Hilton HHonors - Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort

Anybody stayed here lately? I am thinking of using a VIP award--TEEN at this facility during May and was wondering if it would be good for the entire family (me, wife, two sons, 4 1/2 and 2) It sounds like it would be nice since all rooms are suites.

There will be plenty to do for the kids. Very nice pool area w/slide (your kids are probably too young) and meandering river. Suites are spacious. Overall, however, this property is a bit tired. Have you considered the Hilton Pointe Tapatio? See http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum57/HTML/000910.html

[This message has been edited by cactuspete (edited 02-23-2001).]

Cactuspete:
Are all of the rooms at the Tapatio suites?
Also, is there a golf course on the property of either of these resorts?

Not sure about the rooms at Tapatio.

There ia a very nice golf course at Tapatio, no golf course at Squaw Peak.

All the rooms at both Tapatio Cliffs and Squaw Peak are suites. Tapatio has a golf course, but I'm not sure about Squaw Peak.

It's sure too bad about the South Mountain location. It was a very good location for the Tempe side of Phoenix with a spa as well as a golf course. We used to stay there but didn't the last time because of the change.

I used to prefer South Mountain too. Last October I stayed at Tapatio and was impressed. Haven't stayed at Squaw Peak yet.

Pretty good rate (SE code) for quite a few dates during the summer.

I have read all the archived posts. Will be there for four days and wanted to see if there is any fresh info out there.

Casita / exec room chances?
Free Breakfast liklehood?
Waiver of resort fees likely?
Hidden good or bad things?
Quality of gym?

I am HH Gold (who isn't?)

Thanks in advance.

------------------
I can see for miles and miles...

Bringing this forward to see if anyone has any recent info. Going to see next year's World Series champs , the Cubs http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif , in 2 weeks and was wondering if there is any recent info regarding upgrade chances, breakfast, and if there any particular rooms that are better, or most importantly, quieter than others. Thanks in advance!

Just stayed here president's day weekend.

If I was Upgraded, I couldn't tell. It's a very nice resort, but the rooms look dated.

Received my breakfast vouchers, didn't ask, but they were shoved under our room door later on in the day. One for both my wife and I, each day.

I felt the location was extremely convenient to all of PHX area. There was some construction on Northbound 51 about two miles north of the 51/202 junction coming from the airport. would recommend exiting early, head west to 16th and then head north on 16th. Very easy.

Can't locate my bill so I don't know about resort fees.

Pool areas were great!

Did not work out at the gym as we went for very long hikes each day.

[This message has been edited by Sweet Willie (edited 02-22-2002).]

FYI, they've been closing 51 every night and weekend for construction lately.

.



[This message has been edited by Sweet Willie (edited 02-22-2002).]

I'm headed to Squaw Peak in Phoenix in about two weeks for a 6-night award stay.

Diamond, two rooms, two familes, and the resort is sold out for part of the time that we're there. Requested upgrade, casita, two bedroom casita, etc.

Anyone experiences or advice for a first- time visitor? I hear they have a small executive lounge.

Just wondering if anyone has stayed there recently - upgrade possibilities on regular and award stays, better/best rooms, helpful staff, favorite activities (for kids), etc. We are planning on going during the cool month of August (we love punishment). Thanks in advance.

My memories of that property (from quite some time ago) involve stepping on a bee by the pool. And to think I didn't have any status with Hilton at the time. What an amenity.

Thanks for all the advice!!

My parents and I ( I'm HH Gold) are flying to Las Vegas from Scotland in mid June- spending the first week Sun-Thurs at the Manadaly Bay ( $89 per night) and then to Phoenix for either Tapatio Cliff or Squaw Peak for the next few days before heading back to Vegas.

Probably go to the Tapatio.

Regards
TBS

The_Banking_Scot,
speaking of pool complexes....Mandalay Bay's pools routinely come in top 1 or 2 of all Vegas pools...and there are some killers ones there. I have never stayed at MB so don't have first-hand experience...just web shopping.

