Despite the grueling summer heat, Phoenix lends one summertime reprieve that most other places around the country can’t beat: There’s a pool to be found almost anywhere. Keep vacation time going, and dip in only the best with these summer pool parties hotels and resorts in Phoenix have to offer all summer long:
Guests enjoy the pool at El Santo Cantina’s opening on Cinco de Mayo. Photo by Cathy Bruegger for AFM
1. Hotel Valley Ho
Every Friday and Sunday, the Hotel Valley Ho invites the public to dip in the sleek pool, listen to summery tunes spun by DJ Mr. P-Body and enjoy happy hour. Sundays feature eight specialty cocktails representing eight cities. Note, however, that the pool is reserved for hotel guests only on Saturdays and on holiday weekend Sundays (e.g. Fourth of July and Labor Day).
Hotel Valley Ho, 6850 E. Main St., Scottsdale. 480-248-2000, hotelvalleyho.com.
2. The Saguaro
The colorful Saguaro hotel hosts Swim Social Weekends during the summer at the main Picante Pool. On Saturdays, exercise with fun water aerobics at 11 a.m. and enjoy DJ Al Page ‘s soul, ’60s and surf music from 1 to 7 p.m. Forgot sunscreen? No problem; the sunscreen station has you covered. From 5 to 7 p.m., “mermaids” and sychronized swimmers provide a whimsical end to the day. Jam with DJs Sean Watson and Hartbreaks on Swim Social Sundays while sipping on the Tincho Cocktail, while munching on the shrimp ceviche.
The Saguaro, 4000 N. Drinkwater Blvd., Scottsdale. 480-308-1100, thesaguaro.com.
3. Clarendon Hotel
If you’re looking for a more laidback vibe, the Clarendon Hotel, situated in the middle of Central Phoenix, features a pool surrounded by colorful furniture and a mirrored water wall. Sip on refreshing drinks from the new poolside bar or from inside at the popular Gallo Blanco restaurant/bar. Staff hands out complimentary bottled water and Otter Pops to help you cool off and relax. Non-hotel guests pay $10 to get in
Clarendon Hotel, 401 W. Clarendon Ave., Phoenix. 602-252-7363, goclarendon.com.
4. Talking Stick Resort
Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m.-6 p.m., join Talking Stick Resort at one of its free Release pool parties, featuring musical guests DJs ERock and Gusto from Vegas, DJ Este of San Diego and DJ Cheapshot from Los Angeles. Rent a private cabana, ready with two reclining chaise lounge chairs, a table, ceiling fan, flat screen TVs and personal fridges from $400 to $550, for the ultimate VIP poolside treatment.
Talking Stick Resort, 9800 E. Indian Bend Road, Salt River Reservation. 480-850-4350, talkingstickresort.com.
5. El Santo Cantina
This Old Town newbie offers guests a resort-style pool, a waterfall and private villas to while away the summer days from noon to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Enjoy a signature cocktail, such as the La Cosmopolita with watermelon vodka, cucumber, lime and pink peppercorn, while you’re ordering up some Baja Mexican fare prepared by former Chelsea’s Kitchen chef Tim Fields.
El Santo Cantina + Patio Bar + Restaurant, 7301 E. Butherus Drive, Scottsdale. 480-584-3801, elsantocantina.com.
Where do you go for a dip to cool off?
