Summer in Arizona is not the time to miss out on a memory … or on the best staycation deals for 2018.
With summer vacation time approaching, the Arizona Office of Tourism says Arizonans leave more than 11 million days of paid vacation unused each year. And those forgotten vacation days translate to more than $3 billion in lost economic benefit for the state. But even more importantly, letting those vacation days go to waste may harm your health. Consider this:
• Studies show that employees who forfeit vacation time are lower performers.
• Skipping vacations for just one year can raise the risk of heart disease, research shows.
• Experts say people who take regular vacations have improved moods, better mental resilience and increased creativity.
Luckily for us, we live in the land of perpetual vacation. Arizona is home to some of the world’s most plush pools, renowned resorts, luxurious spas, romantic retreats, spectacular golf courses and best restaurants.
So if you need a summer getaway, why not stay close to home and help your health at the same time?
Forget about flight delays and rental cars because many of Arizona’s award-winning hotels and resorts offer summer deals that are designed specifically for local residents who want a staycation to get away from it all. The best part about experiencing Arizona’s best resorts in the summer is that you can spoil yourself while getting a bargain.
Here are some of Arizona’s best staycation deals for 2018:
Arizona Biltmore
The deal: The Biltmore Block Party is a season-long celebration of the Arizona Biltmore, A Waldorf Astoria Resort as the hip and historic neighborhood staycation season go-to since 1929. A lineup of colorful themed weekend activities, creative flavors including a gourmet boozy snow cone pop-up, glow in the dark fun and more bring to life memories of your neighborhood block party in modern style. Standard staycation season guest room rates begin at $159.
To book: arizonabiltmore.com/special-offers
Arizona Grand Resort & Spa
The deal: Book your staycation at Arizona’s only AAA Four Diamond all-suite resort and customize your visit with the perk that suits you best with a Resort Credit Package. Enjoy $50 in nightly resort credit to be used towards your choice of dining, spa or golf.
To book: arizonagrandresort.com/specials/resort-credit-package
Boulders Resort & Spa
The deal: This summer, re-TREAT yourself at the Boulders Resort — a peaceful vacation getaway that is close yet far removed from the Valley’s family crowds. Luxurious casita accommodations, a legendary spa, four swimming pools, world-class golf, culinary adventures — all starting at $129 per night. The “Truly Boulders” package includes dining credits and spa specials.
To book: 480-488-9009 or theboulders.com
Embassy Suites by Hilton Scottsdale Resort
The deal: Suite Summer Escape Package offers rates starting at $99, live music on Friday and Saturday during the evening reception, weekly dive-in movies on Saturday nights, kids games and activities, complimentary made-to-order breakfast daily and complimentary evening reception nightly with cocktails and snacks.
To book: scottsdale.embassysuites.com
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
The deal: From Memorial Day to Labor Day, this AAA Five Diamond playcation paradise is the perfect backdrop for families to make memories to last a lifetime. Summer weekends include cool rides down waterslides, sugar white sand at Sunset Beach, Techno Glo pool parties, Dive-In movies, virtual reality roller coasters in the Trailblazers Family Adventure Center, Mermaid University and fishing derbies at the lagoon with Ranger Rick, with most activities being complimentary for overnight guests. The Best. Summer. Ever. Vacation Package starts from $179 per night and includes a $50 resort credit and a complimentary photo session with the Princess’ Instagram Concierge.
To book: 480-585-4848 or scottsdaleprincess.com
Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North
The deal: Escape to the foothills of Pinnacle Peak and enjoy an elevated summer staycation experience featuring a newly refurbished pool complex, summer dining specials and spa discounts, and a complimentary Kids for All Seasons program. Weekday rates start from $189 per night June 1 though Aug. 31, 2018.
To book: 480-513-5039 or fourseasons.com/scottsdale
Gila River Hotels & Casinos at Wild Horse Pass
The deal: The AAA Four Diamond Awarded Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino features refreshed accommodations, delectable dining, a lively nightlife, and poolside entertainment – all with no resort fees.
To book: wingilariver.com or 520-796-4900
Gila River Hotels & Casinos at Vee Quiva
The deal: Take a break from your busy life with a sanctuary staycation at Vee Quiva Hotel Casino, located at the foot of beautiful South Mountain. This AAA Four Diamond Awarded retreat features boutique rooms, delicious dining, an oasis pool, and the best gaming found in the Valley.
To book: wingilariver.com or 520-796-4900
GCU Hotel
The deal: Vacation at West Phoenix’s newest stay-and-play destination, the GCU Hotel. Enjoy urban eats at Canyon 49 Grill, where kids eat free Friday and Saturday nights, play games on its patio and enjoy poolside movies. From June 1 – Aug. 5, stay Friday and get Saturday night half off.
