Help with hotel choice

Question

I will be traveling with my daughter and mother in March (first time to Scottsdale). As it is high season, I am looking for budget friendly, yet comfortable accommodations. To give you an idea of price range, I am looking at the Embassy Suites Scottsdale, The Scottsdale Plaza, Scottsdale Camelback Resort (NOT JW) and the Double Tree Paradise Valley. Clean and somewhat walkable are at the top of my list. Any thoughts on these or other accommodations would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Answer

All four hotels you’re considering can work well for a March stay in Scottsdale, but they offer different vibes. March is high season (spring training and great weather), so your priorities—quiet, walkable, clean, and mountain views—are the right things to weigh. Below I’ll summarize the feel of each property and give practical pros/cons to help you choose.

Quick snapshot (best match to your priorities): Hacienda-style, quiet & mountain-view properties rank highest for your list—Embassy Suites and DoubleTree Paradise Valley lean toward resort-size grounds with pools and shuttle or short drives to Old Town; Scottsdale Plaza is a classic resort with lots of walking paths; Scottsdale Camelback Resort is smaller and near Camelback Mountain but a bit farther from Old Town’s main shopping/restaurant strip.

Embassy Suites Scottsdale Resort — Good mid-range pick if you want suites (extra living space), two pools, and easy access to Old Town (roughly under a mile to the heart of Old Town/Scottsdale Fashion Square). It’s not a huge conference mega-resort, but in March it can be busy because of spring training. Pros: reliable cleanliness and free breakfast, roomy suites, easy walk/short drive to restaurants. Cons: a little more “hotel” and busier than a boutique inn.
The Scottsdale Plaza Resort & Villas — A long-time local favorite with extensive landscaped grounds, multiple pools and on-site dining. It feels resort-y but has plenty of walking paths so you can stroll without needing a car for short outings. It’s generally quiet in the evenings and good for families and multi-night stays. If your priority is peaceful grounds plus on-site amenities, this is a strong choice.
Scottsdale Camelback Resort (not JW) — Located near Camelback Mountain with a resort footprint and villas; it’s quieter than downtown and offers a mountain-adjacent feel. Rooms and public areas can feel older in places (some guests mention updates needed), but the setting and pools are pleasant. It’s a bit farther from Old Town’s walkable core, so expect short drives or rely on hotel shuttle/taxi. Good if you want a more secluded, scenic base.
DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Paradise Valley — Set on large, landscaped grounds with great Camelback views from some rooms, two pools, and a free shuttle to Fashion Square / Old Town (handy in high season). It’s generally quiet and family-friendly; because of the grounds and shuttle it feels like a resort but still gives easy access to nearby restaurants and shopping. Good balance of comfort, cleanliness, and value.

Some practical guidance to pick between them:

If “walkable to restaurants and shops” is top priority: Embassy Suites has the shortest, most walkable route to parts of Old Town and Fashion Square (about a mile, walkable depending on mobility); DoubleTree offers a shuttle that makes accessing Old Town easy; Scottsdale Plaza is walkable inside its grounds but a moderate drive to the core Old Town area.
If “quiet, not conference-oriented” is top priority: The Scottsdale Plaza and DoubleTree tend to feel more like relaxed resorts (less of the big-conference vibe you’d get at a convention hotel), while Embassy Suites can be busier during spring training; Camelback Resort is quieter and more villa-style but farther from walkable dining.
If “best mountain views” matters: DoubleTree Paradise Valley and Scottsdale Camelback have the strongest Camelback Mountain sightlines; some rooms at Scottsdale Plaza also have nice views across landscaped grounds.
If “budget friendly” is critical: Embassy Suites often provides good value because of included breakfast and roomy suites (helpful with a daughter and mother), but prices in March will generally be higher across the board—book early and check cancellation terms.

Final recommendation based on your exact priorities (quiet, clean, somewhat walkable, mountain views):

Top pick — DoubleTree Paradise Valley: strikes the best balance of quiet grounds, Camelback views, pools, and a helpful shuttle for walking Old Town without parking hassles. Good value and generally quiet atmosphere.
Close second — Embassy Suites Scottsdale: choose this if the extra living space of a suite and a short walk to Old Town are most important; it’s practical and comfortable for three generations.
If you prefer a resort-feel with lots of on-site walking: Scottsdale Plaza—great grounds and quiet evenings.
If you want mountain-adjacent seclusion: Scottsdale Camelback Resort—charming and scenic but expect to drive into Old Town.

Small tips for March bookings:

Book early and confirm what’s included (parking, breakfast, shuttle) since March rates are high.
Ask the hotel about room location (poolside vs. quiet courtyard vs. mountain-view) when you reserve—views and noise levels vary a lot by room.
If you want to walk a lot, aim for a hotel within 1 mile of Old Town or one that offers a frequent shuttle—Old Town is very walkable and full of restaurants and shops.

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