After living in and writing about Phoenix for more than a decade, I thought I had seen all of the region’s great resorts. So I was pleasantly surprised when I pulled up to the Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort and realized that I had never been to the property — not even for an event or a restaurant visit.
Boy, was I in for a treat!
Just one month earlier, the resort had reopened following a $115 million total renovation, the first in its almost 40-year existence. The interior and exterior refresh includes an update of all guest rooms, the addition of new restaurants, a new spa and wellness center, expanded meeting space, and much more. To recognize these upgrades and additions, the resort has a new name.
New Look, New Brand
According to Cassidy Khoury, the resort’s marketing manager, the property opened in 1986 as the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch. “With all the renovations we did, it made sense to rebrand, as well,” she says. “It just adds that extra tier of luxury and elegance.”
For those who don’t know, the World of Hyatt comprises 19 portfolio brands, including Andaz, Thompson Hotels, Dreams Resorts, and more. Hyatt Regency, one of the company’s upscale brands, focuses on the business traveler. Grand Hyatt is one of the group’s two luxury brands available only in select markets. Grand Hyatt Scottsdale is the first Grand Hyatt in Arizona.
Renovations on the newly renamed Grand Hyatt Scottsdale began in March 2023, with the first changes being made to the pool complex. The resort reopened in November 2024, with additional phases of the renovation, such as the finishing touches on the 18 casitas, the fitness center, and a members’ only bar and lounge, to be completed by early 2025.
A Room at the Grand Hyatt
All of the resort’s 496 guest rooms were redesigned and refreshed. Gone are the dark browns, mustard hues, and dark, heavy furnishings. The new rooms are bright and airy. Clean-lined, low-profile furniture in natural light wood tones fade into the background. And a color palette of pale griege, cream, and white creates a calming effect that allows the exterior view to take center stage. Premium views overlook the verdant Gainey Ranch golf course and McDowell Mountains. Other views include Terrace Court and the pool complex.
The experience begins before you even get to your room, as the hallways also received a soothing facelift. Carpeting in warm desert colors, including sage green, blush, and dusty rose pink, replaced the previous dark blue carpets. The soft hues are used throughout the property, seamlessly connecting the interiors to the surrounding landscape.
Guests can choose from rooms with one king or two queen beds, which are covered in crisp white linens. All have balconies, and garden-level rooms include patios with firepits.
The spa-like bathrooms were also renovated, featuring a bathtub or a walk-in shower. And toiletries by Balmain Beauty add a touch of couture luxury.
The resort also offers a selection of suites, from the 490-square-foot Fountain Court Suite to the 1,200-square-foot Signature Suite, with a wet bar and dining table that seats six. For families or those looking for the ultimate in luxury, the 18 casitas can be configured to include four bedrooms. At the same time, the 2,450-square-foot private Gainey House residence offers all the comforts of home.
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New and Improved Dining Options
As part of the renovation, the resort has added four new food and beverage concepts. All are under the direction of James Beard Award-nominated celebrity chef Richard Blais, the first winner of Bravo’s “Top Chef: All-Stars.” And they’re his first openings in the Grand Canyon State.
Mesa Centrale is a Southwestern grill that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as a weekend buffet. Grand Vista Lounge, a lobby bar in the style of a grand hotel lounge, is connected to Mesa Centrale. Tiki Taka is a Japanese-Spanish fusion eatery offering small plates. And La Zozzona is the resort’s main restaurant. The modern Italian chophouse offers handmade pasta, charcoal-grilled steaks, seafood, and chops. Tiki Taka and La Zozzona are Blais’ signature concepts.
In addition, two poolside concepts — Sandbar and H2Oasis — opened earlier this year. H2Oasis existed under the Hyatt Regency brand, but during the renovation, it was moved from the family pool to the adult pool. It serves a Polynesian-inspired menu and offers poolside bottle service. Sandbar, which took over the former H2Oasis spot on the family poolside, serves traditional American fare, such as burgers, chicken tenders, and sandwiches.
And finally, for those craving a last-minute coffee or grab-and-go options, Canyon Market offers sandwiches, bottled drinks, snacks, pastries, and other quick bites, as well as convenience needs, including reusable water bottles, branded items, some toiletries such as sunscreen, and other sundries.
Pool, Spa, and Meeting Spaces
The Grand Hyatt Scottsdale was quiet during my midweek visit. As such, I was able to wander about the property and check out some of the changes and upgrades. One area that blew me away was the 2.5-acre pool complex. There are 10 different swimming pools, including an adults-only pool, along with a sandy beach, a fun zone with a rock-climbing wall and mini golf, and a three-story waterslide. And more lounge chairs than I’ve ever seen at a resort pool. Cabanas and daybeds also are available for rent.
A kiosk was added where swimmers can get towels, rent pool floats, or purchase sundries such as sunscreen. Bathrooms also were added. And VIP cabanas were renovated to include sofas, large TVs, and mini-fridges.
The refreshed Spa Avania also includes a new look with soothing beige, salmon, and cream hues throughout. The spa was buzzing with guests, while the resort’s public spaces were relatively empty. Guests lingered in the relaxation rooms, wandering between the 19 treatment rooms and enjoying refreshing beverages in the private outdoor pool. The spa also has a Himalayan salt room, an outdoor cold plunge, a sauna and steam room, and a co-ed outdoor area with food and beverage service. And there’s an attached salon that offers nail and hair services.
Finally, the renovations included the resort’s event and meeting spaces, including a revitalization of the 14,000-square-foot Vaquero Ballroom. And the grand Arizona Ballroom, which is in the final stages of renovation, is tripling in size to 24,000 square feet. It will reopen in January 2025. In total, the resort offers 90,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space.
Visiting the Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort
“Our property is like a desert oasis,” Khoury says. “So I feel like you forget that you’re in Arizona when you’re here with all the palm trees and the beautiful surroundings. You can come here for a more luxurious romantic getaway, but we’re also very family-oriented. There’s something to do here all the time.” Indeed, there is.
The Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort is located in Gainey Ranch in North Scottsdale. It’s about 18 miles from Phoenix Sky Harbor airport and 5 miles from Old Town Scottsdale. The resort does offer a courtesy shuttle, but only for trips within a 5-mile radius. If you drive, self-parking is available for $30/night; overnight valet parking is $38.
Room rates begin at about $500/night. Also, a $50/night resort fee is added to stay. It includes access to the gym and fitness classes, access to the adjacent Gainey Ranch Golf Club, use of the tennis courts, bicycle rentals, and more.
Check rates online at Expedia, Booking.com, or Hotels.com.
In addition, the Grand Hyatt is pet-friendly. Its 4Paws program ensures that both you and your pet have a pleasant stay. As such, pet toys, clean-up bags, food and water dishes, and pet beds are provided. A one-time $150 pet fee covers stays up to six nights.
Exterior photo courtesy of Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort. All other photos by Rebecca L. Rhoades.
