After many visits to the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale, the setting and luxury property still impress us. From the lobby, the view takes in the open courtyard edged by palm trees, crowned by a giant saguaro, dotted by fountains and pools and backed by the red rock McDowell Mountains. The mix of lush palms and cacti with gurgling fountains evokes the feel of a desert oasis. Situated in Scottsdale, the resort provides relatively easy access to Phoenix’s museums as well as to Jeep, Hummer and hot air balloon rides in the Sonoran Desert. And for those who simply want to play on-property, the Hyatt has 10 pools, a year-round children’s program, a spa and 27 holes of golf.

Rooms at the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale vary greatly, from standard rooms with double beds to premium rooms to Regency Club rooms, to courtyard rooms, to a variety of suites. Premium rooms offer the best views from patios of balconies, including the McDowell Mountains, pools or the golf course. Courtyard rooms offer views of the lagoon pond, lake, or courts from their patios and balconies.

Suites
Suites include Club Suites, Casita Suites, Fountain Court Suites and signature suites. All suites have free access into the Regency Club and its amenities, such as daily breakfast and snacks. Casitas, Spanish for "little house," provides guests with a private patio, wood burning fireplace and rooftop deck, as well as 1,000 square feet of space with up to four bedrooms. The Paolo Soleri and Karl May Signature Suites have the look and feel of a private residence with living and dining areas, with the Winfield Scott Signature Suite serving as the largest and most luxurious of the hotel's offerings.

Guestrooms
The spacious guestrooms are soft beige and brown decor suggests the desert, from the wicker headboards to the soft beige walls, beige and brown carpets as well as blankets, throw pillows and upholstered chairs done in clay and lime green. If you need a crib or a cot, the room can handle it without making it impossible to move about. Guestrooms feature all the modern amenities: 37-inch LCD televisions, high-speed Wi-Fi and refrigerators.

Good news for families with young children: the Hyatt Scottsdale works with Babies Travel Light, which for a fee, brings car seats, changing tables, strollers, diapers, baby food and other items to your room so you don't have to pack--and pay if flying--with these items. Reserve what you need at least nine days in advance and Babies and Hyatt will have the items in your room when you arrive.

Pools
The 2.5-acre, 10-pool waterscape keeps families happy for hours. Families will love to spend time lounging, splashing and zipping down the water slide. Young kids especially appreciate the sandy bottom, zero-entry main pool. A room key card is required to enter the gated pool area, so if your kids are old enough to swim on their own, make sure you get them extra key cards.

Seasonal Activities
If you can lure your kids away from the pool, there's much more to do at the resort. Move over to the fountain courtyard. On selected dates September through April, Arizona Liberty Wildlife brings rescued eagles, hawks and falcons for Birds of Prey demonstrations. In summer, pull up a lounge chair or float on a raft in the pool as you watch complimentary dive-In movies every Saturday night. On a Hiking with Hank resort tour, walk around the property with a guide who points out the saguaro, prickly pear, barrel and other cacti. If you go in the morning or late afternoon, have your kids count the number of rabbits they spot.

Native American Culture Center
One of the reasons we enjoy the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale so much is its commitment to showcasing Native American culture. In the fountain courtyard, Native American dancers perform for free on Friday evenings. Another important program is the resort's year-round Native American Cultural Center. Exhibits provide information about the nearly two-dozen tribes in Arizona recognized by the federal government. The real treat, however, is to talk with Forrest Chimerica, the cultural interpreter and a member of the Hopi Nation. Along with answering any questions about the Navajo shield, Hopi rattles or other items displayed, he will gladly talk to you about Native American culture as well as assist you with an activity. Sometimes families can create beaded jewelry or learn the basics of weaving or watch a Navajo silversmith create custom necklaces and bracelets.

