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by Barbara Penny Angelakis
Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Gainey Ranch
7500 E. Doubletree Ranch Road,
Scottsdale, AZ 85258
Tel: 480 444 1234
Fax: 480 483 5550
The McDowell Mountains form the backdrop for one of the most beautiful and well-run resorts in Scottsdale. The Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch set the standard when it was built 20 years ago and thanks to its forward thinking management, has striven to stay ahead of the competition ever since.  The hotel’s design and the resort’s philosophical leanings towards integration were inspired by the desert work of Frank Lloyd Wright whose Arizona home, Taliesin West, is only a short drive from the hotel. The double “H” shape of the building’s wings connect to the central building by an uninterrupted sliding wall of glass, creating five functional courtyards that provide perfect visual access to the spectacular natural setting. The interior design of the lobby and public rooms liberally make use of polished woods and natural stone with accents of copper that enhance one’s sense of being in nature. Special  mention should be made of the magnificent massive wood banister that adorns each of the staircases. Artwork and artifacts with a southwestern theme decorate the rooms and each of the four atriums that are formed by the buildings design, and guests are encouraged to stroll in any direction on an art and learning adventure. Plush leather couches along with a color pallet mirroring the view, complete the picture of an environment compatible inside and out. As much as possible this decorating scheme is continued throughout the hotel and in the guest rooms.
The Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch is a family friendly resort, set in 560 acres, with a 2 ½ acre pool complex that includes 10 interconnecting swimming pools, a sand beach, a 30-foot-high water slide and a 14-foot-long water aqueduct which traverses above six pools. Amongst the many unique features of the resort is the children’s learning program. The Hyatt Regency Scottsdale is designed for both the leisure and the business traveler. To accommodate guests who bring their families with  them, a special children’s program was created to educate and entertain about the Sonoran Desert and the Native people’s contribution to the culture of the southwest.
This hands-on, fun-filled program of activities was initiated under the direction of Ann Lane, Director of Camp Hyatt and the Family Camp for Hyatt Hotels & Resorts. According to Ms. Lane, “Hyatt Regency Scottsdale is a destination resort with something for everyone”. There are sports activities and entertainment galore for the adult set as well, including the aforementioned water playground and a 16-foot-wide adult-only Jacuzzi; a 27-hole championship golf course, consisting of three separate individually designed nine-hole courses; four tennis courts that are home to International Tennis U.S.A. and suitable for both  recreational or competitive tennis; jogging and bicycling trails; and of course the one-of-a-kind Spa Avania that follows the body’s daily biological rhythms to maximize the restorative nature of their treatments.
There are any number of on-property recreational programs that change according to day and season such as “The Night Sky” with two different views of the universe, an astronomer for the scientific perspective, and a Native American who discusses the mythology his people associate with the cosmos. Then there’s the “Tequila Tasting” and informative teaching about the preparation and distillation process; “A Walk on the Wild Side” an excellent introduction to the Sonoran Desert with it’s unique flora and fauna; and the “Lost Dutchman Mine” where guests learn about Arizona history and have the opportunity to dig through a “seeded” sand pit for indigenous minerals from pyrite to the occasional real gold nugget. The Native American and Environmental Learning Center program provides  abundant opportunities for learning through tours; demonstrations; a reference library; and a rare opportunity to personally interact with members of different tribes.
The hotel provides ample dining and entertainment experiences but for a spectacular treat, do not miss the opportunity to indulge yourself at “Vu”, the resort’s premier restaurant (see Restaurants section for a review). There is also the Italian bistro “Ristorante Sandolo” with an indoor/outdoor café overlooking the water playground. After dinner you can take a complimentary ride on the waterway in a Venetian gondola-style boat all the while being serenaded by a singing “sandolier”.
This resort is, figuratively speaking, a cruise ship afloat in a desert sea, and you could easily spend your entire visit without leaving the property. Like a cruise ship, it is a self-contained enclave with everything you require for a perfect getaway.
© January 2007 LuxuryWeb Magazine. All rights reserved.
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