Just east of Phoenix lies Scottsdale, Arizona, a beautiful city known for its upscale restaurants, shopping, and nightlife. With a few rare exceptions, the weather is sunny and warm year-round, with temperatures typically not lower than 40℉ in the dead of winter. Scottsdale attracts tourists from all over the world with an impressive catalog of resorts, attractions, and activities for every taste. One of the preferred activities bringing visitors to Scottsdale’s borders is the fabled bachelor/bachelorette party. If you’re planning a getaway for the bride or groom-to-be in your life, here are five reasons to consider Scottsdale as your party central.
1. Plenty of Clubs
The cornerstone of any bachelor/bachelorette party is a wild night out, and Scottsdale offers one of the best nightlife experiences available in the country. Scottsdale’s downtown area, referred to as Old Town Scottsdale, is a quiet mecca of antique shops, restaurants, and art galleries during the day. However, it turns into a veritable glittering nightlife wonderland after dark, featuring dozens of nightclubs within a few city blocks. Some of the most highly-recommended establishments in Old Town include:
- Maya Day and Nightclub-good for EDM, dancing, and daytime pool parties
- Geisha A Go Go-good for sushi, sake, and private room karaoke
- El Hefe Mexican Restaurant-good for Top 40s and hip hop music, well-known for their potent “beergaritas”
- Wasted Grain-a spacious, two-story establishment with live music on the first floor and a dance club on the second
As an added bonus, these clubs are all within walking distance of one another, along with a host of other clubs not mentioned above. Most of Scottsdale’s nightclubs are comparable to the ones in Las Vegas, but for a fraction of the cost. Which brings us to our next point…
2. Affordable Bottle Service
If you’re looking for the VIP treatment, Scottsdale is the best place to find it. Pricing for table reservations can vary depending on the time of year, day of the week, quality of liquor, and the number of people in your group. For the most part, expect to pay anywhere between $600-$900 in a Scottsdale club for bottle service, which is a whole lot better than paying four figures for the same experience in nearby Las Vegas. Many establishments don’t include gratuity in their pricing, so don’t forget to tip!
3. World-Class Restaurants
Scottsdale is home to some of the world’s best restaurants and chefs. In 2019, Wallethub named Scottsdale the top foodie city in Arizona and ranked it at #32 in the same category for the entire United States. With so many gastronomic options in the city, your group’s only gripe might be trying to decide on just one place to dine. Here are some notable standouts in the culinary scene that might interest a bachelor/bachelorette party.
- Roaring Fork-modern American cuisine served in a rustic-chic setting
- Roka Akor-sleek, contemporary Japanese restaurant serving sushi, seafood, and steak
- True Food Kitchen-healthy, wholesome food using seasonal ingredients in a casual setting. Good for restricted diets
- Persian Room-Persian fine dining in upscale, lavish setting
4. Lodging for Every Group Size and Budget
Hotels, motels, and short-term vacation rentals abound in Scottsdale due to its status as a tourist destination. Airbnbs in the area is both Instagrammable and affordable. A four-bedroom Airbnb in Old Town might cost you anywhere from $200-400 a night, which won’t amount to much once you fill those rooms with friends willing to split the cost. While many cities across the country are coming down on Airbnbs—whether it’s restricting their numbers in certain neighborhoods or the number of guests allowed to stay in them—Scottsdale is not one of those cities. Therefore, not only can you book your Airbnb with ease, but you also have plenty of Airbnbs to choose from. If you happen to be interested in an Airbnb investment property, The Kay-Grant Group can help you out.
For visitors looking for a more resort-style experience, Scottsdale has no shortage of luxurious hotels to make any bachelor or bachelorette feel special. The popular, high-end chains like Hilton, Marriott, The W, and Four Seasons all have a presence here. Some other luxury hotels for your consideration are:
- Sanctuary Camelback Resort and Spa
- The Phoenician
- Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
- Omni Resort and Spa
- Hotel Valley Ho
- Westin Kierland Resort and Spa
5. Nearby Attractions and Activities
A person can only do so much drinking and eating on vacation before they feel bored. Luckily, Scottsdale offers plenty of recreational activities to amuse even the pickiest of visitors.
Hiking
For the outdoorsy folks, Arizona offers some of the best hiking trails around. Nearby Camelback Mountain has an elevation of 2,700 feet and features a very steep, 1.2 mile trek to the peak. Conquering this mountain can be extremely challenging but rewarding. No other spot in the city offers views quite like the one from the top of Camelback, and the sprawl of Phoenix would make the perfect backdrop for your group photo. Other trails can be found within an hour’s drive at the Superstition Mountains, White Tank Mountains, and South Mountain.
Indoor Activities
Because of the region’s scorching-hot summers, Scottsdale also has plenty of air-conditioned, indoor activities. Rock climbing gyms, escape rooms, and interactive museums can be found in many places throughout the city. Here are some unique ideas to get you started.
- BATL (Backyard Axe Throwing League)-freestyle target axe-throwing supervised by instructors
- Top Golf-a driving range that works like a bowling alley with a bar and restaurant on site
- Art of Merlot Paint and Wine Studio-BYOB painting class for all levels
- AZ on the Rocks-Indoor climbing gym featuring 14,000 square feet of textured terrain
- Scottsdale Fashion Square-an indoor mall featuring high-end brands like Louis Vuitton and Cartier for the fashionista or distinguished gentleman in your group
Spring Training
Spring Training happens every year during February and March, and Scottsdale is the springtime home of the San Francisco Giants, Colorado Rockies, and Arizona Diamondbacks. If you find yourself booking your Scottsdale stay during Spring Training, don’t miss the opportunity to see your favorite team play! You can find lawn tickets for most games for under $20, so it can be a very affordable activity to do with your group.
Day Trips Outside of Scottsdale
If your group has the time and energy to explore the rest of Arizona, there are plenty of attractions outside of Scottsdale that is worth a visit. The Grand Canyon, one of the Seven Natural Wonders, is a 3.5-hour drive away from Scottdale, while the beautiful red rocks and vortexes of Sedona are within 2 hours. In Southern Arizona, the historic towns of Tubac, Jerome, Bisbee, Yuma, and Tombstone are great for a taste of the Old West, while the towering pines of Northern Arizona can provide a refuge from the arid desert.
A bachelor/bachelorette party should be memorable and fun without breaking the bank. Whether you’re planning the party for yourself or your friend, don’t overlook Scottsdale. In fact, put Scottsdale at the top of the list! Overall, Scottsdale offers everything a future bride and groom could want for their final fling before the ring and all for an incredibly reasonable price. Plentiful nightlife, activities, and restaurants make this city an ideal destination for your next group getaway.
