Suncadia Review

Suncadia Resort in Washington offers something for everyone. It has over 6,000 acres of forested mountain landscape and more than 40 miles of hiking and biking trails, along with three championship golf courses, and great local dining. The resort has a lodge, an inn, homes, and condominiums. Suncadia is also a Destination By Hyatt brand and is available to book on points. The resort has a wealth of year-round activities and provides a picturesque backdrop that guests won't forget anytime soon.

Location

Suncadia is just outside of Cle Elum, Washington, which is considered the entry point into Eastern Washington. The resort is just a 90-minute drive from Sea-Tac airport.

Suncadia Review: Typical Booking Cost

Suncadia is a Category 5 in the World of Hyatt program. Here are the award costs for a standard room:

• 17,000 points off -peak
• 20,000 points standard
• 23,000 points peak

Here are the award costs for a standard suite:

• 29,000 points off-peak
• 32,000 points standard
• 35,000 points peak

I never saw a room at the suite level available with points. The resort has 254 rooms, suites and penthouses. If you want a specific room, cash will be king here.

Check-in

The resort has valet parking, but Word of Hyatt globalists are better off sticking to self-parking, as I explain further down. I did that as there was no clarification and I forgot to ask.

At check-in, I received a map and packet about the area. While these materials are great for visual effects, they have no information about hours or actual options. The front desk did ask if I wanted wristbands for the swim and fitness center, which I accepted.

The front desk staff did not share any information about globalist benefits or even mention the World of Hyatt program at all. I asked specifically about the globalist breakfast and how it worked since it had not been brought up. The staff instructed me to to charge breakfast to my room. She then added, “I am not sure on the resort fees or anything else.” I left it at that, but we will dive into this further. For many, even me, this will be a learning experience even as a multi-year globalist.

Suncadia Review: Two Queen Room

I booked a standard two queen room, which was the only available option on points, and I needed room for three. Despite the dearth of information about World of Hyatt benefits during check-in, the television in the room was showing World of Hyatt program commercials.

I had room 2006 as all of the even numbered rooms seem to have a resort view. When checking in, I always ask for the best way to reach my room. Nobody informed me of this, but if your room is towards the end of the resort, there is a parking lot at that end of the building. You can reach it by driving behind the swim and fitness center. This is a much quicker way to reach the end of the building.

A long hallway with a coffee station near the door makes for a nice storage area. Connecting rooms are available if needed, which is great for larger parties.

The room had a dresser, work desk and two queen beds. The closet is a bit crammed in next to one of the beds, which makes it difficult to access it properly. It can be challenging to access the close while someone is sleeping in that bed.

Suncadia Review: Room Other Features

I did like the outside area, which featured a great place to sit and enjoy a beverage anytime of day. It was was nice to not only have a fence to keep wildlife out, but to also obscure views of the parking lot. The cushions were worn and not very clean, but that is to be expected of outdoor furniture at a mountain resort.

The bathroom had standard amenities and was spacious. The wood etched with Suncadia was a nice touch, but otherwise nothing that stood out.

Hyatt Elite Perks & Status Recognition: Absolute Confusion

Generally, Hyatt is pretty clear about elite benefits across their different brands. But the terms and conditions for Destination by Hyatt properties like Suncadia begs to differ.

Destination by Hyatt Confusion

For starters, Hyatt's terms refer to its Destination by Hyatt properties as “Destination by Hyatt Residences.” Yet Hyatt's website refers to the brand as “Destination by Hyatt” on their website. Suncadia's website only refers to Destination by Hyatt, but it's possible that the residences come into play because you can technically book a condo there as well.

When it comes to the globalist breakfast benefit, the terms state: Not valid at Miraval, Hyatt Place, Hyatt House, or Hyatt Vacation Club hotels and resorts, at Hyatt Regency Madrid Residences, Grand Hyatt Kuwait Residences, the Laurel Inn, Ventana Campground, or at any Destination by Hyatt Residences location except the following (at which breakfast will be available to Globalist guests in accordance with the above terms): The Lodge at Spruce Peak; Everline Resort and Spa; Wild Dunes Resort – Sweetgrass Inn and Boardwalk Inn; Wild Dunes Resort Vacation Rentals; and Wild Dunes Resorts – Residences at Sweetgrass Inn. For any stay at the AluaSun Far Menorca resort, this breakfast benefit will be provided to qualifying Members at the nearby resort, AluaSun Mediterráneo. 

