TELL ME ABOUT SCOTTSDALE

Regarded as the "West's Most Western Town," Scottsdale is steeped in Native American culture and Wild West lore. In 1880 retired Army Chaplain Winfield Scott purchased the area and set up a frontier settlement, drawing cowboys and ranchers. Miners soon came looking for silver and gold, families in search of clean, dry air, and artists inspired by the beauty of the Sonoran Desert. In 1951 the city was incorporated, and by the 70s Scottsdale was a haven of homes and golf courses, and the headquarters to corporations like Dial and Motorola. Today it reigns as one of the world's premier golf and resort destinations, and its business reputation continues to grow as young white-collar professionals stimulate the area's economy.

SCOTTSDALE NIGHTLIFE

Formerly a sleepy retirement town in the middle of the desert, in the past decade Scottsdale's social scene has exploded. In fact, it is often considered the desert version of Miami's South Beach due to its late-night atmosphere. The city's standing as "the capital of Southwestern culture" results from its myriad annual festivals, including the celebrated Scottsdale Art Festival and Scottsdale Arabian Horse show. Meanwhile, the annual Phoenix Open golf tournament, known as "The Greatest Show on Grass," draws hundreds of thousands of spectators. On New Year's Eve, Scottsdale's Ultimate Block Party attracts up to 25,000 guests and, weekly, "America's Original ArtWalk," a 30-year-old tradition, takes place in the downtown art district, where-along with galleries-a variety of high-end nightclubs, live music venues, restaurants, luxury shops, hotels, lounges, and bars emit a buzz at all hours. Discover the Scottsdale nightlife at W Scottsdale.

WHERE ARE WE? 

Located in central Arizona's Salt River Valley-or the Valley of the Sun-just a short drive from landmarks like the Grand Canyon, Tombstone, Jerome and Sedona, Scottsdale is considered an icon of Western American style, influenced by the beauty of the surrounding Sonoran Desert and nearby Antelope Canyon, Monument Valley, and Camelback Mountain. A traditional building code has endowed it with covered walkways, hitching posts, and one-story storefronts reminiscent of the Old West. Meanwhile, famed architect and writer Frank Lloyd Wright also left his mark on the city with Taliesin West, both his winter home and an architectural school. With the growth of the downtown Entertainment District, new constructions add to the stimulating mix, echoing the region's style while infusing it with a jolt of modernity.

Would you like a W Concierge to provide more insight into our fantastic city? Give us a ring at 480.970.2100.