As temperatures rise, room rates drop at Valley resorts – and the staycation deals just keep getting sweeter. This year, we spotlight new and boutique properties, corral some classics and tease a few out-of-town adventures.
Senna House
Senna is the belle of the 2022 staycation ball, an ingenue years in the making.
A new hotel hadn’t opened in Old Town Scottsdale’s “entertainment district” since W Scottsdale debuted in 2008, and a lot has changed in 14 years. Senna breathes fresh life into the old Don & Charlie’s restaurant space – literally, with walls covered with living succulents. “Modern desert” design informs its 169 rooms and mixed-media interiors, and its Sonora Swim Club rooftop bar is poised to give other sky-high hangouts a run for their money. The icing on this pretty new cake? Its flagship restaurant Cala, a beautiful coastal Mediterranean spot helmed by chef Beau MacMillan, who knows a thing or two about making resort restaurants interesting for adventurous diners thanks to his years at elements at Sanctuary Camelback Mountain.
7501 E. Camelback Rd., Scottsdale, 480-946-5500, thesennahouse.com
High-season rate: $500s/night
Summer rate: Mid- to high $200s/night
Staycation deal: The Sip & Splash Package includes a Sonora Swim Club view room, a sweet and salty snack amenity, a bottle of wine and poolside cocktails for four. Rates start at $230/night. Valid April 1-September 1. To book, visit hilton.com/curio, navigate to the Senna House page and enter promo code P2.
The Hermosa Inn
You’ve likely been to LON’s for a girls’ brunch or romantic dinner on its paradisiacal patio. But have you gone inside – and underground? Summer is the best time to chill out in The Hermosa Inn’s private underground wine cellar, which offers an annual Cool Dining prix fixe menu from June 9-October 2. The five-course tasting menu crafted by newly minted executive chef Alejandro Martinez is $90/person and the seven-course version is $125/person, not including wine pairings, tax or gratuity. Reserve your spot, since tables book quickly and each seating is limited to 12 guests total. Bring a sweater and a scarf – it gets downright shivery down there. But what a treat to feel cold in Phoenix in July!
5532 N. Palo Cristi Rd., Paradise Valley, 844-267-8738, hermosainn.com
High-season rate: $580/night
Summer rate: $255/night
Staycation deal: Two packages offered exclusively online from May 10-August 31: Summer in Paradise Getaway (starting at $289/night, 15 percent discount off the lowest rate available, $25 food and beverage credit for each night of stay, two welcome drink tickets and daily poolside treats) and Locals Linger Longer (requires a two-night stay arriving Sunday-Wednesday, 15 percent off lowest rate available, $50 food and beverage credit for each night of stay, two welcome drink tickets at check-in, daily poolside treats, Arizona driver’s license required).
Rise Uptown
It’s definitely a vibe at Rise Uptown, where you’re welcomed to the Mid-Century-meets-millennial hostelry with a colorful array of paletas at Pop Stand. Some have dairy, some are fruity, some are boozy. They set the tone for the revelry of the rest of your stay, which we imagine you’ll spend traipsing back and forth between LYLO Swim Club and Don Woods’ Say When. They’re both products of the crafty mind of Valley cocktail kingpin Ross Simon (Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour), so the drinks are tops. At LYLO, we love the nostalgic Dole Whipped cocktail. At Say When, you gotta get a spritz or one of its signature highballs.
400 W. Camelback Rd., Phoenix, 480-536-8900, riseuptownhotel.com
High-season rate: $279/night
Summer rate: $209/night
Staycation deal: The Rise & Wine package includes a mimosa or “beermosa” kit (delivered on the first morning of your stay unless noted at check-in; subject to availability) and overnight accommodations for two, starting at $209/night in summer. Book at riseuptownhotel.com/rise-wine and use the code WINE.
FOUND:RE Phoenix Hotel
Art is the calling card of this Downtown hotel, home to scores of permanent pieces and those in rotating exhibitions organized by curator Audrey Galat. Now through July 23, view UPCYCLE: RE:cycle. RE:purpose. RE:imagined (supported by Artlink), which features the work of 68 Arizona artists who use repurposed objects and material in their oeuvre. Many pieces will be for sale at foundrecontemporary.com. On-site restaurant MATCH Market & Bar offers cocktail, wine, beer and spirit education classes and pairing events as well, so inquire about the schedule when you book your staycation. Its market also has an impressive selection of local souvenirs, from candles and books to clothing and snacks.
1100 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, 602-875-8000, foundrehotels.com
High-season rate: Starting at $399/night
Summer rate: Starting at $199/night
Staycation deal: The Vitamin C Summer Room Package (May 27-September 6) includes a Re:markable room, two poolside lemonade cocktails, lemon sparkling seltzers and lemon truffles upon arrival, lemon gelato for two at MATCH Market & Bar and a custom towel to take home. It starts at $229/night.