To book: gcuhotel.com/hotel-offers
Hermosa Inn
The deal: The Hermosa Inn, a AAA Four Diamond hotel nestled in the heart of Paradise Valley, offers its popular Summer in Paradise Getaway from May 20-Sept. 30, 2018. With rates starting from $149, plus tax and resort fee, this getaway includes overnight accommodations, two drink tickets upon arrival, $25 daily food and beverage credit, daily poolside treats, upgrade upon arrival based on availability and early check-in/late check-out, based on availability
To book: hermosainn.com/offers
Hotel Adeline
The deals: “Room with a brew” is $99 a night and you get a bucket of craft beer each day of your stay, as well as a waived urban fee. Enjoy unbeatable views of the pool for $20 more a night. “Cabana club” is $199 a night and your cabana is waiting at the Freestyle pool, along with a bucket of craft beers each day. Enjoy a waived urban fee during your stay. Upgrade to a pool-facing room for $20 more.
To book: hoteladeline.com
Hotel Palomar Phoenix
The deal: From Memorial Day through Labor Day, Hotel Palomar is offering a 54 percent savings from peak season rates with the “Fast Forward to Summer” package, which includes best flexible rates starting from $199/night, $25 daily dining credit at Blue Hound Kitchen & Cocktails and LUSTRE Rooftop Bar and no resort fee.
To book: http://hotelpalomar-phoenix.com
Hotel Valley Ho
The deal: Book the Stay2Play Package at the iconic Hotel Valley Ho in Old Town Scottsdale and receive an arrival amenity, welcome drinks, complimentary parking, $20 in nightly resort credit and a complimentary room upgrade upon arrival (based on availability). Available for stays from May 28 to Aug. 31.
To book: 480-376-2600 or hotelvalleyho.com
Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch
The deal: From 10 pools and a 2.5-acre water playground to dive-in movies, summertime memories are waiting for you at Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch. Book now and take advantage of a $50 nightly resort credit by using special offer code “Cool50” when booking online or ask for the Resort Credit Package.
To book: 480-444-1234 or scottsdale.regency.hyatt.com
JW Marriott Camelback Inn Resort & Spa
The deal: Nestled on 125 acres at the base of Mummy Mountain amidst peaceful surroundings and breathtaking gardens, Camelback Inn will be serving up its Casitas & Ritas summer package for a zest of summer fun and relaxation. Rates start from $179 and the package is available May 21 through Sept. 7, 2018. Use promo code ES7 when booking.
To book: camelbackinn.com
JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa
The deal: Splash into savings for a good cause this summer with the Splash into Summer package, with a portion of the proceeds benefitting the Children’s Miracle Network. Last year, JW Marriott Desert Ridge raised more than $30,000 for CMN as a result of the package. Rates start from $169 and package is available May 10 through Sept. 4, 2018. Must use summer promo code SPU when booking.
To book: jwdesertridge.com
JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa
The deal: Back by popular demand, plan on sipping signature margaritas this summer by booking the Margarita Package, a refreshing summer package worth savoring. The Margarita Package’s rates start from $169. Package is available June 15 through Aug. 31, 2018. Must use summer promo code ZJL when booking.
To book: jwstarrpass.com
Kimpton Amara Resort and Spa
The deal: Nestled along the banks of Oak Creek Canyon in Sedona, Amara Resort is the perfect summer getaway for those looking to cool down, relax and soak up the beauty of the iconic red rock while enjoying the lowest rates of the year and one-of-a-kind summer experiences. Discounted rates start at $259 per night (40 percent off high season prices), a daily $20 resort credit, a special treatment at the renowned spa and a seasonal menu with items crafted by the new executive chef at SaltRock Kitchen.
To book: www.amararesort.com
L’Auberge de Sedona, A Destination Hotel
The deal: This summer, L’Auberge de Sedona is the perfect getaway for cooler weather and scenic relaxation. Unwind in luxe accommodations starting at $305 per night and enjoy scenic creekside dining at Cress on Oak Creek, nature-focused spa and wellness treatments at L’Apothecary Spa, and customized hikes with The Hike House.
To book: lauberge.com
Mountain Shadows
The deal: Enjoy Arizona’s newest resort located in the heart of Paradise Valley, in the shadows of Camelback Mountain. Arizona residents enjoy pricing that includes parking, resort fees and luxury accommodations, all for one low price starting from $119 nightly.
