Hyatt Residence Club Sedona, Pinon Pointe

Instantly recognizable for its timeless Pueblo-style architecture perched above Uptown Sedona’s main drag, this Hyatt Residence Club complements its scenic red rock surrounds with landscaping that blends in with the native terrain. This Hyatt is probably best known, however, for its sensational views. With its prime high vantage point comes an uninterrupted panorama that takes in the Sedona region with red rocks all around. The Hyatt is accessed up a steep driveway from the main road, where guests check-in at reception, then drive to their room (parking surrounds the hotel for convenience). Rooms are housed in several two-story adobe structures set around wide landscaped walkways and patios outfitted with fire pits, barbecue grills, and outdoor seating for guests to make the most of the setting. While the property has a handsome, grown-up aesthetic and an overall quiet vibe, it draws plenty of families with young children, and the pool can become a kid fest.The Hyatt Club Residence is a timeshare property, so those staying as hotel guests will be encouraged to sit through a timeshare sales presentation which can be annoying to some, though it’s by no means compulsory. 

The Hyatt Club resides in Uptown Sedona, on Arizona State Route 89A, which runs between Flagstaff and Prescott (north of Phoenix) but becomes a touristy stretch of restaurants, boutiques, galleries, and tour outlets here in Sedona’s most commercial part of town. The hotel adjoins the pleasant Pinon Pointe shopping complex, home to a handful of boutiques, restaurants, and galleries. The resort is a 10-minute walk to Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village -- a picturesque and popular shopping area --  while the legendary Pink Jeep Tours depart from more or less over the road. Other attractions requiring a short drive include the Chapel of the Holy Cross (10 minutes), Red Rock Crossing Vortex (12 minutes), and Bell Rock (14 minutes). The Hyatt is eight minutes by car from Sedona Airport, and close to two hours from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Uber and Lyft ride-share services are available in Sedona.

The Hyatt offers 109 self-catering studios and one- and two-bedroom apartments. All rooms were updated in 2017 and decor is contemporary and homey, with plenty of Southwestern flavor, color, and warmth. White walls add fresh contrast to wood finishes in caramel tones, and bolder hues come from fabrics with geometric patterns and modern artworks. The 350-square-foot Studios come with queen-sized beds and open-plan living areas with small sleeper sofas, plus kitchenettes equipped with mini-fridges, microwaves, coffeemakers, toasters, and dinnerware. Other standard in-room features include irons, ironing boards, safes, ceiling fans, and individual climate control. One- and Two-Bedroom units offer a few additional perks, including separate spacious living areas with stone gas fireplaces, double sofa beds, and sound systems, plus washer/dryers. Full-sized kitchens have granite breakfast bars, ovens, and dining tables for six. All room types open onto private furnished patios, but views vary. Studios face inward towards the hotel grounds, while higher categories often take in stunning red rock views.Bathrooms are spacious in all units, but while studios feature shower/tub combos, one- and two-bedroom apartments have large jetted tubs and separate walk-in showers. Double sinks, big mirrors, hairdryers, and a selection of toiletries are provided in all rooms. 

Aside from the stunning views, the highlight at this resort is the two-tiered pool, which also offers panoramic vistas. Though children have their own separate kiddy pool, they tend to take over both sections, which may not suit relaxation-seekers. The pool is nevertheless surrounded by plenty of patio space with cushioned deck chairs, umbrellas, and two hot tubs -- one of which is quietly removed from the livelier pool scene. The hotel grounds also offer several fire pits and decks equipped with stainless-steel gas grills and table settings for guest use.The modern fitness center is equipped with a good range of up-to-date cardio and strength-training machines, along with free weights. Other hotel features include a tennis court, a game room with a pool table and self-serve tea and coffee, a colorful kids’ playroom, and outdoor ping-pong tables.While the Hyatt does not have its own restaurant per se, there are a few eateries located in the adjacent Pinon Pointe shopping complex. They include a Starbucks, the Wildflower Bread Company (open all day), and Sound Bites Grill -- a modern American restaurant open for lunch and dinner, with an emphasis on steak and seafood. Wi-Fi is included throughout the property, and there is a business center with computers and printing services. Outdoor parking, concierge services, and cribs and high chairs are also available on-site. A daily resort fee is charged here.