jayer

The double stay-credit deal and the Winter Promotion package was enough to entice me back this weekend for a night. My expected winter activity list was about right, except there were not any wagon rides this trip (and I stand corrected: the casino is much more substantial now). It ended up being significantly colder than forecast, so there were no horseback rides either. I THINK they are normally available (if that is important call ahead). Two of the pools were heated and people in them, but not warm enough for me unless they can crank it up to Florida Summer temperature.

Whether the lack of activities is important or not is a personal decision. In my case it wasn't, or isn't, but what we wanted was a night away from reality and it worked for that. Be warned that even though its winter they do not waive resort fees even for Diamonds (and not for the upset-about-it Priceline guests either. (As an occasional Priceline person myself, that is a standard charge you pay at almost any resort. Please shut up and pay the standard resort fee at this and almost any other resort before they get annoyed and stop listing inventory)).

We ate twice in the Santa Ana Cafe and were pleased with the food. Breakfast was off standard Hyatt menu, but well done. Lunch was off a "Southwestern Specialties" portion of the menu that was not standard Hyatt, which we both enjoyed (partially because it was different). Dinner was a sandwich out of the General Store, but even it was home-baked and good. The weekend prime rib buffet smelled good, but that is way more food than I need. (The RC was closed).

There is a large seating area between the bar and the lobby and the desk with fireplaces which was nice. I enjoy a large lobby-esqe space in a hotel.

There is a leased-space "Tamaya Gallery" you access from outside that is really quite nice, especially for a hotel in rural New Mexico. Southwest art, Southwest silver jewelry, and Southwest nicer women's wear. (I don't wear much jewelry or even like things Southwest that much, and I was impressed. As far as that goes I don't wear women's clothes either, but I was impressed. If I ever decide to I'm sure they can fix me up with some really great outfits and appropriate accessories for a reasonable price).

For those of you flying in, its about 30 miles or so from the airport. About as easy a fly-in place as there is. If you want to get a second stay credit on the trip, there is a Hyatt Place near the car rental, but a bit too far to walk between the two.

I've put this one in my Hyatt single or at most two-night "I need a diversion and have the air miles" stay category, along with Cypress Orlando and Vineyard Creek, but behind my three-night, take me back every summer Coconut Point-Bonita Springs category.

tinkybelle

A friend of min ewants to know is there a good pool there for training.
(swimming not drinking!)

OPFlyer

No it's not very good for training as seen here.

chidi

Having stayed at the Tamaya four times now, I thought I’d put in my 2c.

I won’t repeat the praise others have heaped on the place, other than to second it. To me, the Tamaya is easily one of the best places to stay in New Mexico.

A few things I'd emphasize:

The main attraction at the Tamaya are the building, and the fabulous grounds and setting.

The Tamaya is in the middle of the Santa Ana Indian pueblo. More than any other modern southwest hotel I can think of , the builders really made an attempt to incorporate authentic native American themes and concepts. The hotel was designed to incorporate the feel of Indian pueblo: its built focused on a large central courtyard with multiple pools, fire-pits where they hold evening storytellings, and the Ornos (ovens) where they bake bread. Because of this, there is more of a community feel to the place than most other resorts (and conversely, the guests could feel somewhat less secluded than some would like). On the negative side, its very spread-out, and you’de better like walking. There is a tribal museum in the resort.

The restaurants are excellent. The more formal Corn Maiden is as good as any restaurant in the state (and very pricy). There are good, and much cheaper, restaurants (Mexican mostly) in nearby Bernalillo (“The Range” is a local favorite).

The resort sits at the edge of the Rio Grande bosque, looking east at the looming Sandia mountains. You won’t find a better view from any resort in the Southwest. Sitting out on the large veranda, sipping a cocktail watching the setting sun turn the Sandia Mountains pink, towering over the shimmering leaves of the cottonwoods along the Rio Grande, is a perfect way to spend a late afternoon. In the autumn, the scenery is even more spectacular. There are extensive walking trails through the undeveloped bosque (several miles of trails) , and you can dip your feet in the Rio Grande.

There are a lot of activities: horseback riding around the pueblo, balloon rides, storytelling, baking lessons.

I found the service decent, not great, but certainly decent. The hotel looks like it makes an attempt to hire a lot of young people from the Pueble.

Because of its distance from Albuquerque and Santa Fe, that its probably best for people who want to spend some time relaxing and having fun at the resort, and not just use it as a base for doing things in town.

