Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort

Great Deal in the summer

This hotel was very inexpensive, while traveling in August. I only paid $99/night for our stay. This included a suite that consisted of a living room and a bedroom. The grounds were very nice, with a few pools and even a basketball half court. The location was close enough to everything, but secluded enough to be relaxed.

I don't get it

What is a "resort"? The Hilton Tapatio Cliffs makes me wonder about that word. The first room we were given was down a dark walkway next to a rock wall, with a view of a driveway, and NO nearby amenities, not even a pool. We went back to registration (a LONG trek) and were told that the Tapatio Cliffs isn't really "a view property". Getting there doesn't help -- it's right in the north Phoenix land of payday loans and cheezy franchises. Sure enough: if you walk to certain points on the property, you can see over cliffs towards city lights, if that's your idea of a view. We were offered a less dank room for $35 extra -- on top of the outrageous normal charge. And we're not talking lavish rooms here -- our main bathroom at home desperately needs updating, but it's a lot better than the uninspired one of our Hilton room. But back to the question of what is a "resort": If Hilton crammed any more rooms into this property the whole thing would collapse because no one would be able to drive around. Perhaps 20% of the rooms have a view of anything other than a parking lot. Hilton mentions the "eight pools", but a complex at the far "left" end closes at something like 8 pm, and all other pools are small and relatively shallow. There is a single water slide tube, oh boy. Restaurants? Well, there are two very expensive places, one of which monopolizes the only striking view in the whole place. There is a "cantina" that is a pathetic-looking bar with a few tables, and coffee and sweet rolls available in the gift shop. Thrilling, huh? When you think of "resort", what amenities do you think of? OK, there are some tennis courts and a golf course next door, but that's pretty much it. For the life of me, I can't figure out why anyone considers this a "resort". The only reason I can see why people come here: because their companies send them -- while we were there no fewer than five different business conferences were in progress. I don't think independent travelers would come here for a "resort" experience, certainly not twice!

Unique Quality: NONE.

Gorgeous Views

Tapatio Cliffs Resort

Overall this is a very nice resort like hotel. The resort is split up into several different buildings that are scattered along a steep, very steep cliff area. I found it to be a unique experience from staying in a 'regular' hotel. The hotel has several small pools scattered around the grounds (6 I think total). There is an "adult" pool below the main lobby area which has the nice cushy chairs and a bar right next to it so you can order drinks poolside. The adult pool is quite small also. And, no children under 16 are allowed however, this is not enforced as there were several kids in the pool, to my disappointment parents REFUSE to follow the rules. Do not be fooled by the advertisement for the hotels Wonderful Waterfall and Grotto pool area. We went there once and it was so packed, and I mean packed with screaming kids I refused to get in the water there were so many. You do not need your keycard to get into any of the pools, anyone could just drop off their kids for the day if they wanted! I could not relax and was upset that the pool was such a "family" pool. The grotto is a joke, it is a tiny hot tub. YAY. Customer service pool side in the waterfall pool is a joke, you put your little flag up and it takes and hour for them to even acknowledge you, sometimes they walk right by you without looking at you.

Unique Quality: Our room was large, we had a suite which had a separate living room and wet bar area with a small refrigerator. There is a coffeemaker in room, television, and all the amenities of a regular hotel. We did not eat at any of the hotel restaurants, prices were a bit outrageous and we prefer to get out and about in the city and try to find places to eat. The rooms, or at least ours, need some updating. Furniture and the marble countertops are a bit dated. And what is with the brass hardware? Ick. How tacky, brass. The bathroom faucet knobs were nearly broken, kind of loose and hanging off. It's the little things that annoy, particularily when it is a Hilton and you pay good money, I expect the rooms to be farily updated and reasonably maintained.
We had a balcony off of our unit which was nice to sit on and drink a glass of wine. The resort is laid out really nice and it was very unique. The roads are steep and you can get quite a workout walking around.

• Opinion of Price: more expensive than average
• Related to: Luxury Travel, Spa and Resort, Desert

Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort Photo: ENTRANCE OF TAPATIO CLIFFS HILTON HOTEL

4 more images

---

Was this Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort review helpful?

Older But Still Nice

This property has been around for a long time. My brother was a bartender here years ago and it used to be the hub for many pilots and flight attendants to stay over.

The facilities are nice, pool is great, and the views are nice. Haven't been in a room for a long time, but the conference facilities are nice too.

Unique Quality: Parking is a negative, but the Hilton experience makes up for that shortcoming. You also have to cross 7th street to head south...not easy to do during peak hours.

Tapatio 3

• Opinion of Price: more expensive than average

Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort

---

Was this Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort review helpful?

Tapaito2

• Opinion of Price: more expensive than average

Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort

---

Was this Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort review helpful?

A nice resort!

Great resort to stay at. The food is fantastic...definately worked on my tan in the 100+ degree weather!

Unique Quality: Great pool. and wonderful view!

• Opinion of Price: more expensive than average

Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort

---

Was this Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort review helpful?