Best Pool Hotels in Arizona

The Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs is a superb resort for a casual stay. It's elevated location in the North Mountain Preserve provides access to hiking paths through the Colossal Cave system and Montezuma Castle National Monument. But you don't have to stray far from the resort in order to find something to do. This resort is home to one of the area's top golf courses, the Lookout Mountain Golf Club, which (as its name suggests) offers panoramic vistas from fairways, as well as a full-service spa, multiple pools and a water park for the kids. When dinnertime rolls around, sit down to a satisfying steak dinner at the AAA Four Diamond Award-winning Different Pointe of View restaurant (but be sure to make reservations). Accommodations here are all suites and feature comforts such as Internet access, coffee makers and fully stocked minibars.

Situated at the base of Camelback Mountain, this offshoot of The Phoenician, A Luxury Collection Resort, Scottsdale, offers spectacular views at every turn. Recent guests say they arrived expecting a high caliber of service and that the exceptional staff delivered. The Canyon Suites all feature beds with Frette Italian linens, private terraces and floor-to-ceiling windows that flaunt views of the desert scene or golf course. Speaking of the golf greens, visitors say the 18-hole championship golf course is not to be missed. In addition to a golf course, there are a plethora of other on-site facilities, including tennis courts, a full-service spa and an infinity pool with Camelback vistas (a particular guest favorite). When you need to refuel after a full day of activity, you'll have your choice between eight fine and casual dining options as well as an ice cream parlor. And because this hotel is part of the Marriott hotel family, Marriott Bonvoy members can earn and use points here.

The Waste Management Phoenix Open, a popular PGA tournament, puts the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess in the spotlight once a year and takes over the resort's two golf courses. Yet guests believe this palatial resort deserves the fanfare year-round. They rave about the spacious guest rooms, which are adorned in earthy hues and equipped with soaking bath tubs, wet bars and private patios or balconies overlooking the desert landscape. This expansive property in Scottsdale also boasts six pools, some of which include waterslides, along with a full-service spa. Meanwhile, the Fairmont's multiple restaurants cater to a wide variety of tastes. Carnivores can get their fix at BOURBON STEAK, while spicier palates can indulge in some of Arizona's best Mexican fare at La Hacienda by Richard Sandoval.

Families who travel to this standout Scottsdale property find something for everyone: pools, a golf course and Agave, The Arizona Spa are just a few amenities travelers enjoy. The resort has multiple restaurants to choose from, but for a sophisticated dining experience, indulge your palate at Deseo, the resort's premier eatery. Overall, recent guests were pleased with their stays here: Travelers describe the rooms as spacious, praising the floor-to-ceiling windows, private balconies and patios and the Westin brand's signature Heavenly Beds. But it was the Kierland's friendly staff that made a stay here memorable for most visitors. And because this hotel is part of the Marriott hotel family, Marriott Bonvoy members can earn and use points here.

Overlooking the Kierland Golf Club in northern Scottsdale, The Westin Kierland Villas indulges lodgers looking for a little extra breathing room. These one- and two-bedroom accommodations come equipped with kitchenettes, dining areas, in-room laundry facilities and private patios or balconies. Resort staff will even stock your fridge with all your favorite foods (if you send your requests 72 hours before you arrive). Although you'll have everything you could possibly need in your villa, recent guests recommend venturing outside for a swim in the pool or a meal at the McDowell Market & Grill. And because this hotel is part of the Marriott hotel family, Marriott Bonvoy members can earn and use points here.

The Arizona Grand Resort is big. Just how big? Big enough to have its own water park, 18-hole golf course, fitness club and spa — plus six restaurants. With so much to see and do on-site and off, guests are happily overwhelmed with the options for fun at the resort. When you need an escape, book a massage or prepare to hit the links, which features fantastic desert views. If you're not a golfer, you can take in the scenery from your guest room's balcony or patio; accommodations also feature flat-screen TVs and Wi-Fi access. The resort is not close to the business centers of downtown Phoenix or the upscale shopping of Scottsdale, so be prepared to drive or stay put.

Hugged by the hills of Marana, Arizona – 27 miles northwest of downtown Tucson – this Ritz opts for trendy over tradition, with contemporary art and sleek furnishings dominating the decor. And though The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain might not deliver authentic hacienda living, recent guests don't seem to mind the lack of traditional Southwestern style. (Besides, if you're craving a true taste of the region, you can simply make dinner reservations at CORE Kitchen & Wine Bar.) The spa and pool area make a great setting for some R&R, while golfers give high praise to the 27-hole, Jack Nicklaus-designed course (guests gain access to these amenities after paying a daily resort fee of $50). Travelers also appreciated the low-key elegance of the guest rooms, where plush fabrics feel homey while high-end features (like deep-soaking tubs and private balconies) feel deluxe. Yet despite all of its positive aspects, guests say it's the staff's friendliness that truly makes their stays memorable. Marriott Bonvoy members can also use and earn points by staying here.

