Best Scottsdale Hotels with Pools: Top 5 Resorts for 2025

Planning a Scottsdale getaway and staring at endless hotel listings where every single one promises a “stunning pool”?

Here’s what nobody tells you: Most Scottsdale hotel pools fall into two categories—disappointing rectangles that look like your local gym, or genuinely spectacular resort pools buried at properties 40 minutes from anywhere you’d actually want to be.

The desert heat isn’t optional here. From April through October, temperatures hit 95-115°F. Your hotel pool isn’t just a nice amenity—it’s survival equipment.

But Scottsdale’s also famous for resort culture. The best hotels in Scottsdale with pools deliver experiences you genuinely can’t find elsewhere: lazy rivers winding through desert landscaping, multi-level waterslides carved into artificial rock formations, swim-up bars serving prickly pear margaritas, and adults-only infinity pools overlooking Camelback Mountain.

The problem? Most hotel comparison sites bury these gems between mediocre chain hotels, or only show you $800/night mega-resorts most families can’t afford.

Here’s what separates the best Scottsdale pool hotels from overpriced disappointments:

• Resort-quality pools (lazy rivers, waterslides, swim-up bars—not just blue rectangles)
• Smart location (North Scottsdale luxury OR Old Town proximity—not dead zones)
• Actual value (spectacular pools without requiring trust fund budgets)

This guide reveals the 5 Scottsdale hotels with pools that actually deliver on the photos—from family water parks to adults-only desert oases.

By the end, you’ll know exactly which Scottsdale resort pool matches your trip style and won’t waste $400/night on a disappointing rectangle.

Quick Answer: Best Scottsdale Hotels with Pools

Quick Recommendation:

• Best Family Pool → Fairmont Scottsdale Princess (water park scale)
• Best Value → Talking Stick Resort (premium pools, fair prices)
• Best Luxury → The Phoenician (7 pools, adults-only options)
• Best Mid-Range → Hilton Scottsdale Resort (lagoon pool, swim-up bar)
• Best for Young Kids → Great Wolf Lodge Arizona (indoor, year-round)

Best Scottsdale Hotel with Pools? This one:

Best Value Hotel with Pools in Scottsdale? This one:

Why Scottsdale Hotels Have the Best Pools in Arizona

Scottsdale didn’t accidentally become Arizona’s resort capital. The combination of reliable sunshine (300+ days annually), dramatic desert landscapes, and wealthy demographics created the perfect environment for resort pool culture to flourish.

Weather drives everything. Summer temperatures hit 105-115°F from June through August. Your pool isn’t a luxury—it’s essential infrastructure. Unlike ski resorts where pools feel like afterthoughts, Scottsdale resorts design their entire property around water.

Competition raises standards. Scottsdale has over 200 resorts and hotels competing for guests. Basic rectangular pools don’t cut it anymore. Properties invest millions in multi-level pool complexes, lazy rivers, grottos, and water features that photograph well on Instagram.

Year-round pool season. Unlike most of America where pools close September through May, Scottsdale pools stay heated and operational 365 days annually. October-April brings perfect pool weather (75-85°F), when many travelers specifically visit for outdoor relaxation impossible in their home climates.

Desert landscaping advantage. Palm trees, saguaro cacti, red rock formations, and mountain backdrops create naturally photogenic settings. Scottsdale resorts lean into these visual advantages, creating pools that feel authentically Southwestern rather than generic tropical.

Family vacation destination. Scottsdale attracts multi-generational family trips. Hotels respond with family-focused pool amenities—waterslides, splash pads, shallow entry zones—alongside adult-only quiet pools. This dual focus creates better pool experiences for everyone.

The result: Scottsdale developed a resort pool culture unmatched outside of Las Vegas or Hawaii, but at more accessible price points.

Best Scottsdale Hotels with Pools: Detailed Reviews

1. Fairmont Scottsdale Princess: Best Family Pool (Water Park Scale) ★★★★★

Why families obsess over it:

The Fairmont Princess doesn’t have a pool. It has a 5-acre water complex that makes most Arizona resorts look like backyard kiddie pools.

This isn’t hyperbole. When travel magazines crown Scottsdale as America’s best resort destination, the Fairmont Princess pool complex is usually Exhibit A.

