Staycation Guide 2023

After an unseasonably chilly spring, scorching temps are returning to the Valley. Cool off this summer with dynamite deals at Valley resorts.

Downtown/Central Phoenix

Kimpton Hotel Palomar Phoenix

It’s no secret Downtown Phoenix has enjoyed a renaissance as of late. Anchored by this swanky, sky-high hotel, the CityScape shopping and dining district serves as a microcosm of the city itself – relentlessly expanding and improving. Each guestroom at Hotel Palomar is appointed with luxe furniture and local art, and at on-site eatery Blue Hound Kitchen & Cocktails, executive chef Alex Robinson’s trendy takes on timeless dishes like Chilean sea bass and hot-stone Wagyu evoke elevated comfort. The cocktails and light bites at the hotel’s new Mediterranean-inspired poolside lounge, Eden Rooftop Bar, transport guests from a bustling city skyline to somewhere between Salerno and Santorini. With access to neighboring EOS Fitness, complimentary cruiser bikes and free admission to nearby Phoenix Art Museum, it’s easy to see why U.S. News & World Report recently ranked Hotel Palomar as one of the top five hotels in Central Phoenix. 

2 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix, 602-253-6633, hotelpalomar-phoenix.com

Staycation deal: Guests receive 50 percent off their second night booked when staying two or more days. A one-night nonrefundable deposit is required and must be booked at least four days in advance. 

High-season rate: $499/night 

Nearby attractions: Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour, Footprint Center, Phoenix Convention Center, Chase Field, Pizzeria Bianco

— Madison Rutherford

Arizona Biltmore

It’s not like the Biltmore – with its Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired architecture, storied culinary program and redolent eddies of Golden Age folklore – ever lacked for staycation appeal. But in the wake of a $70 million “transformation” completed two summers ago, the 94-year-old property has plainly entered elite territory. The bombardment of improvements includes attractions both family-friendly (including a show-stopping 65-foot waterslide) and distingué (think: the Zen-like Sol Garden in the resort’s rehabilitated Tierra Luna Spa), along with a fantastic new flagship restaurant in Renata’s Hearth, serving modern, wood-fired Latin cuisine that defies every resort-dining cliché you can imagine. There’s a new outdoor bar, a new adults-only pool, a new Hotel Del Coronado-style great lawn and, as always, enough old stuff to keep the most ravenous history buff busy for a week. Reminisce responsibly.

2400 E. Missouri Ave., Phoenix, 602-955-6600, arizonabiltmore.com

Staycation deal: Apply that $100 Golden Summer resort credit to an air-conditioned cabana at the family-friendly Paradise Pool or adults-only Saguaro Pool, or hit the links at the Biltmore Golf Club, headlined by a stunning new pro shop. Arizona residents also get an additional 25 percent off their summer room fee (starting at $249/night) through September 9.

High-season rate: $743/night

Nearby attractions: Hiking at Piestewa Peak; dining at The Gladly, The Parlor and other restaurants in the Camelback Corridor; Wrigley Mansion

— Craig Outhier

Other Deals

Arizona Grand Resort & Spa

Staycation deal: Enjoy summer rates starting at $129/night when you use the promo code PHXMAG when reserving online. Valid through August 31. Blackout dates apply. Rate does not include tax or hotel fees. High-season rate: $379/night. arizonagrandresort.com

Moxy Phoenix Downtown

Staycation deal: To celebrate its debut this year, this hotel is offering guests 20 percent off rates through September 30 and a signature cocktail, the Got Moxy, as a welcome at check-in. Starting at $159/night. High-season rate: $429/night. marriott.com/en-us/hotels/phxod-moxy-phoenix-downtown/overview

Rise Uptown Hotel

Staycation deal: Book the Summer Sun Vacay package between April 1-July 31 for stays from May-September and get two Capri-Sun cocktails, sunscreen and two pairs of sunglasses for a poolside afternoon at Lylo Swim Club. Starting at $109-$149/night. High-season rate: $349/night. riseuptownhotel.com

Hilton Phoenix Tapatio Cliffs Resort

Staycation deal: Tap Into Fun in the Sun includes 25 percent off best available suite rates – as low as $111 (not including daily resort fee). Valid May 25-September 5. Book at bit.ly/40PdMZf or 1-800-HILTONS, ask for plan code “OZ.” Starting at $149/night. High-season rate: $319/night. tapatiocliffshilton.com

