Scottsdale

Travelers' Takes

Rates and Deals

A winter warm up weekend in Arizona

A November 2000 trip to Scottsdale by globe trotter

Just when the temperature is hitting freezing in New York is an ideal time to go in search of winter warmth in Arizona. A great destination with something for everyone - from lazing round the pool to half day horse riding/jeep trips in the desert.

  • 11 reviews

A winter warm up weekend in ArizonaBest of IgoUgo

Overview

Hike up Echo Canyon (Camelback mountain).
Watching the sun set in the desert on horseback.
Visiting Frank Lloyd Wright's winter house: Taliesin West.
Souvenir shopping in old town Scottsdale.
The Cosanti windbell shop!

Quick Tips:

Hiring a car is really essential as everything will be within a short drive away from your resort. Go in winter when the temperature is at a steady 70 degrees - the nights drop close to freezing though - so take a jacket. Go for at least a long weekend (2 days isn't long enough).

Best Way To Get Around:

Rent a car - get a SUV - the terrain can be rocky & rough if you head out into the desert.

Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort at Gainey RanchBest of IgoUgo

Hotel | "Hyatt Regency at Gainey Ranch"

This is a great resort for conferences & families! It is very big, has nightly entertainment & a big pool with waterslides etc. for kids. (Adults have a separate no kids pool).
There is a world class 27 hole golf club attached.
The rooms were fine - nothing special.
The concierge service was very good.
The spa is overpriced but offers a wide variety of treatments.
  • Member Rating 2 out of 5 by globe trotter on November 27, 2000

Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort at Gainey Ranch
7500 DOUBLETREE RANCH Scottsdale, Arizona 85258
480-991-3388

Squash BlossomBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

This is probably the 'cheapest' restaurant in the hotel - & the food is surprisingly good. Stick with the Mexican dishes - as this is their speciality & you won't go wrong.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by globe trotter on November 27, 2000

Squash Blossom
Hyatt Regency Scottsdale, Arizona 85258
(480) 444-1234

Water GardenBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

This is the outdoor more casual part of the 'Golden Swan' - & mainly serves buffet style lunches - the dessert tray is very decadent & shouldn't be missed! The setting is lovely - sitting around a big lilly pond with fountains.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by globe trotter on November 27, 2000

Water Garden
Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Scottsdale, Arizona 85258
(480) 444-1234

Golden SwanBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

This is the hotels top rated restaurant - it is mentioned in Zagat. We ate here on Thanksgiving - when they had an amazing champagne buffet - with all the food you could imagine. I believe that they have these 'buffet brunches' every Sunday - this would be the best way to experience this otherwise unatmospheric & expensive place.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by globe trotter on November 27, 2000

Golden Swan
7500 East Doubletree Ranch Road Scottsdale, Arizona 85258
+1 480 991 3388

Coyote GrillBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

I was disappointed when we arrived here to find that it was a 'mall' side restaurant in a parking lot - a lot of places in Scottsdale seem to be like this.

The food was OK - the dessert tray was great - although brought too quickly - like they wanted you out of there in 15 minutes!

There was a good live entertainer - singing old songs with a guitar. Try sitting on their outdoor terrace - they have powerful heaters.

  • Member Rating 2 out of 5 by globe trotter on November 27, 2000

Coyote Grill
7077 East Bell Road Scottsdale, Arizona 85254
+1 480 922 8424

Sonwai SpaBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

The Spa is well run & very busy - so book well in advance. I think the treatments are slightly overpriced - $95.00 for a facial & $135 for a mud wrap. Massages are a better deal - approx. $80.00.
  • Member Rating 2 out of 5 by globe trotter on November 27, 2000

Sonwai Spa
Hyatt Regency / 7500 E Doubletree Ranch Rd Scottsdale, Arizona 85258
(480) 991-3388

Echo CanyonBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

This is an amazing oasis in the middle of Scottsdale - the mountain is right in the middle of down town & easy to access. It is more of a scramble than a hike - as the trail is full of rocks & boulders but the hike is well marked & well trodden (we went on Thanksgiving & it was literally like a crowded sidewalk - choose a quieter time!) The panoramic views from the top are worth the climb.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by globe trotter on November 27, 2000

Echo Canyon
Camelback mountain Scottsdale, Arizona

Cave Creek OutfittersBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Cave Creek Outfitters - Horse treks"

We did a private 2 hour ride to see the sunset in the desert. The ride was very tranquil & the vistas were spectacular especially at sunset. The horses (& guides!) were well mannered & easy going!
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by globe trotter on November 27, 2000

Cave Creek Outfitters
31313 North 144th St Scottsdale, Arizona 85262
+1 480 471 4635; U.S

Cosanti OriginalsBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Cosanti Originals Inc"

Cosanti bells are THE gift to bring back from Scottsdale. They are handcrafted with the designs of Paolo Soleri (the architect behind the famous futuristic city Arcosanti).
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by globe trotter on November 27, 2000

Cosanti Originals
6433 East Doubletree Ranch Road Scottsdale, Arizona 85253
+1 480 948 6145; U.S

Taliesin West TourBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Taliesin West"

This is a great insight into the works of Frank Lloyd Wright - as his architecture students still live & study here today. His organic theory is well displayed at Taliesin West (his winter residence) as he blends his house into the surrouding desert & hills. Tours are obligitory - no-one is allowed on the premises without a guide & I would recommend the 1.5 hours 'Insights tour' rather than the 1 hour 'Panorama tour' - it is less rushed.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by globe trotter on November 27, 2000

Taliesin West Tour
12621Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd. Scottsdale, Arizona 85259
(480) 860-8810

About the Writer

globe trotter
globe trotter
Manchester, United Kingdom

Get the Word Out

Share this travel journal beyond IgoUgo with your favorite sharing tools.