The pool complex:

• Lazy River: 645-foot winding river flowing past palm trees and desert landscaping. Adults genuinely enjoy this—it’s not just for kids floating in tubes.
• Waterslides: Two twisting slides (Sonoran Splash & Desert Storm) built into artificial rock formations. Height requirement: 42 inches.
• Splash Playground: Zero-entry family pool with water cannons, fountains, geysers, and spray features. Designed for kids 2-10.
• Adult Pool: Separate 25-yard lap pool removed from family chaos. Quiet, serene, perfect for morning swimmers.
• Swim-Up Bar: Outdoor bar accessible from the main pool. Order margaritas without leaving the water.

What makes it special:

Most “water park” hotels feel like crowded public pools with screaming kids and no escape. The Princess separates experiences strategically. Families dominate the lazy river and splash playground. Couples and lap swimmers use the adult pool. Everyone stays happy.

Pool landscaping integrates Sonoran Desert plants—palo verde trees, ocotillo, desert wildflowers. It feels like swimming in a desert oasis rather than a suburban YMCA.

Cabanas and daybeds:

Private cabanas rent for $250-500/day (includes refrigerator, TV, ceiling fan, attendant service, fruit plates). Worth it for families planning full pool days—you’re essentially renting a private base camp.

Daybeds cost $100-150/day (shaded seating, attendant service). Good middle ground between towel-on-concrete and full cabana.

Beyond the pools:

Five championship golf courses on property (TPC Stadium Course, where the Waste Management Phoenix Open happens, sits 5 minutes away). Full-service spa. Multiple upscale restaurants including La Hacienda (excellent Mexican) and Bourbon Steak.

The Fairmont Princess is a true destination resort. You could spend 4 days here without leaving property and never feel bored.

Location:

North Scottsdale near TPC. Approximately 15-minute drive to Old Town Scottsdale. You’re choosing resort experience over walkable urban location. Most guests rent cars or use Uber.

Room quality:

Recently renovated rooms (2019-2023) feature Southwestern design, large bathrooms, quality linens, and 55-inch TVs. Standard rooms measure 450 square feet—spacious enough for families.

Casita suites ($500-900/night) include private patios, fireplaces, and more square footage. Excellent for extended family trips.

What to know:

Peak family seasons (spring break, summer) bring crowds. Arrive at pools before 10am to claim good spots. Weekdays stay calmer than weekends.

Resort fees ($50/day) include pool access, fitness center, bike rentals, s’mores kits, and tennis court time.

✅ Best for: Families with kids 4-14, multi-generational trips, golf enthusiasts, travelers wanting self-contained resort experience

2. Talking Stick Resort: Best Value (Premium Pools, Fair Prices) ★★★★½

Why budget-conscious travelers love it:

Talking Stick Resort delivers something rare in Scottsdale—resort-quality pools without resort-level prices. Rates typically run $180-350/night, often $100-200 cheaper than comparable properties.

This isn’t a budget chain hotel with a mediocre pool. It’s a legitimate resort with Native American (Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community) backing, allowing competitive pricing without cutting corners.

The pool setup:

• Main Pool: Massive freeform pool (one of Scottsdale’s largest) with beach entry, waterfalls, and grottos. Surrounded by palm trees and desert landscaping. Feels more Las Vegas than suburban Arizona.
• Adults Pool: Separate 21+ quiet pool with daybeds and cabanas. Smaller scale, more serene, zero kid chaos. Perfect for couples or business travelers wanting poolside relaxation without family resort energy.
• Cabanas: Available for $150-250/day (less than Fairmont’s cabanas but with similar amenities—TVs, refrigerators, fruit plates, attendant service).
• Pool bar: Full-service bar serving Southwest-inspired cocktails, craft beer, frozen drinks. Food menu includes tacos, burgers, salads ($12-18).

What makes it worth it:

Value proposition. You’re getting pools that compete with $500/night resorts at prices closer to mid-tier chain hotels. The trade-off: Talking Stick feels slightly more Vegas-casino-resort than Southwestern-luxury-retreat. But if pools matter more than aesthetic purity, this delivers.

Casino and dining:

Full casino on property (slot machines, table games, poker room). Orange Sky restaurant serves upscale Southwestern cuisine with excellent mountain views. Multiple casual dining options keep you fed without leaving property.

