Phoenix, Scottsdale summer resort deals
Ditch the kitchen for room service and crank up somebody else's AC for a few days this summer
The moneyed vacationers fleeing winter weather in Chicago, Minneapolis and New York are back home. So are the conventioneers who happily sit in resort meeting rooms all day in exchange for a glorious round of golf or some pool time during breaks.
As temperatures settle into their triple-digit summer norms, the plush Phoenix and Scottsdale resorts those peak-season visitors prize are all ours, for a fraction of the price.
Rates dip below $100 a night at a few spots, and perk-filled packages start at about $150 a night. Yes, the most dazzling resorts still command $200 or more on some weekends but they charge $400 and up in the winter. In short, there is something for every budget.
Remember that starting rates are just that. Rates vary significantly, with the best deals offered during the week and in most of August, when school is back in session. Memorial Day weekend stays can be the priciest because many Arizonans kick off summer by checking into a resort.
And don't forget to add in the nightly resort fees, parking charges, taxes and other extras when comparing offers.
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Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa, Phoenix
Perfect for: Family fun, Arizona history and views of Piestewa Peak.
The deal: Summer room rates start at $125 a night but we love the all-inclusive package, which starts at $215 per night. It includes daily breakfast, lunch and dinner for two, self-parking and the resort fee. It is one of the best deals in town.
Details: 855-689-2878, arizonabiltmore.com/special-offers/.
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
Perfect for: Family fun, pool scene, spa or golf day.
The deal: Rates start at $169 a night. The Sip, Savor & Sand package starts at $179 a night and includes $50 to spend at the resort.
Details: 480-585-4848, scottsdaleprincess.com/special-offers.
Scottsdale Plaza Resort
Perfect for: Affordable getaways with family and friends, tennis, poolside happy hour.
The deal: The Summer Escape package starts at $129 a night and includes a $100 credit that can be used on food, drinks or spa treatments, making it the best resort summer special again this year.
Details: 480-948-5000, scottsdaleplaza.com/specials.
Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak, Phoenix
Perfect for: Water-park fun, hiking in Phoenix Mountain Preserve and extra space (it's an all-suite hotel).
The deal: Rates start at $109 with code SUNSP.
Details: 602-997-2626, squawpeakhilton.com/specials-en.html.
Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs, Phoenix
Perfect for: Water-slide fun, hiking nearby North Mountain, extra room (it's an all-suite hotel).
The deal: Rates start at $89 with the code TAPFAM.
Details: 602-866-7500, tapatiocliffshilton.com/phoenix-resort-deals.
Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North
Perfect for: Secluded luxury, poolside pampering, golf or spa day.
The deal: Rates start at $179. Staying two nights? Check out the Experience More package, which includes a $100 resort credit per stay.
Details: 480-513-5039, fourseasons.com/scottsdale/offers.
W Scottsdale
Perfect for: See-and-be-seen pool parties, nightlife, shopping excursions to nearby Scottsdale Fashion Square.
The deal: Arizona residents get 20 percent off the best available rate, two drink tickets, free Wi-FI and 20 percent off at Sushi Roku and Bliss Spa with the rate code AZRES. Rates start at about $179 with the discount.
Details: 480-970-2100, wscottsdalehotel.com, click on Offers.
Royal Palms Resort & Spa, Phoenix
Perfect for: Romance, spa day, fine dining.
The deal: Rooms start at $149 with the Luxe Lounging package, which includes two welcome cocktails at The Mix Up Bar, two $40 spa credits and a $25 credit to T. Cook's restaurant.
Details: 602-840-3610, royalpalmssummer.com.
Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort
Perfect for: Water-slide and pool fun, family activities, spa day.
The deal: Rates start at $139 per night. A second room is 50 percent off. The self-parking rate is reduced from $19 to $10.
Details: 480-444-1234, scottsdale.regency.hyatt.com.
JW Marriott Desert Ridge, Phoenix
Perfect for: Family fun, golf, poolside lounging.
