As I've mentioned here on a past staycation recap, The Scottsdale Resort is a favorite McCormick Ranch hide-away. You can learn more about the colorful history of this beautiful Spanish Colonial-style property, part of the distinguished Destination Hotels portfolio, and its multi-million dollar renovation in my previous feature here.

At this AAA Four Diamond resort, you'll find 326 rooms and suites, two restaurants, two pools, preferred tee times at nearby McCormick Ranch Golf Club, a spa, and a central location for exploring Scottsdale (just 5 minutes from Old Town's nightlife, dining and shopping).

While our beautiful Arizona resorts entice visitors year-round, one of my favorite activities during our summer months is taking advantage of special resort rates for a cool staycation, and now is the perfect time to book a visit! At the Scottsdale Resort, Rock your Summer rates start at $109 and include a waived resort fee and two $25 vouchers for Luna Spa or optional breakfast for two for $20, perhaps on the pretty patio at Kitchen West.

I was recently extended a media invitation to experience the new Presidential Suites, and here's how we spent our relaxing vacation.

If a romantic splurge, family reunion, or entertaining wedding guests on-site are in your plans, you'll love the renovated Presidential Suites. We checked into The Architect Suite, named for acclaimed Architect Bennie Gonzales who designed the original resort, one of three Presidential Suites housed in the resort’s McCormick Building.

Each of the 1,375-square-foot suites includes a private terrace and expansive windows embracing golf course views, living room, dining table with seating for eight, wet bar, master bedroom and two bathrooms. Our spacious bedroom featured his and her closets, a seating area, luxurious king-size bed, and attached bathroom with walk-in shower and spa tub.

We lingered for awhile on our terrace admiring the view before heading to the McCormick Pool and our reserved cabana.

Every weekend this summer, The Scottsdale Resort features Dive into the Decades poolside with live music from The Mark Long Band covering classic rock - the '70s in June, '80s in July, '90s in August, and all the decades on Labor Day Weekend. Bringing the kids? Dive-In Movies take place every Saturday through September 1st with showings of family favorites from Annie to Moana.

We opted, however, to spend a tranquil afternoon in our cabana, complete with mini-fridge, 32-inch flat screen TV, outlets, reserved chaise lounges, complimentary water and afternoon treats, and full service from Twisted Vine Pool Bar & Grill.

On our visits to Twisted Vine, we've tried items such as grilled fish tacos with fresh mango salsa or BBQ sandwiches with pulled pork smoked in-house, but my favorite is still the classic Twisted Vine double cheeseburger.

And while you'll find beverages from mojitos to blender drinks, I like to cool down with the Jalapeño and Cucumber Margarita made with jalapeño-infused tequila, lime, fresh cucumber, house-made cucumber simple syrup, or anything that John suggests, like his off-menu rum-spiked Mudslide milkshake. Insider's tip: I love the handy outlets and USB ports under the bar counter for phone recharging.

After a few hours of fun in the sun, we strolled back to our suite to prepare for dinner at Kitchen West. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, it's an airy and welcoming space with an open kitchen and wood-fired grill.

This was our fourth time at Kitchen West, and I always find it hard to choose between signature starters such as the fried cheese curds with mesquite honey and juniper-cherry jam or the house specialty - savory mole meatballs topped with a bright and tangy cilantro-carrot slaw and served with warm puffy flatbread baked in a kiln.

Mole meatballs Scottsdale Resort McCormick Ranch

As usual, I lean towards seafood, while a steak always catches my husband's eye, and this visit was no different: A delicious special of shrimp, crab, and scallops in a turmeric-tinged broth and pearl couscous for me, and the juicy wood-grilled filet with spring peas, crispy haystack potatoes, and a rich peppercorn and cognac sauce for my date.

We even saved room for dessert and, on the wise advice of our waiter, ordered the indulgent "10 Pounder" Carrot Cake. It was the perfect sweet finale to our wonderful day, before stopping for a nightcap at Bar Six40 and climbing into our cozy four-poster bed.

Carrot cake Scottsdale Resort McCormick Ranch

If you're agreeing that now is the perfect time for a family weekend after a busy work week, a romantic getaway, or simply experiencing the Arizona treasures in our own backyard, you'll find information for all the summer specials offered at The Scottsdale Resort at McCormick Ranch at this link.

The Scottsdale Resort at McCormick Ranch is located at 7700 E McCormick Pkwy, Scottsdale, AZ 85258. For reservations, visit this link, or call (480) 991-9000.

I was hosted by The Scottsdale Resort and my stay was complimentary.

New Presidential Suites and Summer Specials at The Scottsdale Resort at McCormick Ranch