
Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort's $115-Million Renovation Is A Winner
THe view from the lobby of the newly renovated Grand Hyatt Resort Scottsdale.
The reimagined Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort opened in October 2024 as Arizona's first Grand Hyatt, and the project was so successful that it will be a good model for other Hyatt Regencies to upgrade to Grand status.
What you see when you enter the lobby is an expansive view of the desertscape ringed by the rugged McDowell Mountains that give this part of the state both texture and character. Bring the zoom in a bit, and you'll see kids doing cartwheels on the lawn and their adults having drinks at the aptly named Grand Vista Lounge.
From this vantage point, guests can stroll around the corner to one of the pools (family or adult), both of which have stellar food menus and on-point service. Water is an important feature of any desert hotel, and the Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort takes it seriously, allowing the pool culture to claim a lot of real estate. This is a good decision in any season, and there's abundant shade for the summer months when there's not much between you and the sun. Pool cabanas make the experience even more comfortable, with sparkling wine or water, a fruit plate, and comfy couches and chaise lounges, not to mention a big TV.
Whether you go from here to a room or suite in the main building or a luxe casita to shower before dinner, all of the interior decor has been redesigned to bring splashes of color, marble countertops, and earth-toned flooring to the spaces. The deluxe rooms have their own gas fire pits just outside the sliding glass door that leads to a common desert garden.
There are 18 casitas set in a landscaped desert environment, each of which has a full kitchen and lots of outdoor space for entertaining. The quiet is noticeable, and it's astonishing for city ears to enter such a peaceful space. The casitas are easily large enough for a family of four, with a king bed in the very large bedroom and a comfortable queen sofa bed in the living room.
One of the best features of the upgrade to Grand is the resort's partnership with Chef Richard Blais, who has designed all four restaurant concepts. La Zozzona is a bonafide destination hotspot, with a pan-Italian menu and a chef's table with a view of the open kitchen. The list of dishes not to miss exceeds most group's capacity to order, so I say go with the giant homemade fried cheese stick and that bone-in porterhouse steak cooked to perfection. Tiki-Taki, a play on a Spanish soccer term, combines Japanese and Spanish cooking to surprising and delightful effect. And Mesa Centrale is the breakfast hub (also open for lunch and dinner) with indoor/outdoor seating, a large buffet and a full menu, too. (Don't miss the huevos rancheros and the green juice.)
Cliches about oases in the desert notwithstanding, Spa Avania sets a high standard for the skill of practitioners, the new menu of wraps, scrubs, massages and skincare offerings, and a linger-longer ambiance with a pool, outdoor shower and relaxation room.
Everything about the new Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort encourages slowing down, breathing deeply and contemplating the beauty of its surroundings.
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Colors: White Materials: Max Air cushioning Go on a trip anywhere, and I am sure you will find people wearing these sneakers. They are a great choice for those looking for a stylish sneaker to wear all day long. Sizes: 36-42 Colors: 6 options Materials: Leather, rubber, cotton, recycled polyester Customer review: 'I bought these to wear on our trip to Ireland this summer, and I'm so glad I did! They were so comfortable to walk in and went with many of my outfits! I would definitely purchase these again.' Those looking for something airy that offers a bit of coverage, turn to Hvoya's mesh ballet flats. The soft net makes it feel like you aren't wearing anything at all. And that comes in handy during scorching, hot days. Sizes: 6-11 Colors: Brown and white Materials: Mesh Vacations are all about having fun. Let your shoes match that same energy with an on-trend animal print. This leopard option comes from beloved footwear brand Vibi Venezia and the Mary Janes come in multiple colorways to fit your needs. Sizes: 5-12 Colors: 5 options Materials: velvet Taking the ballerina trend to the next level, we have Miu Miu's thong-inspired rendition. It mixes sneaker elements with the breeziness of a thong sandal to create a unique shoe that will certainly stand out on your trip. Colors: Black/anthracite gray Materials: Recycled polyamide The key to preventing foot fatigue is utilizing a few different components to work together. Dr. Edwards recommends doing some things while en route (if you're flying) to proactively help prevent fatigue. This includes taking magnesium prior to sleep, walking the aisles of the plane, wearing compression socks, and walking throughout the airport. You can even pack sandals (like the lightweight Birkenstocks) in your carry-on to switch into on the plane if that is something you choose to do. While it is best to wear sneakers during strenuous travel days, as Dr. Edwards mentioned, supportive sandals are perfectly fine depending on the activity. Don't wear them for long activities like tours or hiking! The perfect sandal isn't going to be one-size-fits-all. Of course, you want them to be cute, but also consider two things. Look at what kinds of straps work for you; maybe it's two. Your foot type can help guide you with this as you figure out if a shoe is comfortable or not. The other key component to this is the support. Dr. Edwards specifically recommends the sole being at least 2 centimeters. Dr. Edwards suggests two to three hours max before taking a break for rest. Doing little stretches can also help with keeping your feet up to speed while out and about. In terms of whether or not to alternate your shoes, the short answer is yes. Don't just wear the same pair of shoes every day, and remember to exercise, as it can help prevent injury and pain. Every product featured on is independently researched, tested, or editor-approved. We only recommend products that we stand behind, and the merchandise featured on our site is always driven by editorial and product testing standards, not by affiliate deals or advertising relationships. Any content created in partnership with advertisers is marked as such. Dr. Danielle Edwards, DPM is a board-certified podiatrist.