Hyatt Regency Indian Wells - A Second Stay

Hotels in the Palm Springs area are very cheap during the hot summer months, much like hotels in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area or in Las Vegas during the week.

The Hyatt Regency Indian Wells has been a mini treasure trove of extra points in the past during the summer as the Regency Club is normally closed during the summer, meaning an extra 2,500 Gold Passport Points to Hyatt Diamond members along with full breakfast in the Lantana restaurant.

Unfortunately for point seekers, the Regency Club is planned to be open the entire summer which is both good and bad.  It is nice to have snacks and drinks available throughout the day, but the extra points and full breakfast is a trade-off I am willing to make.

Although there was a “My Elite” rate of $92 which is incredibly cheap, I opted to book a room through Virtuoso which includes an upgraded room, 4 PM late check-out, free breakfast and a $100 resort credit per stay.  Many of the benefits are redundant with being a Hyatt Diamond member, with the exception of the $100 resort credit, and in this case, the 4 PM late check-out since this does not apply to resorts.

The Virtuoso rate was $114 so for paying an extra $22 I received the $100 resort credit.

The self-parking fee of $10 is also waived for Hyatt Diamond members, but unfortunately the $23 resort fee is not.  The resort fee includes internet, golf bag storage and shuttle to the golf course, exercise classes, etc. many things I do not take advantage of.  Since I get internet with my Hyatt status I feel the resort fee is just an extra charge that can be done without for many.

Upon entering the hotel, the front desk is to the left.  There were several people in front of me being helped by other associates.  Although there is a dedicated Platinum and Diamond member line, like many Hyatt’s this is not enforced and evil glaring looks by other customers is the norm.

Virtuoso Letter

The front desk agent was nice, but did not explain any of the Virtuoso benefits.  He also did not inform me about the Regency Club being open.  I had to inquire about all of these to find out the information which I did not mind.

Presidential Suite

I was upgraded to a Presidential suite however, which was a great upgrade.

Coffee Maker

Upon entering the room, there is a small alcove to the right in which the coffee maker is located along with a mini fridge.

Guest Bath

Guest Bath

The guest bathroom is next to that which is only a half bath containing a toilet and sink.

Living Room

Living Room

The room then opens up into a large living room space with curved sofa that contains a sofa bed.  There is also a large coffee table and TV.

Dining Room Table

There is a small dining room table.

King Bed

There is a set of double doors that separate the living room from the bedroom.

TV

There is a small flat screen TV located on a dresser to the side of the bed.

Desk

There is an oddly placed desk with a painfully uncomfortable chair right next to the head of the bed.  There is also very limited work space so I had to use the desk to spread my work out.

Double Sinks

Tub

Shower

Shower

"Time-Out" Toilet

The master bathroom is huge with double sinks, a tub, a small shower and a toilet fit into a fairly small space.  It almost felt like you were being put in a “Time-out” every time you went to the bathroom.  I am happy to report that there was toothpaste in the bathroom, something that Hyatt had taken away the prior year.

 

Balcony

View

View

There is along balcony that overlooks the pool area which can be accessed from both the bedroom and living room.

Since I had the resort credit I chose to have breakfast in Lantana rather than the Regency Club.

There was a breakfast buffet which was moved from its prior location inside of  the restaurant to the outside entrance of the restaurant.  This is a great move in my opinion as the former location was very small and was very cramped and congested.  You needed to have your roller derby skills in order to get food with the prior set-up.

Breakfast Buffet

Breakfast Buffet

Breakfast Buffet

Breakfast Buffet

Hot items included eggs, bacon, sausage, potatoes and pancakes (Hyatt makes some of the best pancakes that I have had), while other options included bread, pastries, muffins, croissants, oatmeal, fruit, yogurt, smoked salmon, cheese and bagels among others.  There was also a cooked to order egg station.

Normally when booking a room through Virtuoso you also get a welcome amenity, however none was present or delivered during my stay.  Not a big deal all things considered but it is one of the stated benefits with Virtuoso.

Considering the rate I got which was greatly offset by the Virtuoso benefits, this was a great stay.  I only wish they would choose to continue to close the Regency Club during the summer.