Based on this language, I understand there is no breakfast benefits for globalists at Suncadia. But a couple issues came up with these terms, mostly with the breakfast benefit.

Other Destination by Hyatt Properties

First, a property I have stayed at many times, Tempe Mission Palms.

Same brand different set up on the website, here is what you will see. I can click on all three if these options and nothing is noted about globalist benefits or any exclusions.

Here is what you will see for Suncadia. Very similar options but again nothing out of the ordinary at first glance. You have to go click through and look for the exclusions. You have to click where marked “show more” and you will see the following language, which says globalists do not receive breakfast or upgrades, consistent with Hyatt's terms:

Yet despite language in multiple places saying globalists do not receive free breakfast at Destination by Hyatt properties, we have seen conflicting data points. Multiple globalists in the Travel on Point(s) Facebook group have received free breakfasts and upgrades with actual data points to back up their experiences.

Terms and Conditions Thoughts

Hyatt should state it clearly, without requiring clicks or fine print. I am sure they get confusion and issues with this. As a Hyatt loyalist, I do not want to have to dive this deep every time I make a reservation or stay at a brand. With the Hyatt brand growing and bringing in different brands, I think this may be the new normal unfortunately.

Ultimately, I did not receive complimentary breakfast during my stay at Suncadia. Whatever stance Hyatt takes on whether to offer this benefit, the terms and implementation should be clear and consistent.

Dining

The resort is undergoing a remodel and this was very clear on the website. Yet the staff did not mention any of it during check-in.

The main breakfast dining area was in their conference center. It was just a short walk outside of the resort and over to the next building entrance. The service and meals were good with no issues.

There was a makeshift bar set up in the main lodge where you could take in the beautiful views, although there was some fencing up outside in some areas. There was meal service here but it was also 21 years and up. Staff were friendly everywhere but being in a resort area I could sense a lot of new employees or staff that were not sure about some things when asked. There was also another room next to the bar with a fireplace.

Across the hall was a coffee shop that had plenty of sundries such as beverages in coolers, food items, gifts, and small toiletries and medicine if needed.

Dining options were scarce in the evening, mostly due to the remodel and that we were in the off season. The resort mentioned nearby options such as a steakhouse or a privately owned winery. When I am traveling with kids, I prefer sticking with low cost and easy options. Because of that we went into town several times.

Resort Amenities

the resort offers plenty to choose from when it comes to amenities. The property includes the main lodge where we stayed plus other buildings and real estate. Lots of trails connect all these different buildings and make for great biking or walking.

Fire pits are scattered throughout the property, and s'mores kits are available for purchase.

Pools

The main lodge has a small pool and hot tub on the backside of the lodge with scenic views. At peak times, this small area could get crowded.

There is also a swimming and fitness center a short distance away. The resort provides a shuttle if you choose not to walk or drive there. There is an outdoor and indoor pool as well as hot tubs in both areas.

You will also find a great family favorite, waterslides! The two waterslides make for a great time while at the pool.

Outdoor Activities

The resort set up an outdoor ice rink near the swim and fitness center. The rink had an additional charge starting at $12 per person depending on the skater's age.

The property has a few small lakes, including one with a dock to walk out onto. They had bicycles available to rent as well, but this area was closed on weekdays while we were there.

Suncadia Review: ToP Thoughts

The views at Suncadia are stunning and like no other I have experienced at a resort. This is saying something given that I grew up in this beautiful state. I would come back again for the views and relaxation alone, but also keep in mind how busy peak times could be. When I do return, I will come with a better understanding of the Hyatt terms and conditions. I think this resort gives you a great option to escape to a mountain oasis and truly is a gem in the Pacific Northwest.

Have you stayed at the Suncadia resort? Come over to our Facebook group and let us know your thoughts.