We simply spent an evening on the Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows. We had a 16-hour in a single day in Phoenix, so quite than staying at one of many (quite miserable) airport lodges, I figured it might be extra enjoyable to redeem World of Hyatt factors and keep at a property that provides a bit extra of an expertise.
I’ll have a full assessment quickly, however on this submit I’d prefer to form of tackle a subject extra broadly. I feel this lodge keep sums up why I actually don’t notably get pleasure from staying at most lodges in america. Basically, I’d argue that we’ve principally seen the whole decoupling of value and high quality relating to lodges, and that’s simply exhausting for me to return to phrases with…
To be clear, it’s not that the Andaz Scottsdale is a foul property… it’s not. As an alternative, it’s that as a rule after I keep at a lodge in america, I’m in disbelief at how a lot lodges try to cost, whereas providing so little. For what it’s price, the lodge was charging round $1,100 per evening together with taxes & charges, and that appears to be the speed for a lot of the month (I redeemed 29,000 factors).
The Andaz Scottsdale has lovely grounds, however wants somewhat love
Previous to reserving the Andaz Scottsdale, I learn a few of the on-line critiques, and a lot of the takes from Hyatt loyalists appeared to be related — the grounds of the property are lovely, however the lodge is beginning to present its age, and will use some improved repairs.
I feel that’s precisely correct. I like the panorama on this a part of Arizona, and the Andaz is situated on a stupendous 23-acre plot of land.
The factor is, the lodge opened in 2016, and it feels prefer it in all probability hasn’t gone by way of any significant updates. The property’s 200+ lodging are unfold throughout a few dozen buildings, and every little thing is on the bottom flooring, which I usually like.
I perceive the idea of mid-century fashionable design, and the overall minimalism in structure on this a part of the nation. However the room was simply trying a bit tough, and if something, I feel the images make it look nicer than it truly is.
For instance, why is a part of the wall hanging off of the again of the sunshine swap?
The room additionally had an disagreeable odor, although it wasn’t so unhealthy that we couldn’t keep in it. Nonetheless, it’s not precisely a fantastic first impression. I additionally didn’t really feel like housekeeping was terribly thorough, or had nice consideration to element.
Like, I went to seize a single tissue from the tissue field… nice. After which I went to seize a second tissue, and located there have been no extra. Like, shouldn’t housekeeping test to ensure there’s multiple tissue?
You’d suppose that the the housekeeper might’ve at the least had the entire toiletry bottles with the labels dealing with outward, no?
Within the closet house, one of many two cupboards was simply sitting open, as if nobody had even been there to scrub the room. I hate ragging on housekeepers, as a result of they’re the lodge workers who work the toughest and receives a commission the least, however I additionally should be sincere.
I suppose the Andaz Scottsdale has fully eradicated free minibars (which was a key level of differentiation for the Andaz model), but I couldn’t truly discover a value record for the minibar? That claims nothing of the Keurig espresso machine simply being dusty AF, so I simply determined to skip making a espresso within the morning.
Let me emphasize, these are all very minor issues individually, however they only add a excessive stage of friction to stays, which shouldn’t be the case for those who’re making an attempt to cost these sorts of charges. It’s one factor if this lodge had been charging $200 per evening, however when the property is charging 4 figures, it ought to be a unique story, in my view.
Are there no primary service expectations at a lodge charing this a lot?
We landed in Phoenix late at evening, and solely arrived on the lodge round 11:30PM. In fact I perceive lodge staffing is rather more restricted at that hour, however does that imply you need to count on no service, particularly at a lodge of this measurement? I imply, I think about many individuals have flights arriving late at evening, proper?
As we pulled as much as the lodge, there have been no workers in sight. We went into the foyer, and there have been two folks on prime of each other form of cuddling and making out. We noticed somebody stroll away to a unique room (I suppose this was the evening auditor, however you by no means actually know at Andaz, since they don’t have conventional entrance desks or uniforms).
We weren’t positive what was occurring, so we simply form of waited there, in hopes that somebody would present up. Fortuitously he returned after round 5 minutes.
He was tremendous sort and checked us in, however there was no supply to assist with luggage, to point out us to our room, and so on. So we tried to seek out our room, which was oddly exhausting to do late at evening with baggage, when the property is 23 acres, and there’s a scarcity of lighting for the restricted variety of indicators. It took us a great 10 minutes to seek out our room.
The one different interplay we had with employees was within the morning, after we went for breakfast. We simply form of stood there, as there was no host. Ultimately we had been seated, after which later somebody got here by and requested if we needed menus. Umm, sure please. Then a couple of minutes later our server confirmed up. She didn’t say “good day” or “good morning,” however as an alternative simply stated “what can I get for you?”
I wish to be clear — I acknowledge all of this stuff are tremendous minor, and I’m not counsel that is some horrible property, or we suffered some horrible injustice. I don’t really feel that manner in any respect. As an alternative, my level is that I’m in disbelief how lodges in america so incessantly cost outrageous charges, whereas delivering so little.
I simply really feel like you probably have the center to cost company $1,100 per evening to remain there, you’ve gotta make it an expertise, rooms should be properly maintained, and repair must be good. It’s one of many causes I respect 4 Seasons as a model — positive, their properties are costly, however they really have a minimal service customary globally, in order that they don’t cost extremely luxurious costs whereas delivering a restricted service expertise.
All of that is simply such a distinction to touring to Asia, the place we simply landed. We’re staying at a tremendous luxurious lodge that prices a fraction of what the Andaz is charging, and we additionally arrived very late at evening. We had been greeted by no fewer than 4 folks, we haven’t been capable of contact our luggage, and every little thing is spotless.
In fact on the Andaz, we redeemed factors. And I believe in actuality that is only a “factors farm,” and I hope a overwhelming majority of individuals aren’t paying the retail price. However I can’t assist however mirror on how hospitality in america has developed. It’s one factor for those who get this stage of service at a $100 per evening restricted service lodge, however at a lodge charging over $1,000? It’s freeway theft.
However I suppose that is simply the truth, and it’s one thing we’ve to return to phrases with? And that brings me again to what I stated at first of this submit… this is the reason my urge for food for staying at lodges inside america is restricted.
Backside line
We simply spent an evening on the Andaz Scottsdale, which has lovely grounds and a pleasant pool, although is in any other case feeling prefer it might use somewhat love relating to upkeep.
The most important factor that stood out to me concerning the keep is how the lodge was charging $1,100 per evening, whereas providing poor housekeeping, and an entire lack of service, from check-in to breakfast. It simply looks like while you’re charging 4 figures per evening for a keep, you need to count on somewhat greater than you’d get at a restricted service property.
All too typically that isn’t the case in america, although. I acknowledge I’m in all probability within the minority by voting with my pockets, however this is the reason I not often trouble vacationing in america, at the least when it comes to the lodge expertise.
Is anybody else delay by so many lodges in america for that reason?
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