How To Plan A Trip Around Scottsdale's Four Seasons

Know before you go is my motto. Scottsdale is a seasonal destination where the summers are hot and the winters are mild and prices for golf and lodging will vary by season. Higher in the winters, lower in the summers. You have to live here to notice the physical changes in the desert because they are not as dramatic as they are elsewhere when the seasons change, especially in the fall. The actual dates where Scottsdale's four seasons fall on the calendar are in a constant state of flux and a matter of much speculation (depending on who you ask) because all the players (golf courses and hotels) have their own ideas about when seasons start and end. This can result in confusion to the customer who is trying to optimize their vacation dollar. You could end up getting a price break on golf and still paying peak rates for your hotel because the hotels and courses do not synchronize their seasons. It's all about optimizing revenue and as a hotel manager you are a hero if you can extend high season rates due to good occupancy.

Sometimes the length of a particular season can be affected by demand and by that I mean, if a lot of people are still coming here in mid to late April, prices will hold at peak rates until the demand tapers off. If you have some flexibility and are willing to come during other parts of the year you can save up to 50% off peak season rates. Knowing what I know, if I was planning on coming to Scottsdale, and I had some flexibility in my travel dates, Fall would be my choice, hands down. Early November is gorgeous here, the courses are perfect, and you can save a bundle on golf and accommodations over high season rates.