Inside the first Grand Hyatt hotel in Scottsdale, Arizona

Grand Hyatt Scottsdale, formerly known as Hyatt Regency Gainey Ranch Resort & Spa, is one of the most iconic hotels in Scottsdale, Arizona. The resort will be ready for a new era after completing a $124 million renovation in late 2024.

TPG recently visited the redesigned and rebranded Hyatt Regency hotel. Here’s the thing.

RELATED: The 10 Best Scottsdale, Arizona Hotels for a Dream Desert Vacation

What is Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort?

The Grand Hyatt Scottsdale is located 20 minutes north of Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) and is easily accessible via State Route 101 and Scottsdale Road.

The fully renovated 496-room resort features modern amenities and views of the McDowell Mountains. Refreshed from top to bottom, it now features six new restaurant concepts from acclaimed chef Richard Blais (“Top Chef: All-Stars” winner and “Next Level Chef” judge), as well as the award-winning Spa Aviana, whose beautiful spaces were designed by architect Vernon Swaback, an apprentice to Frank Lloyd Wright. The latter has 19 treatment rooms and a private swimming pool, among other facilities.

This is what it’s like to stay at Arizona’s first Grand Hyatt hotel.

Mountain views and thoughtful design of guest rooms

On this visit, I stayed in a mountain-view king room, a modern design combined with calming gray-green tones and accented with leather and marble.

Thoughtful details abound, from a built-in storage bench beneath the large flat-screen TV that doubles as a luggage rack to a fully stocked coffee and tea bar and mini-fridge with marble countertops and brass hardware.

The spacious wardrobe is stocked with plush bathrobes, slippers and travel essentials (there’s no steam iron, but I could easily ask housekeeping for one), while the bathroom has a walk-in shower, crisp white tiles and vanity lighting, and Balmain Paris toiletries.

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Settling in is easy with practical amenities including ample charging sockets. Suitable for one to three people, the space also includes an oversized armless chair that converts into a comfortable single bed and doubles as stylish seating around the marble table, perfect for relaxing tapas or a glass of wine.

A sliding glass door leads to an east-facing terrace equipped with table and chairs. Overlooking the McDowell Mountains and Gainey Ranch Golf Course, this is the perfect spot for a morning yoga stretch or a cup of coffee to watch the sunrise.

The restaurant offers a delicious menu in a design-forward setting

In addition to room service and the Hyatt Club Lounge, where guests with club access or World of Hyatt global membership can enjoy breakfast and evening hors d’oeuvres, the resort’s dining scene is anchored by six new concepts from celebrity chef Richard Blais. While I wish we had time to try them all, highlights of our stay included an upscale Italian dinner at La Zozzona followed by a leisurely breakfast at Mesa Centrale (served on the patio next to the cozy fire pit on a sunny morning).

La Zozona

Richard Blais’s Italian restaurant, La Zozzona, is outstanding, attracting resort guests and locals alike for a casual, intimate, fine-dining experience. Design your own vibrant Sprite ($18) with a house-made aperitif and Italian soda combo, then enjoy shareable appetizers like the Little Gem Salad ($17) and Crispy Mozzarella with Calabrian Chili Honey ($19), both of which impressed us.

The main entree selections are the epitome of Italian comfort food – the braised lamb shank with creamy polenta ($64) and shrimp butter and clam linguine ($29) are both very satisfying. Service was attentive and seamless throughout the entire meal. When it came time for dessert, we couldn’t decide and the waiter said the magic words: “Just order two!” Tableside tiramisu ($14) and Sicilian cannoli with citrus ricotta and pistachio ice cream ($14) were a delightful end to a wonderful meal.

central mesa

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Becky Bryan/Point Guy

Breakfast at Mesa Centrale is a relaxing, satisfying start to the day. The all-day restaurant serves everything from brunch and breakfast to lunch and dinner, with plenty of options for kids.