The deal: Rates start at $139 a night. For extras, check out the Come to Life spa or golf package. Each includes a $50 resort credit, complimentary meals for kids 12 and younger with a paying adult, the resort fee and either free unlimited golf for up to four golfers or one 50-minute spa treatment per day. The packages start at $179 a night. The corporate/promotional code is ZJ5.
Details: 480-293-5000, marriott.com/hotels/travel/phxdr-jw-marriott-phoenix-desert-ridge-resort-and-spa/, click on Deals.
The McCormick Scottsdale
Perfect for: Lakefront getaway, golf at McCormick Ranch Golf Club, concerts and other events at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park.
The deal: The Summer Staycation package is the second-best offer out there this season. Rates start at $99 and include a $50 food-and-beverage credit. It's even available on holiday weekends.
Details: 480-948-5050, millenniumhotels.com/en/offers/summer-staycation/.
The Clarendon Hotel, Phoenix
Perfect for: Pool parties, downtown getaways, skyline views from the Sky Deck.
The deal: Rates start at $89 per night. A summer suite special starts at $299 and includes a one-bedroom pool-view suite, a cabana at the pool and 10 pool passes.
Details: 602-252-7363, goclarendon.com.
Westin Kierland Resort & Spa, Phoenix
Perfect for: Poolside fun including the FlowRider surf simulator, golf, shopping and dining at Kierland Commons and Scottsdale Quarter.
The deal: The Big Chill package, which starts at $169 through July and drops to $149 in August, includes a $50 dining credit or two free sessions on the FlowRider,
Details: 480-624-1202, kierlandresort.com, click on Specials.
Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia, Paradise Valley
Perfect for: Pool scene, spa day, stunning mountain views.
The deal: Rates start at about $190 a night. For longer stays, check out the Summer Escapes package, which includes a third night free, a $50 poolside dining credit and a booklet of discounts.
Details: 480-627-3200, omnihotels.com/hotels/scottsdale-montelucia, click on Offers.
Hotel Valley Ho, Scottsdale
Perfect for: Pool scene, downtown Scottsdale nightlife, midcentury modern architecture.
The deal: Rates start at $89 a night. The best deal is the Stay2Play package. It starts at $149 and includes two welcome drinks, a $50 resort credit and premium internet service.
Details: 480-376-2600, hotelvalleyho.com.
The Phoenician, Phoenix
Perfect for: Luxe getaway, sparkling pools, stunning Camelback Mountain views.
The deal: Rates start at $169 per night with the rate code SUMMER.
Details: 480-941-8200, thephoenician.com/offers.
The Scottsdale Resort at McCormick Ranch, Scottsdale
Perfect for: Affordable friends getaway, poolside happy hour, golf at McCormick Ranch Golf Club.
The deal: Rooms start at $99. The Dive Into the Decades package, which starts at $159 during the week and $179 on weekends, includes a $50 food-and-beverage credit (excluding alcohol) and two $25 spa vouchers. The promo code is SUMMER.
Details: 480-991-9000, thescottsdaleresort.com, click on Offers.
Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain, Paradise Valley
Perfect for: Secluded mountainside getaway, romance, spa day.
The deal: Rates start at $207 per night with a minimum 14-day advance purchase. Feeling flush? Check out the Spa Harmony package, which includes three nights in a casita, daily breakfast for two at Elements or from room service and two 60-minute spa treatments, including gratuity. It starts at $392 per night, with a three-night minimum.
Details: 480-948-2100, sanctuaryoncamelback.com/.
The Wigwam, Litchfield Park
Perfect for: Family fun, golf, Arizona history.
The deal: The SummerScapes package, one of the best deals of the season, starts at $139 and includes a $50 resort credit. The promo code is SMRSCAPE.
Details: 623-935-3811, wigwamarizona.com, click on Special Offers.
Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass, Gila River Reservation
Perfect for: Family fun, spa day, Native American history and culture.
The deal: Rates start at $89 on select dates. For the most fun, visit on Memorial Day, July 4 or Labor Day weekend with the Sip, Soak and Splash Package, which includes four passes to a sprawling water playground and other activities. Package rates start at $154 per night.
