All eyes are on the greater Phoenix area as Arizona prepares to host Super Bowl LVII on February 12. Not only is it high season in the Valley of the Sun – when annual events such as the WM Phoenix openwhich can easily attract 300,000 visitors on Saturday, takes place – but thousands more visitors are expected to descend on the destination to the big game. According to the locals Arizona Super Bowl Host Committee website, the city hosted over one million visitors across all Super Bowl XLIX events, which took place here in 2015.
American Airlines, the largest carrier serving Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), said it would add 91 flights between Phoenix and 22 US cities sports enthusiasts therefore have more travel options.
Even if you don’t have tickets to the game, there’s plenty to see and do leading up to Super Bowl Sunday. The The NFL has a list of events open to the public, including the free Super Bowl Experience at Hance Park in downtown Phoenix, which features live music, family-friendly activities and local cuisine. The Super Bowl Music Festival in downtown Phoenix will feature artists such as Paramore, Dave Matthews Band and Imagine Dragons.
Flight reward redemptions
The teams participating in the Super Bowl have not yet been determined. However, a quick search of rewards redemptions on American’s website revealed a few offers for fans traveling from cities with teams currently in the playoffs, such as Kansas City, Missouri and San Francisco.
A main cabin seat from Kansas City International Airport (MCI) on February 8 starts at 8,500 miles with one stop. Nonstop flights were only 18,500 miles plus $5.60 fees.
Prices jump on February 9 (which should be the most popular arrival day), so if you can swing it and arrive a day earlier, it could save you miles. Prices go back down for arrivals from February 10.
A great spot for a first-class seat just 18,500 miles away came up when searching for nonstop flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) on Feb. 8. Main cabin trades started at just 8,500 miles one way.
Main cabin redemption rates increase on February 9 to 25,500 miles and first class redemption rates increase to 90,000 miles on the nonstop route from SFO.
The same flights on February 8 had cash prices starting at $99 for main cabin fares and $298 for first class fares.
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Private flight
If commercial flying doesn’t sound appealing, maybe it’s time to try JSX and earn United MileagePlus award miles. JSX is a public jet charter service that flies between private terminals on 30-seat jets. It’s the ultimate travel hack for those looking to travel like a sports star to and from the event (without breaking the bank).
Flights will depart from Dallas; Burbank and Oakland, California; Denver and Boulder, Colorado; Vegas; and San Diego. They will allow passengers to bypass the traditional hassles and long queues associated with congested airports. Price for JSX flights start at $249 each way.
Hotel refunds
Don’t expect to redeem points for a hotel stay during these high demand dates in February. It seems that all of the major hotel brands have almost completely sidelined refund options in favor of cash prices; many also mandate a four-night minimum and no cancellations.
Availability is also sparse, but there are a few highlights.
If you don’t mind an airport hotel, you can still book a king room at the Marriott Phoenix Airport from February 9-13 for 120,000 Bonvoy points or $2,150 per night if you pay cash.
The TownPlace Suites Tempe at the Arizona Mills mall, south of the airport, is showing availability for the same dates at 84,000 Bonvoy points or $849 per night if paying cash.
Luxury Resorts
The Phoenix/Scottsdale area is home to dozens of luxury four- and five-star hotels and resorts, many with amazing golf courses. If you don’t mind paying cash and want to splurge on accommodations, there are a few luxury resorts in the area with limited availability.
Mountain Shadows Resort at Paradise Valley has limited availability with minimum stay requirements, no cancellations and full non-refundable prepayment due at time of confirmation. Room rates start at $3,500 per night and suites at $8,500 per night. All inquiries should be directed to Rachelle Vroom at 480-624-5418 or [email protected].
Mid-Century Modern nearby Hotel Valley Ho in Old Town Scottsdale also has limited availability; this area is where the buzzing nightlife and ESPN Main Street Tailgate fan events and filming will take place. Room rates start at $5,999 and must be booked directly with Jay Cedillo at [email protected].
The Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North has limited availability for a minimum stay of four nights from February 9-13. Full advance payment is due at time of booking and is not refundable or transferable. Terms and conditions are non-negotiable. Due to the special event period, rates and room types are subject to availability until time of confirmation. For availability, contact Erin Jette at 480-513-5011 or [email protected].
Another luxury option is Castle hot springs, an exclusive historic gem in the northwest area of the Valley of the Sun. Regular arrival and departure days are Thursday, Sunday and Tuesday. There are a few Sky View cabins available starting at $2,125 plus tax per night based on double occupancy; some of the Spring Bungalows are available from $2,500 plus tax per night based on double occupancy. Castle Hot Springs rates always include three meals per night and associated gratuities, resort service charges, and a wide range of resort activities including yoga, farm tours, electric mountain bikes, pickleball, and a unlimited access to restorative natural hot springs. The resort also has a helipad if you prefer to arrive by helicopter. You must book the rooms by email [email protected] or by calling Tina Newman or CoyAnne Marneris at 888-533-2169.
Holiday rents
If you’d rather skip the hotel or resort and stay in a private home, there are a few options available through Homes and Villas by Marriott and Airbnb.
Homes & Villas by Marriott is showing a sprinkling of availability in the greater Phoenix area from February 9-13. Apartments start at $564 per night, and options for homes range from “potentially affordable” to “second mortgage.”
If you have 12 friends and they want to save a little over $6,000 each, you can book the Paramount Palace Mountain View. This five-bedroom mansion in the heart of one of Phoenix’s most exclusive neighborhoods, Arcadia, is available for $17,000 per night. The total four night stay with cleaning costs comes to just over $80,000. The lucky person who books would earn 695,294 Bonvoy points – which, according to Latest TPG valuations, worth just over $5,840.
Airbnb availability was sparse, but overnight prices were relatively low compared to local resorts and hotels.
At the end of the line
Even if you’re not planning on attending the Super Bowl itself, there are plenty of events happening in the greater Phoenix area during this time that allow you to enjoy the festivities without breaking the bank.
There are many ways to save on travel costs with cheap airline tickets or by redeeming miles. Still, it could cost a pretty penny to afford the luxury of a hotel or resort during the crazy supply and demand of a Super Bowl weekend.
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