Stay and Play on North Mountain with Hilton Phoenix Tapatio Cliffs Resort

Hilton Phoenix Tapatio Cliffs Resort Terrace. Submitted photo

Photo, story by Cassie Hepler (unless noted otherwise)

Just 10 minutes from my house in North Phoenix sits Hilton Phoenix Tapatio Cliffs Resort, nestled back onto North Mountain and tucked away where no one would know just how massive this place truly is… 450 acres of desert! Now that I’m dealing with an elderly cat, I have to constantly think about giving her medication every 8-10 hours and with this staycation it was easy to swing home, dose her and leave again (even if she left me a how she feels about me being gone present on the door mat).

Built in 1982, the Spanish Mediterranean architecture is flanked by mountain views and offers suites for all rooms. A less than 20-minute drive to downtown Phoenix, it’s only 15 miles from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport for those flying into the valley. There’s not just one but seven pools to chose from and some are adults only, a 138-foot water slide, hot tubs, private cabanas, waterfalls sprinkled throughout the property, a huge 18-hole golf course, full-service spa and salon, multiple dining options, nearby hiking trails at the adjacent Phoenix Mountain Preserve and seasonal family-friendly itineraries.

During the summer months when it’s sizzling hot outside like most Arizona hotels, there are staycation discounts available. Usually reserved for locals and states surrounding Arizona, it is best to call and ask what specials they have running at the time of booking. Also you want to make sure the room you want (third floor, balcony if you’re physically able) with booking link Available Rooms – Hilton Phoenix Tapatio Cliffs Resort.

When checking into Hilton Phoenix Tapatio Cliffs Resort, loop around and go to the yellow main building that says Lobby and pull forward to not block traffic. Submitted photo.

After a little confusion on where my room was, we got me situated at the top of the mountain after a golf cart ride to get there. It is best to just valet your car and enjoy the rides! You dial 15 from wherever you are to order one. There are even old school phones around the property to call one!

To the left outside my room, that narrow driveway goes up to the top of the mountain and you can see all the horse stables at Hilton Phoenix Tapatio Cliffs Resort. It’s impossible to 3 point turn your car around here but I did do it on my last day but only because it was Monday and more cleared out.

The sweetest suite at Hilton Phoenix Tapatio Cliffs Resort with a fold out couch.

The sink at Hilton Phoenix Tapatio Cliffs Resort.

The toilet and bath were separate at Hilton Phoenix Tapatio Cliffs Resort.

Loving all the green initiatives and that gel made my skin silky smooth at Hilton Phoenix Tapatio Cliffs Resort.

The comfy, cool room and bed at Hilton Phoenix Tapatio Cliffs Resort.

I loved the vaulted ceilings at Hilton Phoenix Tapatio Cliffs Resort.

All of the suites are styled in the soothing colors and traditional patterns of the Southwest, while offering families, couples, singles and business travelers a stylish and comfortable home away from home. The hotel offers one and two bedroom suites with Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs in each room, coffeemakers, complimentary water bottles, minibars, and pull-out sofas. Upgraded suites have fireplaces, wet bars and dining areas while one has a full kitchen.

Straight out on the balcony at Hilton Phoenix Tapatio Cliffs Resort. Saturday was poppin’!

To the right, I could see my house if I had binoculars at Hilton Phoenix Tapatio Cliffs Resort.

To the left, a whole lot of mountains at Hilton Phoenix Tapatio Cliffs Resort.

I was starving by the time I got all settled so off to eat at was first on my list at Pointe In Tyme at Hilton Phoenix Tapatio Cliffs Resort. This restaurant boasts fire-grilled classics in a very relaxed casual scene.

It is dark and cool inside Point in Tyme at Hilton Phoenix Tapatio Cliffs Resort with dark wood everywhere.

One of the best caprese salads I’ve had in a long Tyme at Hilton Phoenix Tapatio Cliffs Resort. I even asked for bread to sop up all that delicious basil.

The main course of salmon with mango puree and quinoa with rice was outstanding at Point in Tyme. This was 2 meals in one!

The sunset at night from the balcony was very orange and soothing at Hilton Phoenix Tapatio Cliffs Resort.

That night I had a hard time sleeping, always the case in a new place however this time my back was getting the stabbing pains from my scoliosis fusion and I blamed it on the mattress and pillows. I soon found out that wasn’t the case…

Walking down the hill past The Falls water park is this trail that takes you to hiking at Hilton Phoenix Tapatio Cliffs Resort.

If you want to go to the desert, go left. Right to the water and sports shop if you need anything at Hilton Phoenix Tapatio Cliffs Resort. We went to the right.

It was time to checkin to our cabana for the day at Hilton Phoenix Tapatio Cliffs Resort, lucky number 17. If you don’t know, 7 is my lucky number and most places I go have a 7 attached somehow…

The fridge was full of cold water, the fan was running and misters on a timer for an hour intervals made the heat bearable at Hilton Phoenix Tapatio Cliffs Resort. The curtains and the wind kept fighting so pulling them shut was not really an option.

My view from inside the cabana at Hilton Phoenix Tapatio Cliffs Resort. Caves like this are a pale girl’s dream by the way, it keeps us from becoming lobsters.

Our favorite pool at Hilton Phoenix Tapatio Cliffs Resort was away from most everyone, quiet and relaxing. You can see our balcony up top in the distance.

Soon it was time for a massage at Tocaloma Spa & Salon at Hilton Phoenix Tapatio Cliffs Resort.

Checking in was a breeze at Tocaloma Spa & Salon. The receptionist hid for this photo, please always ask first.

You can get your nail and hair done at Tocaloma Spa & Salon.

And of course products galore at Tocaloma Spa & Salon.

My masseuse Robert at Tocaloma Spa & Salon was outstanding. He had strong hands and worked out my shooting back pain down my spine that was from just being part robot, not the bed as I suspected. Deep tissue pressure was perfect for me and his home base is on my cross streets!

Back to the cabana and I was hungry post massage and this veggie tray is included in your cabana booking at Hilton Phoenix Tapatio Cliffs Resort.

A sucker for a BLT of any kind, this wrap was on whole wheat with french fries from Cascades Café at Hilton Phoenix Tapatio Cliffs Resort.

I’ve heard of Different Pointe of View before but never realized it was so close to home now. We went for the van ride up the mountain which is quite an intense climb 1,800 feet above the city, I don’t recommend it before dinner unless you want to be a sweaty mess. This sleek American restaurant with Mediterranean influences has rare panoramic Phoenix city views and the best place to watch the sunset, we were quite blown away as was everyone else who stepped outside as soon as that sun was past the mountain. If you go for dinner on the patio, there are no reservations needed and the best views you’ll get are outside. I assume in the fall and winter they open up more seating, we were on lounge chairs so it was slightly awkward to eat.

Once we climbed out of the van, there were a lot of wows being said at Different Pointe of View.

Different Pointe of View restaurant as you drive up.

The entrance to Different Pointe of View. The elevator was broken when we went, call ahead and make sure it is working if you need it at Different Pointe of View.

The regal stairs going up the stairs at Different Pointe of View.

Heading inside the Terrace Room at Different Pointe of View.

The bar to the left at Different Pointe of View.

Perched on a mountaintop, Different Pointe of View’s menu is based on innovative flavors and prepared with fresh herbs and vegetables. There is a Chef’s Tasting Menu with wine pairings offered as well if money is no matter, otherwise you can have a perfectly lovely time snacking and enjoying some mocktails or cocktails. The patio offers romantic views while The Terrace Room lounge is ideal for cocktails or after-dinner cordials.