Scottsdale Resort & Conference Center, A Destination Hotel, will embark on a massive renovation July 1 that will transform the independent resort and revitalize its amenities. The resort is the newest property in the Destination Hotels portfolio and the only resort in the Phoenix metropolitan area to undergo a substantial renovation in 2015.
In September, the property will be unveiled as The Scottsdale Resort at McCormick Ranch, A Destination Hotel, and it will have a gorgeous, updated look to accompany its new name. The first phase of the renovation will inject $9 million into the property, introducing a new restaurant and bar, transforming the main pool, adding significant outdoor meeting and event space, and enhancing guest rooms, all while creating a more open, welcoming feel throughout the resort. The property is owned by Cornerstone Advisors, which also features Motif Seattle, A Destination Hotel in its resort portfolio.
“The goal of the renovation is to maximize the aesthetic potential of the romantic, Spanish architecture and beautiful grounds of The Scottsdale Resort elevating the overall guest experience and amenities,” said Kevin Regan, senior vice president of operations, Western region, for Destination Hotels. “This property is situated in an upscale community centrally-located but just enough off the beaten path that it is a bit of a hidden gem within this world-class travel destination. We cannot wait to share this property’s new look with our guests, neighbors and the local community.”
The designers at PHX Architects in Phoenix and SB Design in Scottsdale developed plans to update the look of the resort and introduce new amenities, while staying true to the rich history of the property originally designed by legendary Scottsdale architect Bennie Gonzales. The architects drew inspiration from Mexico and South America, incorporating the romance, history and architectural splendor of Mexican haciendas (Spanish for estate) into the design, color palette and furnishings. The outdoor space will tap the grand fazendas of Brazil from the Colonial period. These farms featured ancient stone walls, arcaded portals, cobbled courtyards and grande salons. The resort’s new look and feel also draws inspiration from Argentinian estancias, which were magnificent country estates and working ranches that guarded the nation’s cultural heritage from its Spanish-colonial beginnings.
Accompanying the physical changes to the property, The Scottsdale Resort will experience a brand overhaul including new names and logos for the resort, restaurants and spa. The property’s new logo contains three suns, representing sunrise, high noon and sunset. The sunrise awakens the renovated areas on the east side of the resort while the sun at high noon blankets the entire property in its glow. As the sun sets on the west, guests soak in the vibrant colors of an Arizona sunset while socializing and enjoying the fresh culinary offerings in the newly enhanced outdoor spaces.
New Culinary Concepts
Sangria’s Lounge is currently the place for groups and leisure travelers to enjoy drinks and small bites in a comfortable, casual bar atmosphere while watching sports or playing a game of billiards. During the summer, the restaurant will be completely remodeled and boast communal dining, an open-air kitchen, and updated furnishings. The new restaurant will feature a new culinary concept and menu influenced by the Western United States for lunch and dinner. The resort’s Executive Chef Rick Dupere will oversee the new culinary outlet.
In the middle of the current lobby, The Scottsdale Resort will debut a new lobby bar serving as an extension of the restaurant, the perfect gathering place for visitors and locals anytime of the day. The bar will serve local coffee, freshly squeezed juices, and light breakfast options and snacks in the morning and afternoon. Guests will enjoy craft beers and wines on tap with live entertainment during the afternoon and evenings along with delectable bites from the restaurant. New bar seating at the lobby windows overlooking McCormick Ranch Golf Club will provide unparalleled views of the rolling fairways.
Well-known by locals and repeat guests, Palm Court Restaurant is a AAA Four Diamond restaurant that boasts dramatic second-story views of Camelback Mountain and the golf course. After the renovation, Palm Court will offer breakfast, Sunday brunch and host special events, such as holiday brunches. Meeting attendees and groups will enjoy this restaurant for conference dining and events.
Outdoor Meeting Space
Ideal for gatherings of all sizes, The Scottsdale Resort is a world-class meetings destination. The renovation will expand and upgrade the outdoor event facilities and further establish the property as a premier meetings and events destination.
