Pack your bag and drive across town for a budget-friendly stay at one of the Valley’s many celebrated resorts. Bonus: staycays in Northern and Southern Arizona for adventurous weekenders.
By Angelina Aragon, Leah LeMoine, Craig Outhier & Madison Rutherford
Price Check
Resort rates are for the year 2025, are starting rates only, and are subject to change and blackout dates. Always verify with properties before booking. Offers are not to be used in combination with other deals or discounts.
Arizona Biltmore
For nearly a century, history and mystery have intertwined at this 39-acre oasis, built in 1929 by architect Albert Chase McArthur with the counsel of Frank Lloyd Wright. To experience this local legacy firsthand, guests can book a 90-minute tour with the property’s resident historian, Ashley Johnson. Highlights include the Gold Room – home to the world’s second-largest gold leaf ceiling after the Taj Mahal, plus murals painted on Belgian linen by artist Maynard Dixon – and the Mystery Room, a former speakeasy that still conceals a bar behind a revolving bookcase.
Though the resort’s art and architecture beckon to the past, modern-day leisure and luxury are just around the corner. Every Friday through September 1, the Paradise Pool comes alive during Dive In Movie and Twist Nights, when families can enjoy extended summer hours on the 65-foot waterslide while watching a movie under the stars. Guests 21 and older can unwind at the Saguaro Pool with a full bar, private cabanas and rotating DJs. For an additional nightly fee, the all-inclusive, adults-only Citrus Club offers buffet-style bites, handcrafted cocktails and a swanky lounge from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
2400 E. Missouri Ave., Phoenix, 602-955-6600, arizonabiltmore.com
High-season rate: Starting at $499/night
Summer rate: $209/night
Staycation deal: Arizona residents receive a 25 percent discount and complimentary self-parking starting May 22 through the end of 2025. Request the AZ Residence offer or use code AZLC at booking.
Great Wolf Lodge
The forest-themed family fun starts the moment you enter Great Wolf Lodge. Paw prints dot the floor, the scent of vanilla-tinged pines and cedars fills the air, and you and your brood can score complimentary wolf ears from the gift shop by howling like a wolf pack. Orient yourself and select one of three different passes for your cubs to provide them access to different activities around the resort such as a ropes course, mini golf, bowling, climbing wall, arcade, Build-A-Bear and the live-action MagiQuest World of Vallera game. Wiley’s Waterpark is where all the indoor summer fun is, with the Talking Stick Treehouse, 20-foot drop slide, family raft slide, lazy river, wave pool, floating lily pads course and other aquatic attractions providing hours of diversion. If you want some sun, head outside to lounge in the shallow pool with fountains and poolside seating. Grab a bite and some drinks while the kids play all day.
7333 N. Pima Rd., Scottsdale, 1-888-962-9653, greatwolf.com
High-season rate: $450/night
Summer rate: $300/night
Staycation deal: The MOREFUN package includes 25 percent off a two-night minimum stay, through Labor Day weekend. Booking must be made within 60 days before arrival. Use booking code: MOREFUN.
Marriott Phoenix Resort Tempe at The Buttes
Having a cabana or steam room at your disposal is always a nice staycation amenity, but what about a whole mountain? Built into Tempe’s Twin Buttes range in 1986, this 25-acre staycation classic has long tickled the imagination of seclusion-fancying vacationers, with its Mordor-esque granite breezeways and novel upside-down layout (fantastically, the summit lobby on the top floor). Following an ownership change and sweeping renovation, The Buttes offers a slew of new enticements this summer, too. Each of the property’s 353 guest rooms have reconfigured and retiled bathrooms, plus other modern updates, and the one-of-a-kind, grotto-like pool complex similarly enjoyed a face-lift. A redone fitness center, an expanded lobby bar, the list goes on. Thankfully, many longtime Buttes treasures remain intact, including the Valley-best chicken and doughnuts starter at fine-dining destination Top of the Rock. Tickled with guajillo chile, the sweet-savory starter debuted a decade ago and has survived a wave of menu refreshes that deposited such fusion delights as masa enchiladas with pork belly and seared duck with espresso barbecue sauce on the end of grateful diners’ forks. We could eat a mountain of them.