Location:

Salt River Pima-Maricopa reservation near Scottsdale border. About 10 minutes driving to Old Town Scottsdale, 8 minutes to Scottsdale Fashion Square. Close enough to access city amenities but slightly removed from urban density.

Room quality:

Spacious rooms (400-500 square feet) with contemporary design, comfortable beds, large bathrooms, quality linens. Not distinctly Southwestern but solidly comfortable.

Suites ($300-500/night) add living rooms and wet bars. Good for families or small groups.

Resort fees and parking:

Resort fee: $35/day (includes pool access, fitness center, shuttle service to Old Town, WiFi). Self-parking is free—rare for Scottsdale resorts.

✅ Best for: Budget-conscious families, couples wanting value, travelers prioritizing pool quality over boutique aesthetics, casino fans

3. The Phoenician: Best Luxury Pools (7 Pools, Adults-Only Options) ★★★★★

Why luxury travelers choose it:

The Phoenician isn’t trying to be a family water park. It’s positioning itself as Scottsdale’s most sophisticated pool resort—and delivers with 7 distinct pools designed for different moods and demographics.

This property attracts couples celebrating anniversaries, wealthy retirees, and business travelers who appreciate excellent service. If screaming kids ruin your pool experience, The Phoenician curates spaces where that won’t happen.

The 7 pools:

• Mother Pool: Main resort pool (longest in Arizona at 165 feet). Elegant European design, surrounded by private cabanas and daybeds.
• Infinity Pool: Adults-only (18+) infinity edge overlooking Camelback Mountain. Quiet, serene, Instagram-perfect sunset views.
• Canyon Suites Pool: Private pool exclusively for Canyon Suites guests (the resort’s most expensive accommodations). Ultimate privacy.
• Family Pool: Designated family area with zero-entry design and shallow sections. Kids concentrate here, leaving other pools calmer.
• 3 Private Pools: Scattered throughout property for specific casita wings. Intimate, rarely crowded.

What makes it special:

The Phoenician understands that one pool can’t satisfy everyone. Business travelers want quiet. Families need kid-friendly spaces. Couples desire romance. Fitness enthusiasts prefer lap lanes.

Rather than forcing everyone into one massive pool complex, The Phoenician creates distinct environments. You choose your experience.

Pool service quality:

Attendants deliver chilled towels, fruit-infused water, and complimentary sunscreen. Cabanas ($300-600/day) include TVs, refrigerators, personal attendants, and premium service. This isn’t just renting shade—it’s renting an experience.

Camelback Mountain backdrop:

The Phoenician sits at the base of Camelback Mountain. Every pool offers dramatic red rock mountain views. Sunset hours (5-7pm October-April) create golden-hour lighting photographers obsess over.

Beyond the pools:

Championship golf course, world-class spa, multiple upscale restaurants (J&G Steakhouse, Il Terrazzo for Italian). Art collection throughout property. This is a luxury destination resort in the truest sense.

Location:

Base of Camelback Mountain, Paradise Valley. About 8 minutes driving to Scottsdale Fashion Square, 12 minutes to Old Town. Secluded but accessible.

Room quality:

Recently renovated rooms feature elegant desert contemporary design. Large bathrooms with soaking tubs, premium linens, marble accents. Standard rooms start at 450 square feet.

Canyon Suites ($700-1,500/night) deliver true luxury—larger spaces, upgraded amenities, dedicated concierge, private pool access.

What to know:

This is Scottsdale’s most expensive resort. You’re paying for sophistication, service quality, and curated experiences. Families on tight budgets should look elsewhere. But for special occasions, The Phoenician justifies premium rates.

Resort fee: $50/day (includes pool access, fitness center, bike rentals, shuttle service).

✅ Best for: Luxury couples, adult travelers, special occasions (anniversaries, honeymoons), travelers wanting adults-only pool options

4. Hilton Scottsdale Resort & Villas: Best Mid-Range (Lagoon Pool, Swim-Up Bar) ★★★★

Why families choose it:

Hilton Scottsdale Resort delivers family-friendly pool amenities at mid-range prices ($200-400/night). You’re getting resort-scale pools without Fairmont Princess rates or Phoenician luxury premiums.

This property targets the middle market perfectly—families wanting quality pools and resort amenities but watching budgets more carefully than luxury travelers.