To those visiting our fair city: I've not stayed at Squaw Peak, but ate there at Christmas (mixed results, largely due to my brother's teething baby). If I can help you with other ideas for sight-seeing or dining here, drop me an e-mail. Also, do a search here on the "west" section under "travel", looking for Phoenix and Scottsdale. You'll find loads of information.

JP

I live in the phoenix are and have stayed at both during the summer. I think the squaw peak loaction is the older of the 2. I seem to recall more shade there which is a must at 110 degrees. The water area is calmer there and the lazy river is very relaxing. I have pleasant memories of using it with our kids who were probably 3 & 6 at the time. The tapitio is more exposed and busier. It's harder to get any shade there and there is a lot of concrete around the pool area. Beware of scorpions around both resorts as they are in less developed areas of the city. We had one in a dresser drawer. Shake out your shoes before wearing and keep clothes off of the floor when you remove them.

Sharptalk:
From my experiences Squaw Peak was always the busier of the two. When we are at Tapatio, we are almost always the only ones down by the Grotto pool, and this was in April and May. And for shade, Tapatio has Cabanas by the pool that you can rent that has a tv, ceiling fan, refrigerator, table with 4 chairs, and they will bring a bowl of fresh fruit and bottled water for you. This is a great place to get out of the sun. Squaw Peak does not have these. As far as shade is concerned, I did not notice shade at either place, but they both had plenty of patio umbrellas to put up.

I'll be spending 4-5 days at each in late May/early June. After reading this thread, I can't wait http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif I've heard a lot of good things about the Pointe Hiltons and the rates are pretty good at this time.

zipual: I'd appreciate it if you could point me to the right people at Tapatio. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif Email on the way.

I stayed at the Tapatio Cliffs on an award in November and was upgraded to a suite without asking. The staff was very friendly and breakfast in the restaurant was good. The coupons covered most of the cost. The executive lounge was closed during our stay.

We didn't notice any scorpions, but when we returned to our room one night, I noticed movement out of the corner of my eye. A mouse was staying with us. I cornered him in the bathroom and shut the door. The front desk sent up someone to catch him and the mouse was evicted. This must be a constant problem for the hotel with the proximity to the desert. Also, I noticed old sticky traps placed under the bed near the headboard. Needless to say, my wife wanted to change rooms and we did that the next day. The rest of the stay went well except for a noisy HVAC fan in the new room. It sounded like a helicopter flying overhead when it kicked on.

W-N:
They told me the executive lounge closed after 9/11 and did not reopen again until middle of January. It normally closes in May thru Sept. When we were there, the wait staff at the restaurant was kind enough to accept our certs for our entire breakfast for no additional charge even though we had the entire buffet.

We didn't see any scorpions either. Nor any mice. Where was your room? I am guessing in one of the outlying areas rather than the main building?

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by W-N:
...The rest of the stay went well except for a noisy HVAC fan in the new room. It sounded like a helicopter flying overhead when it kicked on. </font>

Maybe it was a helicopter. They do rescues on Squaw Peak & Camelback every week or so...

JP

We stayed over July 4th at Tapitio few years back. I don't think it was an outlying room for that scorpion. Hard to remember. I think all of the rooms are suites at both locations. The only upgrade I know of is to a casita which is a 2 story affair. We've lived in the area for 22 years. We stayed in a casita at Squaw Peak several years ago and the transformer for the hotel blew right outside our casita. There was a loud boom! Then there was no a/c or electricity for the rest of the night with 2 small kids in the room. With some arguing, I think they finally took that night off of the bill. They also didn't let us use the lazy river the first day as a local news crew was filmimg the weather report in front of it and they refused to open the area for paying guests. I think that was a Memorial Day weekend Friday afternoon.

Just got back from Squaw Peak yesterday. We were a little disappointed not to have been upgraded to a Casita again this year but the suites are fine and we were given a stack of breakfast coupons at check in. As usual everyone was terrific.
On the Squaw Peak/Tapatio debate I think it depends on what you are looking for. If you're someone who is looking for a secluded spot then Tapatio is for you. If you want to be nearer the action and have a wide variety of restaurants, shops, etc then Squaw Peak is the place to go.

