Where you stay in Tempe can change the whole trip. Downtown and Mill Avenue work best if you want restaurants, nightlife, Arizona State University and public transit close by. Tempe Town Lake is better for waterfront walks and views, while the airport corridor and South Tempe can make more sense if you value parking, airport access or a quieter base.
Quick Answer
Stay in downtown Tempe or near Mill Avenue if you want the easiest walk to restaurants, nightlife, ASU, light rail and the streetcar. Choose Tempe Town Lake for water views and paths, the airport corridor for shuttle convenience, and South Tempe for quieter stays, easier driving and more parking options.
Key Takeaways
- Downtown and Mill Avenue: best for first-time visitors, nightlife, ASU events and trips without a car.
- Near ASU: best for campus visits, graduation, football and university events.
- Tempe Town Lake: best for paths, water views and quick access to downtown recreation.
- Airport corridor: useful for early flights, short stays and hotels with verified airport transportation.
- Before booking: compare parking charges, destination fees, breakfast, pet fees and shuttle schedules, not just the nightly room rate.
Neighborhoods to Consider in Tempe
Start by matching your location to what you plan to do. Downtown Tempe and Mill Avenue give you the most concentrated mix of restaurants, bars, entertainment, ASU access and public transportation. This is usually the simplest choice if you want to walk rather than drive for every meal or activity.
The area around Arizona State University’s Tempe campus is especially convenient for graduation, campus tours, lectures and events at Mountain America Stadium. Downtown and the campus overlap enough that many hotels work well for both purposes.
Hayden Flour Mill sits at the north end of Mill Avenue near Tempe Town Lake and is better treated as a downtown landmark than as a separate hotel neighborhood. If you want restaurants and historic Tempe close by, staying elsewhere in downtown usually puts the mill within an easy walk.
For a more residential pace, look farther south in Tempe. South Tempe generally makes more sense when you have a car, want to spend less time around university nightlife, or prefer hotels with easier surface parking. Hotels along the western airport corridor can also work well if catching a flight at Phoenix Sky Harbor is more important than walking to Mill Avenue.
| Area | Best For | Main Tradeoff |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown / Mill Avenue | Nightlife, dining, first visits, car-light trips | Parking and event-weekend costs can be higher |
| ASU campus area | Campus visits, graduation, games and events | More student activity and event noise |
| Tempe Town Lake | Walking, biking, waterfront scenery | Not every lake-area hotel is directly on the water |
| Airport corridor | Early flights, short stays, easier highway access | Less convenient for walking to downtown attractions |
| South Tempe | Quieter stays, families, drivers | A car is more useful |
Pro Tip: Compare the total stay cost before choosing a neighborhood. A lower room rate can lose its advantage once you add daily parking, destination fees, breakfast and transportation.
Best Hotels Near Arizona State University
If being close to ASU is your priority, focus on downtown Tempe and the blocks around University Drive. This puts you near campus buildings, restaurants, Mill Avenue and public transit while reducing the need to drive to university events.
Campus-Adjacent Options
Several verified hotels sit directly beside or within easy walking distance of the Tempe campus. Omni Tempe Hotel at ASU is at University Drive and Mill Avenue and includes a rooftop pool and multiple dining venues. The Westin Tempe is also steps from ASU and has a rooftop pool and Skysill Rooftop Lounge.
Canopy by Hilton Tempe Downtown sits on University Drive within walking distance of ASU, dining and entertainment. Its rooftop pool and Alibi lounge make it a strong option if you want campus convenience with a more social hotel atmosphere.
Hyatt Place Tempe/Phoenix/University is on the eastern side of the Tempe campus near Mountain America Stadium and has a rooftop pool. The adjoining Hyatt House can be useful for travelers who want a longer-stay format.
For the shortest walks, check the exact hotel location against the ASU building or venue you plan to visit. The Tempe campus is large enough that “near ASU” can still mean a meaningful walk from your destination.
Budget-Friendly Stays
Hotel prices in Tempe change sharply with university events, spring travel and major weekends, so there is no single property that is always the cheapest. Instead of choosing by brand alone, compare your dates across downtown, the airport corridor and hotels slightly north or south of campus.
Hampton Inn & Suites Phoenix Tempe is one value-oriented option worth comparing because its current amenities include free hot breakfast, free Wi-Fi and complimentary self-parking. It is not as walkable to ASU as a downtown hotel, so factor transportation into the comparison.
Hyatt Place Tempe/Phoenix Airport is another useful comparison for travelers who care more about breakfast and airport transportation than being directly on campus. For the best value, compare the complete trip cost rather than choosing the lowest advertised room rate.
Book university-event weekends as early as practical. Availability can tighten around graduation, major football games and other campus events.
Boutique and Luxury
Tempe has several upscale properties that combine a central location with rooftop recreation and full-service dining. The Westin Tempe, Omni Tempe Hotel at ASU and Canopy by Hilton Tempe Downtown are among the strongest choices if rooftop space and downtown walkability matter to you.
Staying near ASU also means you can walk to many campus events, Mill Avenue restaurants and downtown entertainment, then return to the hotel without dealing with event traffic.
