It’s the middle of summer and the temps have been in the triple digits for what seems like forever. Luckily, there are multiple staycation options within a short drive that offer a chance to cool down and get out of your daily routine.
From resorts for families to the perfect spots for a romantic getaway or a long weekend with friends, we’ve collected some of the best staycation spots locally and across the state. Some have special summer deals and some are definitely worth the splurge.
The Scottsdale Resort & Spa
Scottsdale, TheScottsdaleResort.com.
The Scottsdale Resort & Spa is a captivating Spanish-style resort situated within McCormick Ranch. It recently completed a massive, multimillion-dollar renovation and boasts 278 spacious guest rooms and suites. Guests can savor the art of relaxation by one of the resort’s two distinctive pools, surrender to pampering at Luna Spa, workout in the newly expanded fitness center. For guests looking for a round of golf, visit either of the two championship 18-hole golf courses at McCormick Ranch Golf Club or the resort’s on-site golf simulator. They can also enjoy dining and drinks at one of the resort’s five culinary options.
L’Auberge de Sedona
Sedona, lauberge.com.
L’Auberge de Sedona, a premier resort on the banks of Oak Creek in Sedona’s renowned Red Rock region, recently announced a new Creekhouse Summer Escape package for a luxury staycation. Perfect for groups and loved ones looking to connect, the Creekhouse Summer Escape package includes a two-night or more stay in The Creekhouse – the resort’s two-story, five-bedroom home with scenic views of Oak Creek at a reduced rate. Guests will receive wine and cheese upon arrival, daily coffee and scones daily, nightly turndown service and exclusive wellness opportunities.
W Scottsdale
Scottsdale, marriott.com.
Located in the lively entertainment district and adjacent to the charming Old Town Scottsdale, W Scottsdale encourages Arizona residents to embrace summertime with sizzling staycation offers, a new luxury simulator experience, iconic pool parties on the hotel’s lively rooftop WET Deck and more. They have multiple summer staycation deals available to check out.
Under Canvas Grand Canyon
Valle, undercanvas.com.
Located just outside Valle on 160 acres of beautiful piñon and juniper forest, a tent at Under Canvas in the Grand Canyon offers a cooling 10-degree drop in temperature from Phoenix. Not to mention, Under Canvas Grand Canyon is located just 25 minutes from the South Rim entrance to Grand Canyon National Park. This one-of-a-kind glamping destination is the perfect way to experience the beauty and adventure of Arizona while enjoying upscale, safari-inspired accommodations that perfectly embrace their natural surroundings yet feature indoor luxuries.
Amara Resort and Spa
Sedona, amararesort.com.
Nestled next to Oak Creek, Amara Resort and Spa invites guests to experience the perfect summer getaway in the heart of Red Rock Country, enhanced by seasonal discounted rates, along with new offerings and cocktails. With summer rates a 40% discount from peak season rates, guests can immerse themselves in the best that the iconic town has to offer.
Talking Stick Resort
Scottsdale, talkingstickresort.com.
Talking Stick Resort recently announced the return of its 2024 Summer Playcation Package. Through Sept. 30, guests will have the opportunity to embark on the ultimate summer getaway with unbeatable rates, spa discounts and casino free play. A one-stop destination for entertainment, guests taking advantage of the package can enjoy the spa, 10 restaurants and lounges, multiple pools and the Valley’s most exciting casino floor.
Sky Rock Sedona
Sedona, marriott.com.
Sky Rock Sedona, a newly renovated boutique hotel that debuted this spring, just launched a “The Hotter, The Better” package, where at check-in, the front desk will calculate the difference in temperature between the Phoenix airport and the hotel and that difference will be extended as a food and beverage credit during the guests’ stay.
Hotel Valley Ho, Mountain Shadows
Scottsdale and Paradise Valley, hotelvalleyho.com and mountainshadows.com.
Two sister properties, Hotel Valley Ho and Mountain Shadows – in Scottsdale and Paradise Valley respectively – both have multiple summer staycation deals for local residents. Both properties are iconic, scenic and close to local entertainment destinations.
