Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort at Gainey Ranch

Yes, there wasn’t another person around!

This is one of the advantages of staying on a weekday summer evening at an Arizona resort!

Heading back to our room, we paused to sit out under the stars in the courtyard. The night was warm and pleasant.

On a small, intimate stage, we watched as two women in colorful, ruffled dresses and high heels danced to the hypnotic, gypsy-inspired rhythms of live flamenco music.

Looking down on the pool area at the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort

With the soothing burble of waterfalls in the background, we felt like we were living a life of luxury.

Arizona resorts are known for their lavish accommodations and wealth of amenities. And, the Hyatt Regency Resort in Scottsdale is no exception.

This stylish hotel’s great on-site activities, beautiful pools and close proximity to Scottsdale’s diverse shopping and arts districts make it a conveniently located Scottsdale resort getaway.

The Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort at Gainey Ranch has a contemporary look and luxurious grounds in a casual atmosphere.

It is hip enough for well-heeled twentysomethings and yet friendly and accommodating to families who'll love its pools.

Located in north central Scottsdale off busy Scottsdale Road, the 493-room, 4-story Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort sits on 560 acres next to a 7-acre lake in an area of upscale homes, trendy boutiques and top-rated golf courses.

Tall palm trees dwarf the entrance to the resort

Southwest style fans take note: this is not your typical Southwestern-style resort.

Here, the architecture is modern and minimalist. Only the color scheme and cactus reminds that you’re in the desert.

The main building is an understated brown block structure with large windows that let in an abundance of natural light.

The resort is surrounded by groves of tall palm trees which actually hide the building's form, providing a more natural setting and shading it from the hot summer sun.

The Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort’s extensively landscaped grounds provide a verdant counterpoint to the minimalist architecture.

Though the landscaping appears lush, the resort has cleverly used drought-tolerant and native desert plants as well as small patches of lawn to evoke a rich, garden feel.

Colorful ornamentals like lantana, bougainvillea and oleander share space with ocotillos, saguaros and golden barrel cacti.

The Hyatt lobby is quite impressive. It is a large, bi-level space with ceilings that soar to 17 feet and "walls" of windows, creating a dramatic space.

The lobby of the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort at Gainey Ranch

The lower level is the lounge and Lobby Bar.

Backlit onyx-colored panels and floor-to-ceiling walnut columns with recessed glass tiles impart a chic, contemporary air.

Plush sofas and chairs and warm-toned lighting make the space inviting.

The entire backside of the lobby can be opened up to the outdoors, revealing a huge flagstone courtyard called the Fountain Court.

This long, rectangular formal garden stretches all the way down to the pool area. A series of streams and waterfalls runs its entire length.

Along the pathways, large granite pedestals display giant specimens of turquoise, copper and other minerals.

The king bed in our room at the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort

We stayed in a preferred view king guest room ($179.10/night weekend summer rates).

These 400-square foot rooms have better views than the regular guestrooms even though they are the same size.

The décor is contemporary with a sort of Pottery Barn style.

Colors are primarily brown and tan with splashes of bright color provided by pillows and the bedspread.

The king bed dominated the space which felt somewhat small.

In addition to the bed, there was a large, comfy armchair and ottoman, an armoire which hid the TV, granite-topped side tables and a writing table with two chairs.

Wrought iron lamps were the only Southwestern touch.

The bathroom at the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort

Other room amenities include:

• Hyatt’s signature Grand Bed, a Sealy Posturpedic pillow top mattress
• spa robes
• complimentary wireless internet access
• hair dryer
• in-room coffee maker
• private patio or balcony.

The bathroom was just a bit too small for our tastes.

It is simply designed with a granite bath/shower combo and a small sink. We could really have used more counter space.

There are a few things we think you should keep in mind when booking a room at the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort.

First is the room type and location.

We’ve also stayed in the basic guest rooms which are also 400-square feet.

Looking out to the balcony of our room

Like the preferred view king room, these rooms feel a little small.

