While the Arizona economy is still working its way out of the doldrums, many Arizona area residents may feel that a summer vacation is just not in the budget.

However, a staycation just might be the ticket.

Did you know that Arizona is one of the best places for a staycation in the country?

Arizona is the land of the snowbird. In the hot summer months, our world-class vacation resources go on sale at very steep discounts.

Did you know that the Valley of the Sun alone has 5 AAA Five-Diamond resorts, and 25 AAA Four-Diamond resorts?

These are world-class resorts all opening their summer doors with steep, steep discounts.

“Can’t afford ’em”, you say. Consider just a few examples:

• Boulder’s Resort – Arizona residents will enjoy a special rate of $111 per night, an upgrade to our newly enhanced Boulders Casita for only $11 per evening, and an 11:00 am early check-in. Bask in an array of $11 specials throughout the resort during the 111 days of summer.
• Scottsdale Princess – The summer “Sip, Savor & Splash Package” begins at $159 per room, per night and includes a $50 dining credit, valid May 14 – September 22, 2011.
• Westin Kierland Resort and Spa – “I Love Kierland Resort” Summer Sale Rates from $99 a night when purchased by May 23 for stays May 29 –Sept. 11
• Four Seasons at Troon – Starting at $129 per night.
• Tubac Golf and Spa Resort – one-night getaway deal that includes enough room for everyone. For just $99.

These are just 5 examples out of literally hundreds available. Besides resorts, you will also find that attractions, museums, restaurants, and all things staycation are very affordable in Arizona.

Here’s how to find the deals:

• Pick an Arizona location that you would like to visit
• Visit their website looking for their staycation offerings.
• Follow them on Facebook and Twitter. We’ve seen amazing last-minute deals, sweepstakes, and wonderful giveaways happening.
• When you find the right deal, act fast. All of these offerings are subject to some sort of availability.

So, now you’ve got your staycation homework.  Get busy, and build yourself a wonderful Arizona staycation at remarkably affordable prices.

Here’s the details on a few that we found:

THE BOULDERS

SUMMER SPECIAL  Boulders’ Playcation- Enjoy The Boulders – Arizona’s Playground – as we celebrate 111 days of summer. Arizona residents will enjoy a special rate of $111 per night, an upgrade to our newly enhanced Boulders Casita for only $11 per evening, and an 11:00 am early check-in.  Bask in an array of $11 specials throughout the resort during the 111 days of summer. Please visit TheBoulders.com/Playcation

*Rate valid on weekdays and select weekends for stays between 5/20/11 and 9/7/11. Request the “Play-cation 2011” or Plan Code “PKPL1N”.

FAIRMONT PRINCESS

Summer Vacation Packages

• The summer “Sip, Savor & Splash Package” begins at $159 per room, per night and includes a $50 dining credit, valid May 14 – September 22, 2011.

• Playcation Family Package: With rates starting from $179 per room, per night.  Available May 14-September 22, 2011.  Includes:

– Luxurious accommodations in a Fairmont room

– Guaranteed adjacent room at 50 percent off (amenities below not included with second room)

– Two (2) Kid’s Resort Dining Passes

– Two (2) full-day passes to attend Bobcat Billy’s Clubhouse for kids (ages 5-12)

– One (1) complimentary court time session at the John Austin Center for Tennis for the whole family

Sonoran Splash Pool Complex

Sonoran Splash, the resort’s 6,000 square-foot water oasis, is perfect for families with two, 200-foot waterslides, pop-jet fountains, cabanas, games poolside and visits from Bobcat Billy’s storytelling sidekick, Arizona Janey, who shares tales of her wild desert adventures. For tots, there is a zero-entry deck area as well as a large sandbox complete with Tonka trucks and beach toys sure to keep them entertained for hours.

Meanwhile, the Pool Butlers ensure every guest at Sonoran Splash is having fun, refreshed and able to snag the perfect lounge chair in the sun or shade.  Whether recommending a Cactus Colada or providing chilled face towels and grapes to sunbathers, the Butlers can also assist guests with dinner reservations and recommending local activities.

Sonoran Splash is one of two pool areas that offer luxurious cabanas for rental, each including a flat-screen TV, sofas, reserved chaise lounges, a refrigerator, bottled waters and Ben & Jerry’s ice cream.

Summer Dive-In Movies

Families can relax, stay cool and see a variety of movies shown complimentary at the East Pool on Friday and Saturday nights, all summer long. Movie-watchers can start the evening with movie snacks … sip drinks from bright neon tumblers and adorn themselves with glow-in-the-dark necklaces … then float on inner tubes as the family flick begins.

