Extend your stay in the Arizona sun
Free-night deals offered throughout the holidays at 11 hotels, spas and golf resorts in Scottsdale
It’s no hardship spending an extra night in a sun (and golf ) mecca like Scottsdale.
The Arizona resort destination is promoting itself as the ideal holiday-season getaway spot with a free-night deal available at 11 properties through mid-January.
Qualifying durations for the free night vary from hotel to hotel. The W Scottsdale is offering fourth nights free, while at the Hyatt Regency, you’ll get either your third or fourth night free, plus a $100 (all prices U.S.) dining credit. The Royal Palms has third nights free and, at the Montelucia, it’s fourth nights free plus $50 for the spa, and $50 for dining.
Deals expire Jan. 12. For a list of participating resorts, see scottsdaleholidayexperience.com.
FOURTH NIGHT FREE AT RITZ-CARLTON MONTREAL
Another free-night offer, this one at the Ritz-Carlton Montreal, marks the venerable hotel’s 100th anniversary (and recent multi-million-dollar renovation) with a complimentary fourth night for travel through March 27. Rates will be adjusted at check-in and, in case of extended stays, every fourth night is free.
The hotel’s guest list is a Who’s Who of political figures, movie stars and royalty, from Pierre Elliott Trudeau and Winston Churchill to Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton and the Queen Mother. Black-out dates and other restrictions may apply. See ritzmontreal.com.
Barton Creek Resort & Spa in Austin, Tex., is celebrating the season with “Holiday Lights & Ice,” on now through Jan. 6, with skating on the largest outdoor rink in the city plus famliy-friendly activities at Frosty’s Family Fun Room.
Timed for the event, both the Winter Wishes package (with ac- commodation, skating session, breakfast buffet and gift shop voucher) and the Winter Wonderland Family B&B package (with accommodation, buffet breakfast and cupcakes for the kids) offer savings of at least 20 per cent during Holiday Lights & Ice, with package rates from $222 and $189 (all prices U.S.) per night respectively, for a family of four. See bartoncreek.com.
BEST BUY OF THE WEEK
The seven Divi Resorts properties in Aruba, Barbados, Bonaire and St. Maarten are offering 20 to 30 per cent off room rates, for travel Dec. 23, 2012 through Dec. 20, 2013. Bookings must be made by Dec. 22, 2012. Kids under 12 stay free (one per paying adult), plus kids also eat free from April 1 to Dec. 22, 2013. See diviresorts.com. Kathryn Folliott is a Toronto-based freelance writer. Prices quoted are subject to change and availability.