Planning a trip to Glendale, Arizona? The best place to stay depends on what you plan to do. Westgate and the Sports & Entertainment District are the easiest choices for State Farm Stadium events, restaurants, and nightlife, while North Glendale and the Arrowhead area suit travelers who prefer a quieter suburban base. Families and longer-stay visitors also have several suite hotels with kitchens and breakfast included.
Quick Answer
For most visitors, the best place to stay in Glendale is the Westgate/Sports & Entertainment District because hotels, State Farm Stadium, Desert Diamond Arena, restaurants, and nightlife are clustered together. Choose North Glendale/Arrowhead for a quieter suburban base, or an extended-stay hotel if you want a kitchen, laundry, and more room.
Key Takeaways
- Westgate is the best all-around base for Cardinals games, concerts, nightlife, restaurants, and travelers who want to walk once they reach the district.
- Arrowhead and North Glendale work well for shopping, suburban surroundings, and travelers who do not mind driving to Westgate.
- Staybridge Suites, TownePlace Suites, Residence Inn, and Home2 Suites are strong extended-stay choices when you want more room or kitchen facilities.
- Do not rely on an old hotel price or rating. Compare live rates, taxes, parking charges, cancellation terms, and recent reviews for your exact dates.
- Event weekends can change prices and traffic dramatically, so book early when your Cardinals game, concert, bowl game, or other major event date is fixed.
Best Neighborhoods for Visitors: Westgate, Sports District, and Beyond
Glendale covers a large part of the West Valley, so choosing the right area can save time. The three most useful bases for visitors are Westgate and the Sports & Entertainment District, North Glendale/Arrowhead, and Historic Downtown Glendale. They offer very different experiences.
Westgate and the Sports & Entertainment District: Best for Events and Nightlife
If you are coming for a Cardinals game, concert, arena event, or a weekend centered on dining and entertainment, Westgate is usually the easiest choice. Westgate Entertainment District sits beside State Farm Stadium and includes restaurants, bars, entertainment, shopping, and several hotels within or close to the district.
Hotels in and around this area include Aloft, Renaissance, Hampton Inn & Suites, Home2 Suites, SpringHill Suites, Residence Inn, TownePlace Suites, Holiday Inn, Staybridge Suites, and other nearby properties. That concentration makes Westgate one of Glendale’s most convenient areas if you want to park or arrive by rideshare and do much of your evening on foot.
Westgate is especially useful for couples, groups of friends, sports fans, and first-time Glendale visitors. Families can also do well here, particularly in suite-style hotels with kitchens or separate living space.
North Glendale and Arrowhead: Best for a Quieter Suburban Base
North Glendale around the Arrowhead and Bell Road corridors is a practical alternative if you do not need to walk to State Farm Stadium. You will find shopping, restaurants, freeway access, and conventional hotels in a more suburban setting. Arrowhead Towne Center and nearby dining make this area convenient for families, shopping trips, and travelers who prefer to drive to Westgate rather than stay beside the event district.
The Hotel Serene Glendale Peoria, SureStay Collection by Best Western is one lodging option near Arrowhead Towne Center. This part of Glendale can also make sense if your itinerary includes destinations farther north or east in the Valley.
Historic Downtown Glendale: Best for Local Character
Historic Downtown Glendale is the better choice for visitors interested in older architecture, local shops, restaurants, events, and a slower neighborhood feel. The trade-off is that the hotel selection directly inside the historic core is much smaller than the Westgate hotel cluster.
For many visitors, the practical strategy is to explore Historic Downtown during the day but stay at Westgate, Arrowhead, or another nearby hotel where the room selection is broader.
Note: Avoid labeling an entire Glendale neighborhood as universally “safe” or “unsafe.” Conditions can vary by block and over time. Before booking, check the Glendale Police crime-data resources, read recent hotel reviews, and look at parking, lighting, and the exact location you will use.
