Hotel Review: Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows
Having visited Scottsdale on several occasions for brief retreats, I'm consistently captivated by the stunning natural beauty and distinctive landscapes that the Grand Canyon State offers. Despite the sweltering summers, Arizona's splendid natural settings have given rise to an enclave of opulent resorts, with Scottsdale being a prime example. Among these, the Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows (Andaz Scottsdale) stands out as a boutique lifestyle haven. Immersing myself in its art-centric environments and engaging in activities that celebrate local creativity has been a truly enjoyable experience. Here is my review of Andaz Scottsdale:
Andaz Scottsdale is located at 6114 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85253.
What Card(s) Should You Use to Book?
The AMEX Platinum card is one of the best premium travel cards available on the market. The AMEX Platinum card currently offers a sign-up bonus of 100,000 Membership Rewards (MR) points after spending $6,000 in the first six months of account opening. I personally value MR points at 2 cents per point, making the sign-up bonus worth about $2,000. The card earns 5X MR points on up to $500,000 per calendar year on flights purchased directly from airlines or on the AMEX travel portal. It also earns 5X MR points on hotels booked and prepaid on the AMEX travel portal, and all other purchases earn 1X MR points.
The AMEX Platinum card offers remarkable benefits and perks to elevate your travel game.
If you thought the multipliers of the card were mediocre, prepare yourself because the card's annual fee is $695. It is one of the most expensive cards to open, but thankfully, AMEX included valuable benefits to effectively offset the annual fee. Here are the following benefits included in the card membership:
$200 Fine Hotels & Resorts Credit & Benefits
$200 Uber Credit
$200 Airline Credit
Centurion Lounge Access & Priority Pass Membership
Delta Sky Club Access When Flying Delta
Hilton Honors Gold Status & Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status
Reimbursed Global Entry or TSA PreCheck Application Fees
$240 Digital Entertainment Credit
$300 Equinox Credit
$179 CLEAR Credit
$100 Saks Fifth Avenue Credit
If you are able to maximize the benefits, you will get much more value in return than its annual fee. Moreover, because the card provides perks for flights, hotels, and daily expenses like digital subscriptions, Uber rides, and Uber Eats, your AMEX Platinum can be your one-stop shop for luxury travel needs!
If you’d like to apply for the American Express Platinum Card, please consider using my referral link. It will continue to help fund my blog operations and help visitors make informed decisions to maximize their rewards. Thank you! Click HERE to access my referral link!
The Capital One Venture X card is a premium travel card, and if you are looking for a one-card solution for your wallet, this may be the card for you. The card earns 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel, and 2X miles on all other purchases. Capital One’s travel portal can be a safe choice when booking with cash. It is equipped with free price drop protection and price match protection; Capital One will match competitors’ prices and even give you a partial refund if the price of your purchased flight or hotel drops. Though I generally recommend booking directly with a service provider to get the best available price, if you can do a little bit of research, you can certainly benefit from earning 10X back.
Capital One’s Venture X card is the hottest new premium travel card on the market right now.
The Capital One Venture X card has a $395 annual fee and offers tons of perks to justify its costs. The card features the following benefits:
Annual $300 travel credit
10,000 Capital One miles bonus upon renewal
Access to Premier Collection Hotels
Four complimentary authorized users
Capital One Lounge and Plaza Premium Lounge access
Priority Pass Membership
Primary rental car insurance
Global Entry or TSA PreCheck
The $300 annual travel credit and 10,000 Capital One miles bonus sum up to $400 minimum in value, effectively offsetting the annual fee. Its growing portfolio of hotels and lounge access make the Capital One Venture X card an appealing choice for those looking for a premium travel credit card.
If you’d like to apply for the Capital One Venture X Card, please consider using my referral link. It will continue to help fund my blog operations and help visitors make informed decisions to maximize their rewards. Thank you! Click HERE to access my referral link!
Location
Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows is located in the heart of Scottsdale, Arizona, situated on a 23-acre property that is surrounded by beautiful gardens, with Camelback Mountain visible in the distance. Visitors can enjoy hiking and biking in the nearby mountains or explore the Sonoran Desert on horseback. Golf enthusiasts will appreciate the resort's close proximity to several world-class golf courses. There are also several cultural attractions nearby, such as the Phoenix Art Museum and the Desert Botanical Garden.