- Rooftop pools with downtown or mountain views
- On-site dining and cocktail lounges
- Modern rooms and upgraded suites
- Easy walkability to campus and downtown
- Convenient access to light rail and Tempe Streetcar stops
Downtown Tempe and Mill Avenue Stays
Downtown Tempe is the easiest all-around choice for travelers who want restaurants, nightlife, ASU and public transportation in one compact area. Mill Avenue is the central dining and entertainment corridor, while Tempe Town Lake and its paths sit immediately to the north.
Good downtown choices include Tempe Mission Palms, Canopy by Hilton Tempe Downtown, The Westin Tempe, Omni Tempe Hotel at ASU, Residence Inn Tempe Downtown/University and AC Hotel Phoenix Tempe/Downtown. Their exact amenities and parking policies differ, so compare what matters most to your trip.
| Scene | Sights | Sound |
|---|---|---|
| Mill Ave at dusk | Restaurants, patios, historic buildings | Music and evening crowds |
| Side street cafés | Outdoor seating | Coffee shops and conversation |
| Rooftop bars | City and mountain views | Busy social atmosphere |
| Local galleries | Murals and installations | Generally quieter surroundings |
| Weekend events | Vendors and public spaces | Event crowds |
The biggest advantage is convenience. You can combine walking with light rail, the Tempe Streetcar, buses, rideshare and bike routes instead of driving for every short trip.
For a car-light Tempe trip, downtown gives you the strongest combination of ASU access, Mill Avenue dining, public transit and Tempe Town Lake.
Lakeside and Tempe Town Lake Accommodations
If morning walks, biking and water views matter more than nightlife, look around Tempe Town Lake and Rio Salado Parkway. The City of Tempe maintains recreation paths along both sides of the lake, making this one of the best parts of the city for walking or cycling.
Waterfront Hotel Options
AC Hotel Phoenix Tempe/Downtown at Rio Salado Parkway is one of the most convenient hotel choices for combining downtown with the lake. Its rooftop pool also overlooks the surrounding Tempe area. Other downtown properties are only a few blocks from the waterfront, so you do not necessarily need a room directly facing the lake to enjoy the paths.
When comparing lake-area properties, check the actual room category before paying more for a view. A hotel may be near Tempe Town Lake without every room facing the water.
- Lake or city-view room categories where offered
- Quick access to Tempe Town Lake paths
- Easy walks toward downtown restaurants
- Bike-friendly access to surrounding paths
- Convenient connections to parks and public transit
Activities Along Tempe Town Lake
The lake is more than a view. The city’s paved paths are used for walking, running, biking and other recreation. Tempe also supports kayaking, rowing, stand-up paddleboarding and other boating activities. Rental availability and organized activities can change, so check current operators rather than assuming your hotel supplies equipment.
Public cruises are also available on Tempe Town Lake through independent operators. These can include sightseeing and sunset outings, but they should be booked as separate activities rather than treated as standard hotel amenities.
Note: If you plan to launch your own kayak, canoe, paddleboard or other public watercraft on Tempe Town Lake, check the City of Tempe boating rules and permit requirements before going.
Family-Friendly and Budget Options
Families have plenty of choices in Tempe, but the best value often comes from amenities that reduce other trip costs. Breakfast, complimentary parking, a kitchenette, connecting rooms or laundry facilities can matter more than a small difference in nightly rate.
Residence Inn Tempe Downtown/University is useful for longer family stays because its studios and suites include kitchen facilities, and breakfast is included for hotel guests. Its downtown location also reduces the need to drive to ASU and Mill Avenue.
Embassy Suites by Hilton Phoenix Tempe is farther south and offers suites and free made-to-order breakfast. It can work well for travelers who prefer more separation from downtown nightlife, but its current hotel information says an airport shuttle is not available.
Hampton Inn & Suites Phoenix Tempe includes free breakfast and parking, which can make its total price more attractive for families with a car.
Tempe families can often stretch their budget by comparing breakfast, parking, room layout and kitchen facilities alongside the nightly rate.
For longer stays, look for a layout that gives everyone enough sleeping space. A kitchenette or full kitchen can also reduce restaurant spending and make breakfast or snacks easier.
- family suites or rooms with sofa beds
- included breakfast where offered
- outdoor pools
- kitchenettes, full kitchens or mini-fridges
- laundry facilities for longer trips
A hotel slightly outside downtown may cost less overall if you have a car and free parking is included. If you plan to spend most of your trip around ASU and Mill Avenue, however, paying more for a central hotel may save time and transportation costs.
Getting Around: Transportation and Parking Tips
Downtown Tempe is one of the easier parts of the Phoenix metro area to visit without driving for every trip. Valley Metro light rail, Tempe Streetcar, buses, free Orbit neighborhood circulators, bike routes and rideshare all serve the area.