Perhaps the most historical hotel in Phoenix, the Arizona Biltmore, A Waldorf Astoria Resort has been welcoming Valley of the Sun visitors (including such notable names as Irving Berlin and Marilyn Monroe) since 1929. And though competing resorts keep springing up around it, this landmark property continues to shine. Rising above the Camelback Corridor, this Waldorf Astoria property keeps guests busy with two exceptional golf courses, an award-winning spa, six tennis courts and eight swimming pools. On the inside, the Biltmore maintains its Gilded Age feel, with the lobby encompassing hardwood floors and low lighting and guest rooms sporting cozy furnishings and contemporary design elements. In addition to the beautiful grounds, the food served at the hotel's four eateries receives a thumbs-up from previous visitors, who especially love the contemporary American cuisine dished up at Frank & Albert's. All of these lavish amenities and accommodations, though, come at a high price point; however, Hilton Honors members may be able to earn and redeem benefits by choosing to stay here. 

Located in Gainey Ranch (a verdant part of Scottsdale known for its palm trees), the Hyatt Regency exudes a tropical-oasis-meets-Aztec-palace feel. Although guest rooms are spacious and chic – boasting flat-screen TVs, iPod docking stations and private patios or balconies – it's the 10 pools and man-made beach that garner the most praise from recent visitors. Numerous and varied, this Hyatt's swim spots cater to visitors of every age: Some have cascading waterfalls, others have fountains, but if you'd rather stay dry, opt for a gondola ride along the waterways. Though it may take some coaxing to lure yourself (or your travel buddies) away from the pool, guests also recommend playing a round of golf at the Gainey Ranch Golf Club, or indulging in a massage at Spa Avania. Then, cap off the day with dinner at one of several on-site eateries.

Sure, this resort in Tucson, Arizona's Sonoran Foothills has the usual golf course (27 holes designed by PGA pro Jack Nicklaus), spa (a Red Door Salon & Spa) and gourmet dining (four restaurants, to be exact). But guests say that one of the best things about The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa is its family-friendly atmosphere. Younger visitors will find loads of toys at the Westin Family Kids Club, while certified staff members provide childcare and supervised kid-centric activities like outdoor games and arts and crafts. Guests also say that their children enjoyed this Westin outpost's pool area, which features a 177-foot waterslide. And with an exclusive adults-only pool, R&R-seekers can escape the noise. The only issue some travelers encountered at this property was in regards to the daily $29 resort fee, which is automatically attached to your bill whether or not you take advantage of the amenities covered by the charge. And because this hotel is part of the Marriott hotel family, Marriott Bonvoy members can earn and use points here.

Sitting on the edge of Saguaro National Park's Tucson Mountain District, the JW Marriott Tucson  Starr Pass Resort & Spa combines the peace and quiet of a secluded getaway with the convenience of a suburban location. Guests appreciate having plenty of opportunities to enjoy Tucson; plus, the resort is surrounded by hiking and mountain biking trails, while the views from the Starr Pass Golf Club are worth the few extra minutes you'll no doubt spend on the tee box. Many guests also highlight this JW Marriott's value, claiming that its guest rooms and amenities are top notch, all while remaining affordable. (Plus, you can save money by paying your bill with Marriott Bonvoy points.) Travelers highlight the multilevel pool and full-service Hashani Spa as major highlights, and the multiple eateries receive plenty of praise for their varied menus.

The Wigwam wows in more ways than one. Guests say its friendly staff deserves the most praise while rooms are regularly described as comfortable and spacious (traditional guest rooms start at 480 square feet). The Wigwam's grounds also encompass three championship golf courses as well as four pools (equipped with two water slides), an in-house spa, fitness center, tennis courts and a lawn that hosts bocce ball. No matter how you choose to spend your day, recent guests recommend kicking off the evening with a meal at one of the resort's restaurants: Red's Bar & Grill serves casual American cuisine, while Litchfield's specializes in farm-to-table fare.

