Phoenix And Scottsdale Celebrity Hotspots: Where To Go To See The Stars

They may not have rosters of celebrity residents like Los Angeles and New York City do, but Phoenix and Scottsdale are still A-list hotspots, being home to stars like Bret Michaels, David Spade, Frankie Muniz, and more. Celebrities clamor for property here — or even just a getaway — because the Arizona cities offer privacy that other big-name hotspots can't. They also showcase amazing desert and mountain views (check out the most scenic views in Phoenix, Arizona), warm weather, and high-end shopping and entertainment without the constant watchful eye of the paparazzi.

But you don't need to be a celebrity to enjoy the many perks that Phoenix and Scottsdale offer. You can book the same hotels, suites, restaurants, and club tables that the biggest stars enjoy and hopefully spot a few of them just going about their days in the process. Here are some Arizona venues to check out if you're eager to catch a glimpse of the rich and famous. Or, to see stars in another form, visit these spots for stargazing in Phoenix.

Arizona Biltmore dates back to 1929, explaining how it has mastered keeping its guests entertained throughout the decades. With a 22,000-square-foot spa offering treatments inspired by the surrounding desert, three waterslides that span 65 feet, a private club for VIP guests, and an Olympic-sized pool, the Arizona Biltmore has been attracting guests for generations. 

An endless list of icons have vacationed here, including Marilyn Monroe, who purportedly said the hotel's pool was her favorite for getting a tan. There's also every American president from Herbert Hoover to Barack Obama, as well as Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis, Jr., and Liza Minelli, who were almost chastised when a guest complained about their loud singing in the piano bar after hours. Arizona Biltmore has hosted so many historic faces that it offers 90-minute walking tours talking about them and its own past, including its invention of the Tequila Sunrise.

Today's guests enjoy the same touches that those icons of yesteryear did, as the Arizona Biltmore still maintains many of its original features. But the hotel's mystique hasn't faded into the distance. Some of its modern-day celebrity guests have included George Clooney and Tom Cruise. In 2023, a star-studded Fanatics Super Bowl Party was held there with Travis Scott performing — entertainers like Drake, Jay-Z, Paul Rudd, Keegan-Michael Key, Winnie Harlow, and Odell Beckham Jr. were also in attendance. Only a month later, Shaquille O'Neal was also spotted at the legendary hotel.

What's better than watching sports with a sports legend? That's what sports fanatics will find at Majerle's Sports Grill, thanks to owner and founder Dan Majerle. Majerle, an NBA player with the Phoenix Suns for years and three-time All-Star, traded his basketball for a pint glass when he opened Majerle's Sports Grill in 1992. Prior to that, he worked as the head coach for his former team as a sports analyst and broadcaster, as well as a basketball coach at Grand Canyon University. Since then, Majerle has been just as successful as a restaurant owner as he was as a basketball star. Majerle's Sports Grill has been named one of the best sports bars in the country by Sports Illustrated and the best in the state by Arizona Republic, to mention a few of its accolades.

But it seems that what keeps its crowd coming back is that it's decidedly not pompous as so many celebrity hangouts are. Majerle's Sports Grill focuses on being a traditional sports bar, keeping prices down, making its food tasty, and welcoming the whole family. Those looking to enjoy a burger and watch the game can find the sports bar in the Fry Building, which, having been built in 1885, is the oldest commercial building in Phoenix and is on the National Register of Historic Places. The restaurant's second location is at the Desert Ridge Marketplace, a 1.2 million-square-foot mall with more than 100 shops and restaurants.

Like Arizona Biltmore, the Hotel Valley Ho in Scottsdale also has a storied history with a list of celebrity guests from both the past and today, thanks to its penchant for combining old charm with new amenities. After the hotel was built in 1956, it became a respite for stars like Bing Crosby and Zsa Zsa Gabor and was even the wedding reception venue for Robert Wagner and Natalie Wood after they tied the knot in 1957. Today, Hotel Valley Ho still has all of its star-studded appeal, thanks to its lively restaurant and bar, ZuZu, with a surprise prix fixe menu, rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, and an ideal location (a short walk from the downtown area). Plus, it's home to the OH Pool with a DJ booth, cabanas, and daybeds, as well as the much-chiller OHasis Pool with serene plants, décor, and food and drink delivery.

Throughout the last few years, the longstanding getaway has attracted the likes of Kim Kardashian, Britney Spears, Jamie Foxx, Katy Perry, Lenny Kravitz, Nick Lachey, and Hugh Jackman. Some stars even come back for annual trips, such as members of the band 311, Diane Keaton, and Vince Neil of Motley Crue. We can even guess where they're staying — the 1,500-square-foot Presidential Loft Suite, which has a 500-square-foot patio. The suite, adorned with crystal chandeliers, a telescope, eclectic furnishings, views of Camelback Mountain, and a walk-in closet, costs a whopping $3,500 per night.

