A First Glimpse: Caesars Republic Scottsdale — the brand's pioneering nongaming hotel

If you've visited Las Vegas, you likely associate the clatter of slot machines with hotels — such as the renowned Caesars Palace — along the Las Vegas Strip. You also know that navigating through the labyrinth designed to keep you gambling in most Las Vegas hotels requires both a compass and a map.

Naturally, I was intrigued when Caesars revealed plans for its first nongaming hotel in the U.S., conveniently located near me in Scottsdale, Arizona. Here are the insights from my recent experience there.

Booking Information

Travelers can reserve directly via the hotel's website, and members of Caesars Rewards can access exclusive rates at this location (as well as at up to 50 other properties across the U.S.). Summer rates begin at $189 per night.

The hotel is also featured in the American Express Travel portal, allowing guests to earn 5 points for every dollar spent on bookings with The Platinum Card® from American Express. Additionally, travelers can use Amex Membership Rewards points, with rates starting at 25,000 points per night.

Chase Travel℠ lists this hotel as well, with summer bookings available from $189 per night. Depending on your Chase card, you might be able to utilize your annual $50 hotel credit from the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card or your annual $300 travel credit from the Chase Sapphire Reserve®.

For my stay, I opted to book through the Amex Travel portal. However, as the hotel is not affiliated with American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection, my annual $200 hotel benefit was not applicable.

Directions to the hotel

The hotel is situated in the center of Old Town Scottsdale, just north of Macy's at Scottsdale Fashion Square along Goldwater Boulevard. It lies 8 miles north of Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) and 9 miles south of Scottsdale Airport (SCF).

Local ride-hailing services include Uber, Lyft, taxis, and Waymo autonomous vehicles. The hotel can also coordinate a car service to pick you up. If you choose to rent a car, the PHX Sky Train now links the airport terminals to the rental car facility on 24th Street.

Overnight valet parking is offered at the hotel for $40, while self-parking in the adjacent Scottsdale Fashion Square parking garage is available for $28 per night. Charging stations for electric vehicles are also provided.

The expansive, contemporary lobby features a palette of neutral shades and striking modern photography. Upon entering, guests are welcomed by soothing water features, various seating arrangements for drinks or conversations, a cozy fireplace, and large windows that fill the area with light, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

The front desk team greeted me with warmth and facilitated a swift and smooth check-in process while sharing essential information about the hotel.

As I made my way to the elevator post-check-in, I spotted a hologram trailing behind me on the wooden floor. It appeared as a wolf walking alongside me, leaving footprints until the elusive hologram disappeared. I needed to uncover the story behind that.

Contemporary and slightly daring guest rooms

It’s a rare treat to be among the first guests to occupy a hotel room, but I believe I experienced that privilege here. Have you ever inhaled that fresh hotel aroma? It’s delightful. As I entered Room 532, I was instantly enveloped by that new scent and the unique blend of modern, edgy, and luxurious decor.

The first details that caught my eye (after the spacious bathroom featuring a glass shower) were the funky bronze serpent handles on the wardrobe. They added a fun touch! Inside the wardrobe, I found a brand-new wrapped plush robe, cozy slippers, and a steamer (which I prefer over an iron any day).

On either side of the black granite-topped workspace is an open, well-lit minibar etagere showcasing full bottles of some of the finest (and priciest) spirits. I discovered Colonel EH Taylor small-batch bourbon priced at $550, Clase Azul reposado tequila for $450, and Chopin Family Reserve vodka at $300.

Additional minibar snacks are placed atop the sleek, high-gloss dresser, including the usual treats like pretzels, chips, and M&Ms. One of the most intriguing items I encountered on the minibar list was a "walk of shame kit" for $100. What exactly does one get for that price? A cab ride home? A new outfit? My curiosity was piqued, so I later asked about it. The hotel manager informed me that it includes a change of clothes — a pair of sandals, sweatpants, a hat, and a shirt — all with branding.

My room boasted views of sleek modern condos and patios adorned with greenery to the north, along with the iconic Camelback Mountain to the west.

