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Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Yahoo
Best hotel water parks and pools in metro Phoenix: 8 places to slide and splash
Staycationers and travelers who come to metro Phoenix during the summer almost always crave a hotel water park or swimming pool as part of their survival strategies. Hotels and resorts throughout the greater Phoenix area are famous for their pools and water parks, offering a refreshing escape from triple-digit temperatures. Some are designed for family fun and include theme park-style thrills like wave pools or an eight-story water slide. Others are adults-only oases where people can relax and enjoy a drink. Whether travelers are seeking thrills or tranquility, they can enjoy Arizona's hotel pools or water parks by staying at the hotels or purchasing a day pass through ResortPass. Here are the best hotel water parks and pools in Phoenix and Scottsdale. The Arizona Grand Resort and Spa's Oasis Water Park has 7 acres of family fun. It boasts eight-story-tall water slides, a wave pool, lazy river, hot tub and Wild Cat Springs, an area specifically for smaller 8000 Arizona Grand Parkway, Phoenix. 877-800-4888, Great Wolf Lodge Arizona offers an indoor water park where the temperature is climate-controlled to 84 degrees year-round. The 85,000‐square‐foot attraction includes a lazy river, wave pool, water slides, raft slides and an activity area for smaller visitors. Details: 7333 N. Pima Road, on the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community near Scottsdale. 888-962-9653, The JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa offers a collection of five pools, all heated to 82 degrees year-round. The resort opened the AquaRidge Waterpark in 2023, featuring three water slides, an enhanced lazy river and an adults-only lounge area. Details: 5350 E. Marriott Drive, Phoenix. 480-293-5000, This former Hyatt Regency hotel, which was elevated to a Grand Hyatt in November 2024, has a 2.5-acre water playground with nine pools, fountains and a three-story, high-speed water slide. Before the hotel became Grand Hyatt, the pool area was renovated with upgrades including new lounge chairs, cabanas, a kiosk where bathers can get towels and rent pool floats, and changes to the poolside restaurants that included new menus curated by celebrity chef Richard Blais. Details: 7500 E. Doubletree Ranch Road, Scottsdale. 480-444-1234, The Adventure Water Park at the Westin Kierland Resort & Spa in Phoenix has a lazy river and 110-foot water slide as well as a FlowRider surf simulator. Those looking to make their stay a little more special can reserve the Tommy Bahama Relaxation Reef for their own private island in the lazy river. Details: 6902 E. Greenway Parkway, Phoenix. 480-624-1000, The Hilton Phoenix Resort at the Peak in north Phoenix is an all-suite resort offering the River Ranch water park, a lush pool area complete with lazy river and water slide as well as a baby pool. Details: 7677 N. 16th St., Phoenix. 602-997-2626, Looking for the best things to do in Arizona? Sign up for our newsletter. The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess offers six pool areas for guests to enjoy. The Sonoran Splash pool caters to families with two 200-foot twisting water slides, one for riders 42 inches and taller and one for littler kids. If you have very small kiddos, Sonoran Splash offers a zero-entry pool deck, sandbox play area and beach toys. Sunset Beach, the newest and largest pool at the Princess, has white sand beaches and a splash pad. The Privado Villas, the Princess's exclusive hotel within a hotel, has its own relaxation pool with views of the TPC Scottsdale stadium golf course and the McDowell Mountains. Details: 7575 E. Princess Drive, Scottsdale. 480-585-4848, Arizona Biltmore, the historic resort distinguished by its Frank Lloyd Wright-style architecture, has seven pools. Its variety appeals to different sets of travelers, including the Saguaro Pool for adults-only relaxation and the Paradise Pool for family fun. The Paradise Pool is where guests can ride the Twist triple waterslide. The variety of pools was a significant factor in USA TODAY readers naming Arizona Biltmore as one of the resorts with the best hotel pools in the U.S. Details: 2400 E. Missouri Ave., Phoenix. 602-955-6600, Mountain Modern, Remi and VAI: Biggest new hotels and renos in Arizona in 2025 Michael Salerno is an award-winning journalist who's covered travel and tourism since 2014. His work as The Arizona Republic's consumer travel reporter aims to help readers navigate the stresses of traveling and get the best value for their money on their vacations. He can be reached at Subscribe to today. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Best hotel water parks and pools in Phoenix for summer 2025
Forbes
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort's $115-Million Renovation Is A Winner
When renovations started on the long-beloved Hyatt Regency Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch in 2023, it was hard to know what direction the changes would take. The H-shaped building was brilliantly designed, in a style evocative of Frank Lloyd Wright's work, to make the place feel spacious and uncrowded even when it was was sold out. Luckily, the structure itself remains the same, but the room decor, restaurants, spa, pools and other areas of the 28-acre expanse have been beautifully carried forward while not losing sight of its family-friendly roots. 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.
