In Ritzy Scottsdale, The Global Ambassador Is a Hotel Fit for Royalty
The Global Ambassador is the best of Scottsdale's high-end hospitality.
Iconic restaurateur Sam Fox isn’t just a “culinary conceptualist” anymore — now, he’s also a hospitality innovator. With the conception and successful launch of his first hotel property, The Global Ambassador in Scottsdale, Arizona, Fox is ushering in a new era for blending independent food, beverage, and hotel concepts — one that’s delicious in design and cooking delicacies. The 141-room hotel, with rooms from around $400 per night depending on season, is part of the Preferred Hotels & Resorts Legend Collection, signifying its luxurious status as this collection only includes the “best of the best” for exceptional global hospitality.
When I had the chance to spend the night at the property for a “media rate” while visiting town for a family gathering, I didn’t hesitate to jump at the opportunity to check it out because, at that point, I’d heard about how impressive this place was from multiple relatives, for many months.
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A palace within reach of Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Paradise Valley
Photo courtesy The Global Ambassador
One word that ran through my mind when I stepped into the lobby (after being assisted by numerous polite valet attendants who were helpful with my luggage and giving some attention to my dog, who had been trapped in the car for hours) was, “Wow.”
It felt like a real royal palace — like some historic, elegant building had been plucked straight out of the dreamiest neighborhood of urban Paris and transplanted into this ritzy, trendy Scottsdale enclave. Modern elements mix with classic architectural aesthetics, creating a balance of old and new that feels like a trip to the romantic city across the pond. Design details like ample amounts of chic marble, wood-plank flooring, and wood-adorned columns give the interior spaces a charming feel while maintaining a sense of seriousness and respect needed to command such an elite reputation.
As I was escorted through the halls of the hotel that were influenced by 19th-century fashion and into my room, the feeling of sophistication continued. Still, it was not an unapproachable sophistication, but rather a fun and playful sort of atmosphere within.
There was an air of exclusivity within the walls of The Global Ambassador — but also a feeling that “everyone is welcome here.” And once the sun went down and the restaurants on-site heated up (including the rooftop bar and restaurant, which is never not busy, so I’ve been told), you needed to show your room keycard or prove you had a reservation to get past a velvet rope and enter the elevators, which made me feel more secure.
Sleeping quarters fit for a queen
Photo courtesy The Global Ambassador
Since this was clearly a legendary local nightlife destination (I saw guests of all ages ranging from young women who were home from college for the weekend, to retirees enjoying a night out on the town), I was also worried about excessive noise filtering in from the rest of the property when I needed to rest. But I didn’t have to be.
My room was as quiet as a church during a sermon, which made it the best of both worlds – a great place to become immersed in the party vibes, and a great place to ride the elevator down two floors and go to sleep.
The design details in my room were immaculate and cohesive, making the space feel like a queen’s quarters — with creamy green and taupe hues, velvety feeling fabric textures, sturdy oak floors and tasteful artwork. One detail that struck me as a representation of how modern and “on pulse with the trends” this hotel is were the contents of the mini fridge. It’s a small detail but an important one to me as a traveler, nonetheless.
Photo courtesy The Global Ambassador
Inside the mini fridge, I found the standard cocktail mixers and some upscale curations, but there was an Olipop soda (I’ve never seen an Olipop inside a hotel minifridge before, and my younger Millennial friends and I are aII obsessed with them right now).
There were also a few Celsius energy drinks, which I appreciated, because I am a huge Celsius fan (I’d rather drink a Celsius to get amped for an evening out, or before an exercise session compared to a Red Bull — just because I like the flavors better). The mini fridge selection was unique and trendy, in addition to satisfying the desires of those who seek the traditional.
On the wall, there was an enormous TV with streaming capabilities, which meant one of my four nights on-site could be spent binging on Netflix movies. And the gorgeous marble-clad, brass-fixture bathroom and added upscale toiletry amenities was a prime place to get ready for a day or night out. I also loved how the sliding doors revealed a Juliet balcony off my room, which is admittedly too small for sitting on but large enough to step out onto and get some fresh air.
Wellness takes the crown at The Global Ambassador’s spa, fitness center, and pool
Photo courtesy The Global Ambassador
The spa at The Global Ambassador isn’t just a spa — it’s quite undramatically a life-changing encounter. I got the “Mova High Definition Lymphatic Drainage Treatment” (this property is the sole spa in the region to offer such a treatment), and it was unlike anything I’ve experienced at a spa before. I felt like I’d lost at least an inch of water weight off my waist, and as if I’d detoxed a whole month of holiday-induced food and drink toxicity throughout my body —all in a one-hour session.