Positioned in front of the floor-to-ceiling window was a loveseat dressed in navy upholstery with a zebra-print back. A coffee table and a side table for laptops made it an ideal workspace. (Additionally, there was a designated workspace cleverly integrated beneath the 55-inch flat-screen TV.)

Beside the loveseat was a wingback chair covered in the same navy fabric. Above the bedside table, I discovered a blackout shade that I could control with the push of a button.

The king-size bed, adorned with a leather headboard, offered exceptional comfort thanks to its feather pillows and down comforter. The headboard features built-in charging ports (marked with a card reading "unleash the charge") that support wall plugs as well as USB-A and USB-C connections for smartphones.

The iconic wolf emblem was showcased on the throw pillows of both the bed and loveseat. This wolf symbolizes the ancient Roman legend of twin brothers Remus and Romulus, who were rescued from the Tiber River and nurtured by a she-wolf. These brothers eventually founded the city of Rome.

The bathroom was equipped with a single sink, providing generous counter space for travel necessities and toiletry bags; an open shelf beneath the counter housed the hair dryer.

The standout feature was the shower — spacious enough to accommodate up to six people, with glass panels connecting directly to the bedroom. A button located on the wall beside the shower door controlled a privacy shade, blocking the bathroom light from spilling into the bedroom. The showerhead offered four distinct water settings, and refillable pump bottles on the wall contained Acca Kappa shower gel, shampoo, and conditioner.

The only thing lacking in my room was a coffee maker or kettle (though I’ve been informed one is on the way). As a person who enjoys coffee before engaging in morning conversations, I wasn’t thrilled about having to change out of my pajamas and head downstairs for my caffeine fix.

Caesars offered complimentary black coffee at Pronto by Giada (which serves breakfast and lunch) starting at 5 a.m. For those who prefer a barista, the Pronto café opens at 6 a.m.

Generously sized suites

Caesars Republic Scottsdale boasts 256 guest rooms, including 28 suites and five luxury suites.

I had the opportunity to explore the expansive penthouse suite, spanning 2,300 square feet on the 11th floor. Named the Camelback Suite, it offers breathtaking views of the mountain and stunning Arizona sunsets.

All suites are comparable in size, featuring two bedrooms, spacious walk-in closets, two bathrooms, a full kitchen equipped with stainless steel appliances and marble countertops, a living and dining area, and a balcony. The Caesars Suite has a similar layout but includes a billiards table as well. (Rates begin at $3,999 per night.)

For those who wish to stay fit while traveling, consider booking a Boynton Canyon Suite. This option includes personal Peloton bikes in the room upon request, subject to availability. (Summer rates start at $279 per night.)

Dining choices

Similar to its Las Vegas counterpart, Caesars Republic Scottsdale boasts two signature eateries by renowned celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis. Pronto offers fast-casual coffee along with breakfast and lunch, while Luna by Giada presents exquisite Italian dishes in a stunning indoor-outdoor dining area adjacent to the main lobby.

Quick bites at Pronto

Pronto is located on the ground floor beside Cleopatra's Pool. You can access it from the main lobby by walking down the meeting space corridor or via the exterior walkway that extends from the front drive around to the back of the hotel. This cafe, offering fast-casual breakfast and lunch in a contemporary setting, features both indoor and outdoor seating.

The menu boasts a variety of fresh pastries, granola parfaits, breakfast wraps, sandwiches, and salads. Additionally, the service is both friendly and efficient. I chose to enjoy my tasty breakfast wrap outside on the pool patio to soak up the morning sun.

Dining at Luna by Giada

Luna by Giada is exclusively a dinner venue, showcasing some of Giada's renowned dishes alongside classic Italian comfort food. Guests are welcomed by an impressive open bar and an extensive wine cellar. The upscale modern aesthetic is enhanced by an open kitchen and a striking Ferrari red pizza oven.

The menu features an array of starters, pizzas, pasta, and main dishes, including Mediterranean branzino and pork chop saltimbocca. The standout dish is Giada's renowned lemon spaghetti — it was a must-order.

Everything sounded tempting, so we allowed our server, Amanda, to recommend her favorite starters. She definitely didn't disappoint. We enjoyed freshly baked Sicilian focaccia with lemon mascarpone butter, basil pesto, and olive oil ($14); crab arancini paired with a spicy pomodoro dipping sauce ($24); and bacon-wrapped Medjool dates stuffed with spicy Italian sausage and drizzled with gorgonzola crema ($21).