Sheraton Phoenix Downtown

Staycation deal: The Splash & More package (through September 4) features a welcome glass of wine or cider, Supergoop! sunscreen, a bucket of local seltzers, a daily $25 dining credit, two tickets to Arizona Science Center or Heard Museum, a two-hour bike rental, a complimentary 90-minute studio rental and a 4 p.m. checkout. Starting at $194/night. High-season rate: $399/night. marriott.com/en-us/hotels/phxgp-sheraton-phoenix-downtown/overview

Camelback Corridor

Royal Palms Resort and Spa

Nearly every Arizona native has a memory tied to this iconic resort nestled near Camelback Mountain. New York industrialist Delos Cooke built the Spanish Revival-style mansion that served as its foundation for his wife, Florence, in 1926. In 1948, it opened as The Royal Palms Inn, where travelers could stay in a casita for the then-princely sum of $35 a night. Today, the renowned resort and spa offers 119 cozy, custom-appointed guestrooms, a Forbes four-star spa, a pool tiled with mother of pearl and an award-winning bar and restaurant. The hotel is celebrating 75 years in business this year and is bestowing birthday gifts galore upon its beloved guests – The Royal 75 package includes a $75 food and beverage credit and complimentary breakfast for two. The Mix Up Bar is commemorating the occasion with creative takes on classic cocktails like the Sazerac and Singapore Sling, while T. Cook’s is offering a specialty prix fixe menu with courses crafted by executive chef Lee Hillson. 

5200 E. Camelback Rd., Phoenix, 602-283-1234, royalpalmshotel.com

Staycation deal: Waived resort fee, pet fee and parking fee, May 1-September 5.

High-season rate: $600/night

Nearby attractions: Camelback Mountain, Wrigley Mansion, Papago Park, Old Town Scottsdale 

— Madison Rutherford

Sanctuary Camelback Mountain, A Gurney’s Resort & Spa

With its tranquil, secluded locale, cradled in the embrace of Camelback Mountain, Sanctuary is aptly named. The pride of Paradise Valley is a haven for guests looking for an under-the-radar getaway – stars including Jennifer Aniston, Britney Spears, Beyoncé and Sonja Morgan have stayed there. The rest of us can get a taste of that exclusive luxury with a staycation, perhaps fitting in a pickleball game between treatments at Sanctuary Spa (try the Zen Shiatsu massage or the Masami facial) or playing tennis on the same property that Elton John and Billie Jean King once swung rackets on (the resort stands on what was formerly John Gardiner’s Tennis Ranch). Don’t miss dinner at elements, the resort’s signature restaurant, which offers “farm-fresh American cuisine with Asian accents.”

5700 E. McDonald Dr., Paradise Valley, 855-421-3522, gurneysresorts.com/scottsdale

Staycation deal: The Arizona Staycation offer is valid until August 31 and includes 25 percent off best available rates and a $50 daily resort credit to use toward spa or dining. Guests must have a valid Arizona ID. Summer rates start at $329/night.

High-season rate: $899/night

Nearby attractions: Camelback Mountain, Franciscan Renewal Center, McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park

— Leah LeMoine

Other Deals

Mountain Shadows

Staycation deal: The annual sale runs May 19-26 and lets you book stays between May 19-September 30. Get 25 percent off your room, two welcome drinks, upgraded internet and a room upgrade upon arrival (if available). Or, stay two nights and get the third night free. Plus, enjoy two welcome drinks, a chef’s choice arrival amenity, upgraded internet, a room upgrade upon arrival (if available) and 20 percent off poolside cabana and daybed rentals. Starting at $205-$219/night. High-season rate: $649/night. mountainshadows.com

Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia 

Staycation deal: The Longer Days, Longer Stays deal gives guests 10 percent off a one-night stay, 15 percent off a two-night stay and 20 percent off stays of three nights or more (through September 28). Starting at $229/night. High-season rate: $649/night. omnihotels.com/hotels/scottsdale-montelucia

