The AAA Five Diamond Southwest resort, Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, has announced a new expansion at its Sonoran Desert property. The project will add 102 guest rooms to the current 648-room inventory, with the new accommodations scheduled to open in the summer of 2016. Alongside the additional rooms, the expansion includes three luxury suites and a range of outdoor amenities, such as a new pool, a lawn area and a dedicated event venue.
Work began this month on the west side of the resort and will require removal of the existing tennis courts to make room for the additions. A team of design and construction firms—Allen + Philp, Balfour Beatty and Whitespace Interiors—will collaborate on the project. The resort plans to maintain its signature contemporary Southwest aesthetic across the new guestrooms. Each room will feature a patio or balcony to enhance the indoor/outdoor living experience that guests expect at the property.
The expansion supports the resort’s commitment to elevated guest offerings and outdoor-focused amenities that reflect the desert setting. By increasing room capacity and adding flexible outdoor event space, the resort aims to better accommodate leisure visitors and group business while preserving the design language and service standards that earned it AAA Five Diamond recognition.
Design decisions emphasize continuity with the rest of the resort: materials, color palettes and decorative accents will align with the contemporary Southwest décor used throughout the property. The inclusion of patios and balconies across the new guestrooms highlights an emphasis on natural light and easy access to the outdoor landscape, allowing guests to enjoy desert views and pleasant evening breezes.
New features such as the pool, lawn and event venue are intended to expand the resort’s offerings for weddings, corporate retreats and social gatherings. The lawn provides a versatile open-air setting for ceremonies and receptions, while the pool area is conceived as a social hub for both families and adults seeking relaxation. The event venue will offer an additional option for planners looking to host events in an attractive desert resort environment.
Overall, the expansion represents a significant investment in guest experience and property enhancement. By blending new capacity with thoughtfully designed outdoor spaces and maintaining the established aesthetic, the resort aims to strengthen its position as a top destination in Scottsdale for both leisure travel and events.