At the JW Marriott Desert Ridge in Phoenix, kids ride the hotel’s water slide. When temperatures rise, hotel rates at Arizona locations drop — making it a good time to pack up the family and head for the coolest of the desert’s pool-centric resorts. The list of water-fun amenities at many hotels includes shallow areas for tots, dive-in movies at night and even faux beaches. (Tom Tingle / For The Times)
The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess in Scottsdale boasts two of the longest resort water slides in Arizona, each nearly 200 feet. (Tom Tingle / For The Times)
The water park at the Hyatt Regency mega-resort in Scottsdale includes 10 pools with 28 fountains and 47 waterfalls. (Tom Tingle / For The Times)
A speedy current and double-ring inner tubes make Marriott Desert Ridge’s lazy river ride one of the best of its kind. (Tom Tingle / For The Times)
Shallow fountains are gentle on toddlers at the Marriott Desert Ridge. (Tom Tingle / For The Times)
The sleekly designed Mondrian in downtown Scottsdale attracts a young party crowd. (Tom Tingle / For The Times)
At the chic Phoenician in Scottsdale, kids can splash around in the Oasis Pool or ride the water slide. The adults-only Mother Pool is inlaid with mother of pearl. (Tom Tingle / For The Times)
A friendly game of hoops breaks out in the Oasis Pool at the Phoenician. (Tom Tingle / For The Times)
This one’s for the adults: The landmark Hotel Valley Ho in Scottsdale — once a Hollywood star hideaway — has a pool designed to look like a martini glass, day and night swimming and cabanas. The Valley Ho’s a hot spot for young professionals. (Tom Tingle / For The Times)
The rectangular Blue Pool at the Mondrian features underwater speakers that provide music for swimmers. (Tom Tingle / For The Times)
