Is Arizona Grand Resort & Spa worth it? Honest pros and cons
Yes — Arizona Grand Resort & Spa is worth it for families and active travelers who want on-site water-park fun, multiple pools, golf and a large fitness/spa complex included through the resort fee. If you want a quiet, adults-only retreat or expect all meals included, this may not be the best match.
In this guide
Water park and pools — the main draw for families
The resort includes access to Oasis Water Park (a 7-acre water park) as part of the mandatory resort fee; the park features eight-story thrill slides, a wave pool, a lazy river, a water spray deck and a large hot tub. Pool areas are heated to the low 80s year-round and standard pool towels and loungers are provided.
There are several resort pools (Sedona, Camelback, Mountainside) plus a dedicated Adult Only Lap Pool for quieter swims. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult in the water park and the Slide Canyon Tower has a 48-inch height requirement.
- Oasis Water Park included via resort fee (wristbands based on room type)
- Pools heated year-round; pool hours for main pools are 6am–10pm, Adult Only Lap Pool 7am–10pm
- Rules: no outside food/beverage, only sealed water bottles; swim vests/water wings allowed
- Guests can use water-park facilities on check-in day (as early as 12pm) and after check-out (store bags with bell staff)
| Feature | Notes |
|---|---|
| Lazy river & wave pool | Included with resort fee |
| Thrill slides | 48-inch height limit on Slide Canyon Tower |
| Children policy | Under-12 must be accompanied by an adult |
Rooms and suites — all-suite property
Arizona Grand is an all-suite resort with hundreds of suites across the property; suite types include Deluxe Suite, Suite, Suite, with Sofa bed (Resort), Grand Suite and golf-view variants. Suites give more living space than a standard hotel room and many have balconies overlooking the golf course or pools.
Room beds and configurations vary by type; the resort lists specific layouts for each room name, and a guaranteed check-in is available from 4:00 PM (rooms guaranteed by 6:00 PM).
- All-suite property — hundreds of suites across 5 floors
- Common suite names: Deluxe Suite, Suite, Suite, with Sofa bed (Resort), Grand Suite, Grand Suite, Golf View, Suite (Hospitality)
- Check-in begins at 4:00 PM; check-out is 11:00 AM
| Room name | Sample bed setup |
|---|---|
| Deluxe Suite | 1 Double Sofa Bed and 1 King Bed or 2 Queen Beds and 1 Double Sofa Bed |
| Suite, with Sofa bed (Resort) | 1 King Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed |
| Grand Suite, Golf View | 1 Twin Sofa Bed and 1 King Bed |
Dining and bars — several on-site options (not all-inclusive)
The resort has multiple pay-as-you-go dining venues: Lobby Grill (breakfast and all-day dining), The Lobby Bar, Rustler's Rooste (steakhouse), Aunt Chilada's (Mexican), Oasis Bar & Grill (poolside) and Marketplace Café (Starbucks® beverages and pastries). Meals and drinks are not included in room rates.
Guest Suite Dining is available for in-room service from select outlets. Marketplace Café hours and other venue hours vary, so check current times with the resort before arrival.
- Marketplace Café serves Starbucks® beverages and pastries (lobby marketplace)
- Oasis Bar & Grill provides poolside comfort food and tropical drinks during park hours
- Rustler's Rooste is the on-site steakhouse and Aunt Chilada's serves Mexican dinner menus
- Resort rates are not all-inclusive — expect to pay a la carte for meals and drinks
| Venue | Typical service |
|---|---|
| Lobby Grill | Breakfast & all-day dining (wood-fired items, rotisserie) |
| Aunt Chilada's | Dinner (Mexican specialties, margaritas) |
| Oasis Bar & Grill | Poolside fare & drinks (during water-park hours) |
Spa, fitness and wellness
Arizona Grand Spa offers treatment rooms (including couples rooms), a sauna and a menu of facials, massages, body treatments and hair services; spa hours are Monday–Thursday 10am–5pm and Friday–Sunday 9am–6pm. Guests are asked to arrive at least 15 minutes before appointments and must give 12 hours' notice to avoid charges for cancellations or reschedules.
The resort's Athletic Club is a 20,000-square-foot fitness center included through the resort fee; the club welcomes guests age 16 and older and has been recognized among top fitness facilities in the state. Pool hot tubs and a sauna supplement on-site wellness options.
- Arizona Grand Spa: 10 treatment rooms, couples' options and signature treatments
- Spa hours: Mon–Thu 10am–5pm; Fri–Sun 9am–6pm
- Athletic Club: 20,000 sq ft, included through resort fee, guests 16+
- Arrive 15 minutes early for spa appointments; 12-hour cancellation policy
| Amenity | Access / notes |
|---|---|
| Athletic Club | Included via resort fee; ages 16+ |
| Spa treatments | Bookable services with advance arrival and cancellation rules |
| Sauna & hot tubs | Available as part of spa/wellness amenities |
Golf, location and nearby attractions
The on-site Arizona Grand Golf Course is an 18-hole course within a short walk of the resort, and many suites and outdoor venues overlook fairways and water features. The resort sits at the base of South Mountain Preserve, giving quick access to hiking and desert scenery.
Nearby attractions within a short drive or walk include Arizona Mills Mall (walkable in about 15 minutes), LEGOLAND Discovery Center and SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is about a 10–11 minute drive; the resort does not provide an airport shuttle, so use taxi or rideshare.
- On-site 18-hole golf course (short walk from main resort buildings)
- Located next to South Mountain Preserve for hiking and outdoor access
- Arizona Mills Mall and family attractions are a short drive or walk away
- No airport shuttle — taxis or rideshare recommended (PHX about 10–11 minutes)
| Nearby spot | Approximate travel |
|---|---|
| Arizona Mills Mall | About a 15-minute walk |
| Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX) | About a 10–11 minute drive |
| South Mountain Preserve | Minutes from the resort entrance |
Costs, resort fee and practical considerations
The resort charges a mandatory resort fee that covers high-speed in-room Wi‑Fi, self-parking, Athletic Club access, and complimentary Oasis Water Park wristbands (the number of wristbands depends on room type), among other inclusions. Meals, most spa treatments, cabana rentals and some activities are pay-as-you-go.
Practical notes: check-in begins at 4:00 PM with rooms guaranteed by 6:00 PM and check-out is 11:00 AM. The property does not accept pets (service animals excepted) and requires a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit at check-in for incidentals.
- Resort fee includes Wi‑Fi, Athletic Club access, self-parking and water-park wristbands (details vary by room)
- Meals and most beverages are extra — this is not an all-inclusive property
- No airport shuttle; a shuttle to Arizona Mills Mall may be available per third-party sources
- Pet policy: no pets (service animals allowed; a cleaning fee may apply)
| What’s included via resort fee | Notes |
|---|---|
| In-room Wi‑Fi | Included |
| Athletic Club access | Included for registered guests |
| Oasis Water Park wristbands | Number of wristbands depends on confirmed room type |