The Clarendon Hotel and Spa
In some ways, The Clarendon is the same old Midtown classic we know and love – rooftop bar, cool pool scene, intimate spa, great restaurant (these days it’s Fuego, not Tranquilo, nor Gallo Blanco, if you remember that far back). In one really big way, though, it’s not. Since recreational marijuana was legalized in Arizona in 2020, The Clarendon has become the state’s first cannabis-friendly hotel. It now hosts cannabis culinary events, and there’s even a social club lounge that “welcomes the cannabis connoisseur to enjoy a favorite cultivar and good company.” Good news for the squares among us: Non-smoking rooms are also available.
401 W. Clarendon Ave., Phoenix, 602-252-7363, goclarendon.com
High-season rate: Starting at $259/night
Summer rate: Starting at $89/night
Staycation deal: From June 1-September 17, all Arizona residents can get 20 percent off room rates with valid Arizona ID.
Canopy by Hilton Tempe Downtown
Feel like a college kid again at this energetic upstart in walking distance of Mill Avenue, which offers guests gratis Canopy Bikes for exploration. Not so nostalgic for those days? An elevator ride up to rooftop bar Alibi will make you grateful you’re a grown-up who can afford craft cocktails and tapas. A tamarind mule and coconut-lime ceviche sound a lot better than a PBR and nachos, right? For dinner, head downstairs to Alter Ego for global bites including katsu chicken on a Noble Bread bun and brick-oven Calabrian shrimp.
108 E. University Dr., Tempe, 480-968-6800, hilton.com
High-season rate: $359/night
Summer rate: $129/night
Staycation deal: Locals-only room rate – 10-20 percent off – with one complimentary drink per person, up to two per room.
Spa-tlight
Need a little pampering on your staycaysh? Book a room and a treatment or two at these resorts with topnotch spas.
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
In addition to Well & Being Spa, the Princess boasts Sisley-Paris, an exclusive French spa with only 27 locations worldwide. Guests get spoiled with white-glove service, personal shopping and attachés. Try the Le Cure Facial ($380), which features energizing and anti-aging massage.
7575 E. Princess Dr., Scottsdale, 480-585-4848, scottsdaleprincess.com
High-season rate: $599/night
Summer rate: $299/night
Staycation deal: Summer Adventure Package, available for stays from May 25-September 6, featuring $150 daily resort credit and preferred restaurant reservations at one of the hotel’s four signature restaurants, with a portion of the proceeds going to Cox Charities to benefit the Boys and Girls Clubs of Arizona.
Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia
Relax in Moroccan style at the breathtaking Joya Spa, inspired by the hammam (ritual bath). The Joya Signature Massage ($195-$325 depending on duration and day) utilizes the spa’s signature Joyambrosia argan oil blend infused with energy from the Queen of the Night cactus flower.
4949 E. Lincoln Dr., Scottsdale, 480-627-3200, omnihotels.com
High-season rate: $830/night
Summer rate: $300/night
Staycation deal: The Stay More, Play More package rewards you for each night of your stay. Get 10 percent savings for one night, 15 percent for two nights and 20 percent for three or more nights. Purchase April 19-September 30 for stays between May 20-September 30.
Royal Palms Resort and Spa
The antithesis of a mega-resort retreat, Alvadora Spa is an intimate, Mediterranean-style hideaway. Embrace Phoenix’s orange grove roots with the Orange Blossom Body Buff ($180-$190), a full-body exfoliation with Neroli oil polish.
5200 E. Camelback Rd., Phoenix, 602-283-1234, royalpalmshotel.com
High-season rate: Starting at $529/night
Summer rate: Starting at $299/night
Staycation deal: Arizona residents get 20 percent off their stays. Use booking code 2022AZ.
California Dreamin’
Just not summer without a trip to The Golden State? We get you. Here are three options worthy of a road trip.
JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa
This Palm Desert sister property to our own local JWs just got a multimillion-dollar redesign, including a revamp of The Spa at Desert Springs, the largest spa in town. Luxe new treatments include a caviar facial, CBD wellness massage and Dermyoung Rapid Recovery Facial developed by Harvard Medical School biologists. Starting in the $500s/night. desertspringsresort.com
Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite
Nature lovers can book a chic stay at this Yosemite National Park glampground. Private Explorer Cabins are set in the midst of the forest, with access to all-new exploration vehicles, electric bikes and hiking trails galore. Clean up after a day in Mother Nature at Ascent Spa, which offers treatments infused with local plant essences. Starting in the $200s/night. tenayalodge.com
The Lodge at Torrey Pines
Ready to splurge? This resort, set on the revered Torrey Pines Golf Course overlooking the Pacific Ocean, is pulling out all the stops for its 20th anniversary. For $20,000, you can book the Platinum Premier Package: a four-night stay for two in a 2,500 square-foot suite overlooking the La Jolla coast; any combination of up to six rounds of golf or up to six spa treatments; three daily meals for two; and a special welcome amenity. lodgetorreypines.com
Staycation Deal Roundup
Arizona Biltmore
2400 E. Missouri Ave., Phoenix, 602-955-6600, arizonabiltmore.com
High-season rate: $650/night
Summer rate: $350/night
Staycation deal: The Arizona Biltmore will be offering a 25 percent-off weekday stays package for Arizona residents, including free self-parking. The promotion is applicable for stays through September 11.
