Nestled within one of Scottsdale’s most sought-after areas, The Scottsdale Resort & Spa has reached 50% completion on its $40 million property-wide renovation as it gives a first look at the revitalized guest rooms and three, brand-new culinary destinations that will begin to open later this month ahead of the completion in January. Driftwood acquired the legacy conference resort in 2022 and embarked on the largest renovation in the property’s 50-year history. As work progressed, Driftwood made the decision to expand the original scope and budget, plus scale down the room count, in order to elevate, restore and refresh all aspects of the property, making it one of the highest-priced renovations currently underway in the Phoenix-metro area. Upon completion, the now 278-room resort that spans across almost 17 acres will join Curio Collection by Hilton, a global set of remarkable upscale hotels hand-picked for their unique character and personality, each one a part of the city they call home. Taking inspiration from the property’s history as the country’s first conference resort, The Scottsdale Resort’s residential-style guest rooms intertwine legacy with contemporary allure for a fusion of modern sophistication and signature Southwestern charm. Each room boasts rich textures with leather accents, intricately embroidered headboards and hand-carved wood – all complemented with pops of modern Southwestern patterns. The bathrooms also boast a modern, desert-chic aesthetic.
One of the most notable aspects of the resort’s transformation is the conversion of The Stillman Building into 12 two-story luxury villas, the first of their kind in the market, with their own private pool with expansive golf course views. “With the property’s storied history as our guide, we’re preserving its legacy while authoring a new chapter that brings a revived lifestyle destination to Scottsdale,” said Alan Klein, regional director of operations for Driftwood Hospitality Management. “As we reach this significant milestone in our renovation, we’re excited to welcome travelers and the community to experience the property like never before.”Renowned Valley Chef Ken Arneson, who serves as the area executive chef for Driftwood Hospitality, is leading The Scottsdale Resort’s culinary evolution with the introduction of Barnaby’s Café, an inviting upscale café and wine bar focused on wellness-oriented cuisine with a holistic approach while highlighting local purveyors and a global wine list; The Madam, a speakeasy harkening the Roaring Twenties offering riffs on classic cocktails alongside modern creations; and La Fogata, the resort’s signature restaurant that embodies the essence of Sonoran fare with locally sourced ingredients, open flame creations and outstanding Southwest flavors. Barnaby’s Café and The Madam will be the first to open in early December, followed by La Fogata in late December. With an unwavering commitment to local, sustainable and healthy cuisine, Chef Arneson is partnering with esteemed Arizona-based purveyors, including Laura’s Gourmet Granola, Sonoran Pasta Co., Cutino Sauce Co., Noble Bread, Blue Sky Organic Farms, Simple Soda Co., Roastery of Cave Creek – ROC2 and Frites Street.