Forbes
21-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Chefs Making Waves Returns To The High Seas Out Of The Port Of Miami This May
Chefs Making Waves takes over Norwegian's Gem Back for its second sail, the Chefs Making Waves food and wine festival at sea – presented by Sixthman, Agency 21 Consulting, and EBG – is gearing up for its first of two 2025 voyages. Setting sail from the Port of Miami on Norwegian Cruise Line, this adventure features two sea days and a stop in Cozumel taking place from Monday, May 5 to Friday, May 9, 2025. This intimate culinary festival is the ultimate getaway for those with an appetite for unique opportunities to taste and learn from some of the industry's most acclaimed culinary talents. Featuring a wide array of events ranging from walk-around tastings, cooking demonstrations, curated dinners, late-night themed parties, mixology classes and more, passengers will get the chance to learn from some of the best. The epic line up includes: Richard Blais, Robert Irvine, Maneet Chauhan, Tom Colicchio, Scott Conant, Antonia Lofaso, Jonathan Waxman, Geoffrey Zakarian, Claudette Zepeda, Lindsay Autry, Giorgio Rapicavoli, Michael Schwartz, Nyesha Arrington and more. 'Talent is always going to be best in class, as evident by having a fresh new line up including such amazing names as Geoffrey Zakarian and Tom Colicchio," says Brett Friedman, CEO of A21. Furthermore, we are dedicated to improving food integration with our host talent and greater options for guests to enjoy.' New to this year's culinary cruise, guests can look forward to restaurant takeovers at any of the ship's four restaurants and two dining rooms . Each restaurant will be paired with a duo or trio of chefs who will create various menu items to be served in a coursed-out line-up. Plus, the ship's buffet will feature special bites curated by the visiting celebrity chefs. "The only thing better than cruising the high seas, is cruising with a bunch of the best chefs in the country, " says Michael Schwartz, James Beard winner and founder of Genuine Hospitality in Miami. 'You get to see a whole different side of them — hopefully not the sea sick side!' Find him taking over Orchid Garden's menu with Nyesha Arrington and Richard Blais. Passengers who want to enhance their skills in the kitchen can pop into any of the live culinary demos to watch as the guest chefs and mixologists dish out their secrets and tricks. The voyage will also feature several onboard experiences, such as The Secret Sauce Speakeasy, presented by Justin's House of Bourbon, offering guests spectacular onboard immersive tasting experiences. Demos, dinners, and activities galore at Chefs Making Waves 'We try to program our guest experiences from morning, afternoon, dinner and through the evening,' says Friedman. 'We know that access to talent and the ability to meet and engage with them is important, so we focus on multiple moments where our guests may meet, participate and interact with our various personalities.' Post-dinner events include interactive culinary games for the entire group to enjoy, including Robert Irvine Live: Culinary Chaos, where guests will be given the opportunity to throw their name in the Culinary Chaos lottery and be chosen to join Robert on stage. Celebrity chef Robert Irvine is looking forward to his second year at Chefs Making Waves saying the floating festival has quickly become dear to him. 'First of all, I'm a Royal Navy veteran and I learned to cook aboard a ship, with a wonderfully memorable part of my early career unfolding aboard the Norwegian Crown, one of Norwegian Cruise Line's great standard-setting ships,' shares Irvine. 'Secondly, the collection of culinary minds at Chefs Making Waves would make it an incredible event even if it were held on land in a hotel ballroom. The fact that it takes place on a scenic cruise aboard the Norwegian Gem — one of the most gorgeous ships in NCL's fleet — takes it into the stratosphere. It creates memories that last a lifetime. I couldn't be more excited for it.' Robert Irivine & Maneet Chauhan Chefs Making Waves takes the food festival experience to the next level, by allowing the chefs full reign of the ship. Just like on a regular cruise, this bustling weekend will feature plenty of non-food focused activities — but instead of being overseen by your typical cruise staff, the chefs are taking over leading activities that are true to who they are both inside and outside the kitchen allowing guests to really get to know the chefs behind some of their favorite restaurants and television shows. Super fit Miami-based Giorgio Rapicavoli, owner/chef of Luca Osteria and Eating House, loves his gym time just as much as he enjoys being in the kitchen making him the perfect host for this year's Chops-Fit Class (a Crossfit-inspired workout) and the Neon Dash sunset fun run. 