The Phoenician, A Luxury Collection Resort, Scottsdale has long set the standard for luxury in the Valley of the Sun. It's not hard to see why. For one thing, the setting is unbelievable – when reserving your room, ask for accommodations with views of Camelback Mountain. Even if those are all booked, recent visitors say that you won't be too disappointed, as all rooms feature elegant furnishings, Italian marble bathrooms and private balconies or patios. And if you're looking for a little more space, opt to stay in one of the elegant Canyon Suites. This 250-acre Luxury Collection property also boasts an 18-hole championship golf course, a tennis complex, a full-service spa and plenty of restaurants, lounges and snack bars. And did we mention the massive art collection on-site? Should you think that all of this is out of your price range (resort and parking fees are expensive as well), you can cut costs by using the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program.

Although it's about 9 miles northwest of central Sedona, the Enchantment Resort is a hit with recent guests thanks to the peace and quiet afforded by the property's secluded location. The Enchantment's accommodations combine traditional Southwestern decor with contemporary amenities like flat-screen TVs and high-speed Internet access. Some even include fireplaces, kitchens and outdoor dining areas. Recent guests appreciated the resort's attention to detail and outstanding customer service, praising the extra efforts made – like having cold orange juice delivered every morning – to ensure a comfortable stay. When you're not hiking through nearby Boynton Canyon or exploring the surrounding Vortexes, take advantage of the resort's pools, tennis courts and golf course. For a complete spa getaway (and some serious relaxation), the adjoining Mii amo Spa offers several rooms of its own, as well as a long list of treatments. And when you need to refuel, the resort features five on-site eateries as well as a wine bar. Plus, members of the iPrefer rewards program can earn or redeem points for choosing to stay here.

On the Gila River Indian Reservation just south of Phoenix, the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa is the premier spot to explore Native American culture. Because of its isolated location, rooms allow guests to see miles of desert from their windows (or from their private balconies). Still, "isolated" doesn't mean guests are bored. The resort saddles up to the championship Whirlwind Golf Club, while the in-house Aji Spa boasts a wide array of treatments. This Sheraton also offers easy access to the Wild Horse Pass Casino and the Rawhide Western Village. Meanwhile, the resort's marquis restaurant, Kai, is the only AAA Five Diamond restaurant in Arizona, offering an exquisite fusion of local indigenous ingredients and contemporary cuisine. And as the day draws to a close, hunker down in one of 500 rooms, equipped with plasma-screen TVs and the Sheraton brand's signature Sweet Sleeper beds. Because this resort is part of the Marriott hotel family, Marriott Bonvoy members can earn and use points here.

Situated on a Native American reservation just northeast of Scottsdale, Talking Stick Resort has the essentials to compete in the Phoenix-Scottsdale tourism industry. Golf course? Check. Massive spa? Check. Pools? Check. But, what it offers that few others do not are distinctly designed rooms — complete with stylish decor, 40-inch flat-screen massive televisions and complimentary wireless Internet access — and a massive casino. The majority of Talking Stick visitors were relatively pleased with their experiences here. However, some visitors who come for a resort stay rather than a gambling expedition complain of cigarette smoke coming from the casino. And though dining is abundant here, many said the food here is nothing special. 

Lodged in the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains about 15 miles north of downtown Tucson, visitors find the Hilton Tucson El Conquistador Golf & Tennis Resort boasts beautiful desert views and impressive facilities. Guest rooms here come complete with private patios or balconies and signature Serenity furnishings. The three golf courses at the resort also win over visitors, as do the scenic tennis courts and the numerous pools (kids especially love the waterslides). And when it comes time to refuel, the resort's three eateries allow guests to taste Southwestern specialties. You can save on your stay if you're a member of the Hilton Honors loyalty program.

The guest rooms, or casitas, at the Boulders Resort & Spa, Curio Collection by Hilton in Scottsdale, Arizona (roughly 32 miles north of downtown Phoenix) look out over miles of cacti and rugged mountains. When you're not admiring the views from your private patio or balcony, order room service and curl up in front of your wood-burning fireplace. You can also play golf on one of two courses, lounge by one of four pools or grab a bite to eat at one of five restaurants. However, according to recent visitors, you'd be remiss if you stayed here and didn't indulge in a treatment at the massive on-site spa. And because of the resort's ties to Hilton Hotels, members of the Hilton Honors loyalty program can use points to pay for rooms – that means additional cash to invest in massages and facials.

Visitors of the Hotel Valley Ho enjoy the hotel's trendy ambiance. Having originally opened in 1956, this chic hotel has been Old Town Scottsdale's hip lodging spot for more than half a century. The Preferred Lifestyle property's exciting atmosphere and friendly customer service immediately caught the eyes and ears of travelers, but the hotel's retro style, which features bright colors and vintage furniture, is what ultimately stole guest's hearts. In addition to impeccable decor, guest rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows and private patios or balconies, as well as flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi access and morning bars with complimentary coffee. If you're looking to mix and mingle with fellow chic clientele, head to one of two on-site pools or plan to attend the evening happy hour at ZuZu, which serves up seasonal American fare and late afternoon libations. And remember, if you're a member of the Preferred-affiliated iPrefer Hotel Rewards loyalty program, you can earn or redeem points while staying here.

