Although school has started for most of us, if you’re anything like me, you still want to eke out the last few fun days of summer while you can. With Labor Day coming up, there’s still time to plan one last family outing without even leaving the area. With the help of a few friends, I’ve rounded up some of our favorite local staycation spots. And the good news is, they are all still accepting reservations for Labor Day weekend.
Note: Rates are based on a king sized suite, with two children for September 4-7. Nearly each hotel’s rates increased when adding additional adult guests. Each hotel also requires a resort fee, ranging from $22 to $47 a night.
Hyatt Regency Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch: When I called, the Hyatt didn’t have its Labor Day weekend itinerary completed, but they promise that every weekend offers a variety of family-friendly activities. Activities include poolside contests, live music, BBQ and a dive-in movie. They also offer Camp Hyatt, for kids 3-12 (who are potty-trained) during the day, with extended weekend hours — they reopen from 5-9 p.m. This means you and your other adult guests can book a spa treatment, golf or just have some kid-free time while the kiddos have fun with educational and interactive programs. The hotel also boasts 10 swimming pools, 45 waterfalls and and 20 fountains. There’s also a 30-foot waterslide for those who want more of a thrill. Rates: Start at $199 per night, but you get the third night free with their Sunshine on Sale offer.
Arizona Grand Resort: With its two water slides, wave pool and lazy river, it’s easy to spend an entire day at the Arizona Grand’s Oasis pool. The resort has planned a DJ and magic show for Friday night, in addition to the regularly offered dive-in movie. They also have offers going on right now that provide free meals for kids plus a resort credit. Your nightly rate includes four waterpark wristbands, and children younger than 3 get in free. Additional wristbands are also available for a fee. Rates: Start at $146 per night.
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess: Labor Day at the Fairmont is a full-scale hula party. Hula dancing shows, steel drums and fire dancers are on tap for Saturday and Sunday. The Trailblazers’ Kids Club for children 6-12 is also open every day, with extended hours on Friday and Saturday (with an adult). Trailblzers requires an additional free. The five pools and zipline provide plenty of outdoorsy activities to finish the summer with. Kids 6-12 also get 50% off meals at resort restaurants, while those 5 and younger eat free. Rates: Start at $199 per night, but the current special offers a $50 daily credit.
Westin Kierland Resort & Spa: The Westin is hoping to cool us down these last few weeks of summer with an event they call The Big Chill. They’re bringing in 8 tons of snow, 1,000 pounds of ice and an ice rink for tons of ice-themed activities all weekend. Their waterpark includes pools, water slide and lazy river, in addition to what they call the FlowRider – which I can only describe as a sort of surf experience in a swimming pool. They’re also bringing in The Splish Splash for Labor Day weekend, which are a set of inflatable water slides, huge Slip and Slide and a water balloon battle game (for an additional cost). You can also enjoy BBQ and poolside games. Rates start at $172 per night. Note: King suites with sofa beds were unavailable online, but rollaway beds are available at this hotel.
Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort: The resort typically has special activities planned for Labor Day, but they haven’t yet been released. But like many of the others, they also offer a dive-in movie. The resort’s River Ranch offers miniature golf, sports pool, water park and their Coyote Camp for kids. Coyote Camp is for kids’ 4-12 and requires advance reservation. Your rate gives you access to four River Ranch passes (six if you reserve a casita) and kids under 42 inches are free. Rates start at $129 per night.
What are your plans for Labor Day weekend? Any great local hotel offers we missed?
