Travel Arizona: Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Gainey Ranch
Travel Arizona: Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Gainey Ranch
Great Places to Stay in Scottsdale, Arizona, USA
By Rusty Krause
Framed against the majestic Arizona McDowell Mountains and set amidst flowering cactus in Scottsdale, Arizona is the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch.
Based on Hyatt’s award-winning reputation, we expected our stay to be a magical five-day retreat. After the first day, my husband and I regretted that we didn’t ask our children and grandchildren to join us. We found that one of the best features of this ultimate Southwest resort is that there’s something for everyone!
The Water Playground is one of the resort’s main attractions. The pool area is massive, comprised of 10 interconnecting swimming pools, 47 waterfalls, 20 fountains and a sand beach. It features a designated area for children, and guests of all ages can revel in going down a cool three-story waterslide set within a clock tower.
Even golf is a family affair. Located at Gainey Ranch Golf Club, the 27-hole championship courses are within walking distance from the resort. We discovered that all three nine-hole courses provided tees with shorter yardage, which makes golf a game families can play together.
The interior of the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort is almost as impressive as the outdoors. The 493 well-appointed guest rooms and suites are located in the main four-story resort building connected by corridors. Our spacious accommodations offered a warm decor, plush bedding and a balcony with panorama resort views. As part of our reservations, we had key access to the Regency Club concierge lounge, which offers a complimentary continental breakfast, a selection of daytime snacks and pre-dinner treats.
While the resort features multiple dining options, we found Alto e Ristorante brought a touch of Venice to the desert. Our well-informed waiter introduced us to an extensive wine list and seasonal Italian specialties. After dinner, he presented us with a card for a complimentary gondola ride along the resort’s lake. From jazz to folk music, Center Stage Bar is a great place to enjoy nightly entertainment.
As grandparents, we were eager to observe the Camp Hyatt program designed for children 3 to 12 years old. Campers can participate in a half or full day supervised activity program. While the children are being entertained, mom and dad can relax and enjoy some grownup time at Spa Avania.
Every experience is memorable at the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and the Spa Avania is no exception. Named after the Greek word for “tranquil,” this luxury facility is one of the first spas to tailor every experience to the body’s internal clock. I was impressed to find that the Spa’s philosophy is to coordinate music with the body’s rhythms at different times of day. Additional spa amenities that attract all ages include a relaxation area, plunge pools, a fitness center and a salon.
With the resort recognized as one of the best places to stay in Arizona, it’s no wonder we made reservations to return next year with our family. What we truly found amazing was that during our stay, we hardly ever left the grounds. There were more than enough activities to keep us engaged. Whether it was learning about Native American culture, being pampered or simply enjoying the outdoor recreational facilities, the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort at Gainey Ranch exceeded our expectations.
IF YOU GO:
Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Gainey Ranch
7500 E. Doubletree Ranch Road
Scottsdale, Arizona
Reservations: 800-233-1234 / 480-444-1234
Spa Avania: 480-483-5558
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BIO
Rusty Krause was the the former editor and publisher of Travel Today Magazine. Rusty found great pleasure sharing her worldwide experiences with a well-traveled audience of readers. Whether experiencing the cosmopolitan flare of a resort destination or the unparalleled amenities aboard a luxury cruise ship, travel continues to be high on Rusty’s priority list.