Covered floor-to-ceiling in signed dollar bills that are donated annually, license plates, photos, t-shirts, taxidermized animals, and liquor signs, the Rusty Spur looks a lot less like a celebrity hangout and more like, well, a rusty spur. But that's part of this old saloon's charisma, as it's the oldest bar in Scottsdale and dates back to 1951 when it opened in an old bank that's now a historic landmark. It even still has the former bank vault, which, now refrigerated, houses spirits rather than cash as it once did, as well as what it calls its "famous barstool" that has a cheeky taste of the bar's humor.

When the lights go low, live country music graces the stage every night of the week. Look closely, as you're bound to see a famous face or two – especially country stars. The Rusty Spur has been the stomping ground of Dierks Bentley (who also owns his own bar and music venue in town), Blake Shelton, Toby Keith, John Rich, Jake Owen, Post Malone, John Wayne, Clint Eastwood, Vince Vaughn, and Jennifer Anniston. Dubbed as one of the three happiest places on earth (next to Disneyland and Las Vegas, of course), it's clear why a celebrity, or anyone, would be attracted to this down-home hangout that calls itself the city's last real cowboy saloon that even has swinging Old West-style doors.

American presidents have long loved the Arizona Biltmore, as every president from Herbert Hoover to George W. Bush has spent the night there. But Barack Obama mixed it up on his ventures to Phoenix in 2009 and 2015 when he stayed at the Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia. Later, Donald Trump booked a stay at the Scottsdale hotel as well, as there were no Trump hotels in the area. Both presidents chose none other than the aptly-named presidential suite, which spans 2,800 square feet and can cost as much as $5,000 per night. The two-bedroom suite has its own pool, spa, study, and amazing views of the nearby Camelback Mountain.

Even if the presidential suite isn't in your budget, you might still be able to glimpse some celebrities with a stay in one of the Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa's 239 guestrooms, which include unlimited access to the hotel's three pools surrounded by palm and citrus trees. Or take your relaxation indoors at the Joy Spa, which was also created with the Andalusia region as well as the Moroccan desert in mind. Guests can also experience the Spanish influence at its restaurant, Prado, which offers inventive tapas, live music, and flamenco dancing.

Just miles away from Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia is another Scottsdale hotel that also has a presidential suite. The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa's presidential suite is outfitted with a Roman-style bathtub, a full caterer's kitchen (so bring your personal chef), a private balcony, a bonus outdoor space, a golf course, and over 1,700 square feet of living space. Lots of A-listers have clamored for this suite's desert chic minimalist vibes, as it has hosted Tom Brady and Gisele Bündchen. Plus, all of the New England Patriots players called the hotel home in 2015 when they battled it out during the Super Bowl. Giada De Laurentiis, Rachael Ray, and Emeril Lagasse have all stayed here, and we bet they enjoyed that kitchen.

Want to stay where the stars dwell? It'll cost you. The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa's presidential suite is more than $2,000 per night, but at least some of the packages include cocktails at check-in or breakfast at the onsite restaurant Faro & Brag. The contemporary American restaurant follows the hotel's bright Southwest vibe, but guests at this posh hotel have plenty more dining options to choose from, including a saloon known for its tequilas and whiskies as well as a casual hangout next to the pool. Perfect for families — so we can see why Tom and Gisele loved it here with their two kids — the pool area includes a water park.

The Four Seasons Resort is a celebrity hotspot no matter what city it's in, and the Scottsdale location of the acclaimed chain is no different. Even Oprah Winfrey and her team at Oprah Magazine (models, photographers, and stylists) stayed at the hotel to create the magazine's July 2002 cover. The cream of the crop when it comes to accommodations is the Pinnacle Suite. It's 3,000 square feet standalone building that comprises three bedrooms with fireplaces, views of the surrounding Crescent Butte Mountain, and art made by Huichol Indians lining the walls. Outside, the suite gets even more impressive, as it has a personal plunge pool, several patios, an outdoor shower, and a wood-burning fireplace. It costs a staggering $10,500 per night.

We're guessing that Winfrey and her team also enjoyed the luxurious cabanas here when they weren't busy working, as the Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale offers the "Ultimate Luxury Cabana Experience" for $550 per day, which includes champagne, caviar, strawberries, chocolate, a minibar, daybeds, and a Four Seasons beach bag embroidered with the guests' last name. Other celebrity-worthy amenities at this lavish hotel are a spa with Himalayan pink salt treatments, four-course private dinners in your room, and private tennis lessons.

The W is another resort chain known for its celebrity-worthy offerings, but unlike the Four Seasons, this one is less old money and more contemporary chic. Perhaps that's why former basketball player and sports analyst Charles Barkley chose the W Scottsdale as the venue to host his Auburn University alumni party prior to the 2011 National Championships. Singer Jordin Sparks also visited the hotel later that year for Maxim's Diamond In The Desert Party. The best accommodation in the resort that attracts A-listers is the two-bedroom Extreme Wow Suite; its name tells you everything you need to know. Outfitted with pops of color amid an ultra-modern vibe, it features floor-to-ceiling windows that offer views of Camelback Mountain and the McDowell Mountains, as well as a 1,300-square-foot patio. Plus, it has 2,100 square feet of living space, a walk-in closet, turndown service, and a full kitchen.