As we enjoyed refreshing prosecco cocktails called Vaguely Virgil (crafted with Fiorente elderflower, Carpano Bianco, lemon juice, and club soda for $21), we explored the menu, debating our choices for entrees.

Lemon truly plays a pivotal role in the kitchen, featured in everything from marinades and dressings to main courses and desserts. This theme is evident in dishes like the lemon pizza topped with garlic crème sauce.

For our main courses, we opted for a family-style meal. We ordered the renowned lemon spaghetti featuring large U-10 shrimp, mascarpone cheese, basil, and crispy capers for $39, and it was exceptional. The mezzi rigatoni with porcini mushrooms and vegetable Bolognese ($38) was hearty and delicious.

We also sampled a special not listed on the printed menu: a perfectly seasoned 22-ounce ribeye, already sliced, priced at $64. A side of lemon smashed potatoes ($17) complemented the entrees, balancing the citrus and savory notes beautifully.

Dessert allowed us to sample several delightful options. The limoncello soufflé ($16) arrived warm from the oven, accompanied by a blueberry anglaise and candied lemon biscotti. We also indulged in a mascarpone brownie cheesecake ($19) and freshly baked cookies — lemon ricotta and caramel chocolate chunk with sea salt ($16). Each dessert had unique and fantastic qualities, making it hard to pick a favorite. Personally, I lean towards lemon over chocolate, but the cheesecake was outstanding.

The entire dining experience was exceptional, from the ambiance to the service and the food. I would highly recommend this restaurant to friends and family, whether they are locals or tourists. It's ideal for a sophisticated night out.

More dining options available

In addition to Giada's two dining venues, the hotel features a seventh-floor pool bar and lounge called Seven. This spot serves lunch, dinner, and late-night cocktails, creating an indoor-outdoor atmosphere that invites the evening breeze into the bar area. The indoor section provides a great sports-viewing experience with 20 flat-screen TVs and access to Caesars Sportsbook.

Outdoor patio tables encircle a cozy fire pit, while the pool area—where cabanas can be reserved and food ordered—is just behind a glass wall, providing stunning views of Camelback Mountain.

Fitness Facilities and Swimming Pools

The fitness center is located on the seventh floor, directly across from Seven's pool bar and the rooftop pool. It boasts ample space for a hotel of this size, featuring two Peloton bikes, a StairMaster, three treadmills, and various weight machines. Additionally, there is a range of free weights, yoga mats, and kettlebells available.

Complimentary rooftop yoga sessions are available for guests on the eighth-floor Camelback veranda, typically held on Saturday mornings.

The summer pool series at Cleopatra's Pool on the ground floor is just starting to heat up. Every Saturday and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m., guests can enjoy DJ-spun music and cabana service. VIP reservations are necessary, and resort passes can be purchased through the hotel's website.

While there's no spa on-site, several nearby options are available. Squeeze Massage, a chain that originated from Drybar, is located directly across the street, and The Phoenician, part of Marriott's Luxury Collection, is just a five-minute drive away.

Meeting and event space

The venue boasts 20,000 square feet of cutting-edge event space, accommodating up to 900 guests in the main Romulus Ballroom. This expansive 7,000-square-foot ballroom is situated on the ground floor, opening directly onto Cleopatra's Pool & Bar.

The eighth-floor Camelback Veranda spans 3,000 square feet and offers stunning, unobstructed views of Camelback Mountain, making it a popular choice for weddings and events. This outdoor space can accommodate up to 200 guests, allowing them to enjoy Arizona's nearly year-round pleasant weather, a true draw for meetings and celebrations.

Bottom line

Caesars Republic is an exciting new addition to the Scottsdale hotel landscape, featuring abundant dining choices, multiple pools, and convenient access to the shopping, dining, and nightlife that Old Town Scottsdale has to offer. Midweek summer rates begin at $189 per night, while peak season rates (January to May) start from $499 per night.

While the real Caesar isn't here, I have no doubt he would love it if he could be.