Scottsdale
AA-2026-EDBC7B
On the image
A woman models the peak of 1970s resort fashion, confident that a boldly patterned dress, large sunglasses, and a perfectly coiffed bouffant signaled an appropriate level of vacation sophistication. She has clearly embraced the idea that dressing for leisure involved a strategic deployment of synthetic fabrics.
The surrounding landscape, a carefully curated collection of palms and towering cacti, ensured guests appreciated the desert's exotic nature without having to actually interact with it. Further into the property, a sign points to "LA CANTINA" and a "TRADING POST," fulfilling the mid-century guest's expectation of authentic regional experiences, even if those experiences primarily involved purchasing souvenirs and drinking margaritas.
Everyone involved understood that the ultimate goal was to simulate relaxation in a climate-controlled environment. The architect's vision and the hotel's marketing budget combined to convince people they were escaping, when mostly they were just relocating their daily routines to a slightly warmer, more decorated concrete slab.
The historian's note
This image captures the outdoor grounds of The Chaparral Scottsdale Resort in Arizona during the 1970s. The resort, originally opened in 1960 as Hotel Chaparral, was a prominent destination for leisure travelers seeking a desert retreat.
Known for its sprawling facilities, including multiple pools, dining options like La Cantina and Chaparral Lounge, and themed amenities such as a "Trading Post," the resort exemplified the era's trend for comprehensive vacation experiences. Its architecture and landscaping were designed to blend modern comfort with the natural desert environment.
The Chaparral Scottsdale underwent various ownership changes and expansions, ultimately becoming The Scottsdale Plaza Resort, continuing its legacy as a significant hospitality landmark in the region.
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Chaparral Scottsdale Resort, Arizona, 1970s. 1970–1979. Archive & Atlas, Historical Image Library, AA-2026-EDBC7B. https://thearchive.archiveandatlas.com/library/chaparral-scottsdale-resort-arizona-1970s.
@misc{aaAA2026EDBC7B,
title = {Chaparral Scottsdale Resort, Arizona, 1970s},
year = {1970–1979},
howpublished = {Archive \& Atlas, Historical Image Library},
note = {Accession AA-2026-EDBC7B},
url = {https://thearchive.archiveandatlas.com/library/chaparral-scottsdale-resort-arizona-1970s}
}TY - ART TI - Chaparral Scottsdale Resort, Arizona, 1970s PY - 1970–1979 PB - Archive & Atlas, Historical Image Library AN - AA-2026-EDBC7B UR - https://thearchive.archiveandatlas.com/library/chaparral-scottsdale-resort-arizona-1970s ER -
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