Hon-Dah Resort-Casino and Conference Center
Pinetop-Lakeside, hon-dah.com.
Hon-Dah Resort is in Arizona’s White Mountains and is surrounded by millions of acres of ponderosa pine. You can feel the outdoor ambiance as you enter the lobby and check in to the hotel. While you are there you can enjoy events at Timbers Lounge, a cocktail at Spirits Bar and dinner at Indian Pine Restaurant. Don’t forget their popular casino, too.
Summer at the Princess
Scottsdale, scottsdaleprincess.com.
A fun stay for families, the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is offering “Summer Camp at the Princess'' through Sept. 2. Guests can enjoy gold panning, laser archery, dive in movies, special guest room amenities and more. Families can enjoy fireworks every Saturday night, great offers, destination dining and a chance to escape the heat in one of the resort’s pools. Want to vacation without the kids? They also have several other staycation deals available.
JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa
Phoenix, jwdesertridge.com.
Cool off at the new AquaRidge WaterPark, a 1,400-square-foot reimagined and expanded pool complex designed with water-filled adventures for all ages. Following a $16 million transformation, the pool embraces the destination with renewed areas, offering an enhanced lazy river, the refreshed Wildfire Grove featuring two pools and a waterfall, the new Sedona Springs and the exclusive adults-only Sky Island.
We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort
Fort McDowell, wekopacasinoresort.com.
Step out of the hot weather and into the cool We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort, where you can bask in luxurious accommodations and lavish amenities, savor a delectable array of casual and fine dining outlets, unwind in a turquoise pool and relaxing spa, try your luck with state-of-the-art gaming (including sports betting), or tee off at the award-winning We-Ko-Pa Golf Club. They have multiple summer deals available.
Sanctuary Camelback Mountain, A Gurney's Resort & Spa
Scottsdale, gurneysresorts.com.
Sanctuary Camelback Mountain, A Gurney’s Resort & Spa is a luxury, historic resort set upon 53 acres of lush desert featuring manicured grounds, gardens and award-winning facilities. In addition to three separate swimming pools, cool off with a variety of immersive Watsu Therapy treatments. This deeply relaxing and nurturing experience is a passive form of aquatic therapy that supports and gently cradles, rocks and stretches the body through water in graceful fluid movements.
Great Wolf Lodge
Scottsdale, greatwolf.com.
Great Wolf Lodge Arizona offers a perfect climate year-round with their 84-degree indoor water park. The 85,000-square-foot indoor water park with slides and water features for every age is coupled with the 27,000-square-foot Great Wolf Adventure Park The Adventure Park offers endless attractions, including MagiQuest, Family Bowling and Oliver's Mining Co. Families know what to expect with this weather-proof vacation. with endless attractions including MagiQuest, Family Bowling and Oliver's Mining Co. Families know what to expect with this weather-proof vacation.
Sheraton Phoenix Downtown
Phoenix, marriott.com.
Now through Labor Day, beat the heat with Sheraton Phoenix Downtown’s new Summer Pool Party Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Stay the night in the heart of downtown Phoenix and enjoy the perfect summer cool down with Sheraton Phoenix Downtown’s Stay & Sip: Urban Summer Retreat Package, complete with overnight accommodations, a Supergoop! sunscreen kit filled with the brand’s favorite products, a bucket of local seltzers and a 4 p.m. late check-out.
Enchantment Resort
Sedona, enchantmentresort.com.
Enchantment Resort, a 218-room resort nestled amidst the iconic red rocks of Boynton Canyon, welcomes travelers to indulge in Sedona’s cooler temperatures, paired with the launch of its newly-renovated pool and poolside food and beverage concept, The Edge. Guests will also enjoy inventive dishes and sips with a summertime twist.
The Global Ambassador
Phoenix, GlobalAmbassadorHotel.com.
Just opened earlier this year, The Global Ambassador is an internationally inspired hotel that merges impressive hospitality, culinary and wellness experiences within one perfectly and precisely curated destination. The hotel boasts five original dining venues with cuisine influenced by the vibrant flavors found all over the world, including thé Mediterranean Rooftop.