The Spa features 10 treatment rooms offering a menu of facials, full-body massages, light therapy, IV drips and cryotherapy, among other offerings. The women’s locker rooms were equipped with more amenities than most high-end hotel spas. There were the standard features like a jacuzzi, a cold plunge, a steam room, and sauna facilities — but the kombucha and rose wine on tap, ice cream freezer (indulgence is sometimes necessary for complete wellness), and selection of healthy and hearty snacks made the lounge feel like a space I never wanted to leave. If they hadn’t closed at 6 p.m. I’d have been in there all night.
Photo courtesy The Global Ambassador
The formal “waiting room” for treatments featured large windows and a patio with a view of Camelback Mountain. It was just as luxurious as the locker room space, with a selection of teas, light snacks, and ample reading material to make you feel relaxed before your treatment even began.
Fitness-wise, since I like to stay active on the road, I appreciate a well-appointed fitness center, and I was enthralled with the offerings of The Global Ambassador’s gym space. The 9,000-square-foot facility featured dozens of cardio machines and weights including Technogym and Eleiko equipment — along with a Movement Studio, Spin Studio, and Pilates Room. Best of all, the entire space was designed to feature views of Camelback (which helps when you’re thinking about how it’s way too hot to hike this famous mountain at the moment — at least you can see it from afar). There are also outdoor wellness decks made for sunrise meditation sessions and outdoor classes. I appreciated the little details about the gym, such as their little healthy snack bowl and wide selection of drinks to take (not just “water,” but electrolyte beverages, as well).
Culinary selections fit for a king
Le Ame dining room. Photo courtesy The Global Ambassador
However, the piece de resistance at The Global Ambassador, the element that truly makes it stand out from other luxury hotels, is that it’s home to five original restaurants on-site influenced by Fox’s extensive international travels.
On the ground floor, Le Âme is a Parisian-style steakhouse and bistro with a wide variety of classic French dishes. The Steak Frites and Mussels en Bouillon are crowd favorites, along with tasteful dishes like Loup de Mer and Crab Tagliolini.
I dined here and enjoyed a steak paired with red wine that the hotel’s master sommelier helped me pick out to complement the flavors of my meal. Those who prefer a mixed drink over a curated glass of wine will salivate over the selection of cocktails here. Around me, while I was dining, there was a mix of patrons ranging from a group of ladies having a girls’ get together, to a couple clearly on a romantic date night, and a group of business partners discussing quarterly earnings. A bit of everyone. Plus, it felt very busy for a Wednesday evening. Le Âme is open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and weekend brunch.
I also dined at théa Mediterranean Rooftop, which is known for boasting one of the best rooftop views in the area, alongside serving delicious cocktails and Mediterranean food. When I was there, it was a weekend night, so there was a DJ playing and a buzzy atmosphere — it felt like everyone who’s anyone was on this rooftop that night, with women donning their highest heels and men dressed up in suits and sport coats.
Photo courtesy The Global Ambassador
théa is also known for its pasta, coastal seafood, and skewers. I couldn’t decide what to order, so I got the “Goddess of all dips,” which came with a smattering of each of the six dips, with pita and crudités. Each dish features a mixture of flavors bound to satisfy every type of craving for a top-notch Mediterranean dish. Their cocktail program is incredible, in addition to their wine selection (they’re known for their extensive rosé collection).
And each morning, I started my day with a coffee from Le Market adjacent to the lobby and Le Âme. This space aims to pay homage to European markets, featuring a buzzy energy and tasty selection of pastries, espresso beverages, and healthy smoothies, curated cheese plates, and more. It’s a relaxing place to socialize in an upscale setting accessible to anyone walking through the area with no reservation needed.
Those who want to sit poolside and chill out can get bites from Pink Dolphin, which blends Mexican and Peruvian-inspired dishes and drinks in an alfresco setting. And finally, there’s the Lobby Bar, which offers a mixture of classic and craft cocktails and an all-day snack menu with a European flair, in a setting inside the lobby space (or outside the lush garden courtyard and patio space).
Whether you’re taking a trip to The Global Ambassador for an extended vacation, booking a spa treatment for the day, or just visiting for the evening for a date at one of their delightful dining outposts, it’s bound to be an unforgettable experience that leaves you feeling like royalty. 
