I recently spent a few nights at the newly renovated Grand Hyatt in Scottsdale, Arizona. The trip was a combination family trip to visit my mom (who lives nearby) and a birthday celebration for my wonderful big sister.
I have visited this resort many many times. In fact, there used to be a restaurant here where Scott and I would celebrate our anniversary when we lived nearby. But THIS Grand Hyatt is quite different from the Hyatt Regency I used to sneak into in high school (don’t tell them as I’m not sure what the statute of limitation is on trespassing but I’m feeling like since it’s been almost 40 years, I might be safe).
The renovation, which the press releases tell us cost 115 MILLION dollars, has been beautifully executed. The finishes are lovely, the rooms comfortable, and there is a definite nod to Frank Lloyd Wright, who’s designs are prevelant throughout Phoenix and Scottsdale. In fact, just a short drive away you can visit Taliesin West, his home and studio, and it’s WELL WORTH a visit. But here, as opposed to at the Arizona Biltmore nearby, the nods are subtle and the Grand Hyatt manages to pull off relaxed elegance in a way that can be tricky to pull off.
We stayed in a double queen room and it had loads of wonderful touches including robes and slippers, in room coffee, and (a personal fave) a FULL SIZE body lotion. For those of you with dry skin (combined with the desert weather) this is no time for a tiny hotel sized bottle that you have to tap for ages to get out a small and insufficient amount! I realize it’s a small thing but it truly makes for a much more luxurious experience (and far less cussing). The beds were extremely comfortable and the bedding was high end and beautiful.
Other touches like reusable water bottles and multiple filtered water refill stations throughout the resort communicate that yes, they know it’s hot and it’s the desert so here’s some free, cold water for you.
There were, however, a couple things that you might find annoying and should be aware of.
The hotel has a $50 per night “resort fee” and ALSO charges for parking which I find a bit excessive. One or the other I can understand, but both adds up to an additional $80 per night and if you’re not factoring that in, sticker shock could make your hotel bill higher than expected. Also, I had an incident at the hotel bar where they were out of the wine I ordered, made a substitution and didn’t inform me that the fill in glass was $10 more. I should have said something when I got the bill but it felt a bit shady. My bad for not asking.
We also had very uneven service at the Japanese restaurant onsite, Tiki Taka. The food was amazing, but our server seemed very stressed and over loaded (my sister, a former server, used the words “in the weeds”) and they clearly didn’t staff adequately for the holiday weekend. But the food was so good we could almost overlook this (get the prawns!). Just don’t go there expecting anything quickly. The resort has multiple restaurants and although we didn’t get to go to all of them, we did enjoy our breakfast at Mesa Centrale and it was truly delicious and our server, Jennifer, did an amazing job.
A true highlight of this resort is the Avania spa and I was fortunate enough to snag a last minute pedicure appointment. I was happily surprised to find out that just one spa treatment gave you access to the amenities there ALL DAY. Private areas just for women included a hot and cold plunge and garden area, and the outdoor co-ed mineral pool was lovely and peaceful. They also offer food service poolside and the menu was lovely (although I didn’t have time to partake) and the pool towels, robes, and poolside water made it a true resort spa experience and I will definitely come back even if not staying at the resort. My tech, Allison, gave me a beautiful pedicure and the few hours I were there were lovely and peaceful.
As it was a holiday weekend, the hotel was completely booked but we still had no issues finding pool chairs or navigating around the resort. And maybe my favorite part was all of the safe and even walking path both on the property and in the surrounding residential neighborhood. As we know, a good walk every day is an essential part of my routine and it’s always a disappointment when there’s not a good place to do that. Both the weather and the area made this a joy each day.
The resort also has an incredible adult pool area as well as a full kid’s area with a sandy beach, water slide, playground and a rock climbing wall so it’s a perfect destination for a family. And yet the resort never felt overrun by kids and families which isn’t an easy thing to pull of on a holiday (Memorial Day) weekend.
The staff was notably kind and welcoming without being stuffy. We felt very welcomed and well taken care of!
Although I’ve stayed at many resorts in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area (many at a much higher price point), I think the Grand Hyatt might be my new favorite. The prices (resort fees and parking aside) are very reasonable for the area and I felt the value for money was very good. The rooms are very big and well appointed, the food choices varied and good, and the staff friendly and gracious.
If you’re coming to Scottsdale for the hiking, golf, work or to visit family, I think this resort is a great choice. I’m happy to answer any questions below and let me know if you like these kinds of reviews in addition to my usual video reviews on YouTube!
