The Scottsdale Plaza Resort —

Almost four decades ago, entrepreneur John W. Dawson envisioned The Scottsdale Plaza Resort as one of the Southwest’s premiere hospitality destinations. Today, his 40-acre campus at Indian Bend and Scottsdale roads features 400-plus rooms and suites as well as world-class amenities.

This summer, through Sept. 3, The Scottsdale Plaza is your hometown resort — a getaway for couples, families, friends. The Summer Sun, Fun and Savings 2013 package, for example, provides a highly discounted luxury room and a $100 credit every day you stay. This credit is redeemable at The Salon & Day Spa in addition to any of The Plaza’s restaurants, bars or poolside cafés including fine dining at signature Remington’s.

Guests and local patrons can also sign up for the Plaza Preferred program for a 10% discount in restaurants and lounges, for personal use; a 15% discount in The Salon & Day Spa, for personal use; and $15 each way, Sky Harbor airport transportation on the resort shuttle (480.951.5188; www.plazapreferred).

Just 20 minutes from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and six miles from the Scottsdale Municipal airport, The Scottsdale Plaza Resort is three miles from the cultural and lifestyle activities of downtown Scottsdale and 12 miles northeast of Phoenix.

With postcard views of Camelback Mountain, the destination resort features 404 rooms and suites, including 180 suites as large as the 3,100-square-foot Executive Lodge; extensive corporate meetings space; two restaurants and three lounges; poolside cabanas; recreational activities including five heated pools and a fully equipped Fitness Center; The Salon & Day Spa; and a Business Center.

The Fitness Center has state-of-the-art cardiovascular equipment, free weights and Keiser weight machines. For pampering, The Salon & Day Spa has men’s and women’s saunas; beauty and barbershop services; skin and nail care; massages and other treatments.

The Scottsdale Plaza also offers three outdoor whirlpool spas, including Arizona’s largest; two plexi-cushioned lighted tennis courts, with a resident pro offering group lessons and clinics; a tennis pro shop; a putting green; and bicycle rental, horseback riding, hot air balloon rides and desert jeep tours, with arrangements through the lobby concierge.

“We are proud of our 37 years of continuous ownership and management of the Scottsdale Plaza Resort,” says Dawson, the company’s chairman and CEO and long-time Paradise Valley resident. “We are the only independently owned major resort in the area and are ever mindful that our continuing success totally depends on you and your experience here.”

The resort’s 445– to 495-square-foot guest rooms offer two full-size beds or one king-size, and some include a wet bar. All accommodations include Turkish cotton robes and towels, full-length mirrored wardrobes, high-speed Internet connection, telephones with voice mail and data ports, electronic key locks and many other features.

“Our suites have the flavor of the rustic Southwest with a traditional Mediterranean flair,” says Kelly Reading, the resort’s general manager. “They feature rich fabrics, exquisite hardwood, detailed fixtures and the amenities-plus you expect from a world-class Scottsdale resort.”

The award-winning Remington’s Restaurant & Lounge serves contemporary cuisine for lunch and dinner either indoors or on an outdoor patio with views of landmark Camelback Mountain. Elsewhere, Garden Court serves breakfast and lunch daily, and J.D.’s Lounge is a sports pub with an extensive imported beer list, light dining and snacks. Both Remington’s Lounge and J.D.’s have live entertainment daily.

Additionally, the Lobby Bar serves innovative coffee drinks; the Café Cabana lunch, snacks and beverages at the main pools; and the Courtyard Cabana snacks and beverages at the Courtyard Pool.

“The Scottsdale Plaza Resort has been welcoming guests like family for many, many years,” Dawson says. “Whether you’re visiting us from out of town or making a neighborly visit, you can be assured: ‘We’ll take care of you!’”

The Scottsdale Plaza Resort, www.scottsdaleplaza.com, 480.948.5000 or 800.832.2025

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