Just looking for any recent stay information on Squaw Peak - new amenities, upgrade possibilities, excellent hotel personnel to speak to, Kids Camp activities, etc ... going there in late August for a week (I know, 112 degrees in the shade)and would like some "inside" info. Thanks in advance.

The Kids Camp was fantastic in early 2001 when we visited. Each day had a different theme related to the Southwest, and our four year old loved it!

Stayed a week at Tapatio just about a week ago (I prefer Tapatio over Squaw peak for a variety of reasons). As a Diamond, I was upgraded to a "Presidential Suite", basically twice the size of the regular suite plus a fireplace, Jacuzzi, and an extra bathroom.

All Hiltons are suffering the lack of the Vacation Station amenity becuase it was recalled due to safety reasons.

I did stay at Squaw Peak two years ago and was upgraded into the "Casita" section, very nice Condo style lodgings. Both resorts have closed their "executive lounge" for the summer, so just expect coupons for breakfast. Squaw Peak's restaraunt is fair at best, Tapatio is much better.

FYI, Tapatio is doing a special promo $3 breakfast buffets for kids 12 and under, not sure if Squaw Peak is doing the same.

Remember also, both resort provide reciprocal access to the other for the duration of your stay. Tapatio does a really nice Friday evening band and buffet around the pool too! Neat!

I'm planning on going to Phoenix in July to catch a Diamondbacks game. I've never been to the area before and was planning on staying at Hilton Squaw Peak. Any comments would be helpful.

Phoenix is really, really hot in July, so the hotel rates tend to be super cheap. Last summer, Squaw Peak was offering a special summer rate (I think it was either $79 or $89) that included the unlimited use of water park area, coupon book for free ice cream cones, free evening drinks, etc., and reduced pricing for pizza room service.

Although my kids LOVED the water park, it was too hot (~115F) during the day to enjoy it. We did the water park the first thing in the morning.

The Gold perk of free breakfast coupons bought us really nice choice of full breakfast at the Western-themed restaurant for just a few extra bucks.

The rooms are all suites, but most have no real kitchen.

This thread (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum57/HTML/007443.html) not only contains information about Squaw Peak, GoGiants, but also contains links to other threads with even more information.

Also, while in the Hilton forum, use the Search feature for more threads pertaining to Squaw Peak if you did not get enough information from this thread (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum57/HTML/007443.html) and the links it contains to other threads.

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Irony Corner

I was in the Phoenix area (Chandler, to be exact) when I watched the New York Giants win the Super Bowl versus the Buffalo Bills, who lost the Super Bowl with a missed field goal attempt.

I was thrilled. What a great game. Go Giants!!!

Thanks for the help. I never thought about the desert temperatures in July. Maybe it will be a "dry" 115 degrees. I'll never forget that Super Bowl!! Go Giants!!

Your concern about heat reminds me of a true experience, GoGiants...

I remember driving from Seattle to San Antonio via California during the summer back in the early 1980s in a 1979 Honda Civic with no air conditioning. I had the vent open to bring in fresh air but I had the window closed, and I was quite comfortable.

While driving around downtown Phoenix, as it was my first time there, I saw an electronic sign of a bank flashing the current temperature of 102°.

You have no idea how fast I immediately started sweating while rolling down the windows!

Conversely, several years later I found myself in Denver in the wintertime. I had my jacket open and was quite comfortable. Another electronic sign alerted me of the temperature: 4°.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by GoGiants:
...Maybe it will be a "dry" 115 degrees... </font>

It's still stinking hot!

JP

Anyone know what rate this is?

"Plan Description:
LA
ORIGINAL CERTIFICATE REQUIRED AT CHECKIN
ONE CERTIFICATE PER HOTEL STAY"

What certificate are they referring to?

Energy Surcharge Settlement. See this thread: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum57/HTML/006912.html

HH Gold, wondering what if any upgrade I can expect, or how I will be treated. Thanks. Terrapin

This was a few years ago...I was upgraded to a Casita. Main floor: Full kitchen, dining area, living room; Upstairs: bedroom, with a LARGE sun deck. Casita's also have a covered car port.
It was very nice.