Lobby & Check-In Review
Upon our arrival at the hotel, it struck me as unusual that it was situated right next to an apartment complex. However, stepping into the lobby, I was greeted by an atmosphere that perfectly encapsulated mid-century modern elegance, characterized by its minimalist and functional wooden decor.
Andaz properties are renowned for their hospitable check-in experiences, facilitated through the use of tablets.
Andaz is renowned for its warm, personalized check-in process, which is enhanced by the use of tablets, and I was delighted to be welcomed with a prickly pear lemonade infused with vodka. On a scorching Arizona summer day, the cocktail delivered a tart and invigorating reprieve. Additionally, we enjoyed raspberry oat crumble cookies as a sweet afternoon treat.
My prickly pear lemonade contained vodka, though it was also available as a non-alcoholic option.
Booking through the AMEX Platinum card's Fine Hotels & Resorts (FHR) portal entitled me to various privileges, including a $100 credit for food and beverages, late check-out, and a complimentary upgrade, among others.
Booking through AMEX’s FHR portal granted me many benefits including a $100 credit for food and beverages.
While my room was being prepared, I was pleasantly surprised with an upgrade to the Saarinen Studio King Suites, featuring a private 150-square-foot patio at the back. As a Hyatt Globalist member, I had hoped for a full suite upgrade, yet none were available at the time.
The stylish mid-century interior design of Andaz Scottsdale fitting as a boutique property in Arizona.
In the interim, I explored the hotel’s boutique shop in the lobby, Textiles & Objects, which showcased handmade items from local artisans, including prints, cups, decorative pieces, and jewelry.
Textiles & Objects showcased a curated selection of artwork and merchandise made by local artists.
In the corner of the lobby was a small snack stand where guests could purchase drinks, snacks, and OTC medicine for convenience.
The alcohol prices at the corner store matched those found in the room's minibar.
After catching up on some work in the lobby, I headed out to my suite, located on the ground level.
Bedroom Review
Our Saarinen Studio Suite was conveniently positioned just a short walk from the main pool, which suited us perfectly as we often visited the pool. However, for those seeking more tranquility, requesting a bungalow closer to the gym might be advisable, as it's located further within the property for a quieter setting.
Our suite was positioned just a few steps from the swimming pool, and we experienced some noise during daytime hours.
At the suite's entrance, there was a cozy L-shaped outdoor sofa with a table, nestled among fragrant lime trees, providing a serene spot to relax.
Lime trees were abundant throughout the property, filling the air with their fragrant scents.
The suite's design paid homage to the mid-century aesthetic, inspired by the renowned Finnish-American architect Eero Saarinen, from whom it gets its name. The centerpiece of the bedroom was a king-sized bed, featuring a sleek, minimalist wooden headboard, complemented by mood-enhancing ambient lighting.
The suite featured a prominent sleek, minimalistic mid-century interior design.
Next to the bed, nightstands with charging ports were thoughtfully placed, but the room didn’t come with a master light switch.
Although the suite lacked a master light switch by the nightstand, there were initially few sources of light within the space.
The exposed gray wooden beams on the ceiling lent a charming appeal to the space, while a flat-screen TV, equipped with Chromecast was mounted against a wooden accent wall.
The exposed wood beams on the ceiling enhanced the room's character.
Decorative art pieces and a comfortable lounge chair with an ottoman beside a window created a relaxing nook. The room lacked a traditional work desk, presenting instead a high coffee table by the entrance. While it was stylish, it was impractically tall for seated work.
While the coffee table had an appealing appearance on its own, its height rendered it less functional for use while seated.
The table bore welcome treats from the hotel, including a chocolate nut seed bar, Oreo cookies, and artisanal water.
While I wholeheartedly appreciated receiving welcome amenities, I wish I was given more water considering Arizona's intense summer heat.
It was a thoughtful gesture though more water would have been appreciated given Arizona's intense summer heat. Leading to the bathroom, an open closet area featured a makeup vanity and a minibar.
The bedroom seamlessly transitioned into the bathroom without a door, with a walk-in closet situated between the two areas.
It was well-stocked with a Keurig coffee machine, spirits, and a hidden mini-fridge filled with alcoholic options, from wine to boozy seltzers.
The minibar was generously supplied with a Keurig coffee machine and a variety of spirits.
As anticipated, the drinks were priced higher than usual. However, a quick visit to a nearby convenience store landed cost-saving alternatives.
