Summer Is Hot But Scottsdale Deals Are Hotter

Season # 3 This is the season you need to be careful with. Generally it starts around June 1st and goes all the way to about September 15th. While it is true that you can save up to 50% over peak season rates, the real truth is that it is hot, hot, hot! I don't care what you may have heard about it being a "dry" heat, when it's 117 Fahrenheit, it's hot! Our tourism execs like to downplay the heat of summer but on some days you can compare it to sticking your head inside a 350 degree oven! Some hotels, resorts and golf courses have reduced their staffs to reduce "overhead" because tourist traffic has dwindled from the flood of season to a mere trickle in the off-season. Any construction or maintenance that needs doing will be done during this period and those fortunate enough to leave for all or part of the summer will do so.

The bottom line is; while enjoying those lower prices be prepared to deal with so-so service should it come your way. Call the hotel or resort directly, NOT a reservation center in who knows where. Find out the condition of the hotel/resort that is advertising their particular summer "special", whether there will be any maintenance or construction on the grounds, (ie loud noise) make sure the pool is open and free of obstructions or if there is anything else going on that could negatively impact your visit. Get a name when you make a reservation and hold them to it if they mis-represent themselves. You get what you pay for. 

Surprisingly, there are still a lot of people that choose to take advantage of Scottsdale's off-season rates and come during the summer months, especially golfers. Arizona is a great "drive" market for Southern California golf enthusiasts and there are opportunities to play premium courses like; Troon North, Grayhawk, Eagle Mountain, Legend Trail, Sanctuary, and TPC Scottsdale, for greatly reduced rates. Monsoon season (July and August) will bring dust storms, humidity, high winds and sometimes even rain in the afternoons, so get out early and beat the heat!

There are other advantages as well; the traffic is lighter, no waiting in our great restaurants & clubs, the sunsets are spectacular and being in a hotel pool at night is heaven. Accommodations of just about any type can be priced ridiculously low, so shop around, even the mega-resorts like The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess offer smokin deals in the summer months. Groups are like gold to any hotel with meeting space and they can just about name their own price. The golf courses here will feature misters or air conditioners on the golf carts that will reduce the temperature considerably (as long as you are in them). Mango scented, ice-cold towels will be brought out to you by golf course staff. If you play early and get back to your hotel pool by noon or so, you stand a better chance of beating the heat. Even playing early, wear lots of sunscreen, a hat, wear lighter colored clothing, drink water on every hole, limit alcohol consumption and seek shade (if you can find any). That's my advice for this season.