Scottsdale is one of the tourist hotspots of Arizona. Whether you're interested in upmarket shopping, or in visiting a preserved slice of the Old West, the city is perfect for a relaxing holiday in blistering heat, and it's so lively that it's great for kids. To get the most out of a holiday in Scottsdale, renting a villa or condo is a great way of cutting accommodation costs, and ensuring access to your own pool in order to cool off after a long day in the arid Arizona climate.

Scottsdale offers a range of activities to suit every age group and every budget. Shoppers and art lovers alike should head straight to downtown Scottsdale. The shoppers can browse the Fashion Square Mall, one of the biggest shopping malls in the US, and the art lovers can head to the Gallery District, just west of the downtown area, where there are works on display both by local and international artists. You can find the Old Town next to these galleries, and look around gift shops and streets filled with nostalgia for the Old West. The Old Town is also where you can find some of the best restaurants during your stay. If you're prepared to venture a little out of town, you can also try your luck at gambling at Casino Arizona at Indian Bend, or practice your swing on the 36-hole golf course which has been built there. There are also over a hundred other golf courses within easy reach of Scottsdale, so golfing fanatics will find a lot to amuse themselves.

The price for rental properties in Scottsdale varies a great deal, but you should be able to find amazing condos for a family of four in the range from £800 to £1,000 a week, which compares extremely favourably with hotel room rates in the area. And once you're in your completely furnished and modern condo, you can relax, and feel at home, in a way which is just never quite possible with a hotel room. You can unwind in an air-conditioned room in front of the TV during the hottest part of the day or in the evening, and your children can let off steam without worrying about disturbing neighbouring hotel guests. You'll also be able to fill bottles with tap water, rather than buying bottled water wherever you go - the temperatures get very high in Scottsdale and you will need to keep drinking a lot of water.