Does anyone know if any of the one-bedroom Casita's have two queen beds?

I'm going w/a girlfriend for a spa weekend in August (yes, I know it will be disgustingly hot) and am hoping for an upgrade to a Casita. I have asked for two beds with this reservation. I have found that in many of the suites (various properties), there is only one king bed.

Thanks.

Dawn

We were there about 5 years ago, and yes our casita had 2 beds, not sure if queen or not! Very nice place!

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Terrapin:
HH Gold, wondering what if any upgrade I can expect, or how I will be treated. Thanks. Terrapin</font>

Depends on when you are going. Mid summer will get you upgraded most likely. Spring Break could be more of a challenge.

I stay at Squaw Peak every other week. For Diamond and Gold members, you will most likely get upgraded to a Casita. There are 2 types of casitas....King and Queen. The king casita is set-up like a loft. The queen casita has the bedroom as a seperate room with a door. Both have a wet bar down stairs with a fridge. There is no stove, but there is a microwave. Personally I like the 2 queen bed type. They are bigger. You can visit the following website fore more info:
www.pointehilton.com (http://www.pointehilton.com)

Excellent! Thanks. I was hoping there was a two-bed option in the Casita's.

I'm Diamond, going in August (ughhh)...so I should get an upgrade. Although I know I can't count on it. The worst case is as nice as the Embassy so it really won't matter.

Thanks again!

Dawn

Great place, but it isn't anywhere near Scottsdale....more like central Phoenix.

I stayed there last spring as a Diamond on an award stay. We were given a two-bedroom Casita, that was like a two-story two bedroom apartment. Living room, dining area, bath and kitchen on ground floor and two bedrooms, two baths upstairs. One King and two queens.

I read in a guidebook that because Squaw Peak is in North Phoenix it is 30 + minutes to dining and shopping. But when I looked at a detailed street map, it appears that SP is about 8 miles from Scottsdale - the heart of shopping/dining in the Phoenix area. If you have a car, is SP's location inconvenient? It appears otherwise to be a great place for a swimming-based vacation with the kids.

Hi,

No , with a car it is a few minutes to anywhere in the North Phoenix area ( inc Scottsdale).

They also provide a shuttle service to the Biltmore Mall, Scottsdale Fashion Square and Tapatio Cliffs if you fancy going there.

With the lazy river, pool, mini golf and water slide, Squaw Peak is very good for families

Also good with their upgrades (stayed there twice once as Gold, once as Diamond and got brekfast coupons and an upgrade to a meeting room suite ( 8 seater table in the living room)

Regards

TBS

A major freeway is just a mile away, so it's pretty easy to get most places in Phoenix. As for "main dining", there are lots of good choices within a few miles. You're maybe a few miles away from the Camelback corridor which lots of movie and dining options, you're 5-8 miles away from Scottsdale which has lots of dining and entertainment options as well.

Many years ago, I used to work across the street from here, and would come over to relax after work.

Great location! Your in the hills north end of Phoenix but driving distance to everywhere. Stayed there while attending a conference downtown. Probably was more rested than the average attendee!

It is not inconvient. But there are several Hiltons/ Embassys, etc in Scottsdale that are closer to restaurants and shopping. We had a car, but it was still a 20-30 minute drive to go to dinner in Scottsdale. If you have a family it is a good place for avacation. But there are better places to stay if you are going to spend much of your time in Scottsdale.

I stayed there as a Diamond with the family a couple of years ago. We were upgraded to a 2 bedroom Casita which was really a 2 story apartment. Living room, dining area, kitchen and two full baths. Very nice and the pool area was great for the kids. We didn't mind the drive to dining options at Camelback and Scottsdale.

You'll want a rental car but Phoenix is easy driving. The restaurants on property are good and breakfast certificates are good toward menu or buffet. The other Hilton at Tapatao sp? Cliffs is further from town but is also an excellent property.

The Cliffs is only 5 minutes further out.
I found both to be good properties a short drive to most anything you want.