The Hermosa Inn

Staycation deal: The Summer in Paradise package includes a discount on best available rate, a $25 food and beverage credit for each night of stay, two welcome cocktails and daily poolside treats (May 14-August 31). Happy hour at LON’s Last Drop extended from 3-7 p.m. daily from June 1-September 10. Starting at $264/night. High-season rate: $609/night. hermosainn.com

The Phoenician

Staycation deal: $50 nightly resort credit, May 1-September 4. Type SUM in the promotional code box when making your online reservation, or call 480-941-8200 and ask for promo code SUM. Starting at $330/night. High-season rate: $900/night. thephoenician.com/offers

The Canyon Suites at The Phoenician

Staycation deal: $50 nightly resort credit, May 1-September 4. Type SUM in the promotional code box when making your online reservation, or call 480-941-8200 and ask for promo code SUM. Starting at $450/night. High-season rate: $1,200/night. canyonsuites.com/offers

JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa

Staycation deal: The Casitas & Ritas package includes two margaritas each night, a $50 resort credit and accommodations in a resort casita. Use promo code ES1 in the corporate/promotional code box when making your online reservation. Book between April 1-September 30 for stays between May 25-September 30. Starting at $339/night. High-season rate: $899/night. marriott.com/en-us/hotels/phxcb-jw-marriott-scottsdale-camelback-inn-resort-and-spa/overview

North Scottsdale

Fairmont Scottsdale Princess

This family-friendly mega-resort is kicking it old-school with this summer’s theme: Let’s Roll, a skating-centric homage to the ’80s and ’90s. At DaBomb.com kids’ check-in, youngsters can make their own glowing art with an oversized light-up board with pegs. There will also be roller-skating at the Princess’ outdoor rink, laser tag, glow-in-the-dark mini golf, G-rated dive-in movies, a retro arcade and Let’s Glo Party on Fridays and Saturdays, where fog, colorful strobe lights, a techno DJ and lasers will illuminate Sunset Beach Pool’s twin 200-foot waterslides. For the grown-ups: Cool Cool Summer, an adults-only area at Sonoran Landing with ’80s and ’90s music, wine and cocktails, on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Summer at the Princess runs May 26-September 4.

7575 E. Princess Dr., Scottsdale, 480-585-4848, scottsdaleprincess.com

Staycation deal: Book by May 15 for the early bird offer of 40 percent off: fairmont.com/reservations/check-availability/?hc=SCP&pc=PEBS

High-season rate: $599/night

Nearby attractions: TPC Scottsdale Champions Course, Scottsdale Quarter, McDowell Sonoran Preserve Gateway Trail

— Leah LeMoine

The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa

Whether your staycation goals include golf, spa days, water fun, live music, fine spirits or children’s activities, this tony Scottsdale resort delivers. For golfers, the 27-hole course designed by local architect Scott Miller tempts. Keep the Scottish vibe going with a visit to the Scotch Library, where a Scotch ambassador will guide you through a 300-plus-bottle whisky collection to find the right sip for you. Enjoy a live bagpipe performance in Dreamweaver’s Canyon every day at sunset, tipple in hand. Looking for zero-proof fun? While away a day at the Adventure Water Park, with its lazy river, 110-foot-long slide, FlowRider surfing simulator, cabanas (available for reservation), adults-only pool Aquamiel and Tommy Bahama Relaxation Reef private “island.” Keep the kids busy with rotating Fun Team activities, which may include such diversions as the Build-a-Buddy station, where they can make their own stuffed animals; hula hoop contests and airbrush tattoos at the Adventure Pool; and time at Kampfire at Marshall’s Outpost, which might offer live music, complimentary s’mores, lawn games, face painters or balloon twisters, depending on the day.

6902 E. Greenway Pkwy., Scottsdale, 1-800-354-5892, marriott.com/phxws

Staycation deal: $50 per day credit, available March 1-September 4.

