The McCormick Scottsdale

The McCormick Scottsdale, formerly Millennium Scottsdale Resort & Villas, has a 1980s-style stucco exterior that gives way to manicured lawns dotted with oversized hammocks. The hotel underwent a 2014 renovation, but contemporary decor can't update the lobby's cramped layout, or the swirly, rust-colored banisters lining the open staircases and mezzanine walkways. There's an optional welcome gift for kids, but also a charge for it, which sums up the confusing mix of the friendly, but fee-heavy approach the hotel takes with its guests. Still, it's popular with leisure travelers, golfing groups, and business travelers looking to be on a lake near McCormick Ranch Golf Club.

The McCormick Scottsdale is centrally located, between Camelback Lake and Scottsdale Road, which is a busy thoroughfare. Despite the traffic, the hotel is somewhat out of the fray. There are a few other businesses nearby, which include McCormick Ranch Golf Club, but not much else. Restaurants and shopping in north or south Scottsdale require a drive. Fashion Square shopping mall is about a nine-minute drive from the hotel, and Old Town Scottsdale is roughly a 15-minute car ride; alternatively, the hotel provides a free shuttle service into town. It's about a 25-minute drive from the resort to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

The hotel's guest rooms are well-equipped, but despite patterned carpeting and red bed skirts that add a punch of color, the overall look is uninspired. However, they're comfortable, and all units feature small furnished balconies or patios with courtyard, mountain, or lake views. In-room amenities include work desks with ergonomic chairs, flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, Keurig machines with free coffee, robes, safes, and irons. Bathrooms are bright and more attractive, with shower/tub combos and curved curtain rods, lighted mirrors, wide vanities that offer plenty of counter space, and toiletries. Standard rooms have two queen beds, or single kings with large headboards and reading lights, plus seating areas with armchairs. There are also one-bedroom Millennium Suites with separate living rooms. Some guests have said that they can hear traffic from street-facing rooms.

The hotel's standout feature is the lake that edges the property, which has a small beach, although there's no swimming. There's a dock, and water activities such as boating and fishing are covered by the hotel's daily resort fee. The lake can be seen from the heated outdoor pool, which is surrounded by a patio with cushioned sun loungers, plus a few tables and chairs. Both restaurants -- Pinion Grill, with Southwestern cuisine on the menu, and Diamondbacks Lounge, which serves light meals and cocktails -- have pleasant outdoor terraces, but neither offer free breakfast. There's also a poolside bar, with a ping-pong table, and a dart board. Other wellness amenities include outdoor tennis courts, a sand volleyball court, walking/jogging trails, and a 24-hour fitness center, although it's a bit small. There's also a 24-hour business center, plus 13,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space, with eight modern meeting rooms, and a ballroom with floor-to-ceiling windows. Wi-Fi throughout is covered by the daily resort fee. On-site parking is free, and the hotel has a free shuttle that runs to Old Town Scottsdale. There's also a small convenience store on-site.