PHOENIX — It’s Money Saving Money and we’re talking about how you can save on staycations this summer.
Even though the thermometer is hitting triple digits, there are still plenty of ways you can cool off close to home, or with just a short drive out of town, without breaking your budget.
It’s that time of year, the unofficial start to summer, and some of you are already planning staycations for the months ahead.
“My favorite spot, if I have the kids, is the Fairmont Princess. They have an amazing kids camp up there,” said Kristin Overton from Phoenix. “And if it’s just me and my husband, we like the Canyon Suites at the Phoenician.”
“So many of the resorts do great packages for families or for couples to escape for a weekend,” said Mark Stanton from Paradise Valley.
When it comes to the cost, with most Valley resorts, we found gone are the days of double-digit rates.
“It may not be $99 dollars, but the weekend ends, and if it’s romantic, which I’ve had a couple of those, you come out of the weekend and you’re like it was worth every penny of it,” Stanton’s wife Barb added.
If you’re on a budget, don’t worry, there are still some staycation deals you won’t want to miss.
“We have several resorts that are really cool and they have some cool specials going on during the summertime as well,” said Marjorie Magnusson with the Arizona Office of Tourism.
Magnusson shared some of the best deals to get in on.
At the Mountain Shadows Resort Scottsdale, Maricopa County residents can get a fee-free staycation with the resort fee waived now through Labor Day.
“They have an 18-hole golf course… you can do it in under three hours,” she said. “Do it first thing in early in the morning… nice and cool.”
At the Hotel Valley Ho, Arizona residents can book a two-night stay and get the third night free through the end of September.
“That’s a really great bargain,” said Magnusson.
For families, Great Wolf Lodge has limited-time offers throughout the summer. If you can plan a mid-week stay, you’ll find the best rates. It’s also a good idea to book your stay as far out as possible.
Another in-town must-stay – the Arizona Biltmore.
"…turning 95 this year,” said Magnusson. “They also have special rates going on during the summertime.”
At the Arizona Grand Resort and Spa, you can get a special rate if you book a reservation more than seven days in advance.
“A lot of places, you get on their newsletter and then they give you their flash sales or something special that’s going on that you don’t want to miss,” she said.
If you’re headed to the cooler temps in northern Arizona, check out the Hyatt Place Page-Lake Powell. That’s where you can take advantage of their special summer fun package through Sept. 1.
The High Country Motor Lodge in Flagstaff is offering 25 percent off when you reserve three nights or more through the end of June.
“They have several hotels that have been built with that sort of retro feel, the Americana hotel,” said Magnusson.
Here in Arizona, there’s no shortage of ways to play, and if you do a little homework, the better the chance you’ll be able to experience more and spend less this summer.
“It is still low season, and so the rates are still lower,” she added.
For more ideas on where you can stay this summer, that *doesn’t require booking a flight or fueling up, just go to VisitArizona.com.
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