This property is top drawer and gorgeous beyond description. The pool area is one of lushest and most inviting of its kind. The entry steps down into a cavernous open lounge area which in turn opens to the outside leading to the pool area and gold course.
My first gripe about this place was how we were greeted when we drove up to check in. The valet approached our car looking more like a police officer inquiring about our presence instead of welcoming us and telling us where we could park while checking in. He told us to turn around and head toward to self parking area. The correct greeting would have been "welcome to the Hyatt . . . are you checking in?" I ignored his "suggestion" and pulled off to the side so I would be closer to the front desk while my wife waited in the car.
At check in I specifically requested a ground floor room but was not offered a choice of beds so I neglected to ask for a king size bed. Instead, the clerk assigned us to a second floor "casita" without telling me it was upstairs despite the fact that I told him I preferred a ground floor room. I obtained our reservation via Priceline so I wonder if the seemingly second class treatment had anything to do with that.
John, the bellman was infectiously friendly and helpful as he retrieved our bags from our car and held them near the front desk while my wife and I parked our car. He graciously provided us a brief tour of the hotel lobby, lounge and restaurants and then took us passed the pool en route to our room.
I should have objected to the room immediately but we were tired and wanted to unwind before dinner so I didn't.
The rest of our stay was pretty pleasant. We had cocktails in the lobby lounge and enjoyed a very professional sounding quartet while waiting for an available table at the Southwest Bistro (SWB). We really enjoyed dining at SWB . ; . we ordered a few appetizers and a ceaser salad with their southwestern cornbread. Other than the fact that they mistakenly brought southwestern grits (which were very good by the way) and forgot the cornbread, the rest of the fare was really delicious and very enjoyable - - very good ceviche and crab cakes.
Our biggest disappointment was with housekeeping who did not tend to our room until 4 pm on a Sunday afternoon. We left our room around 10:30 am and when we returned close to 4 pm they were still working. Sadly, they neglected to do a very thorough job and overlooked some relatively minor details that you would expect to be taken care of at a 5 star property.
At check out I was asked how I enjoyed our stay and I replied "it was OK". The young lady who was assisting me was not satisfied to hear that so she graciously and quickly offered to credit the $25 daily resort fee which I didn't even know about.
I would like to stay here again sometime but I would prefer to be in the main hotel building instead of the outlying "casitas" which granted are pretty nice having their own private rooftop lounge areas overlooking the golf course and water features which meander through the casita buildings.
I would have given this place 5 stars but for the poor greeting and disappointing housekeeping and check in experience. I had much friendlier service and better communication at lesser properties.