We didn’t mind as we wouldn’t be spending much time in our room.

Just one section of the ten pools at the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort

Their 2.5-acre "water playground" has ten interconnecting swimming pools of varying sizes and depths in a lush garden setting.

Tall, glass block columns and a Grecian-style water temple embellished with lush "falls" of brightly colored bougainvillea vines separate the pools into a series of rooms.

Forty-seven waterfalls tumble off the temples and glass columns into the gorgeous azure-colored pools.

What makes the largest pool so unique is its white sand beach and three-story waterslide located inside a clock tower.

The white sand "beach" at the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort

This pool also has a sunbathing platform in its center.

Smaller cool plunge pools surround a 25-foot Jacuzzi.

Set away from the primary pools is the Grotto Pool, a quiet adults-only pool.

The casitas have their own Jacuzzis accessed by key only.

Other Resort Amenities

In addition to swimming, the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort has a variety of activities and amenities including:

• four tennis courts and an extensive tennis program with recreational or competitive games, one-on-one coaching and customized tennis programs,
• docent-guided art tours,
• Experiential Vacations includes activities such as "Family Fun Sing-Along" with singing cowboysand Native American dancers, reptiles of the Sonoran Desert and Arizona's unique birds of prey,
• jogging paths,
• biking trails.

For those who want to shop till they drop, Scottsdale has many retail districts just waiting to be explored.

You can take the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort shuttle to shopping areas such as the Borgata, Old Town Scottsdale, 5th Avenue and Scottsdale Fashion Square.

Shuttle service is by appointment only, as seats are limited, so make sure you sign up early.

The shuttle runs four times per day, Monday through Saturday.

A Little Bit of Venice in Scottsdale

Beyond the pools is a 7-acre lake where you can take a ride aboard the gracefully carved Sandolo boats - the same famous boats that ply the canals of Venice.

Some of the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort’s casitas sit along the 7-acre lake

The Sandolo Gondoliers are classically trained singers who will serenade you during your trip on these beautiful handcrafted boats.

Gondola boat rides are complimentary with dinners at Alto Ristorante, the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort’s Italian restaurant, otherwise there is a per person fee.

We really enjoyed watching the boats out on the water in the evenings, each one lit with an old fashioned lantern reminiscent of times long past.

The gondola rides are offered nightly from 6 pm – 11 pm. They’re very popular, so be sure to reserve in advance.

Immerse Yourself in the Local Culture

One of our favorite features at the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort at Gainey Ranch is the Native American and Environmental Learning Center.

Located off the lobby, this mini-museum and demonstration area gives you an opportunity to talk with a member of a Native American community about their culture, local Native American tribes and the Sonoran Desert.

The Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort’s Native Heritage Seed Garden contains crops used by Southwestern tribes

During one of our stays, we chatted with the staff - one a member of the Hopi tribe and the other a member of the Zuni tribe - who told us about the current exhibits and the Native American crops growing in the Native Heritage Seed Garden.

We particularly enjoyed a wonderful display about the Hopi Nation that included photographs and interpretive signs about the Hopi mesas, Hopi farming techniques and ceremonies and beautiful examples of Hopi arts and crafts.

Intricate weavings, handmade jewelry and katsinas helped to illustrate the culture and life ways of the Hopi.

Activities you can participate in include:

• sampling Native American foods such as Hopi piki bread,
• observe the Hopi Silver Overlay whereby a Hopi artist explains the silver overlay process and provides examples of the beautiful silver jewelry for which the Hopi are so famous,
• see Native American dancers, performing the cultural dances of their tribe, including the colorful hoop dancing,
• Tour the Native Heritage Seed Garden near the pools and learn about the different Native American crops and their importance to the cultural history of the tribes.

World Music Beat

In the evening, take time to relax by the fountains or the fireplace at the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort’s Lobby Bar and enjoy live entertainment that changes on a nightly basis.

