Four Seasons Troon North and Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort: Two great destinations resorts in Scottsdale Arizona. Scottsdale makes a great destination for its dry desert weather, clear blue skies, and places to explore and experience. It’s all the better for having two destination resorts that are each reason enough to visit, and then explore the city and recreational opportunities.
Four Seasons Resort Troon North
Located in the more rural outskirts of Scottsdale in the area known as Troon North nestled next to Pinnacle Peak, The Four Seasons Resort provides a taste of the good life complete with world-class amenities, the most dedicated and concerned staff I have ever had to pleasure to meet, and a restaurant that is truly gourmet.
The Four Season family of hotels and resorts has a well-earned reputation for excellence, but Troon North has garnered AAA Five Diamond Award, been names to the Conde Nast Traveler Gold List, and is among Travel + Leisure 500 World’s Best Hotels.
The Rooms
The rooms feature a gas-burning fireplace, flat screen televisions, and private patio/balcony arranged in one and two-story casitas that provide a homey rather than hotel atmosphere.
Dining
The Talavera restaurant is a standout. It’s dinner only, which means looking out at the desert views while sipping and eating. I ordered the Chef’s Three Course Tasting with wine and it was excellent, with wines perfectly chosen to highlight the flavors. Executive Chef Mel Mecinas and Chef De Cuisine Evan Goldstein create deceptively simple dishes with flavors that complement and enhance. I’d happily eat my way through that menu. The Crescent Moon offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner both indoors and out with an emphasis on southwestern influenced dishes. Another great place to have a more casual meal, with a children’s menu.
And more
The spa offers a menu of services that seems to have something for everyone, including something called Massage 101 where you learn professional techniques for use at home while you receive a massage. I just had the Healing Hiker massage which is usually part of their special adventure packages with Arizona Outback Adventures.
The inviting pool area just received complete landscaping makeover in February, 2010. Ah, I enjoyed the good life at the Four Seasons – it may have spoiled me.
Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Gainey Ranch is green both in terms of lush landscaping and inviting water features, as well as being a truly eco-friendly resort on its way to LEED certification.
It is a delight, from their very special oasis features – their “Water Playground” filled with pools, fountains, and waterfalls to their plush rooms, and the eco-friendly initiatives. Enjoy plunge pools, jacuzzi-style spa; poolside bars. Want to avoid the children? There’s a pool area just for adults, complete with its own water fun.
The open lobby features two moveable glass walls opening to a 3-story atrium view of the pools, lake, golf course and McDowell Mountains. Enjoy a drink and drink in the views.
Of course, there’s also golf, tennis, the Spa Avania, fitness center and jogging and cycling trails.
Rooms
The rooms are a soothing palette of sandy beige, accented with hues of green. And all the amenities of a world-class resort – spacious bathrooms, flat screen televisions, and patio/decks to enjoy the views. And there’s even pet-friendly rooms.
Green Initiatives
The Hyatt Regency Scottsdale is also green in terms of its eco-friendly initiatives. Most focus on the big items of hot water and temperature control of guest rooms and meeting spaces. That’s where the environmental costs are, and the potential for the greatest positive impact. Their HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning Systems) control monitoring system is used in meeting spaces and guest rooms. The Hyatt uses a digital set-back thermostat with occupancy sensor to regulate temperature when the rooms are not occupied. Balcony door switches shut down the HVAC system when the outside door is open.
In 2008 the Hyatt Regency installed one of the nation’s largest solar hot water systems to provide hot water for guest rooms, main laundry services and all the restaurants. Solar thermal heating is also being used for their 2.5 acre water playground.
Getting LEED certification for an existing building is much harder than designing and building new construction. The commitment of Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort at Gainey Ranch to both guest comfort and the environment is clear. (Read more about their eco-friendly practices)And More
Native American and Environmental Learning Center
The Hyatt also has a complete set of programs, including the Native American and Environmental Learning Center. Initially focused on Hopi culture, the program has gradually widened to become an excellent introduction to native American culture in the southwest. Open for tours, demonstrations, and information discussions.
Food (and Gondola Rides)
There’s plenty of dining choices including the Alto, which distinguishes itself with its eclectic, Italian cuisine and its unique Formaggio & Salumi Cellar, a collection of Italy’s finest artisanal cheeses and meats.
In keeping with the Italian theme, diners get a coupon for a free ride along the lake on a Venetian-style gondola – genuine made-in-Italy gondolas with singing gondoliers. You can still take the ride without the coupon. The cost is $10 for a 15 ride.
Regency Club
Hyatt’s VIP concierge service that includes an exclusive lounge; a Continental breakfast; beverage service and Chef’s selection of pastries, cookies, fruits and nuts throughout the day; honor bar; hors d’oeuvres and special room amenities.
With their commitment to green luxury, and their location in the heart of Scottsdale without the feel of being in the city, the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale is a great choice for Scottsdale visitors.
Real Travel Adventures 