I tried to keep this post concise because, personally, I don't like lengthy and in-depth reviews. If you have any specific questions, please feel free to DM me on Instagram or email me! I'd be happy to answer anything.
Stayed
Hyatt Regency Scottsdale
About the Resort
The Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa was one of the prettiest resorts I've ever stayed at. There were palm trees across every inch of land, our room overlooked the golf course (which made for beautiful sunrises), it was clean and the staff was friendly. Absolutely no complaints on the hotel, our room, grounds, or surrounding area.
I will say, the Hyatt Regency is pricy (for my taste) but if you want to stay at an all-inclusive resort, this is a great option. I'm naturally a little cheap-hearted but my friend works for Hyatt and got us the hook-up. At normal price, I would probably not stay here unless it was for a special occasion, but it is a fantastic resort.
This reel shows a full look at the the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale and spa:
About the Spa
My friend and I grabbed a casual breakfast and coffee at the resort one morning before our spa day; it was nothing special, but it was good. One step up from a regular hotel breakfast.
The boys went golfing one day so the girls stayed around the resort for massages and a spa day. I'm not one to typically spend time at the resort or get massages when I go out of town but if this is what you enjoy doing on vacation, you will love the spa amenities at the Hyatt Regency. It is amazing and the whole day was a relaxing, incredible experience.
They have a sauna, hot tub, heated pool, fireplace and lounge seats outside. We enjoyed lunch and wine while lounging in the sun by a fireplace—it was wonderful.
Ate & Drank
Brunch at Hash Kitchen
Breakfast at JOJO Coffeehouse
The coffee flight was was fun and a novelty item to get but the food wasn't up to par. It had potential to be yummy but all of the food came out cold. We were disappointed.
Lunch at Cook & Craft
Thoughts: Check it out if you have time
We stumbled upon this place when we got into Scottsdale and it was a successful random pick. It has a bit of an upscale hipster vibe with a cute outside patio and casual ambiance. Our waiter was so nice and helpful with recommendations, especially with their beer selection.
What to get: Cauliflower Wings, Caramelized Brussels Sprouts, Gnocchi Stuffed Acorn Squash, Craft Burger
Happy Hour at Sorso Wine Room
Thoughts: Check out if you have time
We only spent a small time here for happy hour with some friends who live in town. I can't attest to their food, and only had Prosecco but the place was cute and had a nice vibe. Our service was not great either so I probably wouldn't visit here again but it is a cute place to grab a drink before a date or for a girl's night but it is nothing special.
What to get: The Prosecco was good but that's all we tried.
Dinner at Culinary Dropout
This place was such a vibe. It was dark and gloomy inside but with a lively atmosphere. I got the Chopped Chicken salad and it was one of the best salads I've ever had (I know, weird thing to get but #health).
They had live music and the musician playing took requests. We were the most obnoxious table in the place but it was fun.
What to get: Chopped Chicken salad, SanTan Devil's Ale, pretzels and cheese
Explore more of Culinary Dropout
Dinner at The Mission (Old Town)
The atmosphere was lively and upbeat, and the foods and drinks were delectable. This is a great place to go for an inexpensive but amazing dinner. So yummy.
What to get: Spicy Skinny Marg, Roasted Pork Shoulder, Oaxacan Cheesy Rice, Chorizo Porchetta
Dinner at Toca Madera
Thoughts: Must go; a little splurge
This was a highly recommended place for us to check out and it did not disappoint.
Toca Madera was the fanciest place we went by far. It was basically a nightclub in the form of a restaurant. The ambiance was sleek, sexy and dark. They have dim lighting, trees and orbs as the centerpiece of the place, and a full bar. It looked like a lot of couples were on dates so it's a perfect spot for that. The waitresses are dressed to the nines, the food was perfect and our drinks came on fire.
What to get: scallops, guac, street corn, truffle mac and cheese, one of drinks on fire (then switch to wine or beer though because their drinks are weak), oysters
Explored
Jeep Tour with AZ Off-Road Jeep Adventures
Thoughts: Must do!
Explore the Sonoran Desert near Scottsdale. This was an experience I'll never forget and my favorite memory from the trip.
You ride to the desert in a 6 passenger jeep and I think you can get up to 8 if you have a bigger party. Steve was our tour guide and he was a perfect little angel! Ask for him if you book. They provide coolers of beer and water as well, but I will say it's hard to drink on such bumpy roads for the most part. When you get up to the sunset lookout point, you're able to walk around for a while, pop a cold one and take pictures. We actually learned a lot from Steve about the different cacti and the desert.
The whole jeep tour is was $80/person + tip. Worth it!
Golfing at Starfire
The boys went golfing at Starfire and wouldn't stop talking about it; they loved it so much.
My boyfriend planned their golf day and basically looked for a nice-looking golf course that wasn't a million dollars to play. Scottsdale is a golf destination so if you or your partner is a pro golfer, I don't know that I can suggest this course with confidence, but for the average group who aren't pros, they loved this option.
There's everything you can think of to do during the day, depending on what you like doing. Here are few things we did that didn't need full details provided + ideas we thought of but didn't get to.
- Hiking at Hayden Butte Preserve
- Disc golf at Papago
- Walking or biking around Old Town
Scottsdale Update During the Pandemic
Masks are required indoors everywhere (when you are not eating or drinking). Some patrons were a little more lax with them, like wouldn't wear them to the restrooms or walking a short distance in a restaurant. It was pretty normal compared to Dallas so I wasn't caught off guard or felt uncomfortable.
Our resort was the most lax place we experienced. It was hit or miss when it came to people wearing masks around the resort and at the pool. Just as a head's up.
Random note: Scottsdale Uber drivers are not nice! Majority of the ones we got were shockingly rude.
What to wear: We went in early January. The weather was 75 and sunny during the day, and 40/50 at night and definitely chilly in the desert. I brought layers so I could easily throw on a jacket or take it off as the temperature changed during each day.
Most places were more on the casual side but you wouldn't look of feel weird if you went more dressy either. Jeans and a cute top is what I wore majority of the time.
And there you have it, kids! A perfect weekend in Scottsdale planned for you that includes where to stay, where to eat and what to do.
Do you have any Scottsdale recommendations? Share the wealth and leave a comment your favorites below!
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