Late October Resort recommendation

Question

My husband and I will be visiting Scottsdale for the first time at the end of October for 3 nights. We are looking for a scenic resort recommendation: we would love to be either on a golf course or somewhere with lovely views of the mountains, and a nice pool area. Trying to keep it under $500/night, which rules out the Phoenician, Biltmore, etc. Would love a villa if possible, and some that I've looked at have reviews that state they are either old/tired/not very clean, so hoping someone can point us to some great options. Thanks!

Answer

Late October is a fantastic time to visit Scottsdale—warm days, cooler evenings, and perfect weather for lounging by the pool or taking in Sonoran Desert views. Since you're aiming for under $500/night and want a scenic, upscale experience without the wear-and-tear that some older villas have, there are several excellent resorts that fit your criteria.

Below are detailed recommendations that balance mountain or golf-course views, nice pools, and overall quality—plus feedback on which properties tend to feel newer and well-maintained.

Top Scottsdale Resort Options Under ~$500/night

The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa (North Scottsdale)
Located on the Kierland Golf Club, this resort offers sweeping fairway and McDowell Mountain views. The rooms and grounds are consistently reviewed as clean, modern, and well-maintained. The pool complex is large, with private cabanas, an adults-only pool area, and lazy river. While rooms aren't villa-style, the property includes suite options and the adjacent Kierland Villas timeshare property, which offers one-bedroom and larger villa-style accommodations.

Great option if you want a vibrant resort feel, golf views, and reliably high-quality upkeep.
JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa (Paradise Valley)
This historic yet beautifully maintained resort sits in one of Scottsdale’s most scenic pockets, with jaw-dropping Camelback Mountain and Mummy Mountain views. The casita-style rooms feel like private villas, each with a patio. The resort is exceptionally clean and quiet, with lush landscaping and a classic desert luxury atmosphere.

No on-site golf course directly attached, but guests have access to the nearby Camelback Golf Club. Excellent pool areas with mountain views and a peaceful, upscale vibe.
Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows
A stylish option with standalone bungalow-style villas spread across 20 acres, offering privacy and a modern desert aesthetic. Many units have patios and outdoor seating areas. The resort feels fresh and well-kept, with a gorgeous main pool and striking views of Camelback Mountain and the surrounding desert properties.

Best for couples looking for a quieter, boutique-feeling desert escape that’s still well within your budget.
Talking Stick Resort (East Scottsdale)
If a newer-feeling property and mountain views are top priorities, this resort delivers modern rooms and excellent suite options. It sits next to Talking Stick Golf Club, which gives you expansive golf-course and desert views, plus easy access to tee times.

The pool area is lively but large enough to find quieter corners. Not a villa-style property, but rooms tend to feel updated and clean.
Hilton Scottsdale Resort & Villas
This property includes true two-bedroom villa-style units that work very well for couples wanting private space. The villas come with kitchens, living rooms, and patios, and the property is usually priced well below your $500/night limit.

The resort itself isn't as new or flashy as some options above, but the villas often exceed expectations in size and cleanliness, and the grounds are peaceful. You won’t get dramatic mountain views like Camelback Inn, but you do get a very comfortable villa stay at a good value.

Additional Notes

Late October is high season but not peak holiday season, so your budget should comfortably cover all of the above if booked a bit in advance. If mountain views are your top priority, choose Camelback Inn or Andaz. If golf-course scenery matters most, choose Westin Kierland or Talking Stick. If villa-style accommodations are essential, narrow to Hilton Villas or Andaz bungalows.

For the absolute best combination of scenery, updated feel, quiet luxury, and value, the two standout picks for your preferences are Andaz Scottsdale and Camelback Inn.

Late October Resort recommendation

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