The scottsdale Hilton is nice, but there are better resort properties in my opinion in the same area.
There is also the Pointe Hilton in Phoenix, but again, not a big fan and the area outside of the hotel isn't the most impressive.
The El Conquistador in Tucson is also nice as is the Hilton Sedona - both in nice natural surroundings vs an urban area.

Where you just planning on staying in the resort the whole time or are there certain things you like to do outside the grounds? Art, outdoors, nightlife, shopping, etc?

Btw, if you want CA, you want southern CA. Northern CA does get snow and is generally cooler than the south.