I read in a guidebook that because Squaw Peak is in North Phoenix it is 30 + minutes to dining and shopping. But when I looked at a detailed street map, it appears that SP is about 8 miles from Scottsdale - the heart of shopping/dining in the Phoenix area. If you have a car, is SP's location inconvenient? It appears otherwise to be a great place for a swimming-based vacation with the kids.

Agree with the other posts, I have stayed at both north and south mountain sites many times on biz and pleasure. The squaw peak property is great for family and kids, if there is room available they upgrade to huge suites, During summer two years ago I ckd in with my wife on biz trip and they had me the presidential suite, it was bigger than my house.
Just make sure you aren't there in the summer(heat), rates change in may and they are very cheap during the summer, but the heat is outrageous. Of course the pool and river will help.....

row1a

If you have a car, is SP's location inconvenient? It appears otherwise to be a great place for a swimming-based vacation with the kids.I have to echo the chorus here: very good location, great with family.

Only location downside I can think of is that it is NOT particularly convenient to Scottsdale and/or Casino Arizona, which are adjacent to each other essentially due east of Squaw Peak.

No east/west freeway runs at that latitude, so you have to travel streets or N/E/S or S/E/N. Allow yourself 30 minutes to Scottsdale (less late in the evening, more during peak traffic). Scottsdale very well may have been the guidebooks slant.

Poker aside:

If you like casino poker (Texas Hold'em, et. al.) Casino Arizona (http://www.casinoaz.com/) is unsurpassed, the nicest poker room I've ever played in. Huge, clean, non-smoking, with a multitude of 10 foot tv screens. So nice that I actually overlooked the poor comps (no drinks).

There are two CA locations; poker is at the northern one, Talking Stick, located at Indian Bend Rd.

I am looking for the email address to Squaw Peak or the name and phone number of the HHonors guest relations manager. Trying to get a couple rooms put together before we go. Got to reservations at Squaw Peak and she implied that I was off my rocker even to ask for anything like that. fwiw, on one of my recent stays there, I talked several times to a person whose title was definately HHonors manager.

Did a search extensively and would appreciate any help. Thanks
OB

Give this a try:

7677 North 16th Street
Phoenix, Arizona
85020
United States
Telephone: 001 602 997 2626
Fax: 001 602 997 2391
Email: phxrr-info@hilton
.com

;)

Is this hotel the closest HH to the Peak. I am going to Phoenix in 2 weeks and wanted to stay one night close to the Squaw Peak. If you haven't done it, a pre-dawn hike to the top is awesome and sometimes crowded.

Thanks.

Thanks Azcoyote, that was the phone number I called and somehow got routed through to reservations where the csr basically told me she was like a muchroom stashed away in the dark somewhere and really didn't know anything. Called back and asked for the front desk and had good, but not perfect, results. Also sent off an email to the one you listed, but haven't heard back.

sgc7, yes this hotel is just around the corner 5 minutes from Squaw Peak down 16th and across Glendale iirc, now called Piestawa Peak (or something like that). Last time we hiked Camelback, so the plan this time is for a Squaw Peak early morning hike (maybe not predawn) to beat the 90 degree heat. Then lazy river and hang out at the pool until it is cocktail hour.

Anyone been to this property recently or know anything about major renovations going on. Read a trip report on another website talking about how disruptive this was to their vacation. Planning on spending a few nights there in Feb. I don't see anything on their website mentioning closed pools or anything.

Thanks for the info.

I have not been there since last February, but at that time no major renovations were under way. I have been going every February/April for the last four years or so. In April 2005, one morning while I was having breakfast at the Hole in the Wall restaurant, there was a group of corporate types all viewing extensive plans for what was labelled River Ranch II, The Sequel. Basically, the area around the Old Town out near the far side of the lazy river was being expanded to create more pools/slides/recreation. Also the tennis courts were being reworked. Perhaps this has started.

