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RENOVATION REVOLUTION Arizona resorts are remodeled, re-imagined and re-energized By ALISON BAILIN BATZ
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record 43 million overnight visitors came to Arizona last year, and they collectively spent $58 million per day during their stays, according to the Arizona Office of Tourism. That’s $40,000 pumping into our economy every minute. Here are some of the ways hotels and resorts have worked to keep up with supply, demand, national trends and consumer wants of these travelers and locals alike. HILTON SEDONA As part of recent renovations, the upscale 219-room resort redesigned guest rooms, lobby and social spaces that reflect the natural elements of Sedona. They also developed formal partnerships with The Hike House Sedona and Pink Adventure Group to offer travelers a wealth of outdoor adventures, recommendations, education, gear and much more available right in the resort lobby at multiple stations. SCOTTSDALE RESORT AT MCCORMICK RANCH Formerly the Scottsdale Resort & Conference Center, the newly named Scottsdale Resort at McCormick Ranch recently underwent a massive $11 million renovation, which transformed the independent resort and revitalized its amenities head to toe. The project included a full architectural, décor and soft goods renovation to three Presidential Suites in the resort’s McCormick Building; the addition of two new restaurants and a bar; the transformation of the main pool; a significant addition to outdoor meeting and event space; enhanced guest rooms; and the opening of a General Store & Trading Post.
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