Scottsdale Getaway: Hyatt House Old Town Phoenix - Unforgettable Luxury Awaits!
Scottsdale Getaway: Hyatt House Old Town Phoenix - Unforgettable Luxury (Maybe?) - A Hot Mess of a Review
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea on the Hyatt House Old Town Phoenix. "Unforgettable Luxury Awaits!" they say. Well, let's find out how truly UNFORGETTABLE it is, shall we? And, spoiler alert: I'm not promising perfection. Life, like hotel reviews, is a messy, beautiful beast.
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Getting Started (And Maybe Lost)
Right off the bat, finding this place was… well, let's just say my GPS had a moment. It's nestled right in the heart of Old Town, Scottsdale, so expect some urban maze-like driving. Once I finally did find it, the valet parking was nice. Valet parking is a win in my book – anything to avoid the dreaded "searching for a parking spot" dance. Also, the car park on-site is good to know about.
Accessibility - The Good, The Bad, and the Stairwells
This is crucial for me. As someone who appreciates wheelchair accessibility (and appreciates a friend who uses one), I was keen. The good news? They mostly nailed it. Check-in was a breeze with contactless check-in/out (hugely appreciated in these germ-conscious times). The elevators are spacious, the lobby and public areas are easily navigable. Facilities for disabled guests are definitely present.
But (there always is a "but," isn't there?), there was a moment of mild panic when I saw a small step to get into the, uh, "terrace". Not ideal, but not insurmountable with a few extra steps by the friend. However, the elevator was super accessible, so overall, points for effort. CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property definitely added to the sense of security.
Rooms: My Personal Sanctuary (Or Just a Place to Crash?)
My room… Alright, let's get real. It was… comfortable. Clean, yes! The rooms are sanitized between stays, which is a HUGE plus. They even offer a room sanitization opt-out available, which is thoughtful. The air conditioning blasted away the Arizona heat like a champ. The blackout curtains were a godsend for those late-night pool dips (more on that later). I appreciated all the little things: complimentary tea, free bottled water, a decent desk to work at. I'd definitely call it a non-smoking room, too.
But… and there's always a "but"… it felt a little… generic. You know? Like a perfectly nice, but essentially soulless, hotel room. I needed a bit more pizzazz. I did, however, love having the Wi-Fi [free] – and it actually WORKED! (A rare and beautiful thing.) Also, a window that opens is a small luxury I always appreciate. You definitely had Internet access – wireless, and, surprisingly, Internet access – LAN. The alarm clock was a lifesaver. Oh, and the mirror was big enough for me to take 500 selfies, which is essential to my mental health.
Bathroom Bliss (and Maybe a Little Bit of a Mess)
The bathroom? Yeah, a mixed bag. The separate shower/bathtub was a luxury, actually, and the bathrobes were fluffy, a major score. However, the toiletries? Eh. Generic. Not bad, not great. I did appreciate the hair dryer, though. Saved me from looking like a drowned rat. And yes, the towels were clean and fluffy.
Dining: Food, Glorious Food (and Sometimes Not So Glorious)
Okay, let's talk grub. The hotel offers a good array of choices, including restaurants, a snack bar and a poolside bar. Breakfast [buffet] was offered, with lots of options. There was an Asian breakfast available. It was a decent choice, but not the best. It was just… there. You know?
I did not use the room service [24-hour] because I'm cheap and I'd rather just eat the chips in my room. However, I did sneak a peek at the menu. The options looked promising, but I'm not sure if I would have actually ordered it or not.
Oh, and speaking of the Terrace… My Near-Disastrous Poolside Experience
Let's talk about the pool. This is where the Hyatt House Old Town Phoenix really shines. That swimming pool [outdoor] is gorgeous! The pool with a view is a definite selling point. And the poolside bar? Mmm, margaritas, anyone?
Here's where things get, well… "unforgettable" in a slightly less positive way. Picture this: me, lounging by the pool, sunning myself, and sipping a delicious margarita. Heaven, right? WRONG.
I, in my infinite wisdom, decided to order a second margarita. Turns out, the second one was a little too strong. (Okay, maybe more than a little.) I started getting a little too comfortable. I swear I almost fell asleep in the pool. It was bad. Really, really bad. My friend had to pull me out of the water before I completely re-enacted Titanic in the middle of Scottsdale.
The moral of the story? Pace yourselves with the margaritas, my friends. Trust me on this one.