VA1379

Does this property still have a Regency Club? I tried making a dummy reservation, but I never was able to get a Regency Club room to show up.

peteropny

They had it open back Memorial Day weekend in May.

jumpdogjump

Just finished a 3-day stay, and Chidi's review had it nailed. Great for relaxation, very isolated feel. Social areas provided a chance to meet other travelers - almost all of whom were from New Mexico - celebrating Anniversaries and the spa getaway crowd. Daily activities included Native Am. pottery classes, jewelery making, Story-telling around a fire on the weekends. There is a stable for horseback riding - wife and I did a group ride ($75pp for 90 minutes). Beautiful scenery if you like the desert & great for us novices, but better riders may want a private ride to explore more of the terrain. The outdoor hot tub has a couple of very strong jets among many weak ones, one next to the little waterfall that was as good as a massage after our ride.

We took advantage of the last days of DEL5k, and spent it all on the Prix Fixe Osso Bucco @ the Chef's table in the Corn Maiden restaurant ($65 pp incl. wine pairing). The Chef's table is actually 6 barstools at the counter looking in to the kitchen. Unfortunately, the new chef ("Chef Bruno") wasn't able to entertain us, as they were short a man and he was stuck (not lliterally) on the 2-level rotisserie all night. His assistants were quite capable, though. Seems every well-to-do local that has something to celebrate does it here - restaurant was full from 7-8:30. Excellent dinner, used quality local area ingredients, when possible.

The club is closed on the weekends (thanks for the 2500 bonus points!) and used breakfast coupons for excellent huevos rancheros in the cafe.

jumpdogjump

Special offers page for the resort lists a promotion for April 21-24. It's available for $149/night (plus resort fee & tax) - Package includes breakfast for two daily, a 25% resort activity discount and complimentary transporation to the New Mexico Rail Runner, Sandoval County station. Comes in at $30/night less than Advance Purchase rate.

For those with a family, or just an interest in Native American culture, this is the "largest American Indian event in the world" per the event website. April/May may be the best months of the year to see this part of the US.

jan_az

Any new data?

jtaft

We just returned from a one-night stay using up that last NBT free night before it expires. The reviews above are right on the mark about the look & feel of the property, the nice trails, the friendly staff and the overall quiet beauty. A few notes that may be of interest:

- RC was open on Saturday and Sunday, although it does close for a couple hours in the middle of the day per a posted schedule. Honor bar in the evening with pleasant spread of food but weak spirits selection (only Scotch was low-end Dewars, I took Jack Daniels instead). Lox & other typical items for breakfast. A cute touch was some toddler cookies (arrowroot?) mixed in with the usual crackers and bread wafers.

- Spirits options at main bar are also limited. Basic stuff, yes; higher end stuff, not really. For instance, Scottsdale stocks all five variants of Johnnie Walker, Tamaya has only Red and Black.

- Wireless internet signal strength was excellent, but T-mobile as usual had problems preventing me from getting in for a couple of hours. However, when brought to the attention of the front desk, they called T-mobile and immediately got a real person that set up a working account.

- Concierge desk was often unstaffed. However, at the Activities desk, Mariah was incredibly helpful and knowledgeable. I hope she gets some recognition from the GM from the comment card we filled out specifically saying so.

- The tribe's casino (Santa Ana Star) has surprisingly good pay tables on their video poker (better than Vegas strip, not quite as good as Vegas downtown) plus a nice free-play promotion for first-time slot club signups, albeit a complicated one.

texmanufan

Completed the latest of about a dozen stays here Mother's day weekend. Upgraded to Junior suite on a paid stay.

Corn Maiden restaurant had some good value multiple course dinners. Great if you like grilled meats.

Hummingbirds were out in force this time of year around the resort.

RC was okay. Cont, breakfast. Nothing warm in evenings to eat, but everything else was pretty good. We were only interested in wine ourselves so didn't notice other offerings. $3 for decent wines.

Spa as always here is very good here.

Previously we have had a nice dinner at the Prairie Star restaurant nearby on the same Santa Ana Pueblo. This time we enjoyed very good music and wine bar available Friday nights in the patio with Sandia peak at sunset.
http://mynewmexicogolf.com/golf/prot...airie_star.htm

My only disappointment was the ceasing of burning cedar incense in the lobby. I know it doesn't seem like a big deal, but it has always made quite an impression on me when I walk in the lobby and all my senses are simultaneously aware of this unique place. The southwestern lobby with the fireplace and the backdrop of sandia peak, the Indian flute music, and the smell of the incense. Could feel the stress leave instantly. Asked about this and was told that a few guests with allergies had complained about the incense so they don't use anymore. Maybe it was just me, but even the music volume seemed more subtle too. Being very allergic to cedar myself I have never had an issue. We always load up on this stuff from the gift shop and burn back in our home. For me I have downgraded this from a special place to a very good resort because of this.

ronbo83

Spent last weekend here with the wife and we had a great time. It is in a great location between Albuquerque and Santa Fe. From reading other reviews, I thought it was a little further out, but it was actually quite easy to get to and very close to both cities.