Finding local beer in the mini-fridge was a pleasant surprise, reflecting Andaz's brand commitment to showcasing local products.
The mid-century modern decor of the bedroom harmonized beautifully with the natural surroundings, yet I found the lighting in the room to be insufficient. While light fixtures provided some illumination, the main source of light originated from opening the window blinds, compromising privacy. Though this design approach of the room was minor, it detracted from the overall comfort and experience.
Bathroom Review
The bathroom was seamlessly integrated with the bedroom, omitting a physical door to enhance the sense of flow between spaces. It boasted a single-sink vanity crowned with a large, backlit mirror that doubled as a makeup area, despite the presence of a designated makeup stand near the open closet.
The bathroom vanity was expansive and offered ample space, yet it was equipped with only a single sink.
The redundancy puzzled me, as the space could have been better utilized by installing a second sink. In contrast to the bedroom's lighting, the bathroom featured a ceiling starlight, casting a natural illumination across the floor during daylight hours. The design maintained privacy for the toilet area within the open layout, offering a discrete space for use.
Given that the bathroom and bedroom were interconnected without a door, the inclusion of a water closet was essential for privacy.
The walk-in shower was notably spacious and was equipped with dual standard showerheads. It definitely made it easy for us to rinse our bodies after swimming, as we didn’t have to take turns.
The walk-in shower at Andaz Scottsdale was quite roomy, yet it did not embody the boutique feel I anticipated from the Andaz hotel.
The toiletries were by Palo Verde Spa & Apothecary—Andaz Scottsdale’s in-house spa. They offered a subtle citrus fragrance with hints of lavender and bergamot. They were provided in communal bottles making them sufficient for the entire time we stayed at Andaz Scottsdale.
The toiletries featured a delicate citrus scent, complemented by undertones of lavender and bergamot.
Beyond the bathroom, a private patio furnished with outdoor chaise lounges awaited. It promised a secluded retreat for sunbathing, particularly appealing during the cooler months.
The private outdoor patio would have been ideal for an evening when the weather is cool.
While the bathroom's amenities were appreciable, there seemed to be missed opportunities for enhancement. A double sink vanity could have maximized the available space more effectively, and the inclusion of rainfall showerheads would elevate the showering experience to a level of luxury more befitting the hotel's overall ambiance.
Pool Review—Turquoise Pool
Andaz Scottsdale is home to three heated swimming pools, with the Turquoise Pool centrally situated amidst towering palm trees, lending it a picturesque and intimate setting.
The Turquoise Pool was located at the heart of the resort and surrounding palm trees crafted a scenic atmosphere.
The pool's stunning turquoise hue invites relaxation, flanked by ample lounge chairs and the option to reserve cabanas for those willing to invest in enhanced comfort.
While the cabanas at Andaz Scottsdale were not complimentary, they could be worth the money for accommodating a large group.
Strategically placed umbrellas offer shade to early birds, although finding a shaded spot later in the day can prove challenging.
The Turquoise Pool became crowded daily, making it difficult to secure a shaded area in the afternoon.
For those looking to avoid the sun altogether, a night swim is a viable option; despite the pool's official closing time at 11 PM, access remains possible with your key. However, be prepared for an increased presence of bugs attracted by underwater lighting at night.
A night swim suited me perfectly since the pool was less crowded.
In the colder months, a hot tub is available, but obviously it didn’t attract any guests during the hot Arizona summer.
During my visit in the summer, no one used the hot tub, but it would be a nice amenity in the cooler months.
Upon settling by the pool, a poolside server promptly presented us with a menu from the Turquoise Pool Bar & Grille.
A pitcher of frozen cocktail was a steady seller among large groups.
Taking advantage of my AMEX FHR dining credit, we ordered a cheeseburger with fries, a chicken shawarma wrap, and High Noon Seltzers for lunch.
We utilized the $100 food and beverage credit we received for booking via AMEX’s FHR portal to order drinks and food.
Other alcoholic beverage options like cocktails and wine were available, and guests could order at the poolside bar if they wanted faster service.
The poolside bar served various types of alcoholic beverages including simple cocktails and wine.
The server inquired if we intended to share our meal, and upon confirmation, our food arrived thoughtfully divided into two plates, fries included, which was a detail we greatly appreciated.
