Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort

The 584-room Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort is a sprawling hotel designed like a village, comprising a couple dozen two- to four-story buildings separated from one another by small streets with parking lots. Thanks to big arches, terra-cotta tile roofs, and ample verandas with stone balustrades, the yellow and pink-colored buildings lend the property lots of Southwestern character. The grounds, which are hilly in places, are dotted with skinny palm trees towering over cacti, rock formations, and ornate stone fountains, which add to the local flair. Although the architecture is appealing, indoor common spaces have a more generic feel. In the lobby, simple seating in earth tones combines with plain tiled floors and chocolate-brown accent walls, while basic dark-wood paneling stands out against the cream-colored walls.

The many kid-friendly amenities available on-site draw many families year-round, which keeps the vibe lively and even a little bit loud during school vacation periods. However, the layout of the property allows for more serene pockets for those seeking some peace and quiet. The adults-only pool is one of them, as are the golf course and the fine-dining restaurant, Different Pointe of View.

Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort has a scenic location adjacent to the desert and the mountains. The area, located about a 25-minute drive north of downtown Phoenix, is quiet and more convenient for those looking to go hiking than travelers wanting to be close to restaurants, shops, and central Phoenix attractions. The North Mountain Visitor Center is right across the street, but there is little else of general interest in the immediate vicinity. Other hiking areas require a drive, including the Piestewa Peak Park’s trails and the Echo Canyon Recreation Area, each 15 and 25 minutes away, respectively. Old Town Scottsdale’s shops and restaurants are about 30 minutes away by car, as is the Desert Botanical Garden. Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort Phoenix is a 20-minute drive from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

The resort has a total of 584 suites housed in several buildings. They’re all spacious and light, with one or two bedrooms, separate living rooms outfitted with sofa beds, and big windows and glass doors that open to furnished balconies. All units were renovated in 2017 or 2018, but decor is a tad plain and dated, with generic furniture, a subdued earth-tone palette, and dark carpets with geometric patterns.

Each suite comes equipped with a decent range of amenities, including flat-screen TVs, fully stocked minibars, and coffeemakers. Ambassador Suites add microwaves, and Signature and Grande units have wet bars, dining tables, and fireplaces. Wi-Fi is available throughout the property and is included in the daily resort fee. Bathrooms were also renovated in 2017-18 and feature either shower/tub combos (most units) or separate walk-in showers and soaking tubs (higher-tier suites).

Accessible rooms are available on ground floors, but the buildings lack elevators.

This property offers a number of dining options, each in a different part of the resort and with its own character and vibe. Food gets mixed reviews, with many reports of average taste for the price. The main Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort restaurant is Pointe in Tyme, which offers a varied American menu that includes starters such as spinach dip, green chili mac and five cheeses, and quinoa bowls, and entrees such as seared salmon, roasted chicken, and grilled shrimp pasta. It opens for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and has a classic feel, with lots of wood paneling, a fireplace, several booths, and a U-shaped bar.

Different Pointe of View at Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort is a fine dining option set on the highest point in the property, which allows for panoramic views of the mountains and the desert beyond. The atmosphere here is more formal and romantic, with floor-to-ceiling windows and a spacious terrace. It’s popular with locals and visitors alike, and reservations are strongly recommended. The restaurant opens for dinner only.

Cascades Cafe is a casual outdoor spot located at the Falls Water Village. It offers a simple menu of salads and sandwiches, as well as a full drink menu with handcrafted cocktails.

The resort offers a wide array of features, making it suitable for all types of traveler. The Falls Water Village is a property highlight, complete with a 138-foot waterslide, two pools, a 40-foot waterfall, a bar, and a seasonal kids’ club. The Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort waterslide is the favorite among guests. In addition, the resort features a number of other pools, including one for adults and one for families. Cabanas with ceiling fans, TVs, mini-fridges, and seating are available for a daily fee, and there are several whirlpools spread throughout the property.

The Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort spa is small but pleasant, and offers hair and nail services, as well as a range of body treatments. The gym features a small outdoor pool, a dry sauna, and an array of cardio and strength-training equipment. Yoga classes are offered by the pool seasonally. Two tennis courts can be used free of charge, but there’s a fee for loaner equipment.

The resort is also home to 65,000 square feet of event space that can be rented for corporate meetings and weddings. There are 36 meeting rooms of different sizes, plus a 24-hour business center with shipping services. Event and wedding planners are available on-site.

Parking is available throughout the resort in small lots set between buildings, but some guests have complained that there aren’t enough spots for everyone and sometimes uphill walks to the rooms are required. Valets are available, and guests who park far from their unit can take the free shuttle that runs through the property.

Besides Wi-Fi, the daily resort fee covers self- and valet parking, use of the tennis courts, access to the water park, and one hour (afternoon only) of golf practice for two people per room.

Lookout Mountain Golf Club at Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort is an excellent 18-hole, par-72 championship golf course set against the Sonoran Desert and the mountains. The views from the links are beautiful, and some golfers have reported seeing coyotes and other local animals while playing. The club offers private and group lessons, and there is a full pro shop on-site. The hotel offers Stay & Play packages that typically include a round of golf, breakfast, and a one-night stay in a Standard Suite.