2000 W. Westcourt Way, Tempe, 602-225-9000, marriott.com
High-season rate: $364/night
Summer rate: $220/night
Staycation deal: Get a 10 percent room discount if you stay two nights or more with The Buttes’ Grand Getaway deal and use the savings to treat yourself to a sports massage or hydrating facial at Narande, the resort’s tranquil, well-appointed spa.
Royal Palms Resort and Spa
Tucked away from the traffic of Camelback Road by stately walls and lush landscaping, Royal Palms is treasured for its Spanish Colonial Revival architecture and aura of classic romance, the legacy of its original owners, 1920s lovebirds Delos and Florence Cooke. But don’t let its good bones and amorous atmosphere distract you from another sensual pleasure: food. Executive chef Lee Hillson returned to on-site T. Cook’s a few years ago, and now he’s nurturing top-notch talent in executive sous chef Mireya Ryan and pastry chef Hollie Layman-Sanders, who are incorporating more global flavors into the restaurant’s Mediterranean-leaning playbook. New menu highlights like Ibérico pork cheek fried rice, Royal Reuben with house-made brisket pastrami, kale pesto spaghetti and “lamb pops” with arugula, lemon oil and baby tomatoes must be tasted to be believed. Layman-Sanders’s take on the viral Dubai chocolate bar, with pistachio and tahini kataifi, caramelized black sesame paste and chocolate ganache, is a knockout. We can’t think of anything more scrumptious to scarf in the comfort of the eatery’s AC.
5200 E. Camelback Rd., Phoenix, 602-283-1234, royalpalmshotel.com
High-season rate: $600/night
Summer rate: $239/night
Staycation deal: The Fee-Free Summer package includes waived resort, parking and pet fees. Book April 30-September 4 for stays between May 2-September 7. Must be booked two days in advance, with a two-night minimum stay.
Sanctuary Camelback Mountain
If you’re craving some R&R this summer, Sanctuary Camelback Mountain delivers in spades – from relaxing new treatments at Sanctuary Spa to invigorating pickleball clinics at the former Paradise Valley Racquet Club where Johnny Carson and Jimmy Connors once volleyed.
True to its name, Sanctuary Spa is a 12,000-square-foot indoor-outdoor refuge with 12 treatment rooms, a meditation garden and reflection pond, and a private shaded pool for Watsu treatments. Sanctuary is the sole destination spa in the state with a dedicated Watsu pool and certified practitioner. During each 60-minute Watsu treatment, massage therapist and energy healer Antoine Ratliff guides guests through fluid movements inspired by shiatsu and aquatic bodywork as they gently float in warm water to the soothing tones of sound bowls. Nestled against the north face of Camelback Mountain, the resort boasts 110 private, pet-friendly villas, each with a patio, oversized soaking tub, king bed and plush couch – perfect for accommodating the “rest” in R&R.
5700 E. McDonald Dr., Paradise Valley, 855-421-3522, gurneysresorts.com/scottsdale
High-season rate: Starting at $899/night
Summer rate: $309/night
Staycation deal: The Stay Longer, Save More deal allows staycationers to save 15 percent when staying in a suite or casita for three nights or more. The Spa Harmony package encourages guests to get their Zen on with daily breakfast and a $480 spa credit.
The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa
Tailor your staycation to your crew at this North Scottsdale haven. Kids in tow? Take them to the Adventure Water Park Kierland FlowRider, an aquatic activity that melds surfing, snowboarding and wakeboarding (starting at $55, plus $15 one-time registration fee), or treat them to Young Trailblazers activities like airbrush tattoos, water balloon fun, ceramic painting and hair tinsel. Adults only? Book a reservation at The Scotch Library for a delicious education on single malts and blends or head to the swanky new Antidote bar for craft cocktails. Don’t leave without a relaxing massage, scrub or facial at Agave, The Arizona Spa, which this year debuted treatments specially designed for people undergoing cancer treatment.
