Scottsdale Resort & Conference Center to Renovate and Rebrand

Rendering of the new Alameda event space.

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. 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.”

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.

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.

In the middle of the current lobby, The Scottsdale Resort will debut a new lobby bar serving as an extension of the restaurant. 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. New bar seating at the lobby windows overlooking McCormick Ranch Golf Club will provide 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. Meeting attendees and groups will enjoy this restaurant for conference dining and events.

The renovation will expand and upgrade the outdoor event facilities. 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 sf of event space to accommodate up to 1,200 people for weddings, receptions, events and teambuilding exercises with views of the McDowell Mountains in the backdrop. The new community lawn near the resort entrance boasts views of the Camelback Mountain and will host a variety of public and 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.

The Scottsdale Resort features 326 spacious guest rooms, casitas and suites, each with the elegant décor and residential ambience of private haciendas. Many of the accommodations offer spectacular views of fairways, gardens and pools.

The 54 king rooms currently onsite will be completely renovated, and 76 of the double-queen rooms will be converted to king rooms. All 130 new king guest rooms 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. Guest room corridor carpeting also will be replaced.

When it opened in 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 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.

www.thescottsdaleresort.com