Kids' Club
Hyatt Resorts has long been a leader in offering supervised programs for kids that are both fun and educational. Camp Hyatt Kachina has partnered with National Geographic Kids to provide activities that teach kids about local plants, animals and culture. The camp, geared to ages 3 to 12, operates year-round, offering morning and afternoon sessions plus evening sessions on Fridays and Saturdays. Kids go on desert scavenger hunts, tour the cactus garden, create rattlesnake puppets, try Mexican bark painting and craft arrowhead necklaces. Since the camp accommodates 24 children maximum at one time, be sure to book this when you make your reservation

Tennis and Golf
For Tennis buffs, the resort has four courts. Teens may want to perfect their skills at clinics or work out with a Cardio Tennis session. Golfers can play 27 holes at the adjacent Gainey Ranch Golf Club. Hyatt goes a long way toward making golf both fun and affordable for families with its Junior Tees program. These "yardage friendly" tees, closer to the hole, make play more rewarding for those just learning the game. In addition, ages 15 and younger can play a course for only $25 per round when playing with a paying adult.

Hiking
For those who want to challenge themselves with a hike, the resort offers a daily shuttle to Camelback Mountain. Depending on what trail you take or if you decide to reach for the summit, this hike can be easy -- stick to the mid-level -- or tricky -- if you go to the top.

Green Zebra Adventure Center
The Green Zebra Adventure Center is based at the Hyatt. That makes it easy to book horseback riding, biking, kayaking, Hummer or jeep desert tours and hot air balloon rides. In addition to these outdoor adventures, visit two "living museums" that present two different aspects of the Sonoran region. At the Desert Botanical Gardens, discover 14 acres of cacti, mesquite, acacia trees and additional desert plants. Along the mostly easy trails of the Deer Valley Rock Art Center, you can clearly see hundreds of ancient petroglyphs.

As part of its pioneering family programming, years ago Hyatt Resorts rolled out kids' menus in all of its restaurants as well as for room service.

H2Oasis
For easy dining around the pool, the H2Oasis serves sandwiches, salads and quesadillas from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Southwest Bistro
The main restaurant, the Southwest Bistro, has indoor and outdoor seating and serves American cuisine with a southwest flair. For starters try the quesadillas, ceviche or the tortilla soup. Side dishes include mac & cheese. The children's menu features burgers, hot dogs, grilled cheese and Kraft mac 'n cheese. The Bistro serves breakfast and lunch, as well.

Alto
When you make a reservation at Alto, the Italian restaurant, you can arrive by complimentary gondola ride. Chicken, veal and linguini with lobster meat are favorites of parents. Of course there's indoor seating, but kids may prefer to dine outside, surrounded by fire pits.

Canyon Market
We like the convenience of the lobby's Canyon Market, a shop that along with sundries, sells gelato, ice cream, cookies, salads, sandwiches and Starbucks coffee. The market remains open 24 hours, a big plus when the pick-up time for your hot air balloon ride is 6 a.m. Grab some food to eat later.

Noh
This Japanese restaurant serves sushi for dinner Tuesday through Saturday. It is closed Sunday and Monday.

All About the Extras
Good news for families with young children: the Hyatt Scottsdale works with Babies Travel Light, which for a fee, brings car seats, changing tables, strollers, diapers, baby food and other items to your room so you don't have to pack--and pay if flying--with these items. Reserve what you need at least nine days in advance and Babies and Hyatt will have the items in your room when you arrive.

Gondola Ride
Even if you are not going to dine at Alto, you can take a 15-minute gondola (small boat) ride along the man-made waterways, especially nice in the early evening for little kids.

Resort Fee
The daily resort fee includes Wi-Fi access, bicycle rentals and more.

Pet Friendly
Pets are welcome to say here and receive a complimentary welcome amenity at arrival.

The Art of Smart Timing
Late December through April constitute high season, when temperatures are at the most temperate. Shoulder season runs through May plus September up to late December. Off-season is June through August, when temperatures can climb into the triple digits.

Getting There
Many airlines service the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Scottsdale Airport services private and corporate jets, too.

Getting Around
The resort is easily walkable and the resort fee includes shuttles to the shopping district.

For Mom and Dad
The adult pool, for ages 18 and older, offers a quiet oasis and with 21,000 square feet and 19 treatment rooms, Spa Avania offers a welcoming place to relax, too.