High-season rate: $699/night

Nearby attractions: Scottsdale Quarter, Kierland Commons, WestWorld of Scottsdale, TPC Scottsdale Champions Course, OdySea Aquarium, Butterfly Wonderland

— Angelina Aragon

Other Deals

Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows

Staycation deal: Arizona resident rate is $199 with waived resort fees and parking (May 28-August 31). The Sonoran Summer offers a 15 percent discount on three-night stays or a 20 percent discount on four-night stays (June 4-September 4). Starting at $259/night. High-season rate: $819/night. andazscottsdale.com

Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North

Staycation deal: The splurge-y Suite Summer Splash package (starting at $1,580/night) offers families a spacious suite, complimentary ice cream treats, a cabana and overnight valet parking. Arizona resident weekday rates for regular rooms start at $365/night, June 1-August 31. High-season rate: $1,100-1,400/night. fourseasons.com/scottsdale

Great Wolf Lodge

Staycation deal: The Summer Camp-In Celebration (May 16-August 27) boasts camp-themed activities and programming. The All in One package offers up to 15 percent off best available rates, a $20 food and beverage credit per person, a refillable soda sipper and towel for each guest. Year-round rate: starting at $299/night. greatwolf.com

Old Town Scottsdale

Hotel Adeline

Need some adults-only fun? It’s all about the (grown-up) pool party at this boutique hotel. Plan ahead for cabana and daybed rentals to relax in the shade after dunking in the 3,000-square-foot zero-edge Addy’s pool. The poolside FreeStyle bar boasts snacks and heartier dishes ranging from chips and tacos to sandwiches and pizza, plus cocktails including Mai Tais, Scottsdale Mules and the signature Adeline’s Hydration (vodka, coconut water, strawberry, lime, mint). If you’re feeling flush, you can order bottle service at your private cabana. On Saturdays and Sundays through September, a DJ keeps the vibes high at the Liquid Sunshine Pool Party experience.

5101 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale, 480-284-7700, hoteladeline.com

Staycation deal: The Liquid Sunshine Pool Party package includes up to 45 percent savings, breakfast for two guests daily, two Liquid Sunshine pool party tickets and late checkout (2 p.m.). Available on Friday and Saturday nights (pool party Saturday and Sunday), March-September. Rates starting at $99/night.

High-season rate: $300-$500/night

Nearby attractions: Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West, Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, destination restaurants (FnB, Sel, Café Monarch)

—  Leah LeMoine

W Scottsdale

Staycation deal: The Sips + Sunshine package includes breakfast in bed, DIY cocktail kit, welcome amenities, late checkout (2 p.m.) and 25 percent off AWAY Spa services. Starting at $199/night. High-season rate: $745/night. wscottsdalehotel.com

The Scott Resort & Spa

Staycation deal: For rates starting at $129/night, reserve online using the promo code PHXMAG. Valid through September 4. Blackout dates may apply. Rate does not include tax or hotel fees. Starting at $129/night. High-season rate: $499/night. thescottresort.com

East & West Valleys

Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass

Immerse yourself in the architecture, culture, cuisine and ambience of the Gila River Indian Community at the Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass this summer. This luxurious resort celebrates the Pima and Maricopa tribes of Central Arizona through its thoughtfully designed rooms, the AAA Five Diamond/Forbes Five Star restaurant, Kai, and the rejuvenating, authentic Native American spa treatments at Aji Spa. Enjoy a kayak, paddle board or river boat adventure on the replica of the Gila River that flows through the resort grounds or cool off with the family at the pool, designed and inspired by the ancient Casa Grande Ruins. 

5594 W. Wild Horse Pass Blvd., Phoenix, 602-225-0100, marriott.com/en-us/hotels/phxwp-sheraton-grand-at-wild-horse-pass/overview

Staycation deal: Sheraton at Wild Horse Pass is offering a $100 resort credit when you book a staycation that can be used at Ko’Sin restaurant, Hanyo Pool Bar or Aji Spa, or the River Boat Adventures. Rates start at $299/night.

High-season rate: $509/night

Nearby attractions: Whirlwind Golf Course, KOLI Equestrian Center, Rawhide Western Town, Gila River Casino, Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park, South Mountain Park & Preserve, Huhugam Heritage Center

—  Johann Warnholtz

Other Deals

Omni Tempe Hotel at ASU

Staycation deal: The Carry Away package (through September 8) has a two-night stay minimum and includes a $200 resort credit and one custom travel bag per stay, designed in partnership with SCOUT. Separately, the Extra Credit package includes a $75 food and beverage credit (through December 31). Starting at $259/night. High-season rate: $575/night. omnihotels.com/hotels/tempe-asu

