The Scottsdale Resort & Conference Center, A Destination Hotel, will undergo a $9 million transformation this summer that will bring the feel of the original McCormick Ranch community back to life. Once completed in September, the property will open as The Scottsdale Resort at McCormick Ranch, A Destination Hotel. Not only will the transformation include a new restaurant and bar, transformation of the main pool and enhanced guest rooms, but it will also add significant outdoor meeting and event space.
“The goal of the renovation is to maximize the aesthetic potential of the romantic, Spanish architecture and beautiful grounds of The Scottsdale Resort, elevating the overall guest experience and amenities,” says Kevin Regan, senior vice president of operations, Western region, for Destination Hotels.
The design team drew inspiration for the 326-room resort’s new look from Mexican and South American influences. For example, they incorporated historic and architectural elements of Mexican haciendas into the design, color palette and furnishings. Additionally, the outdoor space was inspired by the ancient stonewalls, arching doorways and cobbled courtyards used in Brazilian fazendas (or farms) from the Colonial period.
“The property architects planned all design factors after haciendas around the globe and the Southwestern United States,” adds Patrick Connors, director of sales and marketing at the property. “This design was the original design concept of the McCormick Ranch community. We will be enhancing as well as preserving the historical look and feel of the Scottsdale Resort at McCormick Ranch.”
The renovation will expand and upgrade the outdoor event facilities as well. The property’s four tennis courts will be removed to create two event lawns and one sport court, which groups can use for volleyball and basketball teambuilding activities. The larger main lawn will offer more than 10,000 square feet of event space to accommodate up to 1,200 people for events and teambuilding exercises such as a chili cook-off, salsa-making contest or build-a-bike event, says Connors. The new community lawn near the resort entrance, which features views of Camelback Mountain, will also be available to host private events.
The Scottsdale Resort’s Alameda event space, ideal for groups up to 600 people, will continue to have the same square footage, but it will be updated to match the hacienda design of the resort. Brick pavers will replace the concrete path, and bistro lights, water features and bench seating will be added. True to the Alameda name, the event space’s concrete path will also be lined with trees.
The resort’s food and beverage offerings will also undergo a transformation. Sangria’s Lounge, a casual bar that currently offers small bites, will be completely remodeled to feature communal dining and an open-air kitchen. The new restaurant will feature a menu influenced by Western American cuisines, and will be available for lunch and dinner.
A new lobby bar will serve as an extension of the restaurant. It will serve local coffee, freshly squeezed juices and light breakfast options and snacks in the morning and afternoon. During the afternoon and evenings, attendees will be able to enjoy craft beers and wines on tap along with delectable bites as they watch live entertainment. After the renovation, Palm Court Restaurant, which features second-story views of Camelback Mountain and the golf course, will also be available to host special events.
