Can’t get to Hawaii or Mexico to escape the winter and don’t love Las Vegas? Head to Pheonix Arizona’s cozy neighbor, Scottsdale, for a relaxing, family-friendly and tranquil desert getaway at Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows. A Hyatt property tucked away on 20+ acres in the shadow of lovely Camelback mountain, the Andaz has a vibrant personality and friendly vibe. Upon arrival, guests are shown into the comfortable ‘guest house’ instead of a lobby, where they’re checked in by team members with iPads instead of going to a counter, then offered a complimentary beverage including wine. The mood is set right then and there.
Instead of rooms, guests are situated in bungalows (about 4-6 units to each adobe-style building). Each bungalow building is spaced nicely apart, and each has a small outdoor seating area (some with tables and chairs, others with outdoor beach seating). There are three room types in addition to suites; the largest room is where I was situated, in a Saarinen King (485 square feet, including a huge bathroom and back enclosed patio area in addition to the front patio). If you have kids with you and want to really splurge, opt for the Saarinen with cabana, for a private cabana looking out on the main pool. There’s also a more private enclave of the resort, called the Retreat. These rooms are situated around a private pool near the fitness center and spa.
In addition to the pool and hot tub, there’s a nice fitness center with some complimentary classes (yoga was offered during my stay) and a full-service spa with private spa pool. It’s worth looking into a day pass even if you don’t get a treatment. Other complimentary amenities included in the resort fee includes a wine happy hour and libations class, where guests learn how to make one of the signature cocktails at the resort (then get to sip them). You can also ask for a complimentary ride in the resort’s Tesla, within a 2-mile radius, I believe. I used this service to meet a friend for drinks at a resort about a mile away. The Tesla service doesn’t bring you back (because they can’t be certain of availability) but it does save you one way of your Uber. There’s also a golf concierge on site included in your rate.
The resort has only one restaurant, but it’s amazing. The Weft & Warp Art Bar is open, airy, friendly and inviting, with an artsy vibe to go with the partnership the Andaz Scottsdale enjoys with the art studio enclave, Cattle Track. (Local art is also on all the bungalow walls.) The food is fairly expensive, but it’s inventive and fresh, and the cocktails and wine list are creative and expansive. Enjoy a happy hour small bites menu each day from 3-5 pm to save some cash, or go to the pool bar in the day time. Definitely plan to eat at least one breakfast and one dinner at Weft & Warp, however, and enjoy some drinks there.
Certainly, the Andaz Scottsdale is set up to be a destination resort: you can certainly play all day here and not leave the property, soaking up the desert sunshine. If you do decide to head further afield, ample hiking, golfing, mountain biking, art gallery-hopping and shopping is in the area. Several additional restaurants are within walking distance, including a loud but casual taco place and a more reserved steak house.
In addition to the Andaz Scottsdale’s unique ambiance and relaxing setting, the Hyatt hospitality is what you’ll remember most. During my three day stay, every interaction I had with the service team was pleasant and the wait staff remembered me by name multiple times.
Rates are best in the off-season and shoulder season, and when I visited in late November, the resort felt comfortably busy but not crowded. Come even earlier in the fall or last spring for the best weather while snagging decent rates.
