by David P. DiFilippo

Scottsdale, Arizona is an alluring destination frequented by tourists from across the USA and in fact, across the world.

This chic city boasts over 330 sunny days, 51 golf courses, a bevy of highly rated resorts, a growing culinary scene, an abundance of spa/wellness opportunities, arts, entertainment and much more.

Your experience to this Sonoran desert oasis is sure to be enhanced with a stay at the Scottsdale Resort and Conference Center. The Scottsdale Resort is an AAA Four Diamond resort centrally located in the McCormick Ranch section of the city. The Resort is truly a "hidden gem" situated on 20 acres within this area known for its greenbelts, lakes and golf courses.



Surrounded by McCormick Ranch Golf Club's Palm and Pine Courses, the Resort is a comfortable yet classy escape for business travelers. But don't let the proper name mislead, the Resort is well-suited for leisure travelers as well as couples, golfers, and of course, YOU!

Upon your arrival, you'll drive up a secluded driveway leading to a Spanish Colonial-style fountain, elegant porte cochere, and iron entry doors.

The main building of the resort features an open, indoor-outdoor architectural style designed to take full advantage of fabulous Arizona's weather. Expansive picture windows and French doors bring the outdoors in while covered loggias, courtyards, shady alcoves and patios brimming with colorful bougainvillea offer a variety of outdoor seating areas.

Interior décor and design details include carved stone, adobe textures, wood beamed ceilings, iron ornamentation, hand painted accent tiles and intricate stenciling. In many ways, it feels like you are at a huge, private mansion rather than a lodging establishment.

There are 326 spacious guest rooms, casitas and suites, each with the elegant décor, amenities and current electronics. Many rooms offer spectacular views of the aforementioned golf courses, as well as beautiful gardens or the two pools.



Arizona Fairway Magazine recommends a stay in the casitas. Get the feeling of a luxurious home in one of nine 1,200 square foot ground floor executive suites with living rooms, fireplaces, dining areas and either a wet bar or boardroom table. Upstairs, above the suites there are 4 separately keyed guest rooms (Kings or Double Queens) that are available for rent. This set up is perfect for golf groups, small meetings and retreats.

Speaking of golf groups, see the Resort's crack Guest Services department. They will arrange preferred tee times at their "home course" McCormick Ranch as well as at dozens of other Greater Phoenix tracks including Troon North, Grayhawk and the TPC.

Dining options are plentiful at the Resort. Start the day off right at either the Vista Sol Café or the Vista Verde Restaurant. The Café serves drinks featuring Italy's premium coffee, Lavazza, along with fresh pastries from their on-site bakery prepared daily while Vista Verde serves all the traditional breakfast goodies (eggs, meats, pancakes, waffles, etc.) as well as filling buffets.

For lunch, hit Sangria's Lounge and enjoy bar fare and sports on their expansive plasma TV screens. The billiards room, with four antique tables, is flanked by a wall of French doors that open to shady patios bordering on the 18th fairway. Sangria's is also ideal for Happy Hour.

For dinner and a memorable meal, head to the Palm Court. This impressive restaurant is an award-winning, throwback dining venue where the service and food are sure to leave you impressed. Palm Court specializes in tableside, au flambé preparation of entrées and desserts. Their maÎtre d' led service team will tend to your every whim and enhance the elegance of the dining experience. Best bets include the Caesar salad, garlic sautéed prawns, prime tenderloin and seafood that is flown in daily. For wine aficionados, the restaurant has a humungous wine catalog set in a dramatic wrought iron framed glass cabinet that is a focal point of the elegant dining room.

Your wellness is well-covered at the Resort. Amansala Spa/Salon is a newly renovated beautification spot that offers separate spa facilities for men and women.

This secluded haven offers the opportunity to refresh and rejuvenate. Gender specific private treatment rooms have steam, sauna and whirlpool tubs. Signature treatments include Hot Stone European skincare treatments including facials and Aromatherapy Massages plus a Seaweed Body Mask. Marble dressing rooms offer showers, lockers, hair dryers and complimentary toiletries.

The expansive Fitness Center features an exceptional array of cardiovascular conditioning and strength training equipment supervised by a staff of personal trainers in a bright and airy atmosphere.

Other resort highlights include lighted tennis courts, a sport court for basketball, volleyball, and team sports including corporate team building games, bicycle rentals and hiking /walking trails.

For over 35 years, the Scottsdale Resort and Conference Center has been one of the finest resorts in Scottsdale and the state. Here's your personal invitation to experience the Resort first-hand!

For more information or to book your getaway, visit www.thescottsdaleresort.com or call 480.991.9000.