A Traveler's Dozen: 12 Sizzling Summer Deals

April 23, 2008 — -- Location! Location! Location! It just makes sense that some of this year's hottest summer specials are in destinations where prices drop dramatically when the temperatures climb. So, if you're searching for some red hot deals at first-class resorts, check out this list of summer sizzlers where you can vacation like a rock star on a school teacher's salary.

The Valley of the Sun is the perfect summer destination if you want a five-star experience for a fraction of the usual price. The Phoenix/Scottsdale area is known for some of the top resorts in the country, and the summer months bring some sensational specials.

OK, sure it's hot here in the summer, it's the desert, but remember, it's a "dry" heat and 100 degrees in Arizona with very little humidity can feel better than 80 degrees in Florida where there's so much moisture in the air, you're soaking wet as soon as you walk out the door.

Traditionally a winter hotspot, the Phoenix/Scottsdale area goes all out to attract summer visitors, offering everything from dining deals to resort prices that, in some cases, are slashed by more than 75 percent.

A perfect example is the summer special offered by the Four Seasons Resort in Scottsdale. This is one of the top-rated luxury resorts in Arizona and usually the best price you can find on a room is close to $600 a night. Now, starting June 1, room rates will start at $149 a night for Sunday — Thursday. That's a huge savings at a resort that's not only next to one of the top golf courses in Arizona, Troon North, but also has some amazing restaurants, a top rated spa, and a relaxing pool scene. For more: Four Seasons

Some other award-wining resorts to check out that are also offering summer savings include:

•Royal Palms Hotel (www.royalpalmshotel.com)

•The Phoenician (www.thephoenician.com)

•Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Gainey Ranch (www.scottsdale.hyatt.com)

•JW Marriot Desert Ridge (www.jwdesertridgeresort.com)

•The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa (www.kierlandresort.com)

•The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess (www.fairmont.com/scottsdale)

•Camelback Inn (www.camelbackinn.com)

Here are a few examples. Between now and July 31 you can stay at New York-New York (www.nynyhotelcasino.com ) or the MGM Grand with rates starting as low as $89 a night with some great extras thrown in. At the MGM your cut-rate room price also includes a $25 bar and restaurant credit, 15 percent off of spa services and a 2-for-1 Grand Spa pass. www.mgmgrand.com.

For another, you can try The Summer Solstice Package at Treasure Island that includes a 2-for-1 lunch at the buffet, 2-for-1 drink specials, complimentary VIP access to The Sirens' show, a $22 credit for the spa and a $10 gaming credit, all for just $99 a night, available May 26-September 4. www.treasureisland.com

The same $99 will get you a room at The Mirage that includes a $30 credit to the buffet and two tickets to Siegfried & Roy's Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat.

So you're starting to get the idea. Desert heat means deals you can't beat! For more great summer bargains check out the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority website at www.visitlasvegas.com.

Accessible only by boat, set on 300 private acres off the coast of Antigua, Jumby Bay is a rare find because it's a luxurious all- inclusive resort with only 40 suites and 11 villas. Known for its world-class service, Travel + Leisure magazine last year rated Jumby Bay the "World's Best Caribbean Resort." While the prices here are steep, now through June you can get 15 percent to 25 percent off of the normal high season rates. www.jumbybayresort.com.

Turks and Caicos is always a smart summer vacation choice because it's only about a three and a half hour flight from many East Coast airports, like JFK, and boasts one of the most beautiful stretches of beach in the world. Some of the world class properties on Grace Bay Beach know all about serving up some sensational summer savings.

How does half off or more sound? That's what you'll find right now at The Regent Palms Turks and Caicos where room rates usually start at $775 a night but right now are running as low as $325. Even better, if you arrive on a Sunday or Monday and stay three nights you get the fourth night free.