Hotel guests can enjoy Las Vegas-esque pool parties, thanks to the W Scottsdale's 21-and-over WET Deck. It has underwater lighting, music, and porthole windows so those in the hotel lobby can get a sneak peek of what's happening on the second floor. And for celebrities who want to keep the party going into the night, the W Scottsdale is also home to The Living Room, a stylish bar and lounge with funky décor and bottle service. Or, keep the focus on the food at the onsite restaurant Donabe, a Japanese steakhouse that offers wagyu shipped from overseas and sushi.

Celebrities looking to enjoy the natural beauty of the Southwest combined with the best amenities money can buy know they can find it at Boulders Resort & Spa Scottsdale. This is a hotel tucked within 12-million-year-old boulders in a one-of-a-kind, fairytale-like atmosphere filled with wild, native plants. That ambiance has appealed to a wide range of celebrities, including Lance Armstrong, who has stayed at the resort several times alongside his former team, as well as Lady Gaga, who stayed there during her 2010 tour.

Lady Gaga opted for Boulders' 5,700-square-foot Villa Retreat, which is two residences connected by an infinity pool and natural outdoor features. The villa offers a personal helicopter pad, a private chef, a Japanese soaking tub, a fire pit, a yoga room, three kitchens, a sun deck, and a hot tub. It's so exclusive that reservations must be made by inquiry rather than online booking. Stars and the masses alike can also find the ultimate respite at Boulders, as it's home to a 33,000-square-foot adults-only spa with a slew of honors, including being named one of the best spas on the planet with innovative therapies by Spas of America.

There's a reason Barack and Michelle Obama stayed at the Phoenician in Phoenix in 2009 – it's seriously presidential, as the lavish 250-acre resort has 8 dining options, an art collection that rivals museums, an 18-hole golf course, and an acclaimed spa. It's one of the most iconic resorts in Arizona that promises an unforgettable getaway. Plus, those looking for exclusivity don't need to stay in a run-of-the-mill room here, thanks to the Canyon Suites. These include the 4,000-square-foot Presidential Suite, which has a fireplace, floor-to-ceiling windows, a kitchen with a service entrance for a private chef, an infinity pool, a cabana, four patios with amazing views, and in-room spa and dining services. Or, opt for a room in the main building or a casita, which offers accommodations with minimalist, modern vibes and neutral tones for a serene stay.

If you want to venture outside your suite for a literal taste of the Phoenician, check out J&G Steakhouse, which has unmatched views of Camelback Mountain, or an English-style afternoon tea service accompanied by live piano music. The resort also has a spa with a dry bar, nail salon, gym, and pool on the roof of the building, with cabanas available for rent, as well as a fireplace and dining menu.

It's all about abundance at over-the-top Cake Nightclub in Scottsdale, which is adorned with pink neon signs that say "Let Them Eat Cake," claw-foot tubs filled with pink balls, lush pink banquettes, marble tables, and dancers decked out in lingerie who dance on stages and in aerial rings for an ultra-luxe vibe. The lounge offers VIP table service for its intimate crowd of guests, as the 3,500-square-foot venue can only accommodate 150 people and is known for its 5-star service.

With such extravagance, the nightclub that opened in 2014 has long been a hotspot for celebrities and is perfectly positioned on Nightclub Row. Drake was spotted partying it up in 2012, as was Alessandra Ambrosio when she attended the club during Superbowl weekend for a Tao Takeover Party. And since the club is known for surprise entertainment, visitors were both thrilled and shocked when Vanilla Ice performed there unannounced in 2014. Craving a late-night bite after a night out on the town at this fun venue? Here are the best spots around Phoenix for pizza. 

A sleek nightclub is the last place some celebrities want to be on a Saturday night. That's where Dierks Bentley's Whiskey Row in Scottsdale comes in, which is a gastropub, live music venue, and country bar all in one, founded by the namesake country singer. Bentley, who has opened four locations of Whiskey Row, founded the Scottsdale venue in 2013 after wanting to bring his bar to the same city where he grew up. The 5,200-square-foot hangout features a 400-square-foot stage for performances from local and nationally-known country stars, and even Bentley performs here on occasion, so if you're a regular, there's a good chance you'll see a one-of-a-kind show from him. It's also a great bar to go to for a bachelor party since Scottsdale is one of the best budget-friendly destinations to celebrate a bachelor party. 

But just because this bar is authentically country doesn't mean it can't have the amenities that chicer bars offer. Dierks Bentley's Whiskey Row offers bottle service from a personal server in the best spots for seeing performances, tableside beer and liquor taps for instant service, and is also available for private bookings for celebrities who want more privacy. Plus, it serves American fare made with farm-to-table ingredients and over four dozen varieties of whiskey. If you're looking to expand your cowboy experience after a visit here, then get a taste of authentic Old West charm in this Arizona town steeped in cowboy culture.