Best Hilton brand hotel/resort pool in Phoenix/Scottsdale?
 

My college daughter and I are taking a trip in August before school starts back up. I’m having analysis paralysis picking a place to stay. Must be a Hilton property. Priority is a good pool setting and prefer nicer room with view. Current reservation at Embassy Suites Phoenix/Scottsdale, in a Mountain View suite, but it’s not a “resort”. Other contenders are Hilton Scottsdale Resort, Tapatio Cliffs and Resort at the Peak (formerly Squaw Peak) - the last two give me pause as I’ve read they are really water parks that can be overcrowded with day trippers. We just want to relax in a pretty pool setting possibly with a cocktail! Any recommendations?

Welcome to Fodors. OK -- has to be a Hilton property. I get that. But is there a reason you chose Phoenix in August? Lounging out by that gorgeous resort pool would only be comfortable before 10AM and after midnight.

Yes my daughter has 5 days off between her summer job ending and college semester starting so this is when we can go and we were challenged to find good flights from two different areas of the country. Wasn’t my first choice but we’re going to make the best of if! I’m sure we’ll be ok IN the pool at least.

We've stayed in the Tapatio Cliffs property and really enjoyed it. I know they have pools and a golf course, but I don't recall seeing a water park there. We ate at their restaurant - excellent. But it will be absolutely blisteringly hot, and the rocky Phoenix landscape is on full display (spectacular, but of course very dry).. When in the Scottsdale area, I really didn't even feel like it was Arizona - landscaping is more of a northern, green lushness that is jarring when you consider how much water that would consume. But it might feel cooler and moister. The Hilton there also serves very good food, as I recall. Stayed once there as well.

I would drive to Sedona or Flagstaff. You wouldn't have to be indoors nearly all day (it's usually 20 degrees or more cooler than Phoenix in either place), and there are things to do and see. Several Hilton properties.

I agree -- Flagstaff is at nearly 7000 ft and average highs in August are around 80°F as opposed to 110° (and often higher) in Phoenix. Plus a big difference with nighttime temps 55° vs 90°-ish.

Sedona has more resorts and posh properties but is only maybe 10° cooler than Phoenix. But even that would be more bearable than Phoenix/Scottsdale.

I second Jean's and janisj's advice of Sedona or Flagstaff, if you can. Be sure to wear plenty of sunscreen, wherever you decide, and drink lots of water. You might not realize how dehydrated you are getting until you start feeling really bad.

"Best"?
I'd pick the Biltmore -
https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/phx...zona-biltmore/
Maybe a room with a pool view.
https://www.arizonabiltmore.com/about/history

They should also go out to Taliesin West -
https://franklloydwright.org/taliesin-west/
A night tour is lovely.

I’ve stayed at Tapatio Cliffs three times and it’s really a great resort. The largest pool complex has a water slide but I wouldn’t call it a water park. I recall that there are nine pools scattered about. The hilly terrain is fabulous with views everywhere, but the circulation both driving and walking is disorienting, follow the signs. There is a free shuttle on demand to scoot you around. The restaurants are overpriced but the nearby Via Delosantos restaurant is a local legend.

Tapatio Cliffs has the same layout, 1 bedroom suites, as Embassy Suites. Every room has a private patio or balcony.

The sister property (formerly Squaw Peak) has a water park and at least previously guests at one resort could use the pool at the other.

Temp: I was in Phoenix the first 10 days of June and as long as it’s below 105° it’s comfortable to sit in the shade. August can be humid depending upon the “monsoon” so in that case maybe not so comfortable.