'This will be my second year being a part of Chefs Making Waves, and not only do I get to cook with other chefs that I admire, but I also get to share my true passion which is fitness,' says Rapicavoli. 'Between teaching the Chops-Fit class and getting to lead the fun run, Chefs Making Waves is allowing me to share my passion for making healthy lifestyle choices. I'll also host a chat about incorporating delicious foods into your daily routine — which is something that's really important and I never take for granted.' Guests who prefer to opt out of the fitness routine and sleep in will have the chance to attend Bloody Mary Bingo presented by Bacardi for refreshing beverages and breakfast fun. For those looking for something a little more lively and party inspired, leave it to Food Network's Chopped judge and Tournament of Champions champ, Maneet Chauhan. Find her behind the DJ booth during the Silent Disco or leading the charge during the Salsa and Salsa class during the Cozumel stop. 'I think I manifested it last year by jumping in and taking over the music aboard the first Chefs Making Waves,' says Chauhan of her new events. 'I'm just so excited to be back and I love any chance I have to dance and have fun. I know this event will be full of those moments.' Catch Scott Conant on stage during his Saucy Gnuds demo This is the perfect festival for those who really want a chance to connect with their favorite chefs. Casual and relaxed, Chefs Making Waves gives attendees the ability to interact and socialize with the talent in ways you typically can't. 'The accessibility to the chefs is unlike any other event out there,' says Friedman. ' They are incredibly visible and engaging with the consumers on board. They are at the bar; they participate in the dueling pianos; they are in the casino. It's rare to have such access.' In full cruise fashion, the booking of your stateroom includes all programming, plus and a complimentary Premium Plus Beverage Package that includes top-shelf cocktails, spirits, beer, champagne, and wine by the glass, unlimited soft drinks and juices, unlimited still and sparkling bottled water, Starbucks® coffee, specialty drinks, and energy drinks. Cabins are selling fast, but are still available for this exciting food-filled cruise. Can't make this one? Check out the Boston voyage happening this October. For more information, visit
Yahoo
26-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort Unveils Expansive, Newly Renovated Arizona Ballroom
Enhanced meeting and event space sets a new standard for gatherings in Scottsdale SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., February 26, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort has officially debuted its newly expanded Arizona Ballroom, marking the completion of the property's $115 million transformation. Nearly doubling in size to an impressive 24,000 square feet, the Arizona Ballroom is now one of the largest and most sophisticated event spaces in the region. The resort's full meeting and events facilities is now 90,000 square feet total, reinforcing the resort's status as a premier destination for meetings, conferences, and celebrations. The Arizona Ballroom hosted its first event in January, ushering in a new era of grand-scale gatherings at the resort. With this expansion, the Arizona Ballroom joins the resort's fully renovated meetings and events facilities, which includes 35,000 square feet of scenic outdoor venues and an additional 10,000 square feet of pre-function space, providing a seamless flow for large-scale gatherings. Guests and event planners also have access to 48 versatile meeting rooms, advanced onsite audiovisual support, and high-speed internet connectivity. The resort's four elevated restaurants by Chef Richard Blais and artfully renovated rooms complement the meeting space enhancements, creating a cohesive and elevated meetings experience throughout the property. Designed to accommodate everything from corporate conventions to grand social affairs, the reimagined Arizona Ballroom underscores Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort's commitment to offering an unparalleled event experience in the heart of the Sonoran Desert. The ballroom features rigging points in the ceiling, allowing for the suspension of items like the new Flying LED Walls, which maximize floor space. Ample indoor and outdoor foyer areas, including the Arizona Courtyard provide fluidity between spaces. Private valet services are available outside the ballroom for private arrivals and departures. Guests can also expect an elevated banquet experience with curated menus, food & beverage activations, and art-driven cocktails. Beyond banquet offerings, Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort is home to four elevated restaurants conceptualized and led by revered Chef Richard Blais. Among these exciting new spots are La Zozzona, a modern Italian restaurant; Tiki Taka, featuring a variety of small plates; Mesa Centrale, a Southwestern grill; and Grand Vista Lounge, a modern, minimalist bar boasting a selection of craft cocktails and creative plates. For more information or to book a reservation, please visit About Grand Hyatt Scottsdale ResortThe beauty of the majestic McDowell Mountains, palm trees, cacti, wildflowers, and the spirit of Sonoran Desert combine to create the Southwestern elegance of Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort. Guests enjoy the many recreational amenities this desert oasis has to offer including the 2.5-acre water playground complete with 10 pools, a 30', 3-story, high-speed waterslide and its signature sand beach. Additional amenities include 27 holes of championship golf, world-class tennis, miles of jogging and bicycle trails and the award-winning Spa Avania, the first spa experience choreographed to the science of time. Other highlights feature four distinctly different food & beverage concepts by celebrated chef Richard Blais, two outdoor bars, and programming to connect guests to the resort's locale. In addition, this premier meeting venue offers 90,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor function space, providing both quality and flexibility of space. For more information visit Follow @HyattScottsdale on Facebook and Instagram About Hyatt Hotels CorporationHyatt Hotels Corporation, headquartered in Chicago, is a leading global hospitality company guided by its purpose – to care for people so they can be their best. As of December 31, 2024, the Company's portfolio included more than 1,400 hotels and all-inclusive properties in 79 countries across six continents. The Company's offering includes brands in the Luxury Portfolio, including Park Hyatt®, Alila®, Miraval®, Impression by Secrets, and The Unbound Collection by Hyatt®; the Lifestyle Portfolio, including Andaz®, Thompson Hotels®, The Standard®, Dream® Hotels, The StandardX, Breathless Resorts & Spas®, JdV by Hyatt®, Bunkhouse® Hotels, and Me and All Hotels; the Inclusive Collection, including Zoëtry® Wellness & Spa Resorts, Hyatt Ziva®, Hyatt Zilara, Secrets® Resorts & Spas, Dreams® Resorts & Spas, Hyatt Vivid Hotels & Resorts, Sunscape® Resorts & Spas, and Alua Hotels & Resorts®; the Classics Portfolio, including Grand Hyatt®, Hyatt Regency®, Destination by Hyatt®, Hyatt Centric®, Hyatt Vacation Club®, and Hyatt®, and the Essentials Portfolio, including Caption by Hyatt®, Hyatt Place®, Hyatt House®, Hyatt Studios, and UrCove. Subsidiaries of the Company operate the World of Hyatt® loyalty program, ALG Vacations®, Mr & Mrs Smith™, Unlimited Vacation Club®, Amstar® DMC destination management services, and Trisept Solutions® technology services. For more information, please visit About Grand HyattAround the world, Grand Hyatt hotels bring travel dreams to life by celebrating the iconic in small details and magnificent moments. Located at the crossroads of local culture and global business within major gateway cities and resort destinations, each Grand Hyatt hotel is uniquely designed to be a captivating destination within a destination. Grand Hyatt hotels deliver welcoming and elevated service, first-class accommodations and an abundance of options within a multicultural backdrop of dramatic architecture and bold and vibrant design. Grand Hyatt hotels boast inventive restaurants, luxury spas, fitness centers, and business and meeting facilities. For additional information or to make a reservation, please visit Follow @GrandHyatt on Facebook and Instagram, and tag photos with #GrandHyatt. View source version on Contacts PR: Jason RussoLaura Davidson Public Relationsjason@ Sign in to access your portfolio