Top Hotels in Glendale by Category and Budget
Hotel rates and review scores change constantly, so it is more useful to compare Glendale hotels by location, room layout, breakfast, kitchen facilities, parking, and on-site amenities than by a fixed price or rating. The options below cover the same major hotel types as the original list while using details that are more useful for planning.
| Best For | Hotel | Why Consider It |
|---|---|---|
| Extended stays and families | Staybridge Suites Phoenix – Glendale Sports Dist | Kitchen-equipped suites, complimentary breakfast, outdoor pool, laundry facilities, and access to the Westgate area. |
| Extended stays near Westgate | TownePlace Suites Phoenix Glendale Sports & Entertainment District | Full kitchens, free hot breakfast, pool, fitness center, and a location within walking distance of major entertainment. |
| Longer family or business stays | Residence Inn Phoenix Glendale Sports & Entertainment District | Full kitchens, free breakfast, pool, fitness center, and convenient access to Westgate and State Farm Stadium. |
| Suite-style stadium stay | Home2 Suites by Hilton Phoenix Glendale-Westgate | In-room kitchens, free hot breakfast, outdoor pool, and a location across from the Westgate and stadium area. |
| Suite value with breakfast | Comfort Suites Glendale – State Farm Stadium Area | All-suite rooms, free hot breakfast, free Wi-Fi, fitness center, and a location convenient to the sports and entertainment area. |
| Nightlife and modern social spaces | Aloft by Marriott Glendale at Westgate | Steps from Westgate and State Farm Stadium, with a bar, pool, fitness center, social spaces, and breakfast available through Re:fuel. |
| Full-service stay and events | Renaissance Phoenix Glendale Hotel & Conference Center | Full-service dining, extensive meeting space, indoor and outdoor pools, and a central Westgate location near the stadium and arena. |
| Full-service chain convenience | Holiday Inn Glendale – Stadium & Ent Dist | On-site restaurant, outdoor pool, fitness facilities, and convenient access to Westgate, Topgolf, State Farm Stadium, and Desert Diamond Arena. |
| Basic budget lodging | Motel 6 Glendale, AZ | A simpler motel option near central Glendale with Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool, and guest laundry. Compare recent reviews and the final price before choosing solely on cost. |
| Newer extended-stay lodging | LivAway Suites – Glendale | Opened in 2026 with residential-style extended-stay rooms, in-room kitchens, guest laundry facilities, and Wi-Fi. |
Other established mid-range choices around Glendale include SpringHill Suites, Hampton Inn & Suites, and additional Holiday Inn properties. Your best value will depend on the date, because a property that is inexpensive on a normal week can become much more expensive during a Cardinals game, major concert, bowl game, spring-training period, or other large event.
Pro Tip: Compare the final trip cost, not only the room rate. Check parking charges, taxes and fees, breakfast, kitchen access, cancellation rules, pet fees if applicable, and how much you would spend on rideshares or event parking from a cheaper hotel farther away.
Practical Tips: Getting Around, Safety, and Booking Strategies
Glendale is spread across several major roads and freeway corridors, so transportation matters. If most of your trip will be at Westgate, State Farm Stadium, or Desert Diamond Arena, staying in the Westgate hotel cluster can reduce the amount of driving you need once you arrive. If your itinerary covers several parts of Greater Phoenix, a rental car or rideshare plan is usually more flexible.
Public transportation is also available. The City of Glendale Transit Services operates local services, and Valley Metro serves Glendale. Valley Metro lists Route 70 as a connection for Westgate Entertainment District. Schedules and event-day arrangements can change, so check the current route before relying on transit for a game or concert.
If you are arriving through Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, remember that Glendale is west of central Phoenix. Airport-to-hotel distance varies across the city: Westgate-area hotel pages commonly list Phoenix Sky Harbor at roughly 20 to 25 miles away. Travel time can change substantially with freeway traffic and major events.
