FlyerTalk Forums - View Single Post - Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort (formerly HR at Gainey Ranch) REVIEW

Apr 2, 2023 | 12:11 am

#409

JohnnyP

Join Date: Jun 2001

Location: The road less traveled

Programs: UA Gold MM, AA EXP, Delta Platinum, Marriott Titanium, HHonors Diamond, Natl EE, Hertz Platinum

Posts: 5,188

Stayed with the family for 5 nights. We came over from the Andaz Scottsdale, so I’ll make comparisons.

To love:

1. Great Globalist recognition: This included a smile and welcome at check-in. I was handed a welcome letter from the GM including a $50 credit at the Canyon Market store, a coupon for 2 free cocktails and an invitation to pick from the “Globalist Snack Basket” at the front desk anytime. We did this a few times and it was an awesome perk — Kind bars, Cheetos, M&Ms, protein bars, etc. and Pepsi products to drink. I assume these perks were offered given the club is closed.

Hyatt Regency 10/10. (Andaz 7/10)

2. The pool and “beach” despite the disrepair were a lot of fun. A great water slide. The toddlers loved the sandy “beach” into the pool. And even the very simple splash pad gave some laughs and fun. I’m sure the adults appreciated having their own gated pool area — the bigger pool was very much a kid fun factory, which we were there for!

Tip: No outside food at the pool until 5pm when service closes. We got scolded once. And after 5pm the birds move in aggressively to feast on crumbs, including a very very grumpy Canadian goose. Saw him hissing and chasing kids who thought he would be fun to pet.

Hyatt Regency 8/10 (Andaz 4/10)

To like:

1. Free self-parking (maybe?): I always like a hotel with free, convenient self parking. There was a gate, but the attendant more or less opened it for you, or it was always open. Parking space was ample.

Hyatt Regency 7/10 (Andaz 10/10)

2. Globalist breakfast: Full buffet was $23.99 and cheaper for the kids. Our server was also generous if we wanted something off the menu (chia bowl was good, as was the smoothie and healthy detox juice). I would have loved more selection at the buffet — it was a bit boring, especially after 5 days. Hot dishes were limited to omelette station, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausages, potatoes, pancakes and oatmeal … every … day. Would it hurt to throw in some French toast some days? Maybe an egg casserole? A quiche? Fresh sourdough loaves? First world problems for sure, but coming from the incredible breakfast menu at the Andaz, this was a let down.

Hot tip: Get there before 8am. We were always early risers and got there shortly after it opened at 7am. There was always a line to get in by the time we rolled out.

Hyatt Regency 7/10 (Andaz 10/10)

3. TSU Suite cleared into a Fountain Suite. On the plus side, it was a great layout for us, with basically two full size rooms — one had a living room with a Murphy bed and small dining table, the other a full size bedroom with a king. Crib fit in a bathroom and they supplied another rollaway. Both rooms had full bathrooms and connected balconies. On the down side, it overlooked the courtyard, so it was noisy and the late night music was very disruptive to toddler/baby bedtime. Good thing they were exhausted from the pools and we packed sound machines.

Hyatt Regency 6/10 (Andaz 8/10)

To want:

1. It’s time for a refresh. I know they’ve announced a $110M renovation and rebrand to a Grand. It’s needed and the hotel will look fantastic as the bones are there. Rooms were tired and boring. Outdoor pool area literally felt like cement was crumbling in places. Chairs and hardware felt old and unkept.

2. Small, basic fitness center for a property this size. It was pretty full every morning I was there and also felt like it could be designed up a notch rather than just throwing a few machines in a room. Would have liked a cable machine, more weight benches, bigger stretching area, and other additional equipment (eg battle ropes). The Phoenician definitely wins the prize for best fitness facility in Scottsdale — it would be one to learn from.

Hyatt Regency 5/10 (Andaz 7/10)

3. Basic room fit & finish: Room fit and finish was fine, but pretty basic. Only USB plugs on one side of the bed, and they didn’t work. Overall, other than size and layout the room was perfectly unmemorable.

Hyatt Regency 5/10 (Andaz 8/10)

Random: My 5 year old found a beautiful Patek Phillipe watch behind the curtains. We turned it into the front desk. I hope it makes it back to the owner!