Scottsdale is bringin’ the heat…
Scottsdale has become one of the most popular destinations for bachelorette parties. There’s a reason why everyone is choosing to fly to the desert to have their final fiesta. With its warm weather, trendy restaurants, pool parties, vibrant nightlife, and outdoor activities, Scottsdale is bringing all the good vibes.
Where To Stay
With the increasing demand of future brides & grooms eager to party before their big day, many Scottsdale homeowners have renovated their properties to create an aesthetically pleasing desert vibe retreat. Whether you’re choosing between an Airbnb or a hotel, try to stay near Downtown Scottsdale or Old Town.
Hotel Versus Airbnb?
If you are a big group, I recommend booking a few months in advance to have more of a variety of homes to choose from. With temperatures reaching over 100F, make sure to choose a home with a swimming pool! There are a ton of homes with beautiful pools that are within walking distance to popular bars and restaurants downtown. If you’ve got some lazy girls in the group (just kidding, I refuse to walk in heels), Ubers are cheap and quick. If you’ve got a smaller group, maybe it’s just you and your 2-3 besties… a hotel might be right for you!
Popular hotels in Downtown Scottsdale:
WhereTo Eat
Lunch:
Diego Pops: indoor/outdoor seating, playful vibes, bomb tacos
The Montauk: east coast atmosphere, delicious lobster roll, classic drinks
In N Out Burger: a MUST every single time. I’m a “straight from the airport to the drive thru” kind of girl…. but YOU DO YOU!
Dinner:
Toca Madera: upscale Mexican restaurant, trendy ambiance; live entertainment: fire dancers and an electric guitarist; pricey but worth the splurge
Maple & Ash: popular steakhouse, lively spot, expensive but worth it
Olive & Ivy: shareable mediterranean plates with a good cocktail list
The girls don’t feel like spending $200/pp on a meal?
Easy! Start a grocery list and AmazonPrime it to the house! Order bagels, cereal, eggs, or bacon for quick, easy breakfast options and surefire hangover cures. If one of the girls is brave enough to jump behind the grill, purchase some burgers, hotdogs, buns and a few side dishes (BAKED BEANS..duh) and have yourself a little backyard barbecue by the pool.
Where To Party
Day:
If you love a good day party, then you can’t go wrong with either: Maya Dayclub or WET DECK at W Scottsdale Hotel. Both these spots bring the “Las Vegas pool party vibe” to the desert. Make sure to book a couple daybeds or a single cabana in advance. They’re worth the splurge – having a spot to chill, throw your towels and bags down is a necessary luxury. Depending on the entertainment and time of year, cabana costs can add up. TRUST ME: Your group will not have any problem meeting the food and beverage minimum.
Happy Hour:
Looking for a cute happy hour spot? Wine Girl is the place for you!
This place is as basic bitch as it gets. Get Instagram-worthy pictures while getting drunk off wine with your best friends; a win/win for most. This place has a fun selection of merch: wine glasses, shirts, totes, jewelry, and hats. I totally left with a crop-top jersey that said “Wine Her, Dine Her, 69 Her”. (SORRY, MOM!)
Night:
Bottled Blonde . Riot House . Dierk’s Bentley Whiskey Row
Most bars are all within walking distance of one another. They are extremely crowded on weekend nights. Without a table on a Saturday night, your group might run the risk of getting stuck in a very long line; sometimes up to an hour. If your group opts out of table service, I suggest you get there early or (obviously) flirt with the bouncers.
What To Do
1.Book a yoga class!
Looking to sweat out those tequila shots from the night before?
Most instructors will come with mats to teach a class in your home. All you have to do is chug a bottle of water, find some shade, and work on your tree pose (or sit in shavasana for 45 minutes because you’re too hungover to participate). Prices range anywhere from $20-$30 per person.
2. Go Hiking!
For the brides looking to torture their bridesmaids.. here are a few popular hikes!
I’m not against brides who want to go on hikes, but PLEASE for the love of God, make it optional!
- Camelback Mountain: *difficult,* contains two summit trails that ascend the mountain – Echo Canyon Trail and Cholla Trail
- Pinnacle Peak Park: moderately difficult 1.75 mile trail, picturesque scenery
- The McDowell Sonoran Preserve: 200 miles of trails; most popular hikes include Tom’s Thumb Trail and Gateway Loop Trail
3. Explore Sedona.
Feeling adventurous?
Rent a car/van and drive two hours north to explore S E D O N A .
Sedona is best known for its red rock formations and relaxing resorts and spas. An absolute MUST is Pink Jeep Tours. Call to make a reservation in advance. Your group will have to choose how bumpy of a ride they can tolerate. Your driver will take you on an expedition into the mountains to see some of the most gorgeous, serene views.
If your group isn’t in a rush to get back to Scottsdale to party, Elote Cafe has quality, authentic Mexican food. The restaurant does not open until 5:00 PM, but is now taking reservations up to 60 days in advance.
Other food options in Sedona: Salt Rock Kitchen & Tortas de Fuego
