Fairmont princess during New Year

Question

I’ll be celebrating a milestone birthday in early January and considering visiting AZ to stay at the Scottsdale Fairmont princess hotel. However because of everyone’s schedule we’d have to travel the week after Christmas/during new year. I see the hotel does “Christmas at the Princess” that will still be running during our travel dates. We are looking for a slower paced/relaxing stay and my question is about crowds because of the Christmas event. I’m also wondering how busy the spa gets (ie lots of day guests??) during the holidays.

Answer

Visiting the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess during the week after Christmas and over New Year can be a beautiful experience, but it is important to keep in mind that this is one of the peak holiday periods in Scottsdale. The hotel’s “Christmas at the Princess” event typically continues through early January, which means the property will still have festive decorations, activities, and possibly additional crowds from families enjoying the holiday season.

Here are some points to consider regarding your stay:

Crowds at the Resort: Even after Christmas Day, the hotel remains busy through New Year’s due to holiday travelers. The common areas, pool areas, and restaurants may see higher-than-usual occupancy. However, the resort is large, so it is generally possible to find quieter spots for relaxing walks or lounging, especially if you plan to enjoy outdoor areas in the early morning or late afternoon.
Spa Considerations: The spa does tend to be busier during the holidays, including New Year’s week, partly due to day guests who book treatments. Booking your spa appointments in advance is highly recommended, ideally as soon as you confirm your stay, to ensure your preferred times and avoid peak crowds. Early morning spa sessions are usually quieter than late afternoon or evening slots.
Dining: Resort restaurants may be busier than usual during this period. Making dining reservations ahead of time is recommended, especially for special dinners or celebrations. Some restaurants may offer special holiday menus which could affect availability or pricing.

Tips for a Relaxing Stay:

Consider scheduling activities or relaxation sessions (spa, pool, or golf) during weekday mornings when the resort is generally less crowded.
Explore nearby walking trails or golf course areas early in the day for more peaceful experiences.
Reserve spa treatments and any special dining experiences as early as possible to secure your preferred times.
If possible, avoid peak dining times (usually 5:30–7:30 PM) to minimize wait times in restaurants.

Overall, while the resort will have higher activity levels than usual due to the holiday period, careful planning with reservations and timing can allow you to enjoy a slower-paced, relaxing stay. You’ll still get the beautiful festive ambiance without feeling overwhelmed by the crowds if you structure your days thoughtfully.

Fairmont princess during New Year

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