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Mountain Shadows Resort Scottsdale Guide & Honest Review

There are many fantastic resorts and hotels in the greater Phoenix area. However, the Mountain Shadows Resort is my absolute favorite.

I’ve stayed there 5+ times and have visited in every season. Since I’ve spent so much time at the resort, I know all the pro’s and considerations of staying at this resort.

This small, boutique hotel is at the base of Camelback Mountain and has a world-class restaurant and stunning mid-century modern pool area.

This Mountain Shadows Resort guide includes a review of the property and tips for staying there.  

Some links on this blog are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through them. All opinions are my own, and I only recommend products and services I personally use and believe in. Thanks for your support!

Overview of Mountain Shadows Resort Scottsdale

Location

Mountain Shadows is in the town of Paradise Valley, which is a smaller, exclusive area near Scottsdale and Phoenix.

I love staying in this area because of the scenic views of Camelback, luxury neighborhoods, and proximity to many activities.

In addition, Paradise Valley is a dark city which means there are no outdoor lights, creating fantastic views of the stars.

Price

The resort is a small boutique hotel with one hotel block, condos, and residences. The nightly rate for a room runs from $300-$600 per night based on the season.

Hotel Group Affiliation

Mountain Shadows is independently owned and operated, so unfortunately, you cannot apply hotel group points or loyalty status.

Check availability for your trip

Room Review

The entire resort has a trendy, mid-century modern style. Each guest room has a large king bed or two queens, a desk, and a patio.

The rooms are small but have a great use of the space and there is plenty of storage.

You can book a room with a pool, garden, or mountain view. All the rooms have great views, but mountain view is my personal favorite.

In addition to a great layout, the rooms have high-end amenities including soft sheets, luxury bath products, and plush robes for lounging.

Residences at Mountain Shadows

Something unique about Mountain Shadows resort is that they have full-time residences on property. There are condos, townhomes, and single-family houses that are owned by residents or rented by the resort.

The residences are a great option for larger groups because they have 1–3-bedroom options. In addition, you will see residents around the resort, especially at the bar at night.

They are great resources for recommendations about the local area, so start a conversation if you can!

Weddings at Mountain Shadows Resorts

The weddings at Mountain Shadows are absolutely stunning. The resort offers full-service weddings including a getting ready room, ceremony space, reception space, and catering.

If you are planning a wedding, check out their website for a full list of their offerings. If you are going to be a guest at the hotel, try to sneak a peak at the wedding setup on the Mountain Shadows lawn.

Dining at Mountain Shadows Scottsdale

Hearth 61 Restaurant

The Hearth 61 restaurant is one of my favorite features of the resort. It goes above and beyond the quality and service of a typical resort restaurant.

Each day, they offer brunch, dinner, and bar/lounge service.

For brunch, they offer a variety of breakfast and lunch options. Some of my favorite items on the menu are the avocado toast, ricotta banana pancakes, and the brie sandwich.

For dinner, Hearth is a luxury restaurant with fantastic entrees including steak, salmon, chicken, and flatbreads.

The quality of the food is exceptional, and the menu rotates seasonally to feature the freshest ingredients.

The bar at Hearth 61 is great for a casual dinner or after-dinner drink. They offer an extensive whiskey menu and any cocktail you can think of.

If you want to try the Hearth restaurant food is a more casual setting, they will allow you to order off the full menu upon request.

Rusty’s at the Short Course Restaurant

The other restaurant at the resort is Rusty’s, next to the golf course. There are many great lunch options including sandwiches, a burger, or wings.

They also have a daily happy hour at 3 pm, which is a great way to unwind after a day exploring.

Pool & Cabanas

mountain shadows pool cabanas

The pool is the #1 reason to stay at the Mountain Shadows Resort Scottsdale. There are two long pools that are separated by a walkway.

The upper pool is warmer and chlorinated. The lower pool is super cold and salt water. The upper one is better for swimming or relaxing, but the lower one is great during Arizona summers.

Resort-cabanas line one side of the pool. Each cabana comes with a tv, couch lounge area, daybed, and some refreshments. They are perfect for bachelorette parties or birthdays.

There is all-day service at the pool with food and drinks available for purchase. My favorite drink on the menu is the Miami Vice, but you can order anything from the full bar.

For food, the hummus plate and chicken Caesar wrap are great options.

Resort Gym

The resort gym is small, but very effective. There are a variety of cardio machines all facing the pool area for great people watching. There are also sets of free weights and some machines.

If you plan to workout on your vacation, I highly recommend taking one of the fitness classes that the resort offers. They offer yoga, Pilates, spin, and other classes led by resort personnel or local teachers.

The Short Course at Mountain Shadows

mountain shadows golf course

The par 3 golf course at the Mountain Shadows resort exceeded my expectations. Unlike some executive courses, it is well maintained, and the holes are difficult.

In addition to being a great course, you cannot beat the amazing mountain views from every hole. If you’re a golfer, I recommend checking out the course early in the morning before peak heat and your daytime activities.

My Favorite Things about Mountain Shadows Resort

While there are many fantastic things about Mountain Shadows Resort, the below three elements are my favorite!

  1. The unique mid-century modern style
  2. The amazing views of Camelback from the pool
  3. Hearth 61 brunch and dinner

Check availability and book your stay

What Could Improve

As much as I love this resort, it would not be a complete review without pointing out what could be improved.

  1. The service at the pool is a bit slow during peak lunch hours
  2. The pool food and cocktail menu, while tasty, has limited options
  3. While family friendly, there aren’t may kid-specific amenities at the resort

Summary of Mountain Shadows Resort Scottsdale

Overall, the Mountain Shadows Resort Scottsdale is a great place to stay in Paradise Valley, Arizona. The luxury boutique provides something for everyone, from their par 3 golf course to large resort pool and great restaurants.

It is perfect for an adult family vacation, girl’s trip, or even wedding celebration. During your stay, I guarantee you will feel relaxed, and be treated like a VIP.

Check this resort out for yourself!

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