Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort Review

After the inaugural flight to Albuquerque, I immediately turned left and headed to the Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort & Spa. The resort is located outside Bernalillo – a town of just over 8,000 people, about 20 minutes north from Albuquerque. I was staying there for relaxation but I also knew that there are a lot of activities offered at the resort. The Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort & Spa is a wonderful resort that will welcome you and make you feel like you don’t want to leave.

About the Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort

Bernalillo is about 20 minutes north of Albuquerque. It has one main road (but multiple stop lights). The resort is located about 2 miles down a one lane road off the main road. The buildings and lights of the resort are unseen almost until arrival. Bernalillo is also hidden from the resort. This gives the property a very secluded feel.

The hotel sits on 550 acres of land and there are a lot of activities. There are 350 rooms including 23 suites. The entire property, inside and out, has a Native American theme. In the main lobby, and valet area, there is Native American windpipe music softly played which was very calming.

It is a Hyatt Category 4 so an anniversary free night award from the Hyatt Visa card can be used. If you don’t have that credit card, then using points would require 12,000 points (or 6,000 plus $100 for points & cash). There is a $28 resort fee. It is a true resort, so I can see how the resort fee is justified, unlike some other hotels. The resort fee covers a long list of amenities and activities – including a welcome margarita made with honey produced on-site!

On-Property Activities

There are two nearby golf courses, tennis courts, walking trails, and 3 swimming pools. One of the swimming pools has a 2 story water slide and has a lot of kid-friendly features. The two family pools were quite crowded and loud so I opted to relax at the small adult-only pool.

The Hyatt Tamaya Resort is also home to a horse rehabilitation center. It is the only Hyatt, and only resort in the United States that I know of, that has one. They offer stable tours and trail rides. The stables are far enough away from the main property that there was no discernible smell in case you might be sensitive.

Make sure you stop by the concierge desk for a copy of the “Tamaya Times”. It’s a full guide to the week’s activities, and if there’s an additional charge – like the trail ride or hot air balloon ride. I didn’t know this so I think I missed out on a lot of activities. I was there to relax so I didn’t mind as much. During the Hot Air Balloon Festival they have a shuttle do the festival as well.

Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort Executive Suite

To use the anniversary free night award from the Hyatt Visa, a standard room has to be available. One was available so I was able to book it. While some hotels are stingy about upgrading on free stays, I was upgraded to an Executive Suite! These suites are considered a premium suites.

The Executive Suite is spacious and airy. The room is split evenly between a living room and the bedroom. The living room is furnished with a couch, coffee table and a TV. The wall that separates the living room from the bedroom is open on each side – there is no door so the room feel like it’s quite big.

The bedroom is fairly typically with a king bed, night stands, a desk and a TV. The bed was very comfortable and I was able to sleep well. There were no USB charging ports which is slightly disappointing. There were easily accessible plugs near the bed.

Dining Options at Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort

There are several restaurants, multiple bars, and a coffee shop at the resort, including a grill at the pool. No matter what ambiance you’re in the mood for, you’ll have no problem finding it – within reason of course.

The Santa Ana Cafe serves breakfast, lunch & dinner. They have a buffet and entrees. I sat outside and opted for the Huevos Rancheros with red chile sauce. When you’re in New Mexico, you MUST try the green chiles – they’re pretty tough to avoid but delicious with just the right amount of heat. My meal was almost as good as the view!

Final Thoughts

Whether a romantic getaway or a family vacation, there is something for everyone at the resort. The distance from Albuquerque is ideal as it is not that far away. It is also a very easy drive from Albuquerque. This property has become one of my favorites that I’ve stayed at and I wish I were there for a longer amount of time.

Cleanliness [star rating=”4.5″] Almost absolutely no complaints. I don’t deal with wildlife that well (as I mentioned in my post about the Andaz Scottsdale), and there was some wildlife on the outside of both of the sliding doors to my balcony. Not a big deal, but I didn’t want them to crawl inside if I went out there.
Comfort [star rating=”5″] Much like the bed at the Andaz Scottsdale, I slept wonderfully. The pool towels were a bit smaller than I would have preferred, but that’s mostly due to my above average height.
Location [star rating=”5″] While the location of the Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort is a bit remote, I think it is perfect for what it is and the activities it offers.
Service [star rating=”4.5″] Everyone was super friendly and helpful. Guests are required to wear a wristband to get pool towels. Despite my plan to leave within 2 hours, they still made me get a wristband.
Overall [star rating=”5″] I would love to stay at this resort again. It would be amazing to make it to the Hot Air Balloon Festival and staying here would be ideal.

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