Pointe South Mtn Resort

Phoenix is obviously a huge city with many, many things to do...which I don't plan to cover here. I'm going to focus on a few things right around the Point Hilton, South Mountain Resort in south Phoenix (right on the border with Tempe). Specifically, check out the breakouts on the hotel's new waterpark "The Oasis", Rustler's Rooste restaurant, and the Arizona Mills mall, all within 5 minutes of the resort itself.

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If you're visiting the Phoenix area from out of town, you'll definitely need a car to get around...especially in the summer (don't want to walk to far in that heat!). However, if you're just coming for a short 1-2 day relaxing trip in the late fall or winter, a stay at the Pointe South Mountain could easily be done without a car.

We've stayed at the Pointe Hilton at South Mountain Resort twice now...once when we first moved to Phoenix 7 years ago (my company put us up there while trying to talk us into moving...obviously, it worked) and once last weekend (Labor Day 2002). While there have been some major changes in the last 7 years, the basic quality of the resort remains the same.

The Pointe is an all-suite resort which is a necessity for us now with two small children. Our unit had a small kitchenette with sink, refrigerator, coffee maker, and hospitality bar. No microwave though, which actually kind of surprised us.

The room itself is very nice and very comfortable. Even when we folded out the hide-a-bed from the sofa, there was still ample space left in the room to move about and let our daughter play.

The reason that we spent the night at this resort, however (since our house is only 20 minutes away), is for the newly built water park: The Oasis. (See my breakout on this waterpark for more details.)

The resort has great rates during the summer (we stayed for under $100), and with the Oasis waterpark added to the several other pools the resort has throughout the grounds, it was definitely worth it to visit. I don't play golf, but from what I understand from friends that do, the Phantom Horse golf course at the resort is a great course.

All in all, a great resort. Check out their Web site at www.pointesouthmtn.com

One of several restaurants on the grounds of the Point South Mountain Resort, Rustler's Rooste is a traditional steak house that provides some fun for the kids, great food, and great atmosphere.

Located on top of a hill behind the resort (I don't recommend walking there unless you're looking to work up a sweat prior to dinner...the resort provides a shuttle), the Rooste is just that, as it provides outstanding views of Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe and the valley. We had an early dinner and were able to sit and watch the planes take off and land at Sky Harbor airport thoughout our meal (which was an added bonus for our 3-year old).

The food is good, but not overpriced. Mostly steaks, some chicken, and a little seafood (mostly in the surf & turf combos). I was a little surprised that they had some of their extras in an a la carte format. Especially the baked potato, which in my mind, is standard fare when you're eating at a steak restaurant, but what do I know.

Very casual atmosphere with live music and dancing as well. We're not exactly into country music, so we didn't partake, but that didn't stop our 3-year old daughter from grabbing another little boy and showing us their moves on the dance floor.

Also, one of the main attractions (for the kids at least) is the slide that goes from the main lobby/entrance area down to the majority of the tables. The whole time we were there, there was a line of kids waiting to come down that slide. Our daughter loved it as well.

All in all, great food, good atmosphere for adults and kids, and not horribly damaging to the finances. A good combo.

The Oasis Waterpark is a new addition to the Point South Mountain Resort (you must be a patron of the hotel to get in). It's basically a water slide park, complete with 3 towering waterslides, lazy river that circles the park, wave pool and children's pool. And since it's part of the resort, a full bar is available for the adults!

This waterpark was the reason that we decided to spend a night at the resort (the cheap summer rates helped too) and it was worth it. Our 3-year old daughter had a blast playing in the wave pool and floating with me or her mommy on the lazy river. She also tromped around the kids' pool (only 1.5' deep) for several hours as well.

We didn't actually get a chance to go on any of the 3 water slides as the lines were too long while we were there (serves us right for going on Labor Day), but they looked like a lot of fun as well. Note that there is a 48" minimum height requirement for all 3 of the slides.

The great thing about the water park is that it's just a few feet from the door of your hotel room, so you could literally spend an entire day at The Oasis, eat at one of the restaurants on the Pointe's grounds, and never need a car the entire time you're there. Not bad if you're looking for a relaxing weekend trip for yourselves and the kids.

The Arizona Mills mall is actually within walking distance of the Pointe Resort as well, but the streets you will walk on are very busy (you'd be walking right under 1-10 to get there), so it's almost better just to drive. Especially if you have small children or if it's still hot.

The mall has tons of stores (Burlington Coat Factory, Virgin Megastore, Hilo Hattie's to name a few), a Gameworks, a large movie theatre with 20 or so screens, as well as an IMAX movie theatre.

There are also several restaurants in the Mills or on the surrounding parking area including the Rainforest Cafe (a favorite of our daughter's, but a bit overpriced in my mind), Alcatraz Brewing Co. (a decent pub/restaurant), Claim Jumper (look out for the portion sizes at this place!!!), and the Rusty Pelican (never been).

Mills is a great place to wander around and shop for a day and then catch a movie or get some lunch/dinner.

Oh...and there's a Krispy Kreme on the far side of the mall for those of you that need your fix. :}