Musical groups feature flamenco, Caribbean, jazz and country music.

Half-day or full-day sessions are designed to introduce kids to the plants, animals, culture and geography of the area.

Children ages 3-5 and 6-12 can sign up for a variety of activities including Indian Rock Art, Arizona Critters, Pinch Pot Pottery, Copper Sculpture and Sand Painting.

Spa Avania at the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort

This 21,000-square foot Asian-inspired destination spa offers a unique, total immersion experience where every aspect of the spa experience is matched to specific times of the day and the body’s changing biorhythms.

That means that energizing and invigorating treatments are given in the morning, balancing and rejuvenating treatments at mid-day and calming treatments in the evening.

Everything is centered around this holistic approach, therefore, materials, treatment products, music, light, aromas and the specialty teas offered to guests are matched to the time of day.

The spa also has a state of the art Fitness Center that’s fully equipped with LifeFitness cardio equipment and weight machines with digital television monitors.

Golf Digest has rated Gainey Ranch as one of the top 75 golfing spots in the USA

Gainey Ranch has three distinct nine-hole courses, all set against a backdrop of cacti, the lake and the nearby McDowell Mountains.

The Arroyo Course is the longest of the three.

A natural desert wash runs through the course, hence its name (arroyo is Spanish for "dry river").

The Lakes Course has dramatic holes with good views. Six of its nine holes have water hazards.

The Dunes Course has a desert style layout.

Some of the links overlook the lake at the Gainey Ranch Golf Club

This is the shortest of the courses. It is reminiscent of Scottish golf courses with rolling sand dunes interspersed among the ridges and valleys.

Interested in having your kids learn how to golf?

Try the Gainey Ranch Golf Club's Junior Tees. These are special tee locations designed to give kids twelve and under a chance to play a "yardage friendly" golf round on a par 72.

The entrance to Alto Ristorante

Vu, their signature gourmet venue, closed. Currently, the resort has no plans to re-open a new restaurant in its place.

The Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort’s Ristorante Sandolo changed its name to Alto Ristorante e Bar.

The restaurant still serves Italian cuisine, but now focuses on seasonal foods in a comfortable atmosphere.

The new menu features dishes such as:

• salmon caponata with pine nuts, olives and tomato ragout ($21),
• rib eye steak with salsa verde ($28),
• buffalo mozzarella and roasted vegetable ravioli with spicy tomato sauce ($17).

Alto also has its own Formaggio and Salumi Cellar, offering fine artisanal cheeses and meats, an extensive wine cellar and Italian opera-singing servers.

After dinner, you can still take a complimentary gondola boat ride on the lake.

Hyatt Regency Scottsdale's Squash Blossom restaurant also underwent a change.

It’s new name is SWB Southwest Bistro. This casual restaurant has an open kitchen and features wood-fired dishes and fresh, seasonal ingredients.

They are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and you can eat inside or on the restaurant’s patio overlooking the Fountain Court.

The dining room at SWB Southwest Bistro includes an exhibition kitchen

Dishes include:

• oven-roasted mushroom salad with manchego cheese and prickly pear vinaigrette ($12.50),
• wood-fired half roasted chicken with roasted potatoes, peppers and squash ($18),
• oven-roasted sea bass with three bean stew and roasted poblano salsa ($28).

For those who are in a hurry to hit the links or the stores, there’s the Coffee Bar at the foot of the Grand Staircase in the lower lobby.

They serve Starbucks coffee blends, teas, biscotti, Italian pastries and Krispy Kreme doughnuts.

Some rooms have a lake view

We’ve found the bell service to be very prompt, our check-in was quick and everyone was genuinely friendly, from the front desk staff to the pool attendants.

Once we had to wait to be seated in the Squash Blossom restaurant for breakfast because the hostess’ were busy assisting a large group of ladies from the Red Hat Society, who were staying at the resort for a conference.

But once we were seated, we were quickly helped and served our meal.

Some of the spa front desk staff could also use a little more training. See our Spa Avania review for more details.

