-Fi. Be aware that the resort sells day passes on weekends, which can lead to pool crowding. For a sleek alternative with a Tesla chauffeur on hand, try the Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Spa -- though the main pool here can get crowded here too.

While not quite a romantic escape in the same way as The Boulders or The Sanctuary, the Westin Kierland is, all-around, a great resort with a convenient Scottsdale location. For kids: excellent pool complex; supervised educational activities; special events for teens; weekend bonfires. For adults: fine dining; great golf; quality spa; adults-only pool; across from a shopping mall.

The Aloft Scottsdale is a fresh and modern mid-range hotel adjacent to some of Scottsdale’s trendiest nightclubs. Renovated and re-branded in mid-2016, this former Hotel Indigo Scottsdale hosts a lively party crowd on weekends, while weekdays are more sedate when the hotel primarily hosts business travelers. The 126 rooms sport a trendy, minimalist motif, which can either feel stylish or sterile, depending on perspective. Rooms can get noisy on the weekends, too. Features include the W XYZ lounge with an appetizers menu, poolside service, and continental breakfast (for a fee), a fitness center, and free parking. Rates are competitive but not inexpensive. Those wanting to be closer to Old Town Scottsdale should consider the upper-middle-range Scottsdale Marriott Suites Old Town, but bear in mind that it's a bit more expensive.

The W Scottsdale is a chic four-pearl hotel known for its weekend poolside parties. Its 230 rooms are stylish and bright, and some have views of Camelback Mountain. Regular DJ events, a fine-dining sushi restaurant, and cavernous lighting have given the hotel a reputation around town as a place to be, but the noise levels (especially on weekends) may turn off some travelers. There are fees for both Wi-Fi and parking, but there is free parking available on the streets. The nearby Saguaro, a Joie de Vivre Hotel, has a similar party vibe, so it may be worth comparing rates.

The 62-room Canyon Suites at The Phoenician is a Scottsdale landmark among luxury hotels. This intimate boutique is located on the greater grounds of The Phoenician Resort and is one of the highest ranked properties in the region. This smaller site offers personalized service, a private pool with poolside food service, and beautifully landscaped surroundings. The views -- looking out to Camelback Mountain and the golf course -- are gorgeous. The pool and golf course are the two hot spots here, but other areas of Canyon Suites are elegant inside and out. There is a full service spa and fitness center with classes and a sauna, free chauffeured Mercedes around the resort and to Fashion Square, and wine happy hours hosted by sommeliers. This hotel definitely exudes prestige appropriate for its price point, although rooms aren't quite as luxe as one might expect at a hotel of this caliber. While The Suites is kid-friendly, the main resort may be the better option for families since the main clientele here are those celebrating honeymoons and anniversaries and traveling on business.

The 194-room Saguaro Scottsdale is a hip and funky upscale property housed in a boxy piece of '60s architecture, decorated in every color of the rainbow and with a good dollop of vintage and Mexican style. In addition to its excellent Old Town location (near restaurants and shopping), the main draw here is the happening pool scene, which is a magnet for a young crowd looking to party. Rooms are well equipped with minibars and flat-screen TVs, though even their colorful paintwork can't always cover some worn interiors; furnished patios or balconies are a particularly nice element of these spaces. While usually pricier, Hotel Valley Ho also boasts hip credentials and a retro vibe, but with a sleeker finish.

The 298-room Westin Kierland Villas is an upscale timeshare outpost of the Starwood chain. It has an excellent location just outside Scottsdale, a kid-friendly swimming area, an adults-only pool, and Agave, the Arizona Spa. The villas are comfortable and modern with full kitchens, laundry facilities, showers with twin showerheads, and spacious balconies. This is a hotel with an informal atmosphere as opposed to the more formal competitors in this steep price class. Although there is little to complain about, certain competing hotels such as the Phoenician offer more restaurant options on-site activities, as well as larger grounds. Additionally, the persistent timeshare presentations may drive guests to the surrounding properties. Wi-Fi and parking are both free.

The four-pearl Scottsdale Resort at McCormick Ranch, located a short drive from Old Town Scottsdale, looks fresh following a $10 million renovation, completed in 2015. It has 326 guest rooms that are spacious but not luxurious, and they all contain flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, mini-fridges, and coffeemakers. The resort's grounds are lushly landscaped, and there's a large pool with private cabanas, but expect a hefty daily resort fee. Other highlights include a full-service spa, an excellent fitness center with a sauna, multiple on-site dining options, and extensive event space. Travelers looking for more amenities and no resort fee may wish to compare rates with Talking Stick Resort.

This mid-range, 243-room Marriott is in Old Town Scottsdale, Arizona’s premier arts, shopping, and dining district. Comfortable, contemporary rooms feature flat-screen TVs and iPod docks, but you'll have to pay for parking, breakfast, and in-room Wi-Fi.