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Scottsdale’s Most Elegant Family Resort

Scottsdale’s Most Elegant Family Resort

Checking into the grand Hyatt Regency in the Gainey Ranch area of Scottsdale, the front desk attendant offered me a glass of cactus cooler with a straw to sip on my way to my room.

This large resort is offers an elegant Frank Lloyd Wright motif in all the common areas. This makes sense since there are over 11 Frank Lloyd Wright buildings in the greater Phoenix area of Arizona with the most famous being Taliesin West.

My standard room #2743 was located in a quiet section of the property with a big tree offering shade and privacy from a grassy courtyard area. The room offered two Queen size Hyatt Grand beds, a small balcony with two chairs, high speed internet, a marble bathroom with shower and Kenet MD bath amenities. There is an in-room safe, turn-down service at night, in room refrigerator and coffeemaker. Our room was clean and had recently been “refreshed.”

What makes this resort unique are the Casita homes overlooking a lake bordering the resort. Some of the 1,200 square foot casita’s are near the adult pool, while others are near the family Fun Zone. Casita Suite offer a wood-burning fireplace and rooftop deck. Each suite includes a separate dining area, wet bar, microwave, wine cooler, Wi-Fi Internet access, refrigerator, 37” flat screen TV, video checkout, iHome stereo with a  docking station, and king sized Hyatt Grand Bed. Casita Suites are available in two, three and four bedroom configurations.

Photo by Jill Weinlein

Photo by Jill Weinlein

DINING

In the evening, couples and families can cruise along the resort’s seven-acre lake on a gondola with a boat driver serenading in Italian. The ride is free for guests who plan to dine at the resort’s Italian Alto Ristorante bar.  Otherwise, the ride costs $10 for adults and teens, $5 for kids 4-12, and free for children 3 and under.

Other themed restaurants include a Southwest bistro serving wood-fired specialties and a Wine Me, Dine Me four-course dining experience in a demonstration kitchen. There is a wine and tequila pairing with each dish for a true Southwest experience. Nearby is a small sushi bar serving Japanese cuisine.

Photo by Jill Weinlein

Photo by Jill Weinlein

The centerpiece of the property is the high ceiling Center Stage Bar offering fabulous views and live nightly entertainment. Some evenings there is a live Native American show. Performers are dressed in authentic outfits, while sharing their culture and history through song and dance next to the Fountain Court.

The Canyon Market is popular for a quick breakfast with pastries, oatmeal, fresh fruit and Starbucks coffee. It’s open 24 hours for snacks and casual meals.

Photo by Jill Weinlein

Photo by Jill Weinlein

POOL TIME

What makes this property unique is the 2.5 acre “water playground” with ten different swimming pools, a shallow sand beach family pool with center float and fountain, adult-only pool, and two poolside bars. Near the sand beach is a multi-level circular water slide that is fun for adults and their children. This is a big water slide, similar to one you would find in a water park.

Photo by Jill Weinlein

Photo by Jill Weinlein

The circular whirlpool area offers a Frank Lloyd Wright with Greek architecture feel, with its opulent columns and water streaming into the hot tub area.

FUN AND GAMES

Photo by Jill Weinlein

Photo by Jill Weinlein

Families also enjoy the Fun Zone featuring clubs and balls to play at the beachside Putting Green. Sprinkled around this area is a shuffleboard court, giant chess and Jenga set. For an additional fee families can climb a 28′ high rock climbing wall in this area.

SPA AND FITNESS

Ready to relax in the Spa Avania for a facial in one of the 19 treatment rooms. What is unique at this spa is the Himalayan Salt Room providing overall wellness with its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. This area encourages clear skin, enhanced breathing, endurance and restful sleep. Also, in the area are five Garden treatment rooms with their own private entrance, and an outdoor heated mineral pool. Before or after a treatment, relax near a lotus pond with a covered outdoor trellis.

Photo by Jill Weinlein

Photo by Jill Weinlein

There is a state of the art exercise facility that is open 24 hours a day, and men and women’s locker areas. Complimentary classes include morning Boot Camp, Yoga Core and Yoga Flow.

BICYCLE

On-site bicycles are available to cruise along bicycle and jogging trails. Guests can ride to a nearby shopping center to window shop and enjoy an al fresco lunch.

GOLF
The Hyatt Regency is next to a 27 hole championship golf course at the Gainey Ranch Golf Club. A cart and range balls are included in the golf fee.

TENNIS
The Berk Tennis Academy provides four lighted tennis courts with recreational and competitive tennis for all levels. Professional instruction by Jennifer Berk is available to those seeking a lesson, clinic or to hit with on Saturday and Sundays by appointment.

Photo by Jill Weinlein

Photo by Jill Weinlein

Staying at the Hyatt Regency in Scottsdale offers guests a luxurious getaway that will renew all of your senses.

About The Author

Jill Weinlein

As a travel journalist for 17 years some of my favorite experiences have been climbing The Great Wall in China, swam with Stingrays in Bora-Bora, explored caves in Belize, followed a pod of Orcas in Alaska, swam in the warm waters of Krabi in Thailand, visited Marco Polo's house in Korcula, Croatia and sailing around Richard Branson's Necker Island in the British Virgin Islands. Read my travel reviews to be inspired to see the world.

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