Just like two years ago, we decided to spend a few days in Scottsdale, Arizona, in February. It’s close to San Francisco, and honestly, who doesn’t love giant cactuses? Last time we stayed at the Andaz Scottsdale, and this time we tried the newly renovated Grand Hyatt Scottsdale.
Did it live up to the hype? From the moment we arrived, with the desert sunset and sprawling pools, it was clear this property has big family-friendly energy.
Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products and services I use and love. As always, all opinions are my own.
How to book Grand Hyatt Scottsdale on points
Okay, so here’s what you need to do if you don’t want to pay $1,200 per night at the Grand Hyatt Scottsdale. You can redeem Hyatt points and book your stay for 21-29k World of Hyatt points per night. These are the prices as of March 2026, while this Grand Hyatt Scottsdale is still a Category 6 Hyatt property and Hyatt has not implemented their new 5 Tier award pricing.
Please keep in mind that Hyatt just announced a major update to the World of Hyatt award chart coming in May 2026, and this one is bigger than the usual annual category adjustments. Hyatt is expanding from three award tiers to five within each category: Lowest, Low, Moderate, Upper, and Top. This means pricing within a single category will have a wider range depending on demand. In practical terms, we can expect more variability in award pricing throughout the year, especially during peak travel seasons. If you’re planning Hyatt bookings over the next few months, it may be smart to lock in current rates before May 2026.
If you have Chase Ultimate Rewards or Bilt points, you can transfer them to World of Hyatt at a 1:1 ratio. Transfers are instant, but don’t move them until you confirm the room availability on the Hyatt’s website.
We also had a Hyatt Suite Upgrade Award (SUA), so we applied it at booking and confirmed a Palm Suite in advance.
Instead of paying $1,200 per night plus taxes and a $50 resort fee, we paid $0 out of pocket for the Suite that sleeps 4. This is why I always say flexible points + World of Hyatt is such a sweet spot for families.
Check-in and first Impressions at Grand Hyatt Scottsdale
When we arrived to Grand Hyatt Scottsdale close to midnight, we handed the car over to a valet, which is complimentary for Globalists (otherwise it’s $40 per night). After carrying our exhausted five-year-old through the Phoenix airport, we were all beyond tired.
Thankfully, the front desk greeted us warmly and made the late arrival feel smooth. The kids were each given complimentary cactus plush toys and prickly pear cotton candy, which was such a fun and very “Arizona” touch.
The Palm Suite at Grand Hyatt Scottsdale
Since we applied a Hyatt Suite Upgrade Award at booking (months before our stay), we were confirmed into the Palm Suite at Grand Hyatt Scottsdale. Note that the Standard Suite should be available for your dates (no matter for points or cash) to be eligible for the Hyatt Suite Upgrade Award.
At 650 square feet, the Palm Suite felt noticeably more spacious than a standard room, and for a family of four, that extra space matters.
Although the Palm Suite is technically one large open layout rather than a true one-bedroom with a closing door, the design works well. The suite features:
- One plush king bed
- A sleeper sofa that the girls shared
- A corner sitting area
- A desk workspace
- Private balcony
The sleeping area and seating area are located in different corners and separated by furniture placement, creating a natural division without walls.
Everything we pre-requested, extra blankets and bedding setups, was already in the suite.
Dining options at Grand Hyatt Scottsdale
Now, Grand Hyatt Scottsdale has several restaurants and pool bars, giving families flexible meal options.
- Mesa Centrale: Buffet breakfast included for Globalists, plenty of options for kids
- La Zozzona: Italian-inspired dinner with approachable dishes
- Tiki Taka: Japanese/Spanish small plates perfect for sharing
- Poolside options: H2Oasis and Sandbar offered quick bites
- Grand Club (Lounge)
Globalist brekfast at Grand Hyatt Scottsdale
Globalist breakfast at Grand Hyatt Scottsdale is served at Mesa Centrale, not in the club lounge, which we actually preferred. It’s a buffet-style setup, and while the Globalist breakfast credit is listed as $30 per person, they comped the buffet for all four of us, so we never had to pay anything extra.
The selection is small but thoughtfully curated, with something for everyone: eggs, smoked salmon, pancakes, and a few other options to start the day right.
Tiki Taka: Japanese/Spanish fusion at Grand Hyatt Scottsdale
We had one dinner at Tiki Taka, which serves Japanese and Spanish small plates meant for sharing. The food itself was okay — not bad, but not standout — and it was pricier than we expected. Service also took longer than anticipated, so for families, it’s fine for a casual experience, but plan for extra time if you’re hungry or have little ones.
Poolside food options at Grand Hyatt Scottsdale: H2Oasis and Sandbar
Grand Hyatt Scottsdale conveniently offers poolside food options to enjoy from your lounge chair. Now you can view the menu on the QR code at your pool chair, but you can’t place your order directly; you’ll need to ask a waiter.
There’s also a kids’ menu, which is a nice touch for families. We tried the burgers, tacos and chicken strips, and everything was tasty and well-prepared.
Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Grand Club (Lounge) review
The Grand Club Lounge at Grand Hyatt Scottsdale is helpful for families, though it’s not extraordinary. Just a heads-up: the lounge doesn’t serve breakfast; instead, we had the Globalist breakfast at Mesa Centrale, which we preferred for a more complete option.
The Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Club hours are:
- 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM: Snacks and beverages (tea, coffee, hot cocoa, cookies, water)
- 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Hors d’oeuvres and cocktail hour
- 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM: Dessert buffet (the desserts were gone within 20 minutes so plan accordingly)
During the evening, the offerings included fresh vegetables and fruit, small plates, chicken wings one night, and surprisingly good desserts.
While it might not be a full dinner replacement, it’s a convenient no-cost option instead of dropping $200 at a resort restaurant. Compared to larger city Grand Hyatt lounges, this one is smaller and more casual, but for families, it’s still a solid value add.
Pools and Amenities at Grand Hyatt Scottsdale
The pools are the reason most families book this property. The Grand Hyatt Scottsdale has nine pools, and the complex feels expansive without feeling chaotic.
- Three-story waterslide: Kids went wild every day
- Sandy beach entry: shallow, perfect for little ones
- Adult-only pool area: Relaxing and more serene vibes
- Mermaid entertainment: A fun touch that made our little one’s day
The sandy beach-entry pool was the standout for us. The gradual entry made it perfect for younger kids and gave the resort a surprisingly tropical feel. I’ve honestly never seen a sandy beach-style pool like this in a desert. The pools are heated, so even in February, they were enjoyable.
The three-story waterslide at Grand Hyatt Scottsdale quickly became a daily ritual. Our five-year-old was thrilled to meet the height requirement and zoom down again and again.
On weekends, the resort even had a mermaid with pool games (from 11 to 1), which kept the little ones entertained for hours.
Between the sandy beach, the slide, and the weekend activities, the pool complex was easily the highlight of the stay for our family.
Kids Club at Grand Hyatt Scottsdale
There isn’t a formal kids’ club, but it wasn’t needed. Between the pools, waterslides, a rock climbing wall, and even a small playground, our kids were fully entertained all day.
They also had a dive-in movie night and a DJ by the pool during our stay, so the kids had a great time.
Kid-Friendly things to do in Scottsdale, Arizona
Scottsdale is full of activities that keep kids entertained while giving the whole family a taste of the desert and local culture. Here are some of our top picks:
- McCormick‑Stillman Railroad Park – Ride vintage trains, explore the playgrounds, and enjoy a treat at the ice cream shop.
- Hike McDowell Sonoran Preserve – Family-friendly trails with scenic desert views perfect for little hikers.
- Goldfield Ghost Town – Pan for gold, explore an old-west town, and watch fun live reenactments.
- Lost Dutchman State Park – Easy hikes with stunning rock formations and desert landscapes.
- Old Town Scottsdale – Stroll the streets filled with art, sculptures, and boutique shops for fun photo ops.
- Phoenix Zoo – See a variety of animals and interactive exhibits for kids.
- OdySea Aquarium – Explore the largest aquarium in the Southwest, with thousands of sea creatures.
- Museum of Illusions – Our newest favorite! Kids will love the immersive illusion rooms, optical tricks, and mind-bending exhibits.
These activities make Scottsdale a perfect family-friendly destination, especially for families staying at resorts like the Grand Hyatt Scottsdale, where the pools and kid-friendly amenities complement the adventures around town.
Bottom Line
We spent four nights at Grand Hyatt Scottsdale in February and applied a Suite Upgrade Award, which made the stay even more comfortable for our family. The newly renovated property feels big, fresh, and beautiful, with plenty of space to spread out.
The water park was the highlight, especially the three-story waterslide, the biggest our kids have experienced at a resort. The heated pools made it enjoyable even in winter.
The Grand Club Lounge is on the smaller side, but it still saved us a few hundred dollars on dinners during our stay.
For families looking for a resort-style escape with strong Globalist benefits, Grand Hyatt Scottsdale delivers solid value.
FAQ
How is the Club at Grand Hyatt Scottsdale?
The Grand Club at Grand Hyatt Scottsdale is small but family-friendly, offering snacks, beverages, hors d’oeuvres, and desserts throughout the day. While it doesn’t serve breakfast, it provides a convenient no-cost option for evening bites and light meals, adding value to a family stay.
How does Grand Hyatt Scottsdale compare to Andaz Scottsdale?
Since we’ve stayed at both, here’s the honest comparison.
Choose Grand Hyatt Scottsdale if:
- Pools are your priority
- You’re traveling with younger kids
- You want waterslides and beach-entry areas
- You value club access and large-scale resort amenities
Choose Andaz Scottsdale if:
- You prefer a boutique atmosphere
- Design and aesthetics matter most
- You want a quieter, more intimate stay
The Andaz feels calm and design-forward. The Grand Hyatt feels energetic and built for families.
How are the pools at Grand Hyatt Scottsdale?
Massive, with nine pools, waterslides, a sandy beach entry, adult-only areas, and even mermaid entertainment.
