Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows
"Why book? The Andaz—a sprawling low-profile resort mainly made up of individual bungalow-style rooms—sets itself apart from other resorts in the area in part with its heavy focus on art of all kinds. Local craftspeople created much of what you see on the property and the resort offers guests both art classes as well as tours of a nearby artists’ compound that it has a close partnership with. Plus, there’s a weekly schedule of other types of activities and wellness classes—from pasta-making to sound healing to a peek at the property’s own beehive—along with performances by local musicians several days a week, and an excellent restaurant and cocktail program. Set the scene The aforementioned art theme is woven into every aspect of the property; even the ‘front desk” is modeled after an artist’s workstation. The dozens of sandy-hued structures that contain the hotel’s nearly 200 rooms are labeled by color and centered around the Turquoise pool, named for Arizona state gem. The pool scene is a fun one, especially on weekends when the music starts pumping in afternoons, with a diverse crowd that might include couples decked out in glitzy swimwear, out-of-towners here for a wedding, and groups downing frozen cocktails at the while watching a game on the big screen at the outdoor bar or one of several reservable cabanas that encircle the pool area. But getting away from the action is also easy here with plenty of green spaces dotted with hammocks, circles of Adirondack chair areas, and a croquet lawn. There’s also a peaceful adults-only pool that’s part of the spa. Come evening, the patio of onsite restaurant, Weft + Warp Art Bar fills up and the lobby-adjacent lawn becomes home to a ”fireside social,” where you’ll find guests toasting s’mores over the open flames. The backstory After undergoing a $75 million renovation, transforming the existing resort that dated back to 1989, the Andaz—a brand under the Hyatt umbrella—opened in early 2017. The rooms Southwestern adobe-style on the outside with mid-century stylings on the inside, each single-level structure contains several bungalows and some one-bedroom suites, all with private front doors and patios, interesting artwork, and poppy-colored accent furnishings. My Saarinen studio king room (named for architect and industrial designer Eero Saarinen) had a massive dual-headed shower that added to the posh feel of the room as well as a private, completely enclosed back patio with two loungers, perfect for staring at the stars over a nightcap. Because the parking areas encircle the property, buildings close to the edge of the property can be convenient if you have a car, but I’d opt for one closer to the interior of the property, which feel more secluded. Food and drink You’ll find plenty of groups, including lots of locals, gathering at large communal tables, banquettes, and loungey outdoor seating areas at Weft + Warp Art Bar, especially on weekends. Artful describes both the dining room – anchored by a gleaming glass-box open kitchen replete with gorgeous light fixtures, and a sleek stone-and tile bar – as well as the food. The menu here leans into seasonal, internationally inspired dishes with an emphasis on Mediterranean plates, like the sumac-spiced beet dip served with springy laffa and an array of housemade pastas. The hamachi crudo is especially beautiful, done over coconut Chantilly and topped with puffed rice paper. There’s also a thoughtful cocktail program (and the perfectly clear ice didn’t go unnoticed). While a few of the bartenders didn’t seem thrilled to answer questions on a busy weekend night, another crop was more than happy to make recommendations the next and one even made me a custom creation. The gin-based A Summer in Sicily, done with lemon, thyme and grapefruit is a perfect summer sipper, or you can try the boozier Et Tu Brute?, a smoked play on a Manhattan finished with mole bitters. The neighborhood/area If you weren’t looking for it, you’d likely never know that tucked behind a large shopping center and some residential buildings lies this gem of a resort. The location is central and just a couple miles from Old Town Scottsdale. The service Friendly, solid, and helpful. If you’re looking for activity recommendations, hit the lobby and chat with a front desk staffer. Need a ride? A bellman will zip you to Old Town in an SUV or to one of the many restaurants or shops in the nearby shopping center via golf cart. Eco effort In-room fridges come stocked with a couple of reusable Path water bottles you can fill up during your stay at water stations around the property. Accessibility There are eight ADA rooms on the property, available upon request. The Spa The freestanding and intimate Palo Verde spa offers a selection of treatments that give a nod to desert elements, including the Sonoran Scrub that might use agave-infused sugar or desert salts, and the Prickly Pear Wrap. There’s also a variety of power-packed facials and, of course, much-needed massages. It’s here where you’ll find regular sound healing sessions along with guided meditation, and yoga classes on the adjacent outdoor Cholla Lawn. Anything left to mention? Definitely take a tour of the nearby Cattle Track Arts Compound, a quirky and historic artists’ co-op where many of the artists whose work is featured on the property keep studios. One of the resident artists will be your guide, and while the tour is officially offered by the Andaz once a week, you’re welcome to stop in on your own." - Lizbeth Scordo