It was considerate of the restaurant to divide the burger and fries into two portions, allowing us to share the meal.
Unfortunately, the wrap's chicken breast was disappointingly dry, regardless of being liberally dressed with mayo. The cheeseburger was mostly satisfactory, but the patty lacked the juiciness I had hoped for.
Despite being heavily dressed with mayo, the chicken wrap was still surprisingly dry.
On the whole, my experience at the Turquoise Pool was enjoyable. Beyond the inviting waters and attentive service from the pool bar staff, the pool's integration with the surrounding greenery and the use of glass walls to secure the facility's perimeter beautifully blended the space with nature. The seamless incorporation of the surroundings enhanced the sense of openness and transparency to the natural beauty around.
Gym Review
Tucked away further into the resort's layout, the fitness center was accessible 24/7. It was compact yet featured a comprehensive array of equipment suitable for a variety of workout regimes.
The gym was tucked away further into the resort's layout and was accessible 24/7.
The setup included a series of cardio machines arranged in front of retractable garage door screens, complemented by two Peloton bikes in the corner.
The gym boasted a wide array of equipment, offering a comprehensive selection, although it could feel somewhat crowded at times.
A basic set of dumbbells and two adjustable benches facilitated free-weight exercises, while several strength-training machines were strategically placed throughout the space.
The entire gym was outfitted with padded flooring, ensuring a safe environment for placing weights down.
For efficient space utilization, an all-in-one workout station alongside a Tonal machine ensured a full-body workout was possible without overcrowding the area.
Tonal employs digital weights to provide an efficient and effective weightlifting experience.
Medicine balls and gym balls were systematically organized along the perimeter, enhancing the room's functionality. The fitness center's main limitation was its cramped layout. Despite being well-stocked, the close proximity of equipment impeded easy navigation, particularly around certain cardio machines, where space was noticeably limited.
The limited space for full-body workouts in the gym slightly compromised its overall functionality.
The gym lacked ample room for full-body workouts, which slightly diminished the gym's utility. Nonetheless, it was still worthwhile that the hotel offered an indoor gym. For those looking to delve deeper into the resort's offerings, exploring Andaz Scottsdale's extensive daily activities may provide a more immersive and enriching experience.
Resort Activity Review
Beyond the pool and gym, the hotel has crafted an engaging lineup of daily activities for guests, ranging from complimentary offerings to premium experiences. For example, through a partnership with the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, guests can gain free admission simply by presenting their room key.
Andaz Scottsdale has curated a captivating array of daily activities for guests, encompassing both complimentary and premium experiences.
If you’d like to stay onsite, Andaz Scottsdale hosts a variety of wellness activities, including yoga and meditation sessions, as well as interactive classes like cooking and craft cocktail making. Although we didn’t explore every activity available, we did partake in the fireside social by making s’mores. All it took was a quick visit to the front desk to request a s’more kit, which included wooden skewers, graham crackers, marshmallows, and milk chocolate.
We joined the fireside social, where we enjoyed making s'mores, courtesy of a s'more kit provided by the front desk.
The resort has several fireplaces on its grounds, and a receptionist kindly lit one for us to use. In spite of the hot July weather, crafting our own dessert was a delightful experience, and it was heartwarming to see numerous families and their children enjoying the activity.
The hotel grounds provided a serene setting for leisurely walks and relaxation throughout the day.
It’s worth noting that, except for Hyatt Globalist members who are exempt, a daily resort fee is applicable. The resort fee encompasses a variety of free activities, so it is worthwhile to take advantage of all available options.
Guests at Andaz Scottsdale are required to pay a mandatory resort fee, so it's advisable to make the most of the hotel's amenities.
For instance, the resort fee includes access to a complimentary car service for destinations within three miles of the hotel. We utilized the car service for a trip to a nearby grocery store and enjoyed a comfortable ride in a spacious Chevy Suburban.
Breakfast & Cocktail Review—Weft & Warp
Weft & Warp is Andaz Scottsdale's premier dining venue and offers an extensive menu spanning breakfast through dinner.
Weft & Warp is conveniently located adjacent to the check-in area, offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner services.
The restaurant was conveniently located adjacent to the lobby and opposite the pool. Our visit commenced with breakfast, available from 7 AM to 1:30 PM, daily. The restaurant's interior was bathed in sunlight, courtesy of its floor-to-ceiling windows, featuring a mix of traditional and informal seating amidst shelves adorned with decorative items.