6902 E. Greenway Pkwy., Scottsdale, 1-800-354-5892, marriott.com
High-season rate: $949/night
Summer rate: $289/night
Staycation deal: The Ultimate Summer Escape includes a $100 resort credit and late checkout, if available. Through September 1.
Out-of-Towners
The Wilde Resort and Spa
The morning yoga classes are on point. So is the meditation labyrinth in the grassy courtyard, and the nightly Native American flute blessings. But of the many 21st-century hospitality trends embraced at this tastefully renovated boutique property in serene west Sedona, the one that truly lights our fire is the chef-driven dining philosophy at on-site restaurant Rascal. Led by celebrated Sedona chef Mercer Mohr (Creekside American Bistro, Rene at Tlaquepaque), Rascal is a far cry from the pro forma, steak-and-bisque resort menus of yore. The all-day diner is off-beat and idiosyncratic, with globally inspired small plates like Mohr’s signature Firecracker Shrimp (named a Top 100 Dish in Arizona by PHOENIX last January), killer feta cheese chilaquiles at breakfast and, yes, copious steaks and chops. Transforming the old Sedona Rouge Hotel and Spa, ownership did a lot more than gussy up the property’s 107 rooms – though they did a terrific job of that, reconfiguring the bathrooms with modern, glass-enclosed showers and adding premium bedding – they altered its entire DNA. Just another great reason to stay in our favorite part of Sedona.
2250 W. State Rte. 89A, Sedona, 928-203-4111, thewilderesort.com
High-Season rate: $560/night
Summer rate: $207/night
Staycation deal: Don’t sleep on the Wilde spa. Enjoy the bus-size hot tub, spacious fitness center and mosaic-tiled steam room, plus get a $100 daily voucher for a spa service of your choice, with the Spa Getaway special (starting at $207 during the summer).
Grand Canyon Staycation Deal!
Through August 28, Valley residents can escape the heat at the brand-new Yavapai Lodge in Grand Canyon Village for a breezy, locals-only rate of $199/night. Use the promo code LOCALS when booking. visitgrandcanyon.com
More Sedona Staycations
Ambiente
Stay in one of the groundbreaking resort’s glass-walled “atriums” for a discounted summer rate ($999/night) and get a $300 resort credit for stays of three nights or more with the Stay & Play package, available through August 31. ambientesedona.com
L’Auberge de Sedona
In summer, the incomparable creekside property’s L’Apothecary Spa Retreat package ($500 spa credit plus lunch for two with a three-night purchase) dips below $1,000 a night. lauberge.com
Amara Resort and Spa
Enjoy the Oak Creek-adjacent resort’s signature negative-edge swimming pool for a bargain with Amara’s Midweek Motivation promotion: just $285/night on select weekdays during the summer. amararesort.com
3 Hip Motor Lodges
Resorts and spas do not necessarily a staycation make. In fact, a new breed of boutique motor lodges is evolving in Northern Arizona – perfect for escaping the Phoenix heat while keeping it local.
