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The James may be the hippest hotel in Scottsdale these days, but this place did the W Hotel/Philippe Starck thing first, and I still like the contemporary rooms here better than those at the James. This is also one of the valley's most visually breathtaking spa resorts. Located high on the northern flanks of Camelback Mountain, the lushly landscaped property has great views across the valley, especially from the restaurant and lounge. The extremely spacious guest rooms are divided between the more conservative deluxe casitas and the boldly contemporary spa casitas. With their dyed-cement floors, kidney-shaped daybeds, and streamline-moderne cabinetry, these latter units are absolutely stunning. Bathrooms are huge and some have private outdoor soaking tubs. The spa, which is open only to resort guests and spa members, is one of the prettiest in the valley.

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