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10 last-minute July 4th resort deals in Phoenix, Scottsdale

Dawn Gilbertson
The Republic | azcentral.com
The Westin Kierland Golf Club.

Your friends are headed for, or already cooling off in, San Diego, Colorado, Flagstaff and other summer getaways.

Every other cubicle at work is empty and the folks who are there are talking about their Fourth of July picnics, concerts and fireworks plans.

With summer's most popular long weekend approaching, no one wants to be a holiday have-not.

RELATED:27 Fourth of July events around Arizona

Here's a last-minute option: Book a room at a local resort. Rates are substantially discounted from peak-season prices, there are activities galore and no airfare or tank of gas is required.

On a budget? Check in for one night on Thursday, when rates are generally lowest, though you will miss many of the holiday activities. Don't care where you stay as long as it's luxurious? Check prices on Hotwire.com, where hotels are listed by star rating and location, not name. You don't find out the name of the hotel until you've booked your non-refundable stay. Check Travelzoo for deals, too.

Unlimited budget? Splurge on a suite, cabana or, at the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale, a $300 private gondola ride with champagne during its fireworks show.

RELATED:A great deal? First check fees at Phoenix-area resorts

Note that a handful of resorts have a two-night minimum for those who want to stay on July 4, and there are additional charges for some activities. Prices are room-only rates according on the hotels' websites Tuesday morning and are subject to change.

AAA and AARP discounts might offer more savings. Resorts also offer packages that include perks such as breakfast or food and beverage credits, so compare prices for the best deal. The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, for example, offers a room-only rate of $199 and also has a $199 Sip, Savor & Splash package that includes $50 to spend at the resort.

Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa, Phoenix

Biggest draws: Pools, history, architecture, central location, stunning views from the Squaw Peak Lawn.

Holiday activities: Wine tasting, movies at the pool, barbecue buffets, live music, salsa-making demonstration, poolside drink specials, glow-in-the-dark golf on the putting green, guided desert hikes, tea, spa discounts.

Fireworks: 9 p.m. Saturday, July 4.

Lowest rate on July 3: $189.

Lowest rate on July 4: N/A.

Lowest rate for July 3-5: $239 per night.

Nightly resort fee: $28.

Details: 602-955-6600, arizonabiltmore.com.

RELATED:29 Fourth of July celebrations around Phoenix

People enjoy the wave pool at the Oasis Water Park at the Arizona Grand Resort, Sunday, April 27th, 2015, in Phoenix, Ariz.

Arizona Grand Resort, Phoenix

Biggest draws: The best-in-class Oasis Water Park, featuring water slides, a wave pool, lazy river and more; large rooms; views of South Mountain.

Holiday activities: DJ dance party, magic shows, poolside movies, buffets, pie-eating contests, balloon toss, candy-counting contest.

Fireworks: N/A.

Lowest rate on July 3: $179.

Lowest rate on July 4: $179.

Lowest rate for July 3-5: $179 per night.

Nightly resort fee: $47.

Details: 877-800-4888, arizonagrandresort.com.

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Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort at Gainey Ranch

Biggest draws: Sprawling pool complex with a water slide and sandy beach entrance for young children, an adults-only pool with a shaded bar, gondola rides, inviting back patio, tranquil spa.

Holiday activities: Selfie scavenger hunt, fitness boot camp, water-slide races, live music, crafts, patriotic photo booth, kids fun zone, watermelon-eating contest, water-balloon toss, airbrush tattoos.

Fireworks: 9 p.m. Saturday, July 4.

Lowest rate on July 3: $175.

Lowest rate on July 4: $269.

Lowest rate for July 3-5: $185 per night.

Resort fee: $25.

Details: 480-444-1234, scottsdale.hyatt.com.

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Fairmont Scottsdale Princess

Biggest draws: Massive pools, some with water slides; golf course and mountain views; unparalleled activities; large spa with its own pool; marquee restaurants.

Holiday activities: Two-day Freedom Fest featuring vintage air shows, concerts, fireworks, poolside games including a watermelon-eating contest, a zipline and fishing derbies.

Fireworks: 9 p.m. Friday-Saturday, July 3-4.

Lowest rate on July 3: $199.