Hip & Cool, Just for Teens

The ultra-swank “Hangout” is designed just for teens with a private music room, a 42″ plasma TV complete with a selection of more than 100 DVDs, a Cyber Cafe, three XBOX stations, pool table, soda machine and, of course, the all-important couches for just “hanging out.” Access is complimentary.

For reservations or more information on summer programs at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, please dial (800) 908-9370 or visit www.scottsdaleprincess.com.  The resort is located at 7575 East Princess Drive in Scottsdale, Ar

WESTIN KIERLAND RESORT & SPA

THE WESTIN KIERLAND RESORT & SPA OFFERS “I LOVE KIERLAND
RESORT” SUMMER SALE RATES FROM $99
Rates from $99 a night when purchased by May 23 for stays
May 29 –Sept. 11

Scottsdale, Ariz. (May 3, 2011) – Launching Monday, May 2, The Westin Kierland
Resort & Spa in Scottsdale, Ariz. is offering discounted summer rates from $99 to
$129 a night, based on availability, for stays May 29 through Sept. 11 during their
annual “I Love Kierland Resort” Summer Sale. This year the Scottsdale Resort is
also offering discounted offers through spa, golf, dining and family fun. All may be
purchased through the Resort’s online micro site, www.ilovekierlandresort.com. The
Westin Kierland’s annual summer sale offers the lowest rates and best deals of the
year.

ROYAL PALMS RESORT

With Summer Stacker, stack up your savings with room rates starting from just $159 per night.  The Valley of the Sun is a great place to be this summer, so take advantage of this great offer from Royal Palms!  You’ll receive:

• 20% off luxury accommodations
• $20 Alvadora Spa credit
• $20 T. Cook’s dining credit

FOUR SEASONS AT TROON

Starting at $129 per night, the youngest travelers
will find an age-specific surprise waiting for them upon arrival and can participate in Pajama Jam,
where they’re treated to pizza and a movie while mom and dad indulge in one of the resort’s signature
restaurants.

GRAND CANYON RAILWAY HOTEL AND GRAND CANYON RAILWAY

Rates this summer for train rides and standard rooms at the Grand Canyon Railway (GCR) and Grand Canyon Railway Hotel (GCRH) in Williams, Ariz. will cost the same as last summer. GCRH is now also offering deluxe rooms after adding various amenities to many of its rooms.

Rates for GCRH’s standard rooms remain at $169 per night while rates for deluxe rooms are $189. Deluxe rooms have recently been upgraded with numerous features. Handicap-accessible rooms, rollaway beds and cribs are also available upon request.

Rates for roundtrip train travel start at $70 for adults 16 and older and $40 for children 2-15 for coach class.

LODGE AT SEDONA

SUMMER SPLENDOR IN SEDONA SPECIAL
Available June 1-August 31, 2011
Sunday through Thursday: 25% off any of our
luxury King suites or Queen rooms

Following a day filled with exciting jeep tours, river rafting, or just a lazy day in the sun, refresh yourself with a tall glass of lemonade while relaxing on your private deck or on our beautiful outdoor patio.

The Lodge Summer Splendor special includes our gourmet breakfast each morning, afternoon snacks and evening appetizers.

ADOBE GRAND VILLAS

SUMMER SPECIAL: UP TO 30% OFF June 20 to August 31 (Not available unless requested at time of reservation; subject to all cancellation restrictions.)

Stay 1 night and get 20% off rate
class below on weeknight or weekends,
Stay 2 nights or longer get 30% off rate class below

SEDONA SUPERPASS (Discount coupons for Sedona Attractions etc)

While in Sedona, you can purchase your SuperPass at the Official Visitor Center located at 331 Forest Road in Uptown Sedona. It is also available for purchase at our Online Store at VisitSedona.com. The cost of the 2011 SuperPass™ is $6.00 + $3.00 shipping and handling within the continental U.S. For more information call 800-288-7336 or 928-282-7722.

TUBAC GOLF AND SPA RESORT

Friends & Family Package

Bring your family and friends for an extraordinary fun one-night

getaway deal that includes enough room for everyone. For just

$99 each you will receive a Posada and a Casita guest room.

Enjoy plenty of sunshine, hiking trails, tennis, golf, biking, swimming,

tennis, shopping, dining and exploring historic sites

Price: $99 per room

Valid thru: June 1 thru September 27, 2011 and December 5 thru December 23