Booking a Room

• AAA/CAA members receive 10% discounts on prevailing rates and a free full breakfast each morning of their stay.
• Basic guest rooms overlook the entrance at the front of the resort, so expect some noise if you stay in these rooms.
It was midweek in late
• Some of the preferred view rooms (both king and double bed) overlook the Fountain Court. Keep in mind that there is nightly entertainment in this area in the open air Lobby Bar until 1:00 a.m.
• Only some rooms have mountain views. You must request one when making your reservation.

Pools

• If you do plan to have an evening swim, be sure to obtain pool towels from the attendant during the day, as the towel bar closes around 5:00 p.m.
• The pools weren't heated in August at the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort, which is to be expected during a Scottsdale summer. When daytime temperatures start rising, the water feels just great. In the evening, we found the water temperature to be even cooler, making for an invigorating swim.
• The lounge chairs at the pool can fill up quickly on weekends. Get yourself a chair early.

Favorite Features: Beautiful pools, free nightly entertainment at Lobby Bar, great museum-quality displays at Native American and Environmental Learning Center.

What We Didn’t Like: Not enough counter space in the bathroom.

Nearby Amenities and Attractions: The Hyatt Regency Scottsdale is centrally located near a variety of attractions including popular Scottsdale shopping areas like Old Town Scottsdale and Scottsdale Fashion Square - the largest mall in the Southwest. If you love to hike, Camelback Mountain is about a 10 minute drive away.

Good for Kids: Good selection of activities at Camp Hyatt. Kids will love the pools and dive-in movies.

Pet Friendly: Pets are not allowed.

Location: Central Scottsdale, near Paradise Valley

Address: 7500 E. Doubletree Ranch Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85258

Google Map Directions: Click on "+" and "-" signs on Map Controls in upper left hand corner to zoom in and out on the location.

Management: Hyatt Hotels and Resorts

Style: Southwest Contemporary

Room Types: 493 standard guest rooms, suites and casitas

Book a room at the resort

Cost: In Season: $$$ - $$$$
Summer Season: $$ - $$$
Go to Cost Key

Extra Fees: the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort has a Resort Service Fee which is $15/day and includes:

• unlimited local and 800 phone calls,
• incoming and outgoing faxes,
• in-room safe,
• golf bag storage,
• complimentary newspaper (Mondays-Fridays),
• bicycle rentals,
• tennis court time,
• use of fitness center,
• complimentary use of Hyatt shopping shuttle.

Spa Avania: 19% service charge added to all services and packages.

Check in/Check Out:   4 pm / 12 Noon.

Room Service:   Available 24 hours

Views/Setting: Almost tropical resort setting with views of gardens, lake, golf course and McDowell Mountains.

Pools: 2.5-acre water playground with ten pools, waterslide, white sand beach and waterfalls.

Restaurants: Currently two main restaurants:
SWB Southwest Bistro is a casual venue with American and Southwestern dishes; open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Alto Ristorante serves Italian country fare; open for dinner only (daily 5:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.). Entrées start at $18.

There is also the Water Garden Grill which is poolside and offers lunchtime favorites.

The Coffee Bar in the lower lobby has Starbucks coffees and teas, pastries and Krispy Kreme doughnuts.

Spa: Spa Avania offers treatments that are attuned to the time of day and the body’s natural biorhythms. Services include facials, massages, body wraps and polishes, many utilizing preparations that contain local and native ingredients. Full service salon. Treatments start at $120.

Note: a 19% service charge is added to all spa and salon treatments.

Golf: Three distinct nine-hole courses at the private Gainey Ranch Golf Club next to the resort.
Fees: range from $65 - $185 +tax/player depending on time of year (Cart and range balls are included in the use fee. Above rates are for four golfers or less.)

Activities: Tennis, biking, jogging, fitness center, free nightly live entertainment, Native American and Environmental Learning Center, docent-led tours, Scottsdale shopping shuttle.

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