Details: 866-716-8134, wildhorsepassresort.com/summer.
Talking Stick Resort, Salt River Pima-Maricopa Reservation
Perfect for: Pool parties, casino gambling, concerts and other live entertainment.
The deal: Rates start at $109 per night.
Details: 480-850-7777, talkingstickresort.com.
The Boulders, Scottsdale
Perfect for: Secluded getaway, romance, golf or spa day.
The deal: Rates start at $109. For a special occasion, check out the decadent Love at the Boulders package, which starts at $499 a night and includes two 50-minute spa treatments per person, a $100 food-and-beverage credit and three hours in the couples sun suite at the spa, including champagne and fruit. There is a two-night minimum for the package.
Details: 480-488-9009, theboulders.com.
Arizona Grand Resort & Spa, Phoenix
Perfect for: Water-park fun, extra room (it's an all-suite hotel), golf.
The deal: Rates start at $129 a night. Packages include a Sea Life Aquarium package and a Legoland Discovery Center package, which come with two tickets to the nearby attractions.
Details: 602-438-9000, arizonagrandresort.com.
FireSkyResort & Spa, Scottsdale
Perfect for: An understated getaway with a tropical vibe, s'mores by the pool, Scottsdale shopping and nightlife.
The deal: Rates start at $120. Toast your vacation with the Life Is Brewtiful or Tequila and Tan Lines package, which include beer and margaritas, respectively. The packages start at $125 a night.
Details: 480-945-7666, fireskyresort.com.
JW Marriott Camelback Inn, Paradise Valley
Perfect for: Peaceful getaway, stunning sunsets, spa or golf day.
The deal: Room rates start at $209. But you can't stay at Camelback Inn and not visit its storied spa, so splurge on the Made in Arizona spa package, starting at $349 per night. It includes breakfast for two, one 60-minute spa treatment per person per day and other spa amenities. The promo code is SPA.
Details: 480-948-1700, marriott.com/hotels/travel/phxcb-jw-marriott-scottsdale-camelback-inn-resort-and-spa.
We-Ko-Pa Resort & Conference Center, Fort McDowell Reservation
Perfect for: A tucked-away getaway, casino gambling, golf.
The deal: The Sunsational Summer package, which starts at $99 per night, includes a $25 food-and-beverage credit, 25 percent off spa treatments, a waived resort fee and $10 in casino slot play. A two-night package with $75 in credit starts at $179.
Details: 480-789-5320, wekoparesortandconferencecenter.com/specials-en.html.
Hotel Palomar Phoenix
Perfect for: An urban getaway, pool scene, Arizona Diamondbacks games and concerts at Talking Stick Resort Arena.
The deal: Rates start at $109 and include a discount card for the hotel's Blue Hound restaurant and Lustre Rooftop Bar. The Palomar is a Kimpton hotel, which offers a complimentary nightly wine reception, among other perks.
Details: 602-253-6633, hotelpalomar-phoenix.com.
The Camby, Phoenix
Perfect for: Urban getaway, pool scene, shopping and dining at Biltmore Fashion Park.
The deal: The hip hotel, formerly the Ritz-Carlton Phoenix, is offering an Uptown Dine Around Escape package that includes a mountain-view room, dinner for two at the hotel restaurant or neighboring restaurants including The Gladly and Capital Grille, two cocktails at The Rooftop Bar & SkyWall and valet parking. Rates start at $229 per night and the package is available Thursdays-Sundays.
Details: 602-468-0700, thecamby.com.
The Hermosa Inn, Paradise Valley
Perfect for: An intimate getaway, Arizona history, fine dining.
The deal: You can't visit tiny Hermosa Inn on its 80th anniversary and not treat yourself to the 80th anniversary package. Rates start at $300 and include welcome champagne, two signature anniversary cocktails, an $80 dining credit to Lon's restaurant or the Last Drop bar and two tickets to the Phoenix Art Museum.
Details: 602-955-8614, hermosainn.com.