Scottsdale Spring Training on Points: Two Hotels Worth Booking
By Kelly | Budget Travel Mom
Scottsdale in February is one of my favorite trips we’ve done as a family. The weather is perfect, the baseball is relaxed and fun, and the whole area has this laid-back luxury vibe that makes it feel like a real vacation — not just a sports trip.
We’ve done this trip twice now and stayed at two very different hotels, both on points or free night certificates. Here’s the full breakdown so you can plan yours.
Why Scottsdale Spring Training Is Such a Great Family Trip
If you’ve never been to spring training, let me sell you on it real quick.
The stadiums are small and intimate. You can get seats close to the field for a fraction of what regular season games cost. The players are relaxed and accessible — autographs and photos happen all the time. Games are short, the weather is warm and sunny, and there’s no pressure to stay for all nine innings if the kids are done.
And Scottsdale itself? It’s gorgeous. Great restaurants, beautiful resorts, easy hiking, and incredible sunsets. It works as a full vacation even if baseball is just part of the itinerary.
February is the sweet spot — before the spring break crowds hit and right in the heart of Cactus League season.
Hotel #1: Grand Hyatt Scottsdale
The Grand Hyatt Scottsdale is a stunning resort right on Gainey Ranch. It has multiple pools, beautiful grounds, and that grand resort feel that makes you want to just stay on property all day.
What we loved:
- The pool complex is incredible — multiple pools, a lazy river, and a waterslide
- The rooms are spacious and well decorated
- The location puts you close to Old Town Scottsdale and easy freeway access to the spring training stadiums
- It feels genuinely luxurious without being stuffy
How to book it on points: The Grand Hyatt Scottsdale is a World of Hyatt property. Standard award rates vary by category — check the Hyatt website for current point pricing and availability.
The fastest way to earn enough Hyatt points for a stay like this is through the World of Hyatt Credit Card welcome bonus, or by transferring Chase Ultimate Rewards points to Hyatt at a 1:1 ratio. If you have the Chase Sapphire Preferred or Chase Sapphire Reserve, your points transfer directly to your Hyatt account.
For a resort of this caliber — rooms regularly run $400–$600+ per night in February — a points redemption here is one of the best values in the Hyatt program.
💳 See my current top picks for earning Hyatt points here.
Hotel #2: Marriott at the Buttes
The Marriott at the Buttes is a completely different vibe — and in the best way.
It sits on top of a rocky butte in Tempe, right next to Tempe Diablo Stadium where the LA Angels hold spring training. If you’re going to games at that stadium, the location doesn’t get better. You can practically walk there.
What we loved:
- The views from the property are stunning — you’re up on the rocks looking out over the valley
- The pools are built into the hillside and feel like something out of a resort brochure
- Being right next to the stadium meant zero travel stress on game days
- It has a more casual, relaxed feel compared to a grand resort — great for families
How we booked it: We used a free night certificate from a travel credit card, which made this stay essentially free. Free night certificates are one of my favorite credit card perks — most premium travel cards include one every year on your card anniversary, and a property like the Marriott at the Buttes is a perfect use of one.
You can also book Marriott properties through the Chase Travel Portal using Ultimate Rewards points if you have a Chase Sapphire card. It’s a straightforward way to use your points without worrying about award availability.
💳 See cards that come with annual free night certificates here.
Spring Training Tips for First Timers
Buy tickets in advance but not too early. Spring training schedules come out in the fall. Good seats go fast for popular matchups but you can usually find solid tickets a few weeks out. Check MLB.com or the team websites directly.
Go to more than one game. The beauty of spring training is that tickets are affordable enough to do multiple games. Mix up the stadiums — each one has its own vibe.
Rent a car. The Cactus League stadiums are spread across the greater Phoenix area. You’ll want the flexibility of a car to get around easily.
Build in pool time. Seriously. The resort pools in Scottsdale in February are everything. Don’t over-schedule your days with games and activities — leave time to just sit by the water.
Make dinner reservations before you go. Scottsdale has incredible restaurants and the good ones fill up, even in February. Plan 1–2 nice dinners ahead of time and leave the rest flexible.
Check the Angels schedule specifically if you want the Buttes. If staying at the Marriott at the Buttes, plan your game days around the Angels home schedule so you can walk to the stadium.
What Does a Scottsdale Spring Training Trip Actually Cost?
Here’s a realistic look at a 4-night trip for a family of four in February:
| Expense | Cash Cost | With Points/Free Nights |
|---|---|---|
| Hotel (4 nights) | $1,600–$2,400 | $0–$200 in fees |
| Spring training tickets (2 games) | $150–$300 | $150–$300 |
| Car rental | $200–$300 | $200–$300 |
| Food & dining | $400–$600 | $400–$600 |
| Total | ~$2,350–$3,600 | ~$750–$1,200 |
That’s a $1,500–$2,000 difference just from using points and free night certificates on your hotels. That’s real money.
Which Hotel Should You Choose?
Honestly — both, if you can swing it. We’ve done it both ways and each hotel brings something different to the trip.
Choose the Grand Hyatt Scottsdale if you want a grand resort experience, gorgeous pools, and easy access to Old Town and all of Scottsdale.
Choose the Marriott at the Buttes if you’re going to Angels games and want that unique on-the-rocks setting with stunning views.
Either way, Scottsdale spring training belongs on your family travel list. The combination of great weather, accessible baseball, and incredible resorts makes it one of the easiest trips to plan — especially when the hotels are essentially free.
Questions about planning your Scottsdale trip? Drop them in the comments or find me on TikTok.
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