The restaurant served as a convenient location within the resort to savor food and drinks.
The semi-transparent kitchen walls presented diners with a glimpse of the culinary activities without being a fully open kitchen.
The floor-to-ceiling windows at Weft & Warp fill the space with an abundance of natural light.
While the indoor area was popular for lunch and dinner, we opted for outdoor seating in the morning. The outdoor dining area was shielded from direct sunlight by patio umbrellas and overlooked the Turquoise Pool.
The outdoor dining area featured several fireplaces, which became popular gathering spots for guests in the evening.
As a Hyatt Globalist member, I appreciated the privilege of a complimentary entree, beverage, and appetizer per person, with a generous allowance of $60 per table each night.
As a Hyatt Globalist, I was granted a generous $60 credit towards our breakfast.
After browsing the breakfast menu, I chose the Sonoran Coffee—a unique blend featuring cinnamon and piloncillo, finished with an orange peel. Unfortunately, its tartness was unexpectedly too pronounced for my taste.
I found the Sonoran Coffee too strong for my liking, and the restaurant kindly replaced it with another drink at no extra cost.
For my main dish, the Chilaquiles Verdes stood out with its succulent green chili pork and perfectly cooked over-easy eggs.
The breakfast at Weft & Warp was hearty and packed with fresh ingredients.
The flavors were enhanced by the dynamic flavors of Cutino Sauce salsas; I particularly like the flavor profile of the salsa verde.
I particularly savored the flavor profile of the salsa verde from Cutino Sauce Co., finding it to be exceptionally tasteful.
My wife opted for the Avocado Toast, and it was a tasty and nutritious dish to start her morning with.
The avocado toast came with two poached eggs, rendering the meal both balanced and nutritious.
Later that evening we visited the bar at Weft & Warp for pre-dinner cocktails. I savored the Style & Grace which was a vodka concoction with a blend of passionfruit vanilla syrup and Earl Grey made velvety with frothy egg white.
The passion fruit vanilla syrup complemented the Earl Grey tea perfectly.
Meanwhile, my wife enjoyed Sicilian Grapefruit, a refreshing gin drink with a tangy grapefruit and thyme essence. The cocktail menu was descriptive with illustrations, and they made choosing from the creative selection a visual delight.
The illustrations of the signature cocktails enhanced my visualization of the drinks, simplifying the ordering process.
Both our breakfast and pre-dinner cocktail sessions were exceptionally enjoyable, making Weft & Warp a highly recommendable choice for those seeking delectable cuisine and beverages at the resort.
Positives & Negatives
Positives
I particularly admired the design of the Turquoise Pool, distinguished by its clear glass barriers that elegantly blended the surrounding greenery with the pool's azure waters. Despite its popularity during peak times, my preferred moment for a swim was in the evening. The heated pool provided a serene escape from the daytime crowds, delivering a tranquil and comfortable swimming experience.
As a Hyatt Globalist, I was treated to complimentary breakfast at Weft & Warp, where the daily allocation of $60 per table each evening easily accommodated two entrees and beverages. The restaurant was impressive with both its exceptional ambiance and the high quality of its offerings, which could be difficult to achieve for a resort dining spot.
Negatives
Despite receiving an upgrade to the Saarinen Suite, I found the in-room amenities to be somewhat lacking. The suite's bedroom was dimly lit and missing a work desk, while the television lacked smart capabilities. In the bathroom, despite sufficient space for dual sinks, only one was present, and the showerheads did not reflect the premium quality typically associated with the Andaz brand.
Summary
Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows was a testament to luxury, with its design deeply rooted in mid-century modern aesthetics, providing a unique and vibrant boutique experience emblematic of the Andaz brand. My stay was further enhanced by the fantastic benefits of using my AMEX Platinum card's Fine Hotels & Resorts (FHR) program, with my Hyatt Globalist status adding even more value. My suite featured natural materials styled in a minimalist manner, complemented by a secluded rear patio. The Turquoise Pool was pleasantly heated and sat at the heart of the resort, beautifully integrating the lush surroundings and the essence of the Sonoran landscape. Despite noting areas where the hotel could enhance its offerings, Andaz Scottsdale stood out as a premier boutique resort. I highly recommend it to those seeking a wellness-focused retreat in Scottsdale, Arizona.
