Review: Andaz Scottsdale

My family lives in Arizona, so when I heard there was an Andaz coming to Scottsdale around this time last year, I was very excited. The Hyatt offerings in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area leave something to be desired and since I usually end up visiting a few times a year, I was really looking forward to having a great Hyatt option in Scottsdale. The Andaz was initially scheduled to open in fall 2016, but continued to be delayed and finally opened in January 2017. We actually had booked a stay over Thanksgiving last year, but ended up needing to be re-accommodated since the Andaz was not ready to open. It worked out and we were moved to the Royal Palms Resort & Spa, which was actually very nice, but we were definitely disappointed. When I ended up needing to visit Scottsdale in late February, we jumped on the chance for two nights at the Andaz since it had finally opened. 

The Andaz is centrally located in Scottsdale right off Scottsdale Rd and is super close to Old Town Scottsdale. That being said, it is somewhat hidden off the main road and you'll need to keep an eye out for the signage while driving in. The hotel was actually still under some construction in February and there's a large apartment complex right in front of the hotel which was also under construction, so there's quite a bit of activity going on in the area. 

When I pulled up to the hotel entrance, the valet offered to take my keys so I could go inside to check in. One of the great things about this hotel is that parking is free (or really, I guess it's included in the "resort fee", but whatever) and there's plenty of it. This is not the case for Hyatt's other properties in Scottsdale, so I was really happy about that. 

The property itself is gorgeous and all brand new. As a huge fan of mid-century and minimalist design, Andaz properties are consistently some of my favorites and this one did not disappoint. I love the neutral design with lots of natural finishes and fun pops of color. My parents visited one of the days we were staying and my dad and I spent a lot of time trying to figure out what Hyatt tore down to build the Andaz. It was spacious and sprawling and the grounds have a magnificent view of Camelback Mountain, so something big would have needed to be removed to accommodate it. 

Andaz Entrance Signage

Andaz Lobby Entrance

Andaz Lobby Entrance

Andaz Lobby Surroundings

After leaving my car with the valet, I headed inside to see if I could check in early. It was before noon, but the incredibly friendly front desk associate still offered me a welcome drink of wine or champagne. I told her I'd have to pass, but maybe I'd raincheck for later. She told me I could come back anytime for more than one glass if I wanted and that it was always available and I thought that was really great. Hyatt switched from Gold Passport to World of Hyatt in March, so during my visit, we were still under Gold Passport and the associate offered the welcome amenity if I wanted it. Irrelevant now, but I was able to select a small bottle of wine or one beer from my in-room minibar and also selected a small menu item for delivery the next evening. My room was awesomely available and I had been upgraded to a larger room due to my Diamond status. She explained a bit about the property and then I was on my way. What I really loved was that later that evening, I went back to the lobby to take them up on the raincheck and the associate remembered my name and seemed genuinely happy to see me. Overall, the service from the front desk definitely blew me away.

Andaz Lobby

Andaz Lobby

Andaz Lobby

Andaz Lobby

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