Relaxation and Pampering: Spa Dreams (and a Lack of Results)
Okay, time to get real. The spa was not "open." It simply wasn't there. Nope. Gone. Which was a bummer, because I was really looking forward to a massage. They did have a fitness center (good), a sauna (potentially good), and a steamroom (maybe, if it actually worked. It's always a gamble with these things.) There was a gym/fitness, as well.
I will say, the idea of a foot bath sounded heavenly, but alas, I didn't see one.
Cleanliness and Safety: Sanitized, But Still a Little Shaky?
They're trying hard. Anti-viral cleaning products, professional-grade sanitizing services, and daily disinfection in common areas are all great. Hand sanitizer was readily available. Staff trained in safety protocol and safe dining setup are essential.
But… I still felt a tiny bit uneasy. It's a big hotel, and it's impossible to make it completely germ-free. The hygiene certification is important. But the truth is, sometimes, you just can't escape that general hotel-y feeling sometimes.
Services and Conveniences: The Good, the Bad, and the Unnecessary
Okay, so the concierge was pretty helpful. Concierge, check. Daily housekeeping, check. 24-hour front desk, check. Laundry service, check. Cash withdrawal, check. Elevator, check.
They offered a convenience store, which is ALWAYS handy for snacks.
I appreciate that they offer facilities for disabled guests (see above). The business facilities were also available, complete with a Xerox/fax in the business center (in 2024? Really?).
The bottle of water was a nice touch, as was the coffee/tea maker! The smoke alarms and fire extinguisher made me feel somewhat safe, too.
For the Kids: Family-Friendly? Maybe.
Babysitting service? Possibly. It's a family-friendly hotel, but I didn't travel with kids. They had some kids facilities, like a kids menu. The hotel seemed like it caters to families, but hey… I'm not qualified to weigh in on this.
Overall: Worth the Visit? (Maybe with a Grain of Salt)
Look, the Hyatt House Old Town Phoenix isn't a bad hotel. It's clean, generally well-maintained, and in a prime location. It has some great amenities (if they're actually available), and the pool is amazing. The staff is friendly.
But is it "Unforgettable Luxury"? Nah. Not really. It's more like "Comfortable, Convenient, and Potentially Margaritaville-Induced Amnesia."
I give the hotel a solid 3.5 out of 5 stars. Would I return? Maybe. But this time, I'm sticking to sparkling water by the pool and packing a book.
Final Thoughts and Random Ramblings:
- The lack of a spa was a serious disappointment.
- That poolside bar can be dangerous… but fun!
- The location is fantastic for exploring Old Town Scottsdale.
- Bring your own
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because we're about to embark on a trip to Scottsdale/Old Town Phoenix and it's gonna be less "polished brochure" and more "slightly frazzled human documenting their existence." This isn't a travel itinerary, it's a life log with a vague Scottsdale theme. And, for the record, I'm staying at the Hyatt House Scottsdale/Old Town. Good, bad, or indifferent, here we go…
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Quest for the Pool (and Possibly Xanax)
- 1:00 PM: Arrived. Flight was delayed, naturally. I'm pretty sure the universe enjoys torturing me with layovers. Found my rental car, and it’s a ridiculously bright red. I'm a magnet for sunburn and bad parking. The hotel check-in was surprisingly painless, which immediately made me suspicious. Am I missing something? Is the ghost of a disgruntled timeshare salesman about to appear?
- 1:45 PM: The room! Decent. Surprisingly spacious. A kitchenette, which is probably designed to make me feel guilty about all the takeout I'm going to consume. (Honestly, I’m a takeout expert. A goddamn master. I deserve a medal.) But, the first order of business: the pool. I have a deep, abiding love for hotel pools. They are, in my humble opinion, the closest thing to a liquid paradise on this godforsaken earth.
- 2:00 PM: Disaster strikes. The pool is, and I'm not exaggerating, mobbed by children celebrating a birthday. Screaming, splashing, inflatable unicorns… it's a watery apocalypse. My Zen is rapidly eroding. The receptionist lied.
- 2:30 PM: Retreat to the room. Swear quietly. Contemplate checking myself into a spa. Realize I can’t afford a spa. Consider the efficacy of a strong gin and tonic as a stress reliever.
- 3:00 PM: Screw it, I'm going back to the pool. Armed with earplugs and a steely resolve. Maybe they'll be gone. Maybe they'll think I'm judging them, well, I am. I'm judging everything right now.
