Sometimes “getting away” can be right in your own backyard. Arizona is full of hidden gems like this one and it’s fun to experience a different environment, meet new people, and be catered to your every whim. The Scottsdale Resort has a very enjoyable and relaxing atmosphere at a reasonable cost. It’s tucked away in a charming area of Scottsdale called McCormick Ranch which has plush landscape in its residential neighborhoods.
The Scottsdale Resort is a Hyatt property and has been around since 1976 as the first conference resort in the country. The hotel underwent a major renovation in 2015 that updated the pool area, enhanced the guest rooms, and expanded the outdoor common areas.
Upon arriving, a valet welcomed us, offered to carry our bags and assured us we’d have our car available in a bit for going out to dinner. Walking into the lobby, a friendly face was waiting to check us in. The lobby was open and welcoming, with patio seating to the left and a bar and restaurant straight ahead. I was really impressed with the service and technology available to us — we received waterproof bracelets that act as room keys and grant access to the pool, and a text message we could respond to 24 hours a day to request something or have a question answered.
The room had nice amenities, with a Keurig coffee machine, separate vanity for primping for a night out, and a double-deep closet complete with several side hooks to hang clothes. This is the perfect space for a week long stay or someone who loves overpacking! A nice touch was the spot lighting over two paintings that gave the room a nice cozy feeling.
One of the special things about this resort is the rooms on the first floor with poolside access. We stayed in the King Bed Pool Side room with a cozy patio separated by vines from the neighboring rooms. That night we sat on the patio in cute white Adirondack chairs watching kids playing in the color-changing pool. Although we could still see people walking by, it felt private. Each patio is separated from each other on the sides with potted plants and a vine growing on the fence.
The next morning, we headed down to the bar called Bar Six40 for a breakfast burrito (big enough to share) and a mimosa. Make sure to sit outside and enjoy the green expanse of the golf course, complete with tall palms and gorgeous bougainvillea. We returned to our room, grabbed a book, and headed for the pool right outside of our room.
The pool was great! We reserved a cabana to allow escape from the sun occasionally and watch TV or read, either on the L shaped couch or on chaise lounge chairs. It had a refrigerator with complimentary water, fruit and an afternoon snack. Electrical outlets let us charge our iPad and laptop (can’t leave home without the technology!). At the time we stayed there (summer rates), the cabana was $160 on the weekend with a food and drink credit. We thought it was definitely worth it! The staff takes really good care of you and are very friendly. A live band played during afternoon hours which added some energy to the day.
We had dinner at one of the two restaurants on site, Kitchen West, overlooking the golf course. The dinner menu is not large but has standard choices, including seafood (salmon, sea bass and scallops), steaks, pork chops and chicken dishes. The ambiance is quaint with a partially open kitchen off to the side. We both had the filet prepared with a peppercorn reduction and a side of chimichurri sauce. Delicious!
The rooms could use refreshing, as evidenced by the sink falling out as I washed out my swimsuit… It had fallen down to the floor! That texting ability to maintenance turned out to be quite handy and they were able to fix it while we were away at dinner. Sometimes things happen…
Overall, a very pleasant experience and I would recommend this resort!
I wonder if this is the hotel where my family stayed when we first moved to Arizona?! I’ve never heard that sink story before! Would you recommend the restaurants for non-hotel guests?
Because Scottsdale has so many phenomenal options for dining, I recommend these for convenience if you are a guest but would not intentionally seek them out given all the other local choices.