Summer Guide: Stay at one of the Valley’s luxest resorts for a fraction of the scratch

Just up the road, the Mondrian Scottsdale (7353 East Indian School Road, Scottsdale, 480-308-1100) rocks a similarly tony boutique-hotel vibe with its beyond-chic and eye-catching lobby saturated in white and packed with funky furniture galore. It's undoubtedly a great place to people-watch, as beautiful types who seemingly just stepped out of a Dolce & Gabbana advertisement hang about the premises or sip cocktails in the crimson-drenched Red Bar.

And even though the Type A's may have jetted in from the O.C. or even NYC to visit the Mondrian, they won't be able score the primo deals available only to Arizonans, such as rooms starting at $95 per night. In-state residents are also eligible for 20 percent off any "à la carte" services in the Agua Spa (Monday through Thursday), as well as a "Local Pass" for additional discounted treatments and services (present ID at check-in). A "Relax" package is also available starting at $145 per person, per night, with a pool amenity at check-in, $25 food and beverage credit, and discounts and freebies in the spa. If you're lucky, you might see such glitterati as Matt Leinart or Eva Mendes partying at the pool. Just don't let them bogart your "Local Pass."

Primo star watching is also a possibility at The Clarendon (401 West Clarendon Avenue, 602-252-7363), as its staff openly bragged to us about how members of Aerosmith and the Black Eyed Peas have been guests at the swanked-out boutique hotel. Whether or not this tattling is true, the joint's rooftop pool is still an awesome place to chillax. It's open to the public free of charge daily, with complimentary towels and sunscreen, and both DJs and live music on weekends. If freeloading isn't your bag, baby, New Times readers are eligible for a special $99 rate for any room from Friday until Sunday (including one bedroom full-size suites). Check out the enormously gorgeous glass water wall and nosh at eatery C4 while you're there. And if perchance you see Steven Tyler, tell him we think he rocks. Hard.

MORE SUMMER DEALS

FireSky Resort and Spa

4925 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale

480-945-7666

The kid-friendly "Married with Children" package, starting at $155 per night (double occupancy), offers a welcome amenity of Corona, chips and salsa for the parents, and milk and cookies. Fireside s'mores, board games, and children's activities are also promised. Available until September 28. Other packages and discounts are available. Visit Web site for more.

Hotel San Carlos

202 N. Central Ave.

602-253-4121

Rooms and suites start at $69.95 and $99.95, respectively, for Arizona residents. DJs William Fucking Reed and Jared Alan are also presenting their "Adult Swim" pool party every Sunday until Labor Day for the 18-and-over hipster crowd.

Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Gainey Ranch

7500 E. Doubletree Ranch Rd. Scottsdale

480-444-1234

Summer value packages start at $199 per room, per night, and include a $50 daily resort credit for food, beverage, spa treatments, or Camp Hyatt. Kids can also revel in the 21/2-acre water park with three-story waterside, water volleyball pool, sandy beaches, and dive-in movies. Available until September 7.

Renaissance Scottsdale Resort

6160 N. Scottsdale Rd. Scottsdale

480-991-1414

A "Shopping Escape" package is available for $214 per night per room and features lodging in the Tucson suite, a tote bag amenity with lotions, foot massagers, water, snacks, as well as breakfast for two, and coupon book with $500 in discounts to the adjacent Borgata. A "Spa Escape" package is available for $399 per night, per room and includes lodging in the Tucson suite (featuring an in-room Jacuzzi), lunch for two at the spa, welcome gifts, and a one-hour massage for two. Available from June 11 until September 5.

The Wigwam Golf Resort & Spa

300 Wigwam Blvd. Litchfield Park

623-935-3811

Packages start at $149 per room, per night and include resort credits of $50 (two-night stay required; mention rate "SUMCRED" at time of booking) or $100 (three-night stay required; mention rate "SUM100C" at time of booking). Available through September 5.