Americana Motor Hotel
The newest addition to Arizona’s growing armada of refurbished, ’50s-era motels, this Route 66 charmer has fire pits, cornhole courts, complimentary Pabst cans on arrival (or water, if you prefer) and a persistent, pleasing motif of retro-futurism that fits its Flagstaff address to a celestial “T.” Use it as a home base for Northern Arizona adventuring or stay in the neighborhood and work off that Pabst on Fatman’s Loop Trail, a superb hike within walking distance of the hotel. Summer rates start at $144/night. 2650 E. Rte. 66, Flagstaff, 928-833-3060, americanamotorhotel.com
High Country Motor Lodge
The Ritz-Carlton of resurrected Arizona motor lodges boasts a swank bar and lounge, weekly live music, an on-site sauna and options for “Nordic spa sessions” that alternate hot and cold in mind-bending amplitudes. Located just south of downtown Flagstaff, it’s owned by the same hospitality group that runs The Scott Resort & Spa in Scottsdale and El Chorro Lodge in Paradise Valley. Summer rates start at $137/night. 1000 W. Rte. 66, Flagstaff, 866-928-4265, highcountrymotorlodge.com
The Motor Lodge
Located three blocks from historic Courthouse Square and Whiskey Row in downtown Prescott, this 14-room boutique motel leans hard into funky décor and kitsch – but with well-judged touches of comfort, like Tuft & Needle mattresses and a bright, Jetsons-inspired grab-and-go market-restaurant hybrid. Ideal for your summer retreat to Arizona’s mile-high city. Summer rates start at $129/night. 503 S. Montezuma St., Prescott, 928-717-0157, themotorlodge.com
Miraval Arizona
What do Timothée Chalamet, Megan Thee Stallion, Patrick Mahomes and Miraval Arizona have in common? They all turn 30 this year. Since its inception in 1995, the pioneering wellness resort has spawned satellite locations in Austin, Texas, and in the Berkshires of Massachusetts. But we lay claim to the OG, which has exponentially expanded its physical footprint – 400 acres in the Santa Catalina Mountains overlooking Tucson – and its holistic experiences, workshops and classes over the past three decades. New offerings include Astral Projections, Akashic Records, Symbols in the Sand and Lunar Rituals. But, comfortingly, you’ll still find classics like custom wellness retreats and Miraval’s signature Equine Experience, with various sessions centered on the healing wisdom and trust of horses.
5000 E. Via Estancia, Tucson, 877-298-9172, miravalresorts.com/arizona
High-season rate: $1,299/night
Summer rate: $579/night
Staycation deal: The Summer Sale brings the best rates of the year (see above) plus a $100 resort credit, for stays through August 31. For day-passers, Summer Solace Day Spa packages start at $299-plus per person for weekday spa experiences (Monday-Friday only, June 25-August 30) and include lunch at Cactus Flower restaurant and a $100 resort credit toward fee-based experiences or spa services.
3 Miraval Musts
- Qigong
Imagine a cross between gentle yoga, moving meditation and light massage and you’ll have an idea of what participating in this ancient Chinese practice feels like. A valued part of traditional Chinese medicine, Qigong utilizes breathing techniques and body movements to encourage the flow of qi (pronounced “chee”), or energy.
- Brahmi Swedna
Life in Balance Spa specialist Clinton Horner has been at Miraval almost since the beginning – he came aboard after studying at The Chopra Center in India. Horner is the resort’s sole provider of this full-body Ayurvedic treatment, which utilizes healing Brahmi herb oil, steamed poultices and a linen wrap. It transcends the relaxation of massage to heal on deeper levels.
- Spiritual Drumming
Most of Miraval’s offerings are about getting quiet and looking inward. This raucous workshop, led by percussionist Richard Noel, is about getting loud and looking outward for connection, love and community. Who knew vibing out to disco lights in the desert and playing bongos around a fire pit could be as centering as silent meditation?
Anniversary Trips
To celebrate its milestone birthday, Miraval will host several immersion weekends in 2025.
- Immersion with Rae Jessie (July 17-20)
- Mystic and intuitive medium Jessie will lead guests in exploring their inner wisdom and fully utilizing their intuition.
- Immersion with Tina Powers (August 15-17 & November 14-16)
- Unlock psychic abilities under the tutelage of medium Powers, an expert at managing energy blocks and decoding animal symbolism.
- Immersion with Tejpal & Shari Gootter (October 10-12)
- Ayurvedic healer and Brennan Healing practitioner Tejpal and licensed professional counselor Gootter help guests find their spiritual center.
- Immersion with Janet Rae Orth (December 4-7)
- Banish limiting beliefs, realize creative potential and manifest dreams with the help of clairvoyant Orth.
