SCOTTSDALE, AZ — High gas prices and soaring airfares are expected to take a toll on summer travel, with more Americans taking shorter and lower-cost trips, according to a recent U.S. Travel Association report.
Laura McMurchie of Experience Scottsdale says the Valley's sizzling summer temperatures are actually an opportunity for savvy locals.
"It's a great opportunity to vacation in your own backyard. You can stay at a five-star property for three-star prices this time of year. You can stay for about 60% off what we pay during peak season," McMurchie said.
Resorts offer the deals because occupancy dips during the summer months.
"We always say when the temperatures go up, the rates go down," McMurchie said.
That typically also applies to golf and spa rates.
"If you're hanging out at the pool or, you know, enjoying the misters or going to the spa, it's very doable. And I always say, nobody does summer better than Scottsdale," McMurchie adds.
Tourism officials suggest checking summer-in-scottsdale.com for discounts and deals.
See more staycation and summer specials here, or find a list of deals and watch more coverage in the video player below:
- The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess has rates as low as $238 a night.
- Wigwam Golf Club's "Summer Six Pass" gives course access and perks off the fairways all summer long, including: six rounds of golf, unlimited driving range access, 15% off merchandise, a two-for-one beverage cart drink, complimentary breakfast item at GRIND29, half-priced entrée at Wigwam Bar, complimentary appetizer at Red Allen’s, and a $139 room rate at The Wigwam Resort (Sunday through Thursday), plus one $40 round at Arizona Biltmore Golf Club. The Summer Six Pass is $219 and valid through September 13, 2026. You can also add on a Kids Summer Six Pass for family fun all summer long.
- Hilton Scottsdale Resort & Villas is offering a Summer Splash offer with exclusive discounted rates (dropping average rates from $339 down to $169) plus a special poolside amenity. Use code “Splash” when booking!
- Hilton Phoenix Resort at The Peak:
- STAY, SPLASH & SAVOR Package: Turn your getaway into a full summer escape with everything included. Enjoy spacious all-suite accommodations, unlimited access to River Ranch Water Park, and a $100 resort credit to use at The Living Room, Slim’s, or toward a spa treatment. Available on stays of two nights or more. Staycation Package Dates Available: May 17 - Sept 10
- "AZ LOCALS" Staycation Package: Available for Arizona residents as well as for residents of CA, NV, NM, and TX. Up to 20%* off Best Available Rates (based on availability; terms may apply). For upcoming stays, book at least two days in advance. You can book here.
- Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows is offering Sonoran Summer and Arizona Residents Rates this summer:
- Sonoran Summer
-Valid for stays June 12 – September 13
-Enjoy 15% off stays of three nights or more
-Waived resort fee
-Complimentary self-parking
-Designed to encourage extended stays filled with outdoor exploration, creative experiences and spa indulgence - Arizona Residents Rate
-Valid for stays June 12 – September 13
-Rates starting at $199 per night
-Exclusive offer for Arizona residents
-Waived resort fee
-Complimentary self-parking
-Ideal for a close-to-home summer staycation with access to dining, spa and pool experiences
- Sonoran Summer
- Best Western: From now through September 7, new and existing Best Western Rewards members can earn 1,000 bonus points per night, with no limit, on stays now through September 7. On top of that, every eligible night also earns a chance to win 250,000 bonus points (up to 20 entries.)
- FOUND:RE Phoenix Hotel's Art Around Town Room Package starts at $249 per night, and includes:
- An overnight stay at FOUND:RE Phoenix Hotel
- Complimentary mini Charmera Kodak camera
- Complimentary tickets to the Phoenix Art Museum
- An interactive art map of downtown Phoenix public art and installations
- Waived destination fee
- FOUND:RE Phoenix's Suns Out, Funs Out Package: Bookable for stays through September 7, 2026, this package includes accommodations along with necessary poolside essentials to enhance a day in the sun, including a FOUND:RE Phoenix pool bag, reusable water bottle, sunglasses and a compact portable Bluetooth speaker. Click here to book.