- 3:30 PM: Pool update. Still a zoo. I've found a sliver of sun-soaked concrete and claimed it as my own. The earplugs are making the shrill cries significantly more tolerable, it's a win. I spent an hour reading my trashy novel and avoiding eye contact with the hordes of children.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner. Went looking for somewhere to eat and I found the perfect spot, Diego Pops. This place! The tacos are amazing. I inhaled them. The margaritas are strong. I had two, maybe three. My stomach is full of happiness, and the gin and tonic now seems a distant memory. And yes, there's that. The people were lovely.
Day 2: Art, Agita, and the Desert's Curse
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast, attempted. The Hyatt House offers a "free breakfast," which translates to "mass-produced carbs and slightly-off scrambled eggs." Pretended to enjoy it. Downed three cups of coffee to compensate for my lack of actual enjoyment.
- 10:00 AM: Old Town Scottsdale exploration. I'm not an art person. I pretend to be an art person. Armed with my faux-intellectual facade, wandered the galleries. Saw some things… some interesting things… some things I didn't understand at all. Took a picture of a particularly bizarre sculpture that looked like a melted chrome toaster.
- 11:30 AM: The heat. Oh, the heat. It's August in Arizona. I am rapidly turning into a puddle of sweat and regret. The sunglasses that I own are, it would seem, a failure. I ducked into a cute little boutique. The shop owner was lovely; I spent 30 minutes chatting to her, buying nothing, and pretending to be more interested in her wares.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch. Found a charming little bistro with the world's best sandwich! I inhaled it like a hungry dog but then, I had trouble. My heart. Ah man. Never thought I'd be sitting here with a panic trying to catch my breath. I went back to the safety of the hotel room; everything ok now. It must have been the heat.
- 3:00 PM: Desert Botanical Garden. So, I went to a garden. I'm not a plant person, either, but everyone says it's mandatory. It's… beautiful. The cacti are incredible, like alien sculptures. The heat is still trying to kill me, but at least there's shade. I'm finding the whole experience somewhat existential. Life is short. Enjoy the cactuses.
- 5:00 PM: Pool. The children. They are gone. A miracle. I'm floating in bliss. I could stay here forever.
- 8:00 PM: Dinner at a place called The Mission. So good. The atmosphere is magical. Candles, old wood, the scent of smoke. So many great flavors!
Day 3: Unexpected Serendipity and the Flight Home (Goodbye, Scottsdale!)
- 9:00 AM: Another failed breakfast attempt. I need to find a decent breakfast place.
- 10:00 AM: I stumbled upon a small, indie bookstore. A treasure trove. Books, old book smells, and quiet – sweet, blessed quiet. I ended up chatting for an hour with the owner, a woman who seemed to know everything about everything. She recommended a book of poetry that I will be reading and yes, I bought it.
- 12:00 PM: One last margarita at the hotel bar. I deserved it.
- 1:00 PM: Headed to the airport. Arizona, you were hot. You were dusty. You were exhausting. But you also had art, good food, and that one magical bookstore. Would I come back? Probably. Maybe when the weather’s not trying to actively kill me.
- 3:00 PM: Flight is on time. I'm tired, a little sunburnt, and already missing the pool.
- 4:00 PM: Back home. The world is gray. And I'm already planning my next escape… or, at the very least, a long nap.
This, my friends, is my Scottsdale/Old Town experience. It's not perfect, it's not particularly insightful, but it’s real. And that's all I've got. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go find a really good cup of coffee and a place to hide from the world for a while.
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Scottsdale Getaway: Hyatt House Old Town Phoenix - Seriously, Unforgettable Luxury? Let's See... FAQ-ish Thingy!
Okay, So Hyatt House Old Town... Is It ACTUALLY "Unforgettable?" (Don't lie to me!)
Look, "unforgettable" is a hefty claim. I've forgotten what I had for breakfast this morning (oatmeal, probably, because I'm SO boring). But... and this is a big BUT... Hyatt House Old Town *definitely* leaves a mark. It's not like, the Taj Mahal unforgettable, but it's up there! Think more... late-night burritos, a hilarious Uber driver, and forgetting your phone charger unforgettable. Good stuff. So, yeah, *mostly* unforgettable. Unless, of course, you're like my Aunt Mildred, who forgets where she parked her car... in her OWN driveway... every single day. Then maybe not. But for normal, not-quite-senile folks like us? Yeah.
