Do you plan to use the deck for anything besides the hot tub - if so, what? What corner is the great room on (SW, NE, etc.)? When deciding on placement of the door, also keep furniture arrangement of your great room in mind. Make sure that those who design and build your deck know that you plan to put a hot tub on it, as it should be structurally beefed up to support the load.

Great room is northwest primarily north facing back yard. The deck off the great room will mainly be a space for patio furniture and the deck will be on a concrete pad butting up against the deck. Below are two ideas we are pondering:

Oops I meant to say the hot tub will be on a concrete pad butting up against an edge of the deck

I think either of these would work. Which one is best is dependent on your preferences. The sketch on the left gives the hot tub area more privacy, giving that area a more cozy feel. The sketch on the right gives a direct view of the hot tub from the great room and all outdoor areas at all times, to some extent making the hot tub the focal point of the outdoor area. The only bad thing I see is that if the prevailing winds are from the north during the times the hot tub is in use, there is no protection provided by the house. A good landscaper can provide a plan that will be visually appealing from the home and deck as well as provide a wind break. The hot tub on concrete is a wise choice. Still give your concrete people a head's up that a hot tub will be sitting on it so they can take the load into account. You don't want the concrete cracking after the tub is filled with water.

Thank you Sherri, very helpful!

You are very welcome!