Commanding a prime location on the river, this hotel stands a cut above the competition, while pricing itself a step below. Looking like just another stuffy highrise, it is, in fact, a unique hotel with an extravagant aquatic playground. In the lagoons, ponds and waterfalls, guests can dive, feed indigenous fish, ride a water slide, swim through an artificial coral reef and a waterfall-drenched grotto, and sunbathe on two beaches of nonstick silicon sand.
Breezes blow through a grand yet understated lobby, elegant with pressed-metal ceilings, Persian-style fans, carved sandstone murals, local flora, Arizona flagstone, terra-cotta floors, and new furniture
in strong warm colors.
The California-style terrace cafe, with window-walls and marine views, has a display kitchen and a wood-fired pizza oven. The third-floor Japanese steakhouse with a manicured garden is highly regarded by locals and visitors alike. The lagoon bar serves snacks, and the lobby lounge offers drinks, light meals and either piano music or live entertainment.
In addition to the water park, the hotel boasts a free-form freshwater pool, a whirlpool and two tennis courts. The first-floor fitness center is a dazzler 
with a fully equipped gym, saunas, steam rooms, a solarium, flotation tank, massage therapy and aerobics classes. Also in the complex are a hair salon and florist. Golf is in the vicinity, and the marina has moorings, a boardwalk, jogging paths, and a wide range of watersports. The children's center offers arts and crafts, a playground, activities and excursions. A sinuous staircase rises from the lobby to a ballroom for 800 people, eight meeting rooms and a boardroom.
The freshly revamped, spacious and crisply maintained accommodations show earthy-toned green, brown and cream decor, incorporating natural woods and new furniture. Standard amenities include satellite TVs with VCRs and high-speed Internet, minibars, safes, one king or two double beds with cheerful spreads, and balconies. The large baths come with stall showers, roomy tubs, hair dryers, robes and magnifying mirrors. Two rooms are wheelchair-accessible, and 14 floors are smoke-free. Room service is available 24 hours a day. Pets are not allowed.
When it comes to style, this mega-resort can't compete with the glamorous Palazzo Versace. But this family-friendly Marriott offers non-stop fun for families.