The Rooms: Are they actually livable? (Or like, a glorified shoebox?)
Right? That’s the million-dollar question. I've stayed in hotel rooms that make prison cells seem comfy. But these rooms? Actually pretty darn good. Spacious, even! I'm like, a chronic over-packer. My suitcase is a black hole of "just in case" clothes. And I STILL had room to, like, actually walk around! Plus, the kitchen... ah, the kitchen. That's where it gets interesting. I'm no chef – more like a microwave maestro – but having a fridge and a little cooktop? Game changer. Especially after a night of… well, let's just say Scottsdale's nightlife is a *thing*. So yeah, livable. Maybe even... dare I say... luxurious in a chill, "kick your shoes off and relax" kind of way.
Pool Time: Is the pool area a blissful oasis, or a sardine can of screaming children and screaming parents?
Okay, the pool… This is where my experience gets complicated. Picture this: Me, determined to achieve peak relaxation. Sunscreen slathered (important!), a good book in hand, and a cocktail within reach. Sounds idyllic, right? Well, mostly. The pool area? Gorgeous. Seriously, the photos online *don't* lie. It’s all sleek lines and inviting water. However… There were… other people. And, look, I love kids. I really do. But one little tyke, bless his heart, decided the pool was his personal playground. Constant splashing, shrieking, and the near-drowning of my book. (It survived, thankfully. Paperback hero!). So, oasis? Maybe. Sardine can? Potentially, depending on the day. I’d say, aim for off-peak hours. Or bring earplugs. Or maybe a VERY LARGE cocktail.
Food & Drink: Is the complimentary breakfast actually edible? Or is it the usual sad continental situation?
This is crucial. Complimentary breakfasts are a gamble. I've had hotel breakfasts that taste like cardboard. And then… The Hyatt House breakfast? Pretty decent! Eggs, of course. Scrambled, probably. (I'm sensing a theme of "probably" in my answers.) Bacon (always a plus!), pastries, fruit… Nothing groundbreaking, mind you. But definitely edible. And it saves you the hassle (and expense!) of venturing out before you've fully caffeinated. They also have a little "market" thingy with snacks and drinks. Useful if you're, like, me, and get a 3 AM craving for gummy bears. Don't judge me.
Location, Location, Location: Is it actually in Old Town Scottsdale? Or just *near* it? (Because that's a big difference!)
Okay, this is where they hit it out of the park. YES, it’s in Old Town. Like, *properly* in Old Town. You can LITERALLY walk to all the shops, restaurants, and bars. And I mean *walk*. No need to wrestle with parking (a massive win, trust me!). One night, I stumbled out of a… well, let's just say a *very* lively establishment, and I was back in my room in, like, five minutes. (Don't tell my mother!). So, location? Perfect. Seriously, it's fantastic. You can practically roll out of bed and onto a patio for brunch. Which, I did. Several times. No regrets.
Parking: Is it a nightmare? Or can you actually find a space without selling your soul?
Alright, parking. The bane of every traveler's existence. Fear not! The Hyatt House has parking. It's not *free* parking, but it's not highway robbery either. It's not a cramped, claustrophobic underground situation either. I'm a terrible parallel parker, let me be clear, and I managed. So, it's manageable. Not a deal-breaker, not a dream. But parking in Scottsdale, in general? Can be a total circus. They've done well.
The Service: Are the staff friendly and helpful? Or do they act like they’re doing you a favor by existing?
The staff were REALLY nice! Truly. Warm, helpful, and not at all jaded, which is always a huge relief. I had some issue with the TV (technology and I are not friends), and a guy came *immediately* to fix it. He was super friendly, and didn't make me feel like a complete idiot. Big points for that! I'd give them a solid A for service. They even remembered my name after my first chat! Little things. They actually make a big difference.
Overall Vibe: Is it a place for couples, families, or solo travelers? (Or all of the above?)
Okay, the vibe. This is tricky. I saw couples, families, and people like me, traveling solo. It actually works for all of them. It's not a super loud party place, and it's not a stuffy, quiet place either. It’s kind of… versatile. You can relax by the pool with your partner, let the kids splash around (as long as they behave!), or just chill out on your own. It’s welcoming. It doesn't make you feel like you're notCoastal Inns
