11 cheapest summer resort deals in Phoenix, Scottsdale

The questions pour in as soon as the calendar flips to May, when temperatures creep past 100 degrees and summer-vacation season is in sight.

"What are the best resort deals this year?"

Deal is a relative term, of course. Travelers who crave luxury, exclusivity and over-the-top pampering don't flinch at paying $250 or more a night at the Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North, Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain or Canyon Suites at The Phoenician on a sweltering summer weekend because that's a fraction of the price tourists pay in March.

But if your budget is tight or you want to check out a few resorts this summer, it's all about finding the cheapest rates.

With that in mind, we've come up with a new this year: the cheapest summer getaways in metro Phoenix. These are resorts (and a couple of hip hotels) with rates starting at $100 or less a night between late May and Labor Day. (One starting rate is $129 but it comes with so many perks that it's the best deal of the summer for bargain hunters.)

Tips for bargain hunters

• These deals are starting rates and generally won't be available every night or during busy periods including holiday weekends. The lowest rates are generally found for weekday stays.

• Resort fees, which run $25 to $30 a night at many resorts, taxes and other charges are extra. See a roundup of resort fees at Valley hotels here.

• Can't find a deal you like? Keep an eye out for local bargains on Travelzoo, Groupon, Living Social and your favorite resort's Facebook page throughout the summer.

• August deals are especially plentiful because Arizona students return to school in early August.

•  If your budget is flexible, check out these 26 deals at a variety of price points.

1. The Wigwam: $89

Scene: Family-friendly resort in Litchfield Park with a rich history and a bundle of poolside activities, golf and spa treatments. You don't stay in a room, you stay in a casita.

Details: 623-935-3811, wigwamarizona.com. Book the Spring Fling package by June 30 for $89 rates Sundays through Thursdays all summer. The corporate/promotion code is SFSJ17.

2. The Scottsdale Resort at McCormick Ranch: $99

Scene: The tucked-away resort, formerly known as the Scottsdale Resort & Conference before a recent $10 million makeover, is centrally located and has a lively weekend pool scene with movies and live music. This year's movie theme: rock 'n' roll with features including "The Buddy Holly Story'' and "Walk the Line.''

Details: 480-991-9000, thescottsdaleresort.com. The corporate/promotion code is DDFLT7.

3. Clarendon Hotel: $79

Scene: Hip hotel in midtown Phoenix with a lively pool complex, rooftop deck, wine reception and proximity to downtown and central Phoenix hot spots.

Details: 602-252-7363, goclarendon.com. The deal is only available to Arizonans and has to be booked by phone. Must show an Arizona driver's license at check-in.

4. Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs: $95

Scene: All-suite resort in north Phoenix with a water slide, poolside activities and entertainment, nearby hiking and stunning mountain views.

Details: 602-866-7500, tapatiocliffshilton.com. The promotion/offer code is OY and the deal, good for Sunday-Thursday stays, must be booked by May 28. The resort's regular summer rates start at $119 a night with the code TAPFAM.

5. We-Ko-Pa Resort & Conference Center: $99

Scene: The upscale resort near Fountain Hills offers a large pool with bar and grill, complimentary putting green, splash pad, fire pit, two hot tubs and stunning views. For gamblers, the small Fort McDowell Casino is adjacent to the resort.

Details: 480-789-5320, wekoparesort.com. The Summer Staycation package, which starts at $99 a night, includes a $25 food and beverage credit, a waived resort fee (normally $25) and 25 percent off spa treatments.

6. Embassy Suites by Hilton Scottsdale Resort: $99

Scene: The all-suite resort near downtown Scottsdale, known as Chaparral Suites until a 2016 makeover, offers perks galore including complimentary hot breakfast and happy hour. Summer events include poolside music and dive-in movies with drinks and appetizers.

Details: 480-949-1414, scottsdale.embassysuites.com. The Suite Summer Escape package, which starts at $99, includes free kids meals with the purchase of an adult entree. There is no resort fee.

7. Scottsdale Plaza Resort: $129

Scene: There is nothing flashy about the sprawling Scottsdale Plaza, a fixture on Scottsdale Road, but it has lots of room to roam, tennis and all the requisite amenities including a lively pool. Best part: The resort has the best summer bargain in town year after year.

Details: 480-948-5000, scottsdaleplaza.com. Yes, the starting price is over $100 a night. But we couldn't leave it off the list because it includes $100 to spend on food, drinks or spa at the resort and a waived resort fee (normally $22 a night). That makes the room essentially free.

8. Saguaro Scottsdale: $79

Scene: Hip, recently renovated hotel with poolside activities including paddleboard yoga. The location is perfect for outings to downtown Scottsdale's bars, restaurants and shops.

Details: 480-308-1100, thesaguaro.com/scottsdale. Book the Locals Staycation package, which includes $40 off the nightly rate, a $40 food and beverage credit and late checkout. The corporate/promotion code is AZLOCALS. It is good for Sunday through Thursday stays. The $40 discount brings the summer rate as low as $79 a night. An Arizona ID is required at check-in.

9. The McCormick Scottsdale: $99

Scene: Laid-back resort in serene lakeside setting, with kayak and canoe rentals and fishing. The Scottsdale Road hotel is in a prime location, close to restaurants, bars, shopping and attractions such as McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park.

Details: 480-948-5050, millenniumhotels.com/en/scottsdale/the-mccormick-scottsdale. Book the Buck the Summer Heat special, which starts at $99 a night anda waived resort fee (normally $19 per night.) Guests who book the package can order off the "buck'' menu, which includes breakfast, drink and appetizer specials from $1 to $5.

10. Graduate Tempe: $99

Scene: Hip, colorful hotel near Arizona State University that promises to take guests to the "glory days'' of college life but with added comforts. The pool is happening and guests can borrow cruiser books to ride around downtown Tempe.

Details: 480-967-9431, graduatetempe.com. The starting rate is $99 but the best deal for Arizonans is the Stay Local package, which includes $25 toward food and drinks at The Normal Diner or poolside restaurant Tapacubo plus free parking (a $6 value) and upgraded Wi-Fi. The hotel does not charge a resort fee.

11. Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino: $69

Scene: Lively casino hotel near Chandler with a variety of restaurants, poolside bar and grill and live entertainment at the pool on weekends.

Details: 800-946-4452, wingilariver.com. The $69 rate is available on scattered Sundays and weekdays, with the best availability in August.