To book: 480-624-5424 or mountainshadows.com
Omni Montelucia
The deals: “Fee-Free Summer” at Omni Montelucia offers rates starting at $135 per night (promo code PKGFRE). Take advantage of an incredible value this summer, fee free. With “Sunsational Sundays,” receive a 10 percent discount for a one-night stay, 20 percent discount for two nights and a 30 percent discount for three to five nights off the best flexible rate. Add in an enticing lineup of Joya Spa specials, unique culinary experiences, live entertainment , three sparkling pools, breathtaking views of Camelback Mountain poolside and you have the perfect getaway.
To book: omnimontelucia.com
Royal Palms Resort and Spa
The deals: The Royal Summer Retreat starts from $229 per night and includes $50 T. Cook’s dinner credit, resort fee and parking (over $100 value). Booking code: RPSUM. Arizona Residents Offer, starting at $169 per night, includes up to 25 percent off best available rate, based on length of stay. Booking code: AZRES (for one or two nights) or AZRES1 (for three or more nights). Valid stay dates for both deals are May 16-Sept. 20.
To book: royalpalmshotel.com
Talking Stick Resort
The deal: Through Aug. 31, 2018, Talking Stick Resort will offer its “Playcation for Locals” special. With rates starting from $99 Sunday through Thursday and $149 Friday and Saturday, the special includes no resort fee, a $25 or $50 credit based on length of stay and discounts on cabanas, daybeds, The Spa at Talking Stick and various local businesses.
To book: 866-877-9897
The Camby
The deal: Kick off the ultimate staycation at The Camby with nightly rates starting at $119 and a $25 food and beverage credit, using promo code SUM. Locals enjoy hotel amenities exactly like nothing else like Tipsy Tea Party, Check In. Jam Out. and Wade Poolside Bar. This urban playground is conveniently located near the best local dining, shopping, nightlife and attractions.
To book: thecamby.com
The Phoenician
The deal: Following an extensive transformation, The Phoenician is back, introducing a new way to staycation with a variety of premiere and enhanced amenities for every member of the family. Discover a refreshing, approachable luxury along with signature summer specials throughout the resort. Rates start at $169 per night, with complimentary self-parking. Ask for rate plan SUMMER.
To book: thephoenician.com/offers or 480-941-8200
Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa
The deal: The Arizona Residents Special at Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa allows residents with a valid Arizona ID to save 20 percent off Sanctuary’s best available rate with a two-night minimum stay, May 28-Aug. 30. Arizona ID must be present at check-in.
To book: Click here
The Scottsdale Plaza Resort
The deals: The Summer Escape package runs from May 28t-to Sept. 3 and offers standard room accommodations for $149 per room per night and includes a $100 resort credit that can be used on food, beverage or spa. the Family Fun Package runs May 26-Sept. 3 and includes a villa or patio suite for $159 per room per night, four tickets to Big Surf water park (additional tickets available for $20) and kids under 12 eat free at the resort when with a paying adult.
To book: http://www.scottsdaleplaza.com/specials/ or 480-948-5000
The Scottsdale Resort at McCormick Ranch, A Destination Hotel
The deal: The Scottsdale is offering “Rockin – Staycations” this summer with $89 room rates and for just $10 more, breakfast for two. Groove poolside to live music and rock ‘n’ roll themed movies on the weekends or get your game on with backyard fun like life-size beer pong, cornhole, horseshoes, and ping pong.
To book: destinationhotels.com/scottsdale-resort
We-Ko-Pa Resort & Conference Center
The deal: Rates as low as $99 per night or $189 per two nights. The deal includes waived resort fee, $10 casino free play, and 25 percent discount on regular priced spa services per stay. Two-night package also features $50 food and beverage credit. Subject to availability from May 1 through Aug. 31.
To book: 480-789-5320 or wekoparesort.com
Westin Kierland Resort & Spa
The deal: The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa welcomes Valley locals to an unforgettable subzero summer escape, featuring splashy savings, freezing family fun and Instagram-worthy arctic adventures. Guests may enjoy the resort’s Big Chill Package with rates starting from $159 with a $50 per room, per night dining credit, joined by a summer-long chill series led by the resort’s dedicated “fun” team.
To book: 480-624-1202 or kierlandresort.com
Wigwam
The deal: Among the most beautiful properties in the region, The Wigwam created the Centennial Thank You package to help celebrate the 100th anniversary of its Organization House. The package includes luxurious accommodations and a $100 credit per stay, redeemable for on-property activities including golf and dining.
To book: wigwamarizona.com or 623-935-3811. Promo code is THANKYOU.