The Westin Tempe

Staycation deal: The Stay & Play package is available through September 4 and includes a daily $25 food and beverage credit, one complimentary drip coffee at Cup of Joe Market Café for up to two guests, one complimentary tequila flight tasting in Terra Tempe Kitchen & Spirits and complimentary two-hour bike rental for two guests (based on availability). Starting at $179/night. High-season rate: $289/night. marriott.com/en-us/hotels/phxwt-the-westin-tempe/overview

The Wigwam

Staycation deal: The Summertime & Sunshine package includes a $50 daily resort credit. Use code SUNSHINE23 when booking. Runs May 15-September 10. Starting at $209/night. High-season rate: $390/night. wigwamarizona.com

North Valley

Boulders Resort & Spa Scottsdale 

Girdled by the gigantic, ponderous rocks that “bubbled up” from the Earth’s crust approximately 12 million years ago, the Boulders Resort & Spa cuts an otherworldly figure. When it opened in 1985, it was Scottsdale’s first luxury resort. Thanks to artist Bob Bacon, who designed the property – respectfully marrying the titular boulders, indigenous saguaros, and flora and fauna with its inconspicuous contemporary architecture – you can still see petroglyphs and other ancient formations on the Walk the Rock tour. It is also the only Scottsdale hotel to be listed in the book 1,000 Places to See Before You Die for its “special energy and spirit.” Enjoy the higher-elevation temps, which are 10-15 degrees cooler than the Valley’s on average, with a round of golf on the newly renovated golf course for as low as $89 per player. Stay the night with the Summer Stay & Play Golf Package, which includes nightly accommodations in a private casita, complimentary breakfast for two, one round of golf (nine holes) for two players, complimentary access to the Boulders Spa facility and unlimited fitness classes, and begins at $359/night (based on double occupancy).

34631 N. Tom Darlington Dr., Scottsdale, 1-888-579-2631, theboulders.com

Staycation deal: Truly Boulders Package includes nightly accommodations in a private casita, a daily $25 dining credit per person/per night, complimentary valet or self-parking, 20 percent off spa services, unlimited access to the spa facility and fitness classes, and the resort fee. Starting at $359/night (based on double occupancy). 

High-season rate: $598/night

Nearby attractions: Taliesin West, Town of Carefree, Town of Cave Creek, Musical Instrument Museum

— Mirelle Inglefield

JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa

Cool off with a splash this summer at the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa, where a recently unveiled $80 million transformation brings a fresh, modern design to this oasis in the North Valley. The lavish expansion features a refreshed lobby, redesigned guest rooms, and a delectable new signature restaurant, Tía Carmen, headed by Top Chef alum Angelo Sosa. The 2023 staycation theme is appropriately called Splash into Summer because guests will enjoy a new, 140,000-square-foot Aqua Ridge Water Park featuring three new water slides, the tranquil Sedona Springs, an enhanced Lazy River, a completely redesigned Wildfire Grove and a new adults-only Sky Island that is scheduled to open in late summer.

5350 E. Marriott Dr., Phoenix, 480-293-5000, jwdesertridge.com

Staycation deal: There are three Splash into Summer offers (May 29-September 1). Share the Splash: Buy one room, get the second at 50 percent off; includes self-parking for one car per room, two-night minimum. Stay and Splash overnight accommodations plus $50 resort and self-parking for one car. Suite Summer Splash includes a two-bedroom suite with cabana for two days, a $100 resort credit and self-parking with a two-night minimum stay. Rates start at $349/night. Use promo code EW5 in the corporate/promotional code box when making your online reservation.

High-season rate: $649/night

Nearby attractions: Wildfire Golf Club, High Street, Desert Ridge Marketplace, Musical Instrument Museum

—  Johann Warnholtz

Other Deals

ADERO Scottsdale Resort

Staycation deal: Enjoy up to 30 percent off in a limited-time advance purchase offer, May 1-September 6. Starting at $159/night. High-season rate: $399/night. aderoscottsdale.com

We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort

Staycation deal: The Summer Staycation package (May 1-September 4) includes a $25 food and beverage credit per night, waived resort fee per night, 20 percent discount on spa treatments and 10 percent discount on gift shop purchases. Starting at $129/night Sunday-Thursday (promo code: J-STYSUM1); $150/night Friday-Saturday (promo code: J-STYSUM2). High-season rate: $299/night. wekopacasinoresort.com