Review: Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows

The Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows is a posh property with cute bungalows, easy parking, great amenities, and a nice breakfast.

Andaz Scottsdale Review

We spent one night here on our road trip from Los Angeles to Chicago.

Booking

This is a Category 6 property in the World of Hyatt program and I used 29,000 points versus a cash rate of $768. Points prices range from 21,000 (low) to 25,000 (standard) to 29,000 (peak) points per night. 29K is a lot of points, but we stil netted more than two cents per point, which is what I value Hyatt points at.

Service

I’ll start with the negative, which was the check-in experience. Unlike the couple being checked in nearby, we were not offered a welcome beverage or thanked for our Globalist status. There was also no room upgrade even though there were suites available (though I find that is often because we reserve two beds instead of a single bed when traveling with our kids). That (lack of) recognition aside, the staff were kind and very responsive.

Although our room was registered for four people (two adults, and two kids) there were only two towels and two water bottles in the room. However, I texted the front desk (480.568.2704) and more water bottles and towels were immediately brought to the room.

If there was a happy hour at this hotel, it was not mentioned to me.

Parking

Parking is easy at this resort…there’s a main parking lot, but also a ring road around the property with ample parking so you can park near your bungalow. Self-parking is complimentary.

Resort Fee

A daily resort fee of $50.00/room is mandatory (but waived for World of Hyatt Globalist members):

Artist Meet and Greet at Cattle Track Arts Coumpound (sic)
Admission to Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art
Seasonal Welcome Beverage (did not receive)
Welcome Cookies at check in (did not receive)
Morning Coffee Service
House Car Drop-off within a three mile radius, based upon availability
Water refill stations
Electric Vehicle Charging Stations, including Tesla
Live Entertainment
Access to the 24-Hour Gym and Exclusive Fitness Classes
Resort Bicycles
Access to Recreational Activities and equipment including croquet, corn hole, bocce ball
S’mores Kits
Daily Delighters at the Turquoise Pool
Poolside Sunscreen
Notary Services (how odd…)
24hr Text Messaging Concierge Service

Room

The grounds of this hotel are lush and well-manicured (like much of Scottsdale) and I really like the Palm Springs feel of the hotel (my point of reference).

Our bungalow, 12E, was located near the rear of the property and included an outdoor seating area.

The room itself was fairly drab, with two beds (great bedding) and a window overlooking cactus.

A Keurig coffee machine and minibar were present, with the snacks free and most soft drinks free (not the Pierrer sparkling water), but alcohol for purchase.

The bathroom included a walk-in shower with a skylight, a separate water closet, and an open closet (with two robes and slippers).

Pools

The highlight of this hotel for my children was the pool. Although we only stayed one night, they went swimming three times…twice the first day and once before we left the following morning. The pool was not only warm, but hot…like the entire pool was a hot tub (there was an even warmer hot tub as well that was quite crowded).

Cabanas available for an additional fee

The main pool is open from 6:00 am to 11:00 pm.

Near the spa and fitness center, there’s an adults-only pool called the Palo Verde Spa Pool.

There’s also a separate pool for certain suite guests that I did not see.

Fire Pits

After our (regrettable) dinner, we sought refuge from the winter cold at one of the fire pits…greatly appreciated on a chilly night when temperatures dropped to near-freezing.

Yes, my daughter in her pajamas complaining about the cold…

Fitness Center

A 24/7 fitness center included a great selection of equipment from TechnoGym. I appreciated the extended hours and found it empty both in the late afternoon and late morning when I used it. My wife, however, found it packed at 7:30 am.

Spa

Palo Verde, a full-service spa, is available and offers a wide range of skincare and massage treatments.

The locker rooms have a steam room and jacuzzi. Locker room ccess is included for spa clients or available for $25.

Spa lounge area:

Free Coffee Each Morning

I love that the hotel offers free coffee from 6:00 am to 10:00 am each morning…it was good coffee and a nice way to start my day (versus the nasty Keurig in the room).

Dining

The resort offers a restaurant, pool bar, and room service.

Weft & Warp Art Bar + Kitchen

We enjoyed a nice breakfast at Weft & Warp and I loved that brunch hours extend to 1:30 pm, so there was no rush to eat before we were ready.

Brunch menu:

I had an “Arizona Hot Pastrami Hash” with peppers, potatoes, onions, poached eggs, swiss cheese, and hollandaise…it was good, though I would have preferred more pastrami and fewer potatoes.

Heidi had an omelet, Augustine had buttermilk pancakes, and Claire Marie had a “Super Bowl” with Greek yogurt, roasted red grapes, figs, evoo, cardamom honey, granola, pistachio, and coconut. We shared a bowl of berries. The coffee and juice (orange for me and Claire Marie, grapefruit for Augustine) were also good. A very nice breakfast here.

Turquoise Pool Bar

The poolside bar offers a menu of food as well and is open daily from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm (with the kitchen closed at 5:00 pm). Menu here.

Room Service

24/7 room service is available.

Activities

Several activities are included in the resort fee:

The current list here.

CONCLUSION

My family loved our stay here and would return. Talking to our fellow guests around the pool, it seems that many Angelenos make weekend trips to Scottsdale and I suspect we will too. That may be a bit far for a weekend trip, but we had a nice stay overall.