Summer Staycation Guide

As the snowbirds fly home for the summer, the Valley's top resorts roll out the red carpet for locals

For those of us not blessed with a backyard pool, summertime can feel like an endless road trip. Like nomads, we roam from friends houses and apartment complexes, to various local resorts, where we ‘check in’ (i.e. slink past the lobby) in order to get some precious pool-time. However, now that we’re all grown up (right?), it’s so much easier to just book a room at a smoking rate, and then strut around the pool deck like we own the place. And after years of ‘visiting’ Valley resorts, we’ve developed a few favs, places where you can both whoop it up with the kiddies or sneak away for a romantic rendezvous with your special someone.

Favs such as the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, a AAA Five Diamond gem located in the heart of Scottsdale. Here, you’ll find something for everybody this summer, starting with the Sip, Savor & Splash Package (overnight accommodations and a $50 dining credit, starting at $159 per night). Parents, meanwhile, will want to take advantage of family-friendly offers such as free weekend on-site babysitting when you eat dinner at one of the resort’s restaurants. Or the $25 daily Kids Resort Dining Pass, including breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as free movie candy or popcorn and a kids Freeze beverage during the weekend “dive-in” movie.

For more adult options, we adore Fairmont’s Willow Stream Spa, a three-story pampering palace adorned with a rooftop pool (and named the “# 3 Resort Spa in North America” by Travel + Leisure). All summer long, 60 is the New 30 at Willow Stream, as spa-goers who book two 60-minute treatments will receive $30 off each service. Finally, between celebrity-chef Michael Mina’s BOURBON STEAK, and the contemporary Latin stunner, La Hacienda by Richard Sandoval, the Fairmont is a foodie paradise. Enjoy a special $39 three-course menu at BOURBON STEAK, or Fiesta Fridays at La Hacienda. This sizzling patio party at the recently-revamped La Hacienda features a suckling pig roast, a tortilla-maker, mariachis and tastings with the Goddess of Tequila for only $29 (tequila is a la carte). And we haven’t even mentioned the Saturday night Lobster Fest, or $99 36-hole golf special on the adjoining TPC Scottsdale.