Relax by the pool, and save while you’re at it By Suzanne Rowan Kelleher
It’s the oldest trick in any savvy traveler’s playbook: Snag huge value by traveling to an off-season destination. Summer is a prime time for scooping up terrific savings at the plushest oasis-like resorts in the Phoenix-Scottsdale area. Of course it’s going to be hot there—but so what? Spend your days luxuriating by the pool and congratulating yourself for scoring a swish getaway at a killer price. At these ultra-family-friendly places, deals are sizzling this summer:
Wigwam Resort
Where: Phoenix, AZ Why: Because this circa-1929 landmark in the Phoenix-Scottsdale area offers luxurious 331 casitas and suites, golf, tennis, and four pools, as well as a new 25-foot tower with two twisting water slides. With the 3-2-1 Summer Fun promo, get three days and two nights for one low price: just $159 per room. Available for Sunday-Thursday stays through Aug. 12, 2014. Use promo code Summer14.
(MORE: Find kid-friendly things to do in the Phoenix-Scottsdale area.)
The Phoenician
Where: Scottsdale, AZ Why: Because this palatial Scottsdale resort in the Sonoran Desert manages to be simultaneously elegant and kid-friendly, offering nine-count-‘em-nine pools, a brand new tot-friendly interactive splash pad and a 165-foot twisting waterslide. Book the Surge into Summer package with nightly rates from $159. Available for stays May 26-Sept. 1, 2014. Use promo code SUMMER.
Hyatt Regency Scottsdale at Gainey Ranch
Hyatt Regency Scottsdale at Gainey Ranch
Where: Scottsdale, AZ Why: Because while this plush Scottsdale oasis offers golf, tennis, and a fantabulous spa, your kids will happily spend all their time at the spectacular 2.5-acre water playground with 10 pools, 20 fountains and 45 waterfalls. With the Sunshine on Sale offer, get your third night free for stays May 26-Sept. 1, 2014. Use promo code SOS14.
(MORE: Read a full review of the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale.)
Scottsdale Resort & Conference Center
Where: Scottsdale, AZ Why: Because this sprawling Spanish Colonial-style resort delivers plenty for families to love, from its golf courses, tennis courts, and salubrious spa to two pools and outdoor whirlpool. Book the Stay Scottsdale, Play Scottsdale package with rates from $89 weekdays and $99 weekends and receive a $50 food-and-beverage credit. Available for stays May 23-Sept. 1, 2014.
Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort
Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort
Where: Phoenix, AZ Why: Because this upscale all-suite resort offers guestrooms with plenty of room for families to spread out, as well as a 4-acre landscaped water playground with pools, waterfalls, a lazy river, water slide, mini golf, tennis courts, dive-in movies, and a kid’s camp. With the Summer Flashback package, rates start at an incredible $109 a night. Available May 27-Sept. 8, 2014.
Suzanne Rowan Kelleher contributed this to www.MiniTime.com.