Lowest rate on July 4: N/A.

Lowest rate July 3-5: $199 per night.

Resort fee: $29.

Details: 480-585-4848, scottsdaleprincess.com.

Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa in Chandler.

Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa, Gila River Reservation

Biggest draws: Pool with water slide, Native American culture programs, Arizona's only Forbes Five Star restaurant, spa, mountain views, location near Gila River Casino and Phoenix Premium Outlets.

Holiday activities: Soak-and-splash lawn with water activities, live poolside music, lawn games, poolside games and movies, bounce house, breadmaking sessions, jewelry courses.

Fireworks: 10 p.m. Saturday, July 4, at neighboring Rawhide Western Town.

Lowest rate on July 3: N/A.

Lowest rate on July 4: N/A.

Lowest rate July 3-5: $169 per night.

Resort fee: $25.

Details: 866-837-4156, wildhorsepassresort.com/july4events.

Westin Kierland Resort & Spa, Phoenix

Biggest draws: Water park with a lazy river, water slide and FlowRider surf simulator; Deseo restaurant; nightly bagpipe music; proximity to Kierland Commons and Scottsdale Quarter shopping and dining.

Holiday activities: The Fourth of July Big Chill, with a Glacier Glide ice rink, six tons of snow delivered on Saturday and Sunday, ice in the Adventure Pool on Saturday and Sunday, ballroom movies including "Ice Age" and "Happy Feet," poolside games and Star-Spangled Sundown, a 3-D display on the walls of the 11-story resort nightly through July 5.

Fireworks: N/A.

Lowest rate on July 3: $174.

Lowest rate on July 4: $183.

Lowest rate July 3-5: $179 per night.

Resort fee: $25.

Details: 480-624-1000, kierlandresort.com.

The Phoenician, Phoenix

Biggest draws: Pool complex with water slide, setting at the base of Camelback Mountain, spa, terrace with sweeping views, marquee restaurants.

Holiday activities: Ignite festival from July 3-5 features a bird show, live entertainment, poolside games including rubber-duck races, cookie decorating, frozen T-shirt races, s'mores and stargazing, poolside movies.

Fireworks: 9 p.m. Friday, July 3.

Lowest rate on July 3: $219.

Lowest rate on July 4: N/A.

Lowest rate July 3-5: $219 per night.

Resort fee: $29.

Details: 480-941-8200, thephoenician.com.

Visitors play in the pool Saturday, May 7, 2011 at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa in Phoenix.

JW Marriott Desert Ridge, Phoenix

Biggest draws: Sprawling pool complex with a lazy river and water slide, great lawn and patio with views of the McDowell Mountains, spa, proximity to Desert Ridge Marketplace

Holiday activities: Culinary Experience including barbecue buffets, live entertainment, kitchen tours and food painting for kids, pastry demonstrations, pizza and pastry culinary competition, poolside movies, arts and crafts.

Fireworks: N/A.

Lowest rate on July 3: $199 (rooms near a construction zone are available for $129 a night).

Lowest rate on July 4: $199.

Lowest rate July 3-5: $199.

Resort fee: $29.

Details: 480-293-5000, jwdesertridge.com.

Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs, Phoenix

Biggest draws: Mountainside setting, large rooms, pool with water slide, Different Pointe of View restaurant.

Holiday activities: Daily crafts, poolside games including water-balloon toss and underwater fish safari, visit from Wildlife World Zoo, pool party, live music, poolside movies, barbecue buffets.

Fireworks: N/A.

Lowest rate on July 3: $114.

Lowest rate on July 4: $114.

Lowest rate July 3-5: $109 per night.

Resort fee: $24.

Details: 602-866-7500, tapatiocliffshilton.com.

Wigwam Resort, Litchfield Park

Biggest draws: Pools with water slide, large rooms, children's activities, Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa, West Valley location.

Holiday activities: The Great American Celebration on the Patriot golf course on Saturday, July 4, with a DJ, barbecue, drink specials and other activities.

Fireworks: 8:30 p.m. Saturday, July 4.

Lowest rate on July 3: $179.

Lowest rate on July 4: $209.

Lowest rate July 3-5: $159 per night.

Resort fee: $22.

Details: 623-935-3811, wigwamarizona.com.