How to Enjoy a Phoenix Staycation

We recently enjoyed a little staycation and family time before the rush of back to school. I love a good local trip to reset the whole family. It’s so easy to throw everything in the car and head down the road without the stress of traveling.

We were so excited to be given the opportunity to stay as guests of the Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak. Almost 9 years ago my husband and his wedding party stayed there on the eve of our big day; we were married just down the road at Aunt Chilada’s. This time it was great to enjoy the resort amenities and explore the property as a family.

The setting of the Pointe Hilton is beautiful, adjacent to the Phoenix Mountain Preserve you get a piece of nature within minutes of shopping.

We were all excited to check-in and scope out the room before heading down to the pool. What a surprise when we checked in to have a bi-level casita with private parking. This was so fantastic for emptying the car and packing up the next morning.

The room was comfortable and plenty of room for a family of 4.   The first floor had a kitchenette, dining room, desk, living room and a powder room.   The second floor had two queen beds, a bathroom and large sun deck.  We always tuck in early to bed when staying at a resort so we can enjoy a movie or a TV special.

Next we headed down to the pool.  Our oldest couldn’t wait to head down the lazy river and twist down the water slide.  They even have a huge waterfall to sit under and dive through.  Our little guy enjoyed floating down the river and splashing in the shallow play pool.  The River Ranch is open 8am to 8pm most days and with 4 acres of play, there is something for everyone.  There’s even a sports pool with volleyball and basketball.

Before we headed off to dinner we enjoyed a quick round of miniature golf at the River Ranch.  The boys enjoyed their first ever game.  The 18 hole mini golf winds around the lazy river, so keep an eye on little ones.  If you like to do a little pampering during your staycation there is a spa on property. For the dads (or moms) there is golfing and a driving ranges close by.

We built up an appetite between swimming and golf so it was time to eat.  There are several food options on property. With a kitchenette in the room there’s the nice option of bringing some food for lunches and snacks to save on your staycation. If you want to splurge and enjoy a little fun night out, The Hole in the Wall is the perfect spot; a great western themed restaurant right by the River Ranch. The menu boasts fried pickle spears, BBQ, and some amazing cookout desserts like tableside s’mores.  The building it resides in was built and used as a lodge and dude ranch in the 40’s.

For breakfast the next morning we headed over to Rico’s American Grill and enjoyed their breakfast buffet. They have a great selection of a la carte items also. I enjoy the options of a buffet for the whole family and trying a bit of everything. It’s an inexpensive option to let the kids splurge a little and eat cereal, a pastry, a bagel, and yogurt.

On your next holiday why not take advantage of the great resorts right in your backyard.  The Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak offers up a ton of fun and relaxation for the whole family.

Disclosure: This trip was part of a media trip for Hilton Resorts of Arizona. All opinions are my own.