Check Parking Before You Book
Do not assume parking is free. Some Glendale hotels charge for on-site parking while others include it. If you are attending an event at State Farm Stadium, staying within walking distance may also save you from buying separate event parking or dealing with post-event traffic.
Book Early for Major Events
Hotels near Westgate and State Farm Stadium can become much harder to book when the Cardinals, major concerts, bowl games, large conventions, or other stadium events are in town. Once your event date is confirmed, compare hotels early and pay close attention to cancellation terms before choosing a prepaid or nonrefundable rate.
Choose an Extended-Stay Hotel When Space Matters
Staybridge Suites, Residence Inn, TownePlace Suites, and Home2 Suites are especially useful if you want kitchen facilities, extra living space, breakfast, or a setup that works better for several nights. A larger room can be more useful than a small difference in nightly price when you are traveling with children or staying for a week.
Use Current Information for Safety Decisions
Check the exact hotel location rather than relying on broad neighborhood labels. Read recent guest reviews for comments about parking lots, lighting, noise, construction, access control, and vehicle security. You can also review the City of Glendale’s current police-data tools before booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Nicest Neighborhood in Glendale, Arizona?
There is no official “nicest” neighborhood because that depends on what you value. Arrowhead Ranch and the broader North Glendale/Arrowhead area appeal to travelers who like a polished suburban setting, shopping, restaurants, and easy road access. For visitors focused on events and nightlife, Westgate is usually the more practical place to stay.
Is Glendale, AZ a Good Place to Stay?
Yes. Glendale is especially convenient if your trip includes State Farm Stadium, Westgate Entertainment District, Desert Diamond Arena, West Valley attractions, or nearby spring-training activities. If most of your plans are in central Phoenix, Scottsdale, or the East Valley, compare drive times before choosing Glendale as your base.
What Is the Best Part of Arizona to Stay In?
There is no single best part of Arizona for every trip. Glendale is a strong choice for West Valley sports and entertainment, Scottsdale is popular for resorts and nightlife, Sedona suits red-rock scenery and hiking, Flagstaff offers a cooler high-country setting, and the Grand Canyon area is the practical choice when the national park is your main destination.
What Is the New Hotel in Glendale, Arizona?
One of the newest confirmed hotel openings in Glendale is LivAway Suites – Glendale. The company announced that the extended-stay property opened on March 17, 2026. It offers residential-style suites with in-room kitchens, guest laundry facilities, and Wi-Fi.
Where Should I Stay for an Event at State Farm Stadium?
Westgate and the surrounding Sports & Entertainment District are the most convenient choices. Aloft, Renaissance, Home2 Suites, Hampton Inn & Suites, TownePlace Suites, Residence Inn, Staybridge Suites, and other nearby hotels put you close to the stadium, dining, and entertainment.
Do I Need a Car When Staying in Glendale?
Not always. You can walk to many restaurants and entertainment venues if you stay around Westgate, and Glendale has bus and local transit services. A car or rideshare is more convenient if you plan to explore Historic Downtown Glendale, North Glendale, Phoenix, Scottsdale, or several attractions across the metro area.
Which Glendale Hotels Have Kitchens?
Staybridge Suites Phoenix – Glendale Sports Dist, TownePlace Suites Phoenix Glendale Sports & Entertainment District, Residence Inn Phoenix Glendale Sports & Entertainment District, Home2 Suites Phoenix Glendale-Westgate, and LivAway Suites – Glendale all offer kitchen or kitchen-style facilities designed for longer or more self-sufficient stays.
Conclusion
Choose Westgate and the Sports & Entertainment District if State Farm Stadium, concerts, restaurants, or nightlife are the focus of your trip. Pick North Glendale or Arrowhead when you prefer a more suburban base, and consider Staybridge Suites, Residence Inn, TownePlace Suites, Home2 Suites, or LivAway Suites when kitchen space and longer-stay amenities matter. Before booking