Standout breakfast dishes like blue corn burritos ($24) and burritos ($26) pair perfectly with espresso and lattes, while indoor and outdoor seating (plus mountain views and fire pits, of course) make it an inviting place to linger.

Spa Aviana is a peaceful place to relax and unwind

From the moment you are welcomed and walk down the stairs, the spa sets a calm tone. The tranquil space includes 19 treatment rooms, men’s and women’s locker rooms, relaxation lounges, a full salon and a 24-hour fitness center equipped with Peloton bikes and extensive strength equipment.

Be sure to set aside time to relax in the Himalayan Salt Room or outdoors, where a tranquil spa pool is surrounded by gently flowing fountains, lounge seating and a fireplace, creating a cozy atmosphere designed for lingering. Cocktails and light meals are served poolside.

Booking Tips: A 60-minute signature massage ($215) that blends Swedish techniques and aromatherapy for deep relaxation.

Resorts and attractions around Scottsdale

The Grand Hyatt Scottsdale’s 10 pools balance family fun and adult recreation, with everything from a kid’s beach, a 30-foot waterslide and volleyball pool to a tranquil, adults-only retreat for reading and relaxing.

Other activities to enjoy at the hotel and nearby include:

• Borrow a bike from the main entrance (included in the resort fee) and ride up Doubletree Ranch Road to Cosanti, a copper bell foundry and workshop founded in 1956 by Italian architect Paolo Soleri (who also served briefly as Frank Lloyd Wright’s apprentice). For a unique gift or reminder of your trip to Arizona, take home a handcrafted Soleri wind chime.
• Visit Old Town Scottsdale to browse the local shops and admire Western heritage, or check out art exhibits at the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art or the Spirit of the West Museum. Between art installations and events like the annual “Parada del Sol Parade,” there’s always something going on in the old town.
• Meet Navajo (Dine) artist Sheilah Nalwood in the hotel lobby shop, where she and her husband create unique and authentic sterling silver and turquoise jewelry and art.
• Hotel guests have access to the Gainey Ranch Private Club and golf course with 27 holes of championship golf.
• Just a few minutes north of the hotel is the Musical Instruments Museum, home to the largest collection of musical instruments in the world. Interactive galleries allow you to experience music and instruments from cultures around the world. The hands-on “experience” gallery is fun for all ages and allows guests to play instruments.

Accessibility

The resort is Americans with Disabilities Act compliant and offers pool chair lifts, wide entrances and wide walking trails. The main building has a ramp leading to the main entrance, and most of the rooms are located in the main building and are accessible by elevator. Accessible suites and cabins offer visual, hearing and mobility accessibility options.

As always, TPG recommends contacting the resort directly with any specific questions or concerns.

Tips for Staying at the Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort

• Valet parking costs approximately $20 per night, while nearby self-parking costs $10 per night.
• Be sure to make a reservation for dinner at La Zozzona restaurant before your stay as it is very popular with locals.
• The Grand Vista Lounge offers happy hour daily from 3 to 5 pm, with live music most nights starting at 6 pm.

How to book a reservation at Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort

Mountain view rooms start at $529 per night during peak season (January to May) and $349 per night during the summer. Booking rates for Category 6 luxury resorts start at 21,000 World of Hyatt points per night.

When you book a Hyatt hotel, you’ll need to use a credit card that earns extra points on Hyatt stays, as well as a credit card that may automatically provide World of Hyatt elite status for value-added benefits. These include:

Grand Hyatt Scottsdale is also a member of the American Express Select Hotels + Resorts program and The Edit by Chase Travel℠, both of which offer perks and benefits such as early check-in, daily breakfast for two, late check-out and room upgrades (subject to availability).

bottom line

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Becky Bryan/Point Guy

Hyatt hotels have become my go-to lodging option for award stays because they are so affordable. The Grand Hyatt Scottsdale is a gorgeous hotel with great service and a wealth of amenities that you can redeem for rewards starting at 21,000 points per night, making staying here a no-brainer. The price for this experience can’t be beat.

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