The Saguaro, Scottsdale

Tags:: Design; Architecture; Culture; Architect

This 5.5-acre property is a much-needed hotel option in Scottsdale and a welcome splash of color in the mundane beiges of the Sonoran desert. Despite breaking out from the shackles of traditional design, Peter Stamberg and Paul Aferiat of Stamberg Aferiat Architecture still paid homage to the landscape and the Southwest by blending the original buildings' classic "International style" architecture with the invigorating colors of twelve indigenous flowers.

— Jaclyn Sienna India

Upon approaching the hotel, the exterior seems quite tame, with a nice, clean, white façade greeting guests from afar. But once close, signs of life start to show, with pops of color emanating from various sides and unexpected places. For example, the porte-cochère’s underside is a lovely surprise, painted with the yellows and light greens from the hotel's palette of desert wildflowers: Staghorn Cholla, Sunflower, California Poppy, and Lantana Camara.

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