Valley Metro’s current standard one-way fare for local bus and light rail is $2. The Tempe Streetcar is currently $1 per ride. Check current fares before traveling because transit policies can change.
| Mode | Current Tip |
|---|---|
| Light Rail | Useful for downtown Tempe, ASU, Mesa and connections toward Phoenix |
| Tempe Streetcar | Useful for short trips through downtown and the ASU area |
| Orbit | Free neighborhood circulator routes connect several Tempe areas |
| Bike | Use established bike routes and secure your bike when parked |
| Ride-share | Allow extra time around major ASU and downtown events |
| Parking | Use Tempe TRiP, posted meters, garages or ParkMobile where available |
Getting Between Tempe and Phoenix Sky Harbor
Valley Metro Rail connects Tempe with the airport system, but the train does not run directly into the terminals. Use the 44th St/Washington station and transfer to the free PHX Sky Train, which serves the airport terminals.
Note: For current airport-transit instructions, use Valley Metro’s airport guide. If your hotel advertises an airport shuttle, confirm its operating hours and reservation procedure before your flight.
ASU Shuttles
Arizona State University operates free intercampus shuttles linking its campuses, including Tempe. These are primarily ASU intercampus transportation rather than a general hotel or downtown sightseeing service. Routes and schedules can change during weekends, summer and class breaks, so check the current ASU shuttle schedule before relying on one.
Parking in Downtown Tempe
Downtown has paid garages, lots and hundreds of metered on-street spaces. Meter hours and rates vary by location. Downtown Tempe currently supports multi-space meter kiosks and ParkMobile, while the Tempe TRiP tool can show parking locations, rates and availability.
If your hotel charges for parking, compare that fee with a hotel farther from downtown that includes parking. For a short downtown stay, you may find that walking and public transit make a rental car unnecessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are There Pet-Friendly Hotels in Tempe With Onsite Dog Parks?
Tempe has many pet-friendly hotels, including properties from Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott and other brands, but an on-site dog park should not be assumed. Hotel pet policies, weight limits and fees vary. Confirm the current policy and any fenced pet area directly with the property before booking.
Which Hotels Offer Airport Shuttle Service to Phoenix Sky Harbor?
Hyatt Place Tempe/Phoenix Airport currently advertises airport shuttle service, and Tempe Mission Palms also provides transportation to and from Phoenix Sky Harbor. Shuttle hours and procedures can change, so confirm them before arrival. Embassy Suites by Hilton Phoenix Tempe currently states that airport shuttle service is not available.
Do Any Tempe Hotels Provide Long-Term Stay Discounts or Extended-Stay Rates?
Yes, Tempe has several extended-stay and suite-style hotels. Residence Inn Tempe Downtown/University, Hyatt House properties, Homewood Suites and other extended-stay brands are designed for longer visits. Rates and stay-longer promotions vary by date, so compare the hotel’s direct rate with weekly or extended-stay offers when available.
Are There Hotels in Tempe With Accessible Rooms and Mobility Amenities?
Yes. Tempe hotels offer accessible room categories, but features differ by property and room type. If you need a roll-in shower, hearing-accessible features, an accessible route, a particular bed configuration or another specific accommodation, reserve the appropriate accessible room type and confirm the required features with the hotel before travel.
Which Hotels Have Rooftop Pools or Rooftop Bars With City Views?
Verified Tempe options include Canopy by Hilton Tempe Downtown, The Westin Tempe and Omni Tempe Hotel at ASU. Hyatt Place Tempe/Phoenix/University also has a rooftop pool. AC Hotel Phoenix Tempe/Downtown is another rooftop-pool option near Tempe Town Lake. Access rules and bar hours can vary by property.
Is Downtown Tempe or Tempe Town Lake Better for First-Time Visitors?
Downtown is usually the easier first-time choice because it puts Mill Avenue, ASU, restaurants and public transit close together. Stay closer to Tempe Town Lake if walking, biking and waterfront scenery matter more. The areas are close enough that several hotels give you reasonable access to both.
Do You Need a Car When Staying in Tempe?
Not always. A downtown or ASU-area stay can work well without a car because you can combine walking, light rail, Tempe Streetcar, Orbit buses and rideshare. A car becomes more useful if you stay in South Tempe or plan day trips to attractions that are not convenient by transit.
Conclusion
The best place to stay in Tempe depends on what you want close to your hotel. Choose downtown or Mill Avenue for restaurants, nightlife, ASU and the easiest car-light trip. Stay near Tempe Town Lake for waterfront paths and outdoor recreation, or compare the airport corridor when a PHX shuttle and quick airport access matter most. South Tempe can suit travelers who prefer a quieter base and plan to drive.
Before booking, compare the complete cost and convenience: parking, breakfast, destination fees, pet fees, room layout, airport transportation and walking distance to the places you will actually visit. Those details usually matter more than the hotel’s advertised nightly rate alone.
Sources
- Tempe Tourism Office: Where to Stay – current Tempe hotel directory and property information
- City of Tempe: Tempe Town Lake Paths, Parks and Recreation – waterfront paths and recreation information
- Valley Metro: Getting to/from Airports – PHX Sky Train and light-rail connection
- Valley Metro: Fares – current local bus and light-rail fare information
- Downtown Tempe: Parking – garages, metered parking, ParkMobile and Tempe TRiP information
- Arizona State University: Campus Shuttles – current ASU intercampus shuttle information