The property’s four tennis courts will be removed to create two event lawns and one sport court, used for volleyball and basketball, for both groups and leisure travelers. The larger main lawn will offer more than 10,000 square feet of event space to accommodate up to 1,200 people for weddings, receptions, events, and team-building exercises with stunning views of the majestic McDowell Mountains in the backdrop. The new community lawn near the resort entrance boasts clear views of the iconic Camelback Mountain and will host a variety of public events open to resort guests and locals along with private events for groups and meetings.
The Scottsdale Resort’s Alameda event space is ideal for groups up to 600 people who want to take advantage of the 330 days of annual sunshine in Scottsdale and clear, starry desert skies. The square footage will remain the same, but the look will be transformed to match the Hacienda design of the resort. Brick pavers will replace the concrete path, and bistro lights, water features, and bench seating will be added. The path also will be lined with trees, hence the Alameda name.
Updated Guest Rooms
The Scottsdale Resort features 326 spacious guest rooms, casitas and suites, each with the elegant décor and residential ambiance of private haciendas. Many of the accommodations offer spectacular views of fairways, gardens and pools.
The 54 king rooms currently on-site will be completely renovated, and 76 of the double-queen rooms will be converted to king rooms. All 130 new king guestrooms will receive new artwork and bedding, a headboard, two chairs, a window table, and desks. Private patios will be added to 20 first-floor rooms providing guests with private access to the main pool. Guestroom corridor carpeting also will be replaced.
Rest & Relaxation
The main pool area will be completely remodeled and include a new full-service restaurant and bar. It will feature 16 new cabanas available for private rental, a shaded trellis in the water and a gorgeous bridge-like water feature dividing the new pool, which will be 2.5 times larger than the existing one. The pool area will be modernized with fire pits and water features.
Guests can take a break from their work and leisure activities to enjoy peace and serenity at The Scottsdale Resort’s Amansala Spa. The spa offers a multitude of services and treatments to refresh both mind and body, under the expert hands of experienced therapists. Guests enjoy rejuvenating treatments such as a hot stone massage, antigravity facial, desert mineral hydration body wrap and the spa’s signature Amansala Sonoran body rejuvenation. The Amansala Spa will be enhanced to include an intimate lobby and a new entrance for the fitness center, streamlining the arrival and departure process, and setting a relaxing, inviting tone for visitors.
Social Spaces
The resort’s main entrance tucked away in an upscale Scottsdale neighborhood will be guests’ first introduction to the property’s overhaul. It will be completely redesigned to feature new signage and lush, ranch-style landscaping. Date palms will line the circular drive and drive-through archways will welcome guests to the new Scottsdale Resort.
As visitors and locals enter the renovated lobby boasting new furniture, décor and accessories, noticeably different will be the removal of the wall behind the concierge desk allowing natural light to flow into the lobby and providing views of the main pool. The lobby will be a vibrant, fun gathering spot for guests and neighbors alike. Adjacent from the lobby entrance, guests will be able to access The Plaza through multiple doors, which will bring the outside in, creating more of a residential feel. The Plaza is currently used for event space, but will be transformed into a leisure gathering space in a lounge setting where guests can enjoy food service from the new restaurant, live entertainment, and gather around the large fireplace or new fire pits during the cool desert nights.
Location, Location, Location
The renovation will revitalize this beautiful property and continue its evolution as a premier hospitality fixture, all while preserving its rich history. When opening on Sept. 4, 1976, The Scottsdale Resort was the first resort in the McCormick Ranch area. It also is the first resort in Scottsdale that is still in existence today. In 2016, the property will celebrate its 40th anniversary and embark upon a second phase of renovations that summer.
The Scottsdale Resort at McCormick Ranch is centrally located but off the beaten path in Scottsdale. The property is conveniently located on McCormick Ranch Golf Club where guests receive preferred tee times and just minutes away from vibrant downtown Scottsdale; Indian Bend Wash Greenbelt boasting 11 miles of trails, parks and lakes; two Cactus League spring training ballparks; numerous hiking and biking trails; Paolo Soleri’s Cosanti; and much more.
