The Vibe
Scottsdale has long been a winter escape destination for Canadians and the Hyatt Regency Resort & Spa is a worthwhile spot for sun-seekers, golfers and families alike. The luxury resort spans 27 acres set at the edge of the Sonoran Desert and the Gainey Ranch Golf Club, plus offers picturesque views of the McDowell Mountains.
The resort bills itself as family-friendly (there’s a kid’s camp, playground and rock climbing wall) but our mid-winter visit saw a primarily adult crowd. It’s a popular spot for business meetings and conferences so you can expect a “work hard, play hard” clientele here.
The front entrance is completely open-air on most days (including Arizona’s balmy winter months), leading you to the check-in counter and through the main lounge which opens up into further outdoor seating.
The Rooms
The resort has just under 500 rooms, including a handful of suites. Each room type includes a small balcony and ours looked over the main lounge area with the McDowell Mountains looking quite picturesque in the distance. Standard rooms are outfitted with a lounge chair, television, bar fridge and a small desk. Bathrooms come equipped with waterfall showers and a semi-separate toilet area.
The Features
The Hyatt Regency is packed with a ton of recreational activities. It’s easy to spend a short vacation here without ever having to leave the property. There’s a 2.5-acre waterpark with 10 pools, 45 waterfalls and a three-story slide as well as plenty of cabanas and lounging areas in between.
Those in need of pampering should block off a morning/afternoon (or, both) for the Spa Avania. Treatments here are top-notch and you’ll also have access to a sauna, steam room, plunge pools and a larger mineral salt pool exclusive to spa guests.
In the evening, live music and cover bands take over the bar and lounge as guests gather around electric fire pits with glasses of wine in hand. It’s a lively atmosphere but could keep you up (music ends at 9:30pm most nights) if you have a room facing the courtyard. Request a room elsewhere if you’ve got an early morning planned.
The Location
Set off a side street from the main road, The Hyatt Regency has a secluded atmosphere. The hotel borders the Gainey Ranch Golf Club and the Phoenix Sky Harbour International Airport is a 20 minute drive away. There’s a public bus stop located 10 minutes away but a car is recommended to get around Scottsdale.
Rooms start at $224 per night
7500 E. Doubletree Ranch Rd., Scottsdale, 480-444-1234, scottsdale.regency.hyatt.com
