While most of us are looking to escape the heat and leave Arizona during the summer, some crazy loving family members still think it’s a great time to visit! Heck, flight prices are down and you can get some smoking deals on hotels, excursions, etc., so may as well prepare for a houseful of visitors!
You’ve got Arizona summer visitors… now what!?
First, be a hostess with the mostess and welcome them in style. Here are a few things I always like to do for house guests, and a few extra, summer specific tips. Some may seem like no-brainers, but you’d be surprised!
Plush towels and linens… easily accessible ― no guest wants to feel like they have to snoop to find necessities! (Don’t forget pool towels!)
- Fresh flowers and a candle on the night table and in the bathroom.
- An alarm clock and a bedside lamp are often overlooked.
- Chilled water and a mention of where they can find more.
- The Wi-fi password!
Provide a place to unpack… a few empty drawers and hanging space in the closet
To avoid possibly embarrassing situations, it’s always nice to leave bathroom spray or matches, along with a plunger – in a place that leaves no room for guessing!
An ‘Oops, I forgot…’ basket ― with extra tooth brushes, razors, shampoo, body wash, etc. Best to add sunscreen to that basket, as well!
Share some important local reminders and tips:
The Arizona sun is HOT and STRONG! Remind them to carry lots of water and sunscreen with them ― and plan on doing any outdoor activities early in the morning… and if they’re considering a hike… plan for 5 of 6am early… not 8am early!
Our state’s drunk driving enforcement is among the most aggressive in the country. Should your guests plan on having a drink or two while out and about, highly recommend that they have a designated driver, or call UBER or a taxi.
Provide a list of local indoor attractions for the days that it’s just too scorching hot! (see below!)
Secondly, even those of us (ahem… moi included!) who can spend hours upon days in the sun and by the pool need some air conditioning relief occasionally! Here’s a list of some of the fabulous indoor museums, and such, the Valley has to offer… in no particular order:
- Musical Instrument Museum
- Phoenix Art Museum
- Arizona State Capitol Museum
- Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art
- Heard Museum
- Children’s Museum of Phoenix
- Western Spirit – Scottsdale’s Museum of the West
- Arizona Science Center
And if you get that call from an out-of-towner, and you’re simply not up for the challenge… there’s no harm in directing your dear friends and family to one of the Valley’s amazing resorts… especially with the summer deals being offered! Depending on the traveler, my favorites include the Arizona Biltmore, the Westin Kierland Resort & Spa, Omni Scottsdale Resort at Montelucia, JW Marriott at Desert Ridge, and the Sanctuary Resort on Camelback Mountain.
And with that, I wish a summer filled with loved ones, and a few opportunities for you, yourself to escape the heat. Cheers!
With over 13 years of event planning experience, Rebecca Light brings an abundance of creativity and corporate know-how to her company, Leading Light Events, LLC. She is also the Chief Events Officer for Platform Scottsdale.
Rebecca and her husband, Josh Wertlieb, and their son, Ari Nathan, reside in the historic Encanto-Palmcroft neighborhood of Phoenix, Arizona. They enjoy food and wine, fashion, décor, traveling, spending time with family and friends, and supporting their local community.
