Somehow I’d never managed to stay at the Andaz Scottsdale Resort before, opting for places like Royal Palms, Westin Kierland (and Westin Kierland Villas), Phoenician, W Scottsdale and elsewhere when I’m in the area.

I spent a recent weekend there and it worked perfectly for my needs, but there were also some shortcomings to the property. It’s a Hyatt award category 6, with points prices ranging from 21,000-29,000 per night. I booked it for $297 a night on peak season redemption dates.

The upside to points as a Globalist would have been free parking, and though I’d read valet is $35 and self-parking is $23 per night, and I did identify myself as having a car, I wasn’t ever charged for the parking (we self-parked near the room which was far more convenient than valet).

As a Globalist, the hotel’s $45 resort fee is waived. Between upgrades, waived resort fee, breakfast and free parking as a benefit on points redemptions the property is a good use of a Guest of Honor award on a long stay.

Check-in was friendly and helpful, though no one was outside to greet me when I arrived. I found my way into the lobby, which is typical Andaz in that there’s no front desk. Staff weren’t busy though and happy to get me checked in.

The main reason I chose Andaz Scottsdale was the ability through World of Hyatt to confirm a suite upgrade – a 750 square foot Sonoran Suite which has separate bedroom and living room and two separate bathrooms, as well as outdoor sitting areas. That’s perfect for me traveling with my wife, daughter and infant son since my daughter can sleep in a separate room on the fold out couch.

The hotel is generous with Globalist upgrades anyway but Saarinen Studio Suites are far more common and I wanted the extra space of a real suite.

There are separate courtyards in front of the living room and the master bedroom, and separate doors into each.

Here’s the bedroom:

And this bathroom is attached to the bedroom.

Here’s the Sonoran Suite living room.

And the bathroom off the living room:

And this is the outdoor area of the suite:

I’ve already written about the simple brilliance of the door to the room which sticks open on its own when pushed all the way open. That’s great for bringing bags in and out.

The hotel’s restaurant, Weft & Warp, is quite good and Globalist breakfast can be taken any time from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. There are additional lunch-type options that become available starting at 11 a.m. And they have some delicious and interesting drinks including coffee drinks. (Coffee is also available in the lobby starting at 6:30 a.m.)

Food was quite good, in fact I’d rate the burger I had as among the best I ate in 2024.

Staff were friendly and responsive. The property is nicely maintained with vegetation, seating areas, and fireplaces everywhere.

The main pool is heated and it’s actually warm – warm enough that my daughter and I were able to use it comfortably when temperatures outside were barely sixty.

I’ve read some guest reports of pest issues, with insects of various kinds finding their way into rooms, but I did not experience this.

The room was a bit dark and could have benefited from additional lighting. And since everything is single story, the room lacked privacy with the window shades open, contributing to the problem of lack of light. My room wasn’t quite as well-maintained. Walls were significantly scuffed in the bedroom, and there were chunks of tile missing in a bath.

Ultimately though the Andaz Scottsdale Resort is a nice mix of upscale relaxation and charm, with generally good service, good food, and comfortable rooms.