Hotel with a good pool?

Question

Re thinking where to stay in Arizona.

Originally I was looking at Sedona and whilst it’s got the stunning scenery we are not walkers or hikers so I’m wondering if there would be enough for us to do there.

Also it’s hard to find a hotel that I’m looking for.

I’m now thinking Scottsdale will have more to offer us.

We can hire a car and will be staying a couple of nights in the Grand Canyon before heading to the California coast. I know it’s easier to stay in Sedona for this reason but there’s no point staying there if it’s to going to offer us what we want.

We are a couple in our 50’s, arriv8ng early September. We don’t hike or walk. Love a nice hotel with a good pool, and places we can walk to in the evening to restaurants and bars.

We like to do day trips to see the scenery, whether that’s in a hire car or on a tour, Big Vegas fans and love the Valley of Fire, Red Rock, Death Valley etc. Hence moving onto the Grand Canyon after Arizona as we have never stayed overnight there and I want to see a sunset and sunrise.

Some are looking for a nice hotel with a nice big pool area. The Hilton Phoenix Resort at the Peak looks ideal but is not in Scottsdale. Are there any hotels similar to this in Scottsdale?

The more I’m looking at deciding where to stay, the more I’m getting confused and don’t know which area is best for us,

Answer

Scottsdale is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a mix of luxury accommodations, good pools, evening walkability, and access to day trips. Unlike Sedona, which is more remote and oriented toward hiking and outdoor exploration, Scottsdale offers resort-style hotels with large pool areas, spa services, and walkable dining and nightlife.

For a couple in your 50s arriving in early September, Scottsdale provides both relaxation and options for scenic drives without the need for strenuous activity. You can base yourself in Old Town Scottsdale or nearby resort areas, which offer walkable access to restaurants, bars, and galleries, while also being convenient for day trips to the Grand Canyon, Red Rock, Valley of Fire, and other scenic destinations.

Here are some hotel options in Scottsdale that provide a big, resort-style pool area similar to the Hilton Phoenix Resort at the Peak:

The Scott Resort & Spa: Stylish resort with a large pool, cabanas, shaded lounging areas, and a lively atmosphere. Located in Old Town Scottsdale, making it walkable to restaurants and nightlife.
W Scottsdale: Trendy, modern resort with a pool area that includes a bar and cabanas. Very walkable location near the heart of Old Town Scottsdale.
The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa: Spacious resort with multiple pools, including a lazy river, and excellent dining options on-site. Slightly further from Old Town, but offers a full resort experience with easy access to Scottsdale and Phoenix attractions by car.
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess: Luxury resort with expansive pools, cabanas, golf courses, and spa. Evening dining and entertainment options are on-site or short drive away. A larger property that provides a full-day resort experience without needing to leave.
Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch: Resort-style accommodations with multiple pools, family-friendly amenities, and a large, relaxing pool deck. Offers dining and bar options on-site and easy access to Scottsdale and Phoenix.

For evening walkability, Old Town Scottsdale is your best bet. It’s compact, lively, and full of restaurants, galleries, and bars that are easy to access on foot from most centrally located hotels. If the pool experience is the top priority, some of the larger resort properties slightly outside Old Town, like Fairmont or Westin Kierland, offer larger pool complexes but require a short drive or shuttle to walkable restaurants.

For day trips and scenic drives:

Drive north to Sedona (2 hours) for red rock views and casual sightseeing.
Grand Canyon day trips or overnight stays: South Rim is about 4–5 hours from Scottsdale.
Valley of Fire (from Las Vegas) and Red Rock Canyon: possible if extending your itinerary into Nevada.
Desert drives around Scottsdale and Phoenix: Camelback Mountain viewpoints, Superstition Mountains, and Apache Trail for scenic desert landscapes without strenuous activity.

In summary, if your priority is a luxurious hotel with a big pool, evening walkability, and easy access to day trips, Scottsdale—particularly Old Town or resort areas near Kierland—offers the right balance of amenities and convenience. Sedona is stunning but better suited for hiking and immersive outdoor experiences rather than poolside relaxation and walkable dining.

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