This link suggests that the South Pointe suites are being renovated and scheduled for completion in October. http://www.funjet.com/destinations/HotelProfilesPage.asp?parent=PHXSQUW&OAC=&plCode=7575962774

This link suggests the casitas will be renovated this fall. http://www.sidestep.com/hotel/hoteldetails1/us/az/phoenix/pointe_hilton_squaw_peak_resort

These renovations do not appear to concern the River Ranch and are scheduled to be completed by the end of the year.

This link suggests that the South Pointe suites are being renovated and scheduled for completion in October. http://www.funjet.com/destinations/HotelProfilesPage.asp?parent=PHXSQUW&OAC=&plCode=7575962774

This link suggests the casitas will be renovated this fall. http://www.sidestep.com/hotel/hoteldetails1/us/az/phoenix/pointe_hilton_squaw_peak_resort

These renovations do not appear to concern the River Ranch and are scheduled to be completed by the end of the year.


Thanks for the quick reply, yes the info at funjet and sidestep seems to concur with what was described on the trip report I read.

We stayed there at end of July. The renovations were definely in full swing, but I don't see how they could have "ruined" anyone's vacation. The river ranch was not impacted in any way. I had booked one Casita and one std room, while my father has booked a std room. Everyone ended up being upgraded to Casitas, so I think we might have benefited from the renovations, fewer std rooms available resulted in everyone getting a casita. Of course once they start renovating the Casitas that will reverse itself.

The only issue with the renovation I noticed was that parts of the parking lot and roads were closed due to construction. That made a large resort even harder to get around as all the traffic was forced to one side. That made the lobby a long walk from my room. After the first time, I always drove whenever I needed to go to the front part of the property.

We stay there at least two times each year. I know of know onging rennovations, although we haven't been there since Easter weekend.
This is a great place to go with kids!

How are the hotel restaurants? Worth eating at? Any suggestions for nearby dining?

We ate at both of the main restaurants. The "Hole in the Wall" steak house was OK, but I found it a bit messy and full of kids for my liking. Of course if your bringing kids, you will feel right at home. My steak was decent, and I beleive everyone else in our party enjoyed their meal.

There is a place up front called Lantana, or something like that. I enjoyed that place much more. For breakfast, Lantana has both a buffet and table service. While the "Hole" only offers table service. If you get coupons, they work either place, but as usual only good for the value of the buffet.

I don't have any off-property reccomendations.

The river ranch was not impacted in any way.You've gotta love the river ranch. Too cool.

We ate at both of the main restaurants. The "Hole in the Wall" steak house was OK, but I found it a bit messy and full of kids for my liking. Of course if your bringing kids, you will feel right at home. My steak was decent, and I beleive everyone else in our party enjoyed their meal.

There is a place up front called Lantana, or something like that. I enjoyed that place much more. For breakfast, Lantana has both a buffet and table service. While the "Hole" only offers table service. If you get coupons, they work either place, but as usual only good for the value of the buffet.

I don't have any off-property reccomendations.

Right on comments. Both places are great for breakfast especially if you have the breakfast coupons because you can redeem them for about $8.00 towards whatever you get. One of my alltime favorite breakfasts is Huevos Lantana at the Lantana. Kids love the waffles with strawberies and cream. The Hole in the Wall is a cowboy themed restauarant with an outside patio that looks over the pool. Beautiful view of the Peak and palm trees. Weather dictates inside/outside. The food at the Hole in the Wall is decent and will fill you up and earn HHonors points on your bill, but it is not what i would call fine dining. Think Applebees plus with a cowboy decor. Lantana is a bit more upscale but still casual. Good food but not cheap. Lantana also has a decent happy hour with half price drinks/appetizers.

There is a sportspub named Gallaghers right next door that is good for Burgers and beer one night and idine miles too (and you can send the kids back early and then watch a bit of a ballgame and have a beer.). We normally have 15-20 people and I manage to score about 2500 miles for dinner. For pizza, Oreganos is a favorite. There are several. We usually hit the one on Camelback. if you look, i think there are restaurant reviews in the West travel forum or the dining forum.

I stayed there 21 - 22 August. The renovation took place at the South Pointe building (right wings facing casitas). The South one is the one where the Resort Registration is located. Therefore the pool there was closes, all other pools and the River Ranch were open.