I have been researching extensively for a solitary getaway at some beautiful resort where I can relax completely for a couple of days before I start my new job. Most important to me are a beautiful pool area and good food. I might like to do bit of shopping, nothing seriously upscale. I'm also partial to spa services. I would love a room with a balcony. Prices are so low right now that the possibilities seem endless.

Now my question: Is there a resort where I can I do this without renting a car? It seems like such a waste to rent one and then leave it sitting in the resort parking lot most of the time. I would really prefer to catch a shuttle or taxi to my resort, and walk to nearby shops and restaurants.

Thanks in advance for your wise counsel!

To be close to shopping and restaurants, you'd have to find a resort that's near Old Scottsdale, and off the top of my head, I can't think of any that fit the definition of "near" (plus your definition may be different from mine). Overall, I'd say, you're going to be a prisoner of the resort or be prepared to lay out some hefty cab fares.

There are no resorts that fit your description near Old Scottsdale. Even if there were, you couldn't do much walking this time of year without sweating profusely.

PHX/Scottsdale is one of the most spread out vacation areas in the US. My opinion is you simple HAVE to have a car. All the best resorts are spread out.
I will say that the Ritz Carlton is across the street from the Biltmore shopping plaza, which is an easy walk. But's it's not a spa destination.

You're describing the Phoenician (pools being worked on thsi summer, beware), Boulders (20 miles north of Scottsdale), Princess, Hyatt Gainey Ranch, Biltmore and Four Seasons resorts. All of these are a huge walk from any shopping (Biltmore is only a 2/3 mile walk from the Biltmore shopping center, but it's still a hike in warm weather).

Nancy, you may want to rethink the economics of not renting a car. For starters, you will find that a cab from the airport will be quite costly. Expect to pay at least $40 one way not including tip. That $80+ could get you a couple of days of car rental. Then you would be able to come and go as you please. Just a thought.

Nancy, unfortunately there isn't anyting like you describe. The resorts are all spread out and don't leave you with many walking options. Sometimes it's a hike just to get from your room to the street. I really recommend a rental car.

Judy probably has the best idea about renting a car. Look for the best deal on a subcompact rental at the airport. That class of car should be OK for you since you don't plan on spending much time in the vehicle. With cab fares and shuttles to/from the aiport, you'll probably end up ahead of the game.

Thanks, everyone, for your help. I'll get the car and I'm sure I'll enjoy it.

Now that's resolved, I need to decide on accommodations. I saw the Fairmont for $113 and was extremely tempted to take it, but I think I'll feel better about treating myself to spa services and good food if I book the Radisson for $52. The Radisson spa looks tranquil, and you get full access to the spa facilities included in your resort fee. The middle ground would be Wyndham Buttes for $70. Any thoughts or suggestions?

Again, I really appreciate your help. Thanks!

The hotel with the "best" spa is supposedly the Mariott Camelback Inn. The Radisson is nice, they just built their spa a few years ago. I actually had my wedding reception at the Radisson about 5 years ago. The property, grounds, and pool are nice but the rooms are kind of older and just so-so. However, the price sure is right! The Radisson is in walking distance to a nice shopping center, and I think it is also in walking distance (or maybe no more than about a mile) to Ruth's Chris and an incredible restaurant called Roy's Pacific Rim.