5 Cool Pools at Phoenix Hotels

Summer's brutal in Phoenix, making pools all the more important as a hotel amenity. They've got to be special to keep customers happy. Here are five among many cool pools in Phoenix-area hotels.

Hotel: The Phoenician

Address: 6000 E Camelback Rd, Scottsdale

Distinction: Seven pools, but especially the premier Mother-of-Pearl Pool, which features genuine mother-of-pearl tiles, imported from Italy. Elsewhere, a 165-foot water slide and Surge Splash Pad. Water volleyball, basketball and aerobics are on tap for the aquatically inclined.

Fun Fact: So far, the Mother-of-Pearl Pool is the most expensive pool ever built in the state of Arizona.

Hotel: The Arizona Biltmore

Address: 2400 East Missouri Ave, Phoenix

Distinction: Practically a pool for every mood: the Paradise Pool with its 92-foot water silde; the Catalina Pool, famed for its social events; the intimate Saguaro Pool; the large Bougainvollea, a family pool; and more.

Fun Fact: Marilyn Moore frolicked here.

Hotel: FireSky Resort & Spa - A Kimpton Hotel

Address: 4925 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale

Distinction: Two pools, the Sandy Beach Pool (there's sand all right) and the Torch-Lit Pool, an enclave with blazing torchlight by night.

Fun Fact: The Lagoon, which is a watery getaway in a garden.

Hotel: Clarendon Hotel

Address: 401 W Clarendon Ave, Phoenix

Distinction: A work of art in itself, with a 20-foot-tall glass water wall and a Sicis Italian mural with gold and platinum accents. Also, underwater speakers, a Jacuzzi that holds more than 50 people, and bubbling fountains.

Fun Fact: By night nearly a 1,000 stars light up on the pool bottom.

Hotel: Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North

Address: 10600 E Crescent Moon Dr, Scottsdale

Distinction: Bi-level pool with kid's pool on one end, adult whirlpool on the other, with cabanas and trellis for shade.

Fun Fact: Terrific views of the surrounding mountains and Sonoran Desert.