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Staycation deals worth buying and how to avoid the bad ones

Posted at 10:32 PM, May 21, 2018
and last updated 2018-05-22 07:32:49-04

Need to get away? You don't have to go far to find a vacation. Arizona's summer heat leads to summer deals! But some staycation deals really are too good to be true.

So we found the deals worth buying and showing you how to avoid the bad ones.

Resort credits, free meals, and low rates are just some of the tactics to get you in the door. But before you book, do some research...

The Hyatt regency -- offering a $50 resort credit. But it's not really $50!

The standard rate is $149 per night.

When I enter the promo code for the credit, the base rate jumps up by 20 bucks to $169 per night.

So my advertised $50 credit actually saves 30 bucks. Not a bad deal... But not the deal you thought it was.

Another example: Low advertised rates "starting at" a bargain basement price.

But that "starting at" deal is only good for certain dates. You'll pay $40 per night -- or more -- for the weekend.

Parking and resort fees can also set you back, so before you book, go to ResortFeeChecker.com to see which resorts are going to add the most fees to your bill.

Of course, there are lots of resorts with amazing deals, like this one at Gainey Suites in Scottsdale. For about a hundred bucks, you'll stay in a suite with a kitchen, enjoy a buffet breakfast and pay no hidden fees.

We are breaking down even more of our favorite staycation deals every day this week on ABC15 Mornings, so tune in or check back here for the latest bargains!