Sandwiched between Mummy and Camelback mountains, the JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa is a great place to catch a glimpse of the Valley of the Sun at its finest. Downtown Phoenix is an easy 13-mile drive away from this JW Marriott, and downtown Scottsdale – full of shops, bars and art galleries – is 5 miles away. With numerous pools, two championship golf courses and tons of alfresco spaces, travelers feel the hotel provides plenty of opportunities to kick back and enjoy the surrounding desert view. Meanwhile, the Spa at Camelback Inn attracts relaxation-seekers with its soothing skin treatments, and the various on-site eateries are appreciated for their convenience. As for lodging, travelers loved the Southwestern-style decor as well as the private patios and balconies that came with them. What's more, Marriott Bonvoy members receive added perks like free Wi-Fi access during their stays here.  

Flanking Sabino Canyon in Tucson's upscale Catalina Foothills district, the Loews Ventana Canyon Resort is home to 398 spacious guest rooms, each with its own balcony with sweeping desert mountain views — not to mention Keurig coffee makers, flat-screen TVs and minibars. But guests don't recommend spending too much time in your room: Many praise the resort for its two sprawling pools (one for adults only), as well as its Lakeside Spa + Fitness center. And thanks to two 18-hole PGA golf courses, multiple tennis courts and a scenic walking trail, you can experience the property's stunning environment and burn calories at the same time (which means you can indulge in all of the flavorful Southwestern cuisine you want at the Flying V Bar & Grill without feeling guilty).

This mammoth resort in northern Phoenix is a major convention and family vacation hub. Though the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa can sometimes feel a little busy when it's hosting a special event, you should have no trouble finding a little peace and quiet. The sprawling property houses tennis courts, two 18-hole championship golf courses, multiple restaurants and several pools (not to mention a lazy river), so there's plenty of space to go around. Should you really require some alone time, you can always head to the Revive Spa or retreat to your guest room, where you'll find a soaking tub, a flat-screen TV and your own private balcony. Be warned that in-room Wi-Fi access costs extra. To help calm any financial worries, keep in mind that since this JW Marriott property honors Marriott Bonvoy points.

The We-Ko-Pa Resort & Conference Center incorporates soothing Native American elements into its design, such as the desert-inspired color palette found throughout the hotel. Think of this as a relaxing retreat with gambling on the side – you can test your luck 24 hours a day at the Fort McDowell Casino. The property also boasts the highly acclaimed We-Ko-Pa Golf Club (housing two championship courses) and the full-service Amethyst Spa. Meanwhile the Ahnala Mesquite Room earns praise from recent guests for its firey Southwestern cuisine. Visitors say they slept well on the hotel's Sleep Number beds and said the staff is friendly and helpful. Also, you'll be a 30-mile drive from downtown Phoenix, so renting a car is a must.

Set at the base of the Phoenix Mountain Preserve, this 27-acre Hilton property is more like an oasis than a resort. The climate is warm, the location is peaceful and the pool is its own little island – dotted with palm trees, waterfalls and jagged rock formations. But that doesn't mean all you should do is lounge around. The Pointe Hilton is brimming with activities for all ages, with many guests saying it's the perfect getaway for families. Children will reach nirvana at the River Ranch, which has 4 acres of pools outfitted with a waterslide and lazy river (a crowd favorite), as well as miniature golf and Coyote Camp, the property's kids day camp. Adults can get their fill of fun by playing a round of golf or tennis, or treating themselves to some down time at the 10,000-square-foot spa. In-room amenities are just as plentiful, with suites all featuring Hilton Serenity Beds, flat-screen TVs and Wi-Fi access (which is included in the nightly $26 resort fee). At Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort, Hilton Honors members can use and earn points.

Sitting in northern Scottsdale – near the McCormick Ranch and Camelback golf clubs – The Scottsdale Plaza Resort has been welcoming Valley of the Sun visitors for more than 25 years. This property has made a name for itself as a hot convention spot, thanks to its ample meeting space (21 meeting rooms, 58 breakout suites and an amphitheater). Even if you're not here on business, recent guests give the Scottsdale Plaza Resort a thumbs-up, citing the resort's five swimming pools and on-site spa, not to mention three outdoor whirlpools. Meanwhile, guest rooms here earn praise for their in-room minibars and flat-screen TVs; however, some guests complain about having to pay a daily resort fee.