More Staycation Deals
Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows
6114 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale, 480-368-1234, andazscottsdale.com
High-season rate: $799/night
Summer rate: $269/night
Staycation deal: The Arizona Resident Offer includes waived resort fee and exclusive rate starting at $199 with valid Arizona ID. Use code AZRES when booking. Runs June 12-August 28.
Arizona Grand Resort & Spa
8000 S. Arizona Grand Pkwy., Phoenix, 602-438-9000, arizonagrandresort.com
High-season rate: $349/night
Summer rate: $229/night
Staycation deal: The 2025 Summer Staycations offer includes rates starting at $179 (including resort fee) and $25 food and beverage credit per stay. Use code PHXMAG when booking or use this booking link. Runs May-August.
Boulders Resort & Spa Scottsdale
34631 N. Tom Darlington Dr., Carefree, 480-488-9009, theboulders.com
High-season rate: $579/night
Summer rate: $229/night
Staycation deal: The Truly Boulders package includes a private casita, a $25 dining credit per person per night, complimentary parking, 20 percent off spa and unlimited access to the spa facility and fitness classes ($279/night). Runs June 1-September 1.
Caesars Republic Scottsdale
4747 N. Goldwater Blvd., Scottsdale, 480-903-4747, caesars.com/caesars-republic-scottsdale
High-season rate: $599/night
Summer rate: $169/night
Staycation deal: The Arizona Locals Staycation includes up to 20 percent off best available rate, $50 food and beverage credit and 50 percent off destination fee. Runs June 1-September 7.
Castle Hot Springs
5050 N. Castle Hot Springs Rd., Morristown, 877-600-1137, castlehotsprings.com
High-season rate: $2,125/night
Summer rate: $1,340/night
Staycation deal: The Summer of Splendor gives Arizona locals a bonus discount of 20 percent off. Two-night minimum. Runs May 23-July 5.
CIVANA Wellness Resort & Spa
37220 Mule Train Rd., Carefree, 480-653-9000, civanacarefree.com
High-season rate: $599/night
Summer rate: $229/night
Staycation deal: The 20 Percent Off Summer Stays for Arizona Residents package includes said discount as well as access to wellness experiences, classes and complimentary bikes with valid Arizona ID. Runs June 1-August 31.
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
7575 E. Princess Dr., Scottsdale, 480-585-4848, scottsdaleprincess.com
High-season rate: $799/night
Summer rate: Starting at $360/night
Staycation deal: The Early Bird Summer includes 40 percent off your stay during Fairmont’s Wild West Summer. Book between April 1-May 26 for stays from May 22-September 8.
FOUND:RE Phoenix Hotel
1100 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, 602-875-8000, foundrehotels.com
High-season rate: Starting at $459/night
Summer rate: Starting at $219/night
Staycation deal: The Sun’s Out, Fun’s Out package includes a pool bag, reusable water bottle, sunglasses and small portable Bluetooth speaker. This offer starts at $229 and is good for stays between May 24-September 2.
The Global Ambassador
4360 E. Camelback Rd., Phoenix, 480-800-2211, globalambassadorhotel.com
High-season rate: $650/night
Summer rate: $350/night
Staycation deal: The Local package requires a minimum two-night booking and includes a $100 property credit, daily breakfast for two, complimentary cryotherapy with spa treatment, dedicated concierge, complimentary valet and complimentary upgrade and late checkout, if available. Starts at $400/night.
The Hermosa Inn
5532 N. Palo Cristi Rd., Paradise Valley, 844-267-8738, hermosainn.com
High-season rate: $709/night
Summer rate: $239/night
Staycation deal: The Summer in Paradise Getaway includes a 15 percent discount on the best available rate, a $35 food and beverage credit per night, and complimentary poolside treats (May 12-August 31). The AZ Locals Celebrate Summer package includes two complimentary welcome cocktails, poolside treats and 25 percent savings on a stay with valid Arizona driver’s license (May 12-September 7).