As others have already mentioned, the RC is pretty weak, but did have cold drinks (sodas, water, milk, chocolate milk) which was all we really needed.

I have never taken a diamond amenity other than the points, but after looking at the options, it was an easy choice to get a 750ml bottle of wine and chocolate covered strawberries. We were celebrating our anniversary and it was great to have them deliver it and set everything up for us.

They had 3 pools, which I did not pick up on from the pictures, and although they said they were heated, were fairly cold in the early morning and late evening. Not a big deal, but would have been nice.

We ate one night at the main cafe / restaurant and were pretty disappointed with the service. Food was average.

There are a ton of food options just outside the property and a Wal-mart down the street for any other items you may need.

We did a private horse ride and it was awesome. Instead of $75 pp for 1.5 hours, it was $100 pp and it was just the two of us and the guide. It is a great ride and would be fun for riders of all levels.

Overall this is a great property and I will definitely be back.

DealDetective

In case anyone is interested, here are some current eStandby upgrade offers for this property:

$9 extra per night for eStandby Upgrade® Deluxe Balcony King , 377 sq. ft.
• Deluxe room featuring a full balcony or patio
Save $11 per night

$19 extra per night for eStandby Upgrade® Mountain Vista King, 377 sq. ft.
• Deluxe room featuring a full balcony or patio
• Spectacular views of the Sandia Mountains
Save$21 per night

$19 Extra per night Mountian View
Add spectacular views of the Sandia Mounains to any room or upgrades selected.

$39 extra per night for eStandby Upgrade® Regency Club King, 377 sq. ft.
• Deluxe room featuring a full balcony or patio
• Daily access to the Regency Club Lounge, featuring continental breakfast daily and evening appetizers
Save$51 per night

$49 extra per night for eStandby Upgrade® Junior Suite, 754 sq. ft.
• Separate living area with hide-a-bed
• Twice the floor space of a standard guest room
Save$51 per night

$79 extra per night for eStandby Upgrade® Executive Suite, 754 sq. ft.
• Separate living area with hide-a-bed
• Kitchenette with full size refrigerator
• Twice the floor space of a standard guest room
Save$121 per night

DealDetective

We just completed an excellent 4 night stay to celebrate a milestone anniversary, our first stay at this resort. We booked using a Diamond suite upgrade to a Junior Suite, but were informed at check-in that they had upgraded us to one of the 2 VIP suites ("Blue Maiden Suite") at the resort. They also gave us a nice box of truffles as an anniversary gift. Several employees at the property told us 4212 was their favorite suite, even compared with the Presidential suite, because of the spectacular view of the pools and rock formations by the stables. It was about triple the size of a standard room with dining table for 6, living area with gas fireplace, wetbar with fridge, microwave, coffee maker with bean grinder, and Nespresso machine, 3 separate balconies, large walk-in closet, and beautiful bathroom with Jacuzzi tub and separate shower and half guest bath.

We noted some similarities between this property and Lost Pines Resort and were told that Tamaya's former manager had left to open Lost Pines. Unlike Lost Pines, the self parking is very convenient. Even so, the valets regularly drive through the lot to transport you to the front entrance. Also, they've done a good job of keeping the bike traffic off the hotel sidewalks and on the nice trails through the bosque and down to the river. Curiously, the river pool is nothing like the Lazy River pools at the Lost Pines or Hill Country. It is just a river shaped pool that does not make a continuous loop. They also have a Hummingbird garden that really attracts a lot of hummingbirds!

We really were impressed with the beauty of the landscaping in the high desert environment. They used a variety of what appeared to be native plants, and had an herb garden that is used by the hotel chefs. We enjoyed all the birds and bunnies we saw on the property.

texmanufan will be happy to know that they do still burn the cedar-pinon incense. We noticed it upon arrival, but not on the subsequent days. Either we got used to it, or they don't burn it every day.

All the staff members were very friendly and responsive to all our needs. After we got settled in, we were surprised with a complimentary delivery of a nice cheese, cracker, nut and fruit tray and a luscious slice of chocolate with "Happy Anniversary" written around the plate and a card signed by all the employees we had encountered since our arrival. Wow! We topped off our stay with a delicious dinner at the Corn Maiden sitting at the Chef's counter. They are currently offering a good Prix Fixe menu with your choice of 4 Tapas paired with 2 different glasses of wine and a trio of creme brulees for $55. This was really a great choice for our anniversary celebration, and I think we will probably return.

notquiteaff

The creme brulees alone will be sufficient reason for my wife to approve a trip to New Mexico Thanks for the interesting report -- I had never even heard of this property (yeah... newish to Hyatt) and have now added this to my "to-do" list.