Splashy, sophisticated, and happy to turn heads. Scottsdale newcomer, The REMI, a Marriott Autograph Collection Hotel, brings a vibrant energy to a sought-after stretch of Arizona known for warm-weather escapes.
Location
The REMI. is conveniently set in the heart of Scottsdale’s Entertainment District, one of a cluster of walkable neighborhoods in Old Town Scottsdale. From public art, nightclubs, and shops, to restaurants, and Scottsdale Stadium, the spring training home (February and March) of the San Francisco Giants baseball team, a long list of desert must-dos is within walking distance.
REMI. is short for reminiscing. From a design perspective, there’s an enjoyable old-versus-new vibe, with subtle nostalgic threads woven throughout the property.
Service was top-notch during my two-night stay. Every staff member I interacted with was helpful and outgoing.
Accommodations
The REMI. features 161 guest rooms and suites spread across 12 floors. Check-in was fast and notably welcoming. Staff quickly gave me the lay of the land, including their favorite breakfast options. (More on the winners below.)
Guest rooms feature desert brown and gray tones with a lively dose of blues thrown in the mix. Leather headboards give the space an upscale feel, and I suspect they’ll continue to develop character as they age and acquire a patina. Beds dressed in all white linens pop in contrast.
Electric outlets and charging ports are within easy reach. Instead of closets, rooms feature dark wood armoires. Desks are large enough to get some work done or to spread out and charge all of the assorted gadgets in your travel bag.
Bathrooms are spacious with good lighting. Roomy walk-in showers feature vertical subway tile. Côte toiletries are provided in stylish, refillable bottles. The REMI is said to be the only hotel with côte products.
All accommodations feature small refrigerators, but they are stocked with mini-bar items, making them difficult to use. Nespresso machines are standard, but there are no coffee mugs, only paper cups. Electric tea kettles are surprisingly not available.
Colorful postcards are also standard in every room. Take a moment to jot a “wish you were here” note to a friend or family member, then drop it at the front desk, and the hotel will take care of the postage.
If you’re in a position to splurge, the two-story, 1,400+ square foot Loft Penthouse Suite features one bedroom, a private balcony, two living spaces, and a patio with pool access.
Public Spaces and Facilities
The REMI. is an adult-oriented hotel. It’s home to Scottsdale’s highest rooftop pool with fantastic views of Camelback Mountain. It’s a small pool with a big social scene and bikini-clad servers. Loungers with shade are limited, so plan accordingly.
During my stay, it was quiet on weekdays, but come the weekend (Friday included), the space was packed. It’s also worth noting that the pool deck is a great spot to take in the sunset. At night, the space transforms into a chic social hub.
The REMI shares AWAY Spa and meeting space with its sister property, W Scottsdale, located across the street.
Dining Options
You’ll eat well at The REMI.
Kauboi (pronounced “cowboy”) Japanese steakhouse pairs Japanese cuisine with a Western flair. Open for dinner only, order correctly, and your meal will be accompanied by smile-inducing theatrics. I recommend starting with the Jasmine Blossom cocktail. It’s a tasty mix of jasmine-infused Roku Gin, elderflower, citrus, and egg white. The Zen garden presentation will delight your entire table and beyond.
You can go big and order the 40 oz. bone-in Senku Tomahawk Ribeye, flamed and carved tableside, but it’s equally delicious and fun to order several smaller dishes and taste a bit of everything. There’s a long list of nigiri and maki offerings, but highlights for me included Tempura Spicy Shrimp, Wagyu Fried Rice in Clay Pot, Wagyu New York Strip yakitori, and the Smoked Sweet Potatoes. If you can save room, the Kauboi Chocolate Chip Cookies are served with a side of Mexican hot chocolate. Enjoy live music Thursday through Saturday.
F/Sixteen is the hotel’s casual eatery. A colorful diner with an aeronautical twist, expect a menu of comfort foods ranging from Honey Butter Fried Chicken & Waffles and a Spicy Bacon breakfast sandwich to a Tuna Melt and Baby Back Ribs.
Everyone we asked recommended the Churro Pancakes. If you have a sweet tooth, the dish doesn’t disappoint. Be warned, the portion is huge. It’s not on the menu, but you can order a single pancake. It’s one of those dishes that’s fun to order for the table, so everyone can enjoy a bite or two.
Thursday through Saturday, F/Sixteen serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Sunday through Wednesday, it offers breakfast and lunch service, closing at 4 p.m. Breakfast is served all day.
Allegra Rooftop Pool & Bar has a Mediterranean flair. Think mezze, vegetable crudité, and harissa shrimp ceviche, along with salads, fish tacos, and a burger. Cocktail options are extensive. If you like bubbles, check out the Champagne Situation. It includes a handful of Domain Chandon Brut splits, fresh fruit, and assorted juices.
For a quick drink before heading out on the town, hit the Kauboi Whiskey Lounge or the Lobby Bar. On weekends, there’s a private entrance from the hotel lobby into the neighboring nightclub, Maya Day + Night. Daily at 5 p.m., lobby bartenders craft a Champagne tower and pass around complimentary glasses of bubbly.
Good to Know
A vast majority of The REMI’s neighbors are nightclubs and upscale bars. When the sun goes down, the noise tends to go up. Some love the buzz. If you’re a light sleeper, earplugs and sound machines are available. You can also request a room that doesn’t overlook a nightclub.
If you prefer quiet surroundings, you might want to consider other properties in Scottsdale. There are a plethora of options. From lux stays at Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North and Mountain Shadows to the hip and cheerful Hotel Adeline, I’ve found something to enjoy everywhere I’ve stayed in this charming desert city.
Coming to town for spring training? The hotel is a mile (1.1 miles per Google Maps) from Scottsdale Stadium. If you’re open to getting some steps in, it’s a nice walk with plenty to see.
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If you’re coming to see Canal Convergence, a free, multi-night illuminated art festival that features large-scale artworks, it’s less than a 10-minute walk to the Scottsdale Waterfront.
Just want to shop? Scottsdale Fashion Square, Arizona’s largest mall, is less than a 10-minute walk.
The REMI. is eight miles from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.
There are 19 adapted rooms available (across multiple room categories) for guests with mobility and hearing disabilities.
If you are a fan of Marriott’s Autograph Collection hotels, just fyi, The REMI. Scottsdale is one of the newest new-build properties in the independent hotel repertoire. Autograph Collection hotels tend to be existing hotels, not new construction.
Rates for standard rooms range from $450 year-round; when summer weather heats up, you’ll find rates from $249. Be sure to budget for the $40 daily destination fee and take advantage of what you are paying for. Along with a $25 food and beverage credit, there’s a nightly cocktail for two guests (non-alcoholic options available), and eBike rentals for two guests.
Check rates for The REMI. Scottsdale online at Expedia, Booking.com, Agoda.com, or Hotels.com.
The REMI. is pet-friendly. A $150 per stay fee applies; maximum pet weight is 50 pounds, with a maximum of two pets in room.
Review and photos by San Francisco Bay Area travel writer and television correspondent Dana Rebmann. Her stay was organized by The REMI, a Marriott Autograph Collection Hotel, but as always, her thoughts and opinions are her own.