The lagoon-style pool complex:

• Main Lagoon Pool: Freeform lagoon design with rock formations, waterfalls, and tropical landscaping. Swim-up bar serves frozen drinks and poolside food. Beach entry allows young kids to wade gradually into deeper water.
• Family Pool: Separate family pool with water features and spray fountains. Shallow sections keep young kids safe. Surrounding patio offers plenty of lounge chairs and shaded areas.
• Cabanas: Rent for $100-200/day (more affordable than luxury resorts). Basic amenities include shade, seating, refrigerator, and attendant service.
• Pool Bar: Typical resort menu with burgers, tacos, salads, sandwiches ($14-20). Frozen margaritas, beer, and cocktails available.

Not as sprawling as Fairmont Princess or as elegant as The Phoenician, but considerably better than generic hotel pools. This feels like a proper resort pool experience.

What makes it worth it:

Value for families. You’re getting 85% of the luxury resort pool experience at 50-60% of the cost. The Hilton doesn’t match Fairmont’s water park scale or Phoenician’s sophistication, but it delivers solid quality at fair prices.

Villas option:

One and two-bedroom villas ($300-600/night) include full kitchens, living areas, and washers/dryers. Excellent for week-long family stays where cooking some meals saves money.

Location:

Northern Scottsdale near Desert Ridge. About 12-15 minutes driving to Old Town, 10 minutes to TPC golf courses. Suburban resort location requiring a car but offering easy access to main attractions.

Room quality:

Standard Hilton quality—clean, comfortable, functional. Contemporary design without much Southwestern character. Rooms measure 350-400 square feet with quality mattresses and updated bathrooms.

Hilton Honors benefits:

Good value for loyalty program members. Standard redemption rates: 40,000-60,000 points/night. Elite members receive upgrades (when available), bonus points, and late checkout.

Resort fees:

$35/day resort fee (includes pool access, fitness center, WiFi, parking). Mid-range for Scottsdale resorts.

✅ Best for: Budget-conscious families, Hilton Honors members, travelers wanting resort pools without luxury prices, extended family trips

5. Great Wolf Lodge Arizona: Best for Young Kids (Indoor Water Park) ★★★★

Why families with young kids love it:

Great Wolf Lodge Arizona solves a problem most Scottsdale resorts ignore: What happens when Arizona heat hits 110°F and outdoor pools become dangerously hot?

Answer: Year-round indoor water park maintained at comfortable temperatures regardless of outside weather.

The indoor water park:

85,000-square-foot climate-controlled water park included with room rate (unlike some resorts charging separate water park admission).

• Water slides: Multiple slides for different age groups and thrill levels. Alberta Falls (family raft slide), Coyote Canyon (racing slides), River Canyon Run (winding tube slide).
• Fort Mackenzie: Multi-level water fort with spray guns, fountains, and a massive tipping bucket that dumps 1,000 gallons every few minutes.
• Wave pool: Family-friendly waves in a large pool. Lifeguards stationed throughout.
• Lazy river: Gentle current for floating on tubes.
• Toddler area: Shallow water playground designed for kids under 5. Zero-depth entry, gentle sprays, small slides.

What makes it special:

Great Wolf Lodge Arizona targets families with kids ages 2-12 specifically. This isn’t a romantic couples retreat or sophisticated adult destination. It’s unapologetically a kid-focused water park resort.

If you’re traveling with young children, this focus works beautifully. Everything caters to kids—from arcade games to character experiences to kid-friendly dining.

Year-round advantage:

Indoor water park operates 365 days. Summer heat doesn’t matter. Winter cold doesn’t matter. December rainstorms don’t matter. Kids can swim regardless of outside conditions.

This makes Great Wolf Lodge Arizona especially smart for visits during Arizona’s less popular seasons (June-August heat, December-January cold).

Beyond the water park:

Arcade, mini golf, story time, character meet-and-greets, kids’ spa services. Everything designed to keep kids entertained for multi-day stays without leaving property.

Dining:

Lodge Wood Fired Grill (sit-down restaurant), Hungry as a Wolf buffet (breakfast buffet), grab-and-go options. Kid-friendly menus throughout. Don’t expect gourmet dining—expect chicken fingers, pizza, and burgers done well.

Location:

North Scottsdale near Wild Horse Pass. About 20 minutes driving to Old Town. You’re choosing self-contained resort experience over urban walkability.

