Closed last May, CopperWynd has re-opened 16 of its 32 suites under an exclusive agreement with MC Vacations.

The two-story boutique resort is geared for golf packages and affordable accommodations, according to Ken McElroy, a town resident and principal/partner of MC Companies, parent company of MC Vacations.

Each European-inspired suite offers two queen-size beds, gas fireplaces and private balconies. Daily rates range from $100 to $170 per night.

The hotel cited difficult economic times as the reason for closing. The resort, built in 1999, earned national and international hotelier, restaurant and travel magazine awards.

McElroy said that he and the current CopperWynd partnership are much aligned with the reopening of the hotel, which provides his guests with a great place to stay in a unique location and, at the same time, boosts revenue for local businesses.

“Visitors and local residents can once again enjoy the award-winning Alchemy Restaurant and utilize the suites at the resort as an extension of their own homes for their out-of- town guests,” said McElroy.

MC Vacations markets area golf courses to golfers across the United States, Canada, Europe and Australia.

Prices for golf packages depend on dates and golf club. A four-night standard package in high season (Jan 1-April 30) with CopperWynd accommodations and one round of golf at three courses ranges from $568 to $573.

Golf packages are per person, based on double occupancy, and include golf cart and practice balls.

Guests enjoy membership privileges at the spa, fitness center, tennis courts and pool areas that remained open to members after the hotel’s closing.

Bob Rogers, a MC Vacations executive and 15-year employee of the industry, manages the program.

“CopperWynd is an ideal destination for this special clientele. With its choice of golf courses, views and fine dining, CopperWynd guests are treated to a high level of hospitality,” said Rogers in a prepared statement.

“From the moment our clients arrive at Sky Harbor Airport, every detail has been attended to,” said Rogers.

“Ground transportation, accommodations, tee-times, restaurant reservations, golf lessons, and more --- we take care of everything.”

The Alchemy Restaurant and Wine Bar opened Tuesday for lunch, complementing the dinner menu that resumed in November on Tuesdays through Saturdays.

“The extension of the restaurant’s hours and occupancy of the guest suites will do as much for the Town of Fountain Hills as it will do for the CopperWynd Resort,” said McElroy.

“It will help to generate some additional revenue, not only at the restaurant and amenities at the resort, but at local golf courses, grocery stores, restaurants and local businesses. All of these will create additional tax revenue for the town.”

“Every dollar spent in Fountain Hills businesses, helps to keep the local citizens of Fountain Hills employed. It’s a win-win situation for everyone involved,” said McElroy.

Mark Sydnor, director of tennis at CopperWynd Resort, said participants in his programs benefit from MC Vacations’ arrangement with the resort as well, indicating participation in the tennis program from special events to instructional clinics, has significantly increased.

Sydnor said his guests appreciate the convenience that staying at the resort offers.

He credits the higher enrollment to an improved economy and high quality of service that his department provides for his clientele and membership loyalty.

For more information on the company, visit its Web site at www.mccompanies.com or www.mcvacations.com.

Rogers can be contacted at MC Vacations, 291-0224 or by email: brogers@mccompanies.com.