Boulders Resort & Spa
34631 N. Tom Darlington Dr., Carefree, 480-488-9009, theboulders.com
High-season rate: $500/night
Summer rate: $319/night
Staycation deal: The ReTreat Yourself package includes a private luxury casita, $50 dining credit per night and unlimited fitness classes at the spa ($364/night).
Gila River Resorts & Casinos
Lone Butte: 1077 S. Kyrene Rd., Chandler
Vee Quiva: 15091 S. Komatke Ln., Laveen Village
Wild Horse Pass: 5040 Wild Horse Pass Blvd., Chandler
1-800-946-4452, playatgila.com
High-season rate: Starting at $210/night
Summer rate: Starting at $130/night
Staycation deal: $75K Resort Giveaway: Win $25,000 and a VIP Resort Package. The VIP experience includes an invitation for a two-night stay in a Gila River Resorts & Casinos king suite at Wild Horse Pass; VIP transportation; poolside cabana with a food and beverage credit; a complimentary dinner; and additional amenities based on the scheduled time of stay.
Great Wolf Lodge Arizona
7333 N. Pima Rd., Scottsdale, 888-962-9653, greatwolf.com/arizona
High-season rate: $409/night
Summer rate: $350/night
Staycation deal: The All in One Package ($250) gives guests up to 15 percent off room rates and includes unlimited: ropes course access, rock wall climbs, Ten Paw games, rounds of mini golf; $100 dining credit; unlimited bags of popcorn; and soda sippers with unlimited refills.
Hotel Valley Ho
6850 E. Main St., Scottsdale, 480-376-2600, hotelvalleyho.com
High-season rate: $499/night
Summer rate: $229/night
Staycation deal: Save 33 percent on your summer stay when you book during the annual sale (May 20-23), or pre-pay and save 20 percent off the best available rate with promo code PROPREPAY. Offers cannot be combined.
JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa
5350 E. Marriott Dr., Phoenix, 480-293-5000, marriott.com
High-season rate: $689/night
Summer rate: $299/night
Staycation deal: Splash Into Summer Package includes $50 resort credit good for food and beverage, spa, golf, pool or pickleball; and a waived resort fee (value of $198).
JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa
5402 E. Lincoln Dr., Scottsdale, 480-948-1700, marriott.com
High-season rate: $799/night
Summer rate: $299/night
Staycation deal: Casitas and Ritas Package features overnight accommodations in a resort casita with private garden patio or balcony; two specialty margaritas per night and $50 resort credit per night to be used toward dining, spa, golf, tennis and resort shops. Runs May 31-September 30. Promo code: D60.
Kimpton Hotel Palomar Phoenix
2 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix, 602-253-6633, hotelpalomar-phoenix.com
High-season rate:$349-$399/night
Summer rate: $149-$199/night
Staycation deal: State 48 Staycation includes buy one night, get 48 percent off second night; two drinks at Blue Hound Kitchen & Cocktails (starting at $149/night). Valid April 1-August 31. Rate code IGMIG.
Mountain Shadows
5445 E. Lincoln Dr., Paradise Valley, 855-318-8942, mountainshadows.com
High-season rate: $549/night
Summer rate: $249/night
Staycation deal: Save 33 percent on your summer stay when you book during the annual sale (May 20-23), or pre-pay and save 20 percent off the best available rate with promo code PROPREPAY. Cannot be combined.
Sanctuary Camelback Mountain
5700 E. McDonald Dr., Paradise Valley, 877-497-8309, gurneyresorts.com/scottsdale
High-season rate: Starting at $999/night
Summer rate: Starting at $479/night
Staycation deal: The Hot Dates, Cool Rates package runs May 12-September 1 and gives 15 percent off best available rate.
Sheraton Phoenix Downtown
340 N. Third St., Phoenix, 602-262-2500, marriott.com
High-season rate: Starting at $399/night
Summer rate: Starting at $199/night
Staycation deal: Discover Downtown Package includes $20 daily dining credit, complimentary self-parking and 4 p.m. checkout.
We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort
10438 Wekopa Way, Fort McDowell, 480-789-4957, wekopacasinoresort.com
High-season rate: $209-$289/night
Summer rate: $129-$199/night
Staycation deal: Summer Staycation includes deluxe guest room, $25 food and beverage credit per night, one $20 casino free play voucher per stay, waived $29/night resort fee, 10 percent discount on gift shop purchases and 20 percent discount on spa treatments. Sunday-Thursday stays start at $129/night with promo code J-WCRSUM1. Friday-Saturday stays start at $159/night with promo code J-WCRSUM2. Runs May 15-September 5.
The Westin Tempe
11 E. Seventh St., Tempe, 480-968-8885, marriott.com
High-season rate: $429/night
Summer rate: $179/night
Staycation deal: “Arizonian” rate – 15 percent off best available room rate plus a $15 food and beverage credit to be used during the stay, available through September 5.