Hilton Scottsdale Resort & Villas
6333 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale, 480-948-7750, hilton.com
High-season rate: $279/night, main building; $749/night, villas
Summer rate: $179/night, main building; $379/night, villas
Staycation deal: The Staycation Vibes deal includes daily breakfast for two, $75 food and beverage credit per day and 50 percent discount on resort fee. Runs June 12-September 6.
Hotel Valley Ho
6850 E. Main St., Scottsdale, 480-376-2600, hotelvalleyho.com
High-season rate: $420/night
Summer rate: starting at $143/night
Staycation deal: The Third Night Free deal runs May 1-September 30.
JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa
5350 E. Marriott Dr., Phoenix, 480-293-5000, marriott.com
High-season rate: $719/night
Summer rate: $389/night
Staycation deal: The Save on Summer package includes a $100 daily resort credit, complimentary parking and up to 35 percent off stay. Runs May 22-September 7.
JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa
5402 E. Lincoln Dr., Scottsdale, 480-948-1700, marriott.com
High-season rate: $649/night
Summer rate: $249/night
Staycation deal: The Casitas + Ritas package includes two specialty margaritas each night, a $50 resort credit and accommodations in a resort casita. Use code “D60” when booking. Runs May 22-September 30.
Mountain Shadows
5445 E. Lincoln Dr., Paradise Valley, 855-318-8942, mountainshadows.com
High-season rate: $550/night
Summer rate: starting at $215/night
Staycation deal: The Third Night Free deal runs through September 30.
Moxy Phoenix Downtown
116 S. Central Ave., Phoenix, 623-291-1200, marriott.com
High-season rate: $399/night
Summer rate: $139/night
Staycation deal: A Night Out on the Town starts at $129/night and includes one recovery shot and snack per guest. Runs May 22-September 7.
Omni Tempe Hotel at ASU
7 E. University Dr., Tempe, 602-794-8600, omnihotels.com/hotels/tempe-asu
High-season rate: $349/night
Summer rate: $159/night
Staycation deal: The Arizona Resident Rate gets locals 20 percent off stays and a $25 food and beverage credit with valid ID.
Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia
4949 E. Lincoln Dr., Scottsdale, 480-627-3200, omnihotels.com/hotels/scottsdale-montelucia
High-season rate: $664/night
Summer rate: $188/night
Staycation deal: The Escape to Scottsdale Package includes a $150 resort credit per stay on bookings of four nights or more.
Rise Uptown Hotel
400 W. Camelback Rd., Phoenix, 480-536-8900, riseuptownhotel.com
High-season rate: $289/night
Summer rate: $149/night
Staycation deal: The Rise Summer package includes a daily $25 food and beverage credit, through August 31.
The Scottsdale Resort & Spa
7700 E. McCormick Pkwy., Scottsdale, 480-991-9000, thescottsdaleresort.com
High-season rate: $449/night
Summer rate: $129/night
Staycation deal: The Summer Escape package includes a daily $75 resort credit, late checkout, room upgrade if available and summer activities. Runs May 26-September 1.
Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass
5594 W. Wild Horse Pass Blvd., Phoenix, 602-225-0100, wildhorsepassresort.com
High-season rate: Starting at $419/night
Summer rate: Starting at $249/night
Staycation deal: The Kids Adventure package includes a daily $100 resort credit. Runs through September 30.
The Wigwam
300 E. Wigwam Blvd., Litchfield Park, 844-207-9345, wigwamarizona.com
High-season rate: $340/night
Summer rate: $169/night
Staycation deal: The Summertime & Sunshine package includes $75 daily resort credit, a round of golf and poolside cocktails. Runs May 1-September 1.
W Scottsdale
7277 E. Camelback Rd., Scottsdale, 480-970-2100, marriott.com
High-season rate: $499/night
Summer rate: $209/night
Staycation deal: The Cheers and Chill package includes early check-in, late check-out, breakfast for two and a drink credit.
