Sonesta Suites Scottsdale Gainey Ranch

In 1967, the Fowler McCormick’s donated 100 acres of McCormick Ranch to the City of Scottsdale stipulating that it be used as a park for all to enjoy. At that time the land value was $1 million. Their hope was that the gift would encourage others to give as well as to make Scottsdale a better place to live for succeeding generations. The original location of the park was to be on 50 acres on the west side of Scottsdale Road. Complaints arose from the town of Paradise Valley so, to avoid difficulty, it was agreed to move across the street, wholly within, Scottsdale city limits. The land size of the park was cut from 50 to 30 acres. In 1971 Guy Stillman chartered the Scottsdale Railroad & Mechanical Society as part of the agreement with the city of Scottsdale to establish a Railroad Park on the donated land. The original purpose of the Society was to provide technical expertise to the McCormick Railroad Park. Later that year, Guy began to move his Paradise & Pacific steam railroad to the park land, donating two narrow gauge 5/12 scale locomotives. Residents celebrated the grand opening of the city of Scottsdale’s McCormick Railroad Park on Saturday, October 4, 1975 with free train rides, games, music and a Wild West Shootout. The facilities were a “bare minimum” and the one mile of track had been supplied by donations and laid by volunteers. The highlight of the event was a ride on the Paradise & Pacific Railroad. At the time of opening, approximately $1.25 million had been invested in the park and its facilities. Over the last 40 years the park has evolved into one of the most popular attractions in Scottsdale, with approximately 1 million visitors a year.

WestWorld is home of the renowned Barrett-Jackson Automobile Auction and a premier, nationally recognized, user-friendly equestrian center and special events facility, 9.6 miles or a 20 minute drive from the hotel.

Travel through the mists of time to a forgotten age and a tale of devotion, courage and love—at Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament. Imagine the pageantry and excitement that would have been yours as a guest of the queen ten centuries ago. That’s exactly what you will experience at North America’s most popular dinner attraction. See our electrifying show featuring heroic knights on spirited horses displaying the astounding athletic feats and thrilling swordplay that have become hallmarks of this unique entertainment experience. Enjoy a “hands-on” feast as the dynamic performance unfolds before you. A sweeping musical score and brilliant lights provide a fabulous backdrop for this spellbinding experience that blurs the boundary between fairy tale and spectacle!

We are close to many ballparks for Cactus League Spring Training, including: Arizona Diamondbacks, Colorado Rockies, San Francisco Giants, Chicago Cubs, Oakland A's, and Anaheim Angels. Pictured: Salt River Fields, the Spring Training home of the Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies.

Located nine miles north of Scottsdale's downtown area and in close proximity to a wide range of world-class resorts, hotels, restaurants, and golf courses (visit Experience Scottsdale). Scottsdale Airport is an ideal choice for vacationers and business travelers. With an average median temperature of 70 degrees and an average of 360 VFR days a year, Scottsdale provides the country's best year-around flying conditions. Scottsdale Airport is one of the premier corporate jet facilities in the state. In 1995, the Arizona Department of Transportation presented Scottsdale with the Arizona Airport of the Year award. In addition, one of the Fixed Base Operators located at Scottsdale Airport has been rated among the top 50 by "Professional Pilots Magazine" every year since 1993. U.S. Customs service is available daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. allows visitors from all over the world to come to Scottsdale, provided they have the proper visas.

MIM displays more than 6,500 instruments collected from around 200 of the world’s countries and territories. Most displays are enhanced by state-of-the-art audio and video technologies that allow guests to see the instruments, hear their sounds, and observe them being played in their original contexts—performances that are often as spectacular as the instruments themselves. What’s more, all guests are invited to play instruments from around the world in the Experience Gallery. They can also see instruments from music icons such as John Lennon, Taylor Swift, Elvis Presley, Carlos Santana, and many more in the Artist Gallery.

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is the closest, major airport to the hotel.

Indoor sky diving facility at the Pavilions at Talking Stick.