High-speed waterslide, new restaurants unveiled in Grand Hyatt renovation in Arizona desert
A three-story, high-speed waterslide and 10 swimming pools are some of the upgrades made at a Hyatt property in the Arizona desert that owner Xenia Hotels & Resorts is counting on to boost business.
Architecture firm WATG and interior designer Hale Collective led the conversion of the property formerly known as Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch to the higher-tier Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort. The $115 million project was substantially completed this month, operator Hyatt Hotels said in a news release.
Development of new luxury properties and renovations of existing properties to upscale brands are active areas in hospitality, with more than 25,000 new upper-tier rooms classified as luxury and upper upscale under construction as of September, according to CoStar data.
The rebranded Grand Hyatt Scottsdale resort includes 2.5-acre pool complex with a three-story waterslide. (Hyatt Hotels)
The Grand Hyatt Scottsdale project took longer and cost more than owner Xenia expected. The opening of “the signature restaurants and bars” was delayed by about one month, leading to a $3 million “renovation disruption,” the Orlando, Florida-based real estate investment trust said in a release.
“We expect financial results at the resort to ramp up gradually over the next few quarters, as its high-quality rooms, upgraded and expanded food and beverage offerings, spectacular pool complex, refreshed meeting spaces and fully renovated spa have significantly improved the resort’s competitive positioning in the luxury Phoenix/Scottsdale resort market,” Xenia said.
WATG and Hale redesigned all 496 guest rooms, including a group of 18 casitas, which are detached small houses than can host families or large groups, Hyatt Hotels said in a separate news release. WATG and Hale also renovated the Gainey House, a separate structure on the resort grounds that has a private entrance and patio.
The redesign emphasizes the resort’s location in the Sonoran Desert, about 25 miles northeast of Phoenix. Outdoor spaces include walking and biking paths through native flora.
“Two lighted tennis courts allow for matches under the starry desert sky, while eight pickleball courts cater to enthusiasts of this popular sport,” Hyatt said.
The project included renovating all the guest rooms, the lobby bar and swimming pools and expanding the dining options to six restaurants.
Chef Richard Blais, who appears on the Fox television show “Next Level Chef,” led the development of the restaurants, including the La Zozzona steakhouse and the Grand Vista Lounge.
The pool complex covers 2.5 acres with 10 pools, a sand beach, whirlpool and a golf putting green.
“At the heart of the [pool] complex stands a thrilling three-story, high-speed waterslide, promising excitement for adventure enthusiasts of all ages,” Hyatt said.
WATG, based in Tustin, California, and Phoenix-based Hale both specialize in architectural design for hotels and other hospitality properties.