It was known as the Pointe when it opened nearly 50 years ago, nestled in Piestewa Peak near 16th Street and Northern. Today this resort, at the crossroads of the Valley, has a new owner and a new future.
Phoenix based Pivotal Group has purchased The Hilton Phoenix Resort at the Peak. New York’s Fortress Investment Group was the seller. The $100 million acquisition and reposition includes major renovations to elevate and modernize this unique 20-acre resort which enjoys one of the best locations in the Valley. Pivotal’s goal is to elevate the resort to 4 or 4.5-star status.
Built on the slopes of Piestewa Peak in 1977, this resort is an easy drive to Sky Harbor, State Route 51, Biltmore shopping, Downtown Phoenix, golf, and luxury retail stores in Scottsdale while still being steps away from the mountain’s hiking and riding trails and timeless vistas. It’s next to an emerging restaurant and nightlife scene while at the same time offering guests the opportunity to be surrounded by the Sonoran Desert.
The resort is part of Phoenix history, welcoming guests for decades blending desert views, luxury lifestyle, and Arizona cultural traditions. It’s home to the Hole In The Wall restaurant (which was part of a dude ranch in the 1940’s) and a few blocks from Aunt Chilada’s restaurant whose main dining room was a general store dating back to the 1890’s. More recently, President Barack Obama stayed there during a 2015 trip to the Valley.
Pivotal Group plans to build on this history by undertaking a careful two-and-a-half-year renovation that includes:
- Upgrading and complete renovation of the resort’s more than 430 suite style rooms
- Construction of a new adult pool
- Creating a new elevated spa
- A new fitness center
- New and exciting dining options
- Creation of new outdoor gathering and event spaces
- A complete modernization and upgrading of the entire facility
The resort will remain open for this entire process so that guests and visitors can still experience this timeless facility.
“Our goal is to not only restore but to enhance this landmark property. It is still a fine facility, but with some comprehensive and carefully executed renovations and upgrades it can far exceed what came before,” said Pivotal Group Vice President of Real Estate and Principal Julia Najafi.
“We are thrilled that this iconic hotel is now in the hands of a respected Phoenix-area family. The Najafis have a strong track record of contributing meaningfully to our community and have committed to doing so once again. I cannot wait to see how they transform one of the most beautiful properties in our city,” Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego said.
Pivotal currently owns Promontory in Park City, Utah. It used to own the Ritz Carlton in Phoenix, the St. Regis Hotel and Century Plaza in California, and the Red Mountain Spa in Utah.
Ms. Najafi added, “We have long considered buying The Hilton Phoenix Resort at the Peak. It has been a popular destination for business travelers, families, and residents seeking a staycation. We expect the resort’s best days are still to come.”