Room types:

All rooms are suites with separate sleeping areas. Standard suites sleep 4-6 people. Themed suites (Wolf Den, KidCabin) add bunk beds and kid-friendly decor.

Rooms won’t win design awards but offer good functionality for families—separate bedroom, living area with sofa bed, microwave, mini-fridge.

What to know:

This is loud, chaotic, kid-focused energy. If you want peaceful adult relaxation, book elsewhere. But for families with kids 12 and under, Great Wolf Lodge Arizona delivers exactly what it promises.

Water park access included with room rate. No daily resort fees (rare for Scottsdale).

✅ Best for: Families with kids 2-12, year-round visits, travelers wanting self-contained kid entertainment, indoor water park fans

Scottsdale Hotels with Pools: Complete Comparison

FAQs: Scottsdale Hotels with Pools

Which Scottsdale hotel has the best pool for families?

Fairmont Scottsdale Princess wins for families. The 5-acre water complex includes lazy river, waterslides, splash playground, and swim-up bar. Great Wolf Lodge Arizona offers year-round indoor water park perfect for young kids (2-12).

Are there Scottsdale hotels with lazy rivers?

Yes. Fairmont Scottsdale Princess features a 645-foot lazy river winding through palm trees and desert landscaping. Great Wolf Lodge Arizona‘s indoor water park also includes a lazy river.

Which Scottsdale resort has adults-only pools?

The Phoenician offers an adults-only (18+) infinity pool overlooking Camelback Mountain. Talking Stick Resort also features a separate 21+ adult pool removed from family areas.

Do Scottsdale hotel pools have swim-up bars?

Yes. Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, Talking Stick Resort, and Hilton Scottsdale Resort all feature swim-up bars where guests can order drinks without leaving the pool.

What’s the best budget hotel in Scottsdale with a good pool?

Talking Stick Resort delivers premium resort pools at mid-range prices ($180-350/night). Hilton Scottsdale Resort offers solid lagoon-style pools for $200-400/night.

Are Scottsdale hotel pools heated year-round?

Yes, most Scottsdale resort pools stay heated and operational 365 days annually. Great Wolf Lodge Arizona‘s indoor water park maintains comfortable temperatures regardless of outside weather.

Which Scottsdale hotel has waterslides?

Fairmont Scottsdale Princess features two waterslides (Sonoran Splash & Desert Storm). Great Wolf Lodge Arizona has multiple indoor waterslides for different age groups and thrill levels.

Do Scottsdale hotels charge resort fees for pool access?

Most Scottsdale resorts charge resort fees ($35-50/day) that include pool access plus other amenities (fitness center, WiFi, parking). Great Wolf Lodge includes water park access with room rate without separate resort fees.

Final Verdict: Best Scottsdale Hotels with Pools

After analyzing Scottsdale’s resort pool scene across price points, amenities, and target audiences, here’s the bottom line:

Best Overall Winner: Fairmont Scottsdale Princess

The Fairmont Princess delivers Scottsdale’s most complete pool experience. The 5-acre water complex, lazy river, waterslides, and family amenities justify premium rates for travelers prioritizing pool quality.

Choose Your Hotel Based On…

If you want:

• Best family water park → Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
• Best value → Talking Stick Resort
• Best luxury/adults-only pools → The Phoenician
• Best mid-range → Hilton Scottsdale Resort
• Best for young kids (indoor) → Great Wolf Lodge Arizona

Booking Timeline Recommendations:

• Peak Pool Season (Mar-May): Book 3-4 months ahead
• Summer (Jun-Aug): Book 6-8 weeks ahead (demand drops due to extreme heat)
• Fall/Winter (Sep-Feb): Book 4-6 weeks ahead

Scottsdale hotel pools aren’t just amenities—they’re the reason many travelers choose Scottsdale over other Arizona destinations. Choosing the right pool hotel transforms a standard desert vacation into a memorable resort experience.

Ready to book? Start with Fairmont Scottsdale Princess for the ultimate family pool experience, or use our comparison table to match your priorities and budget.

Need More Scottsdale Planning Help?

• Best Hotels in Old Town Scottsdale – Walkable boutique hotels near galleries and nightlife
• 10 Best Things to Do in Scottsdale – Top attractions beyond the pool
• Best Mexican Restaurants in Scottsdale Arizona – Where to eat after pool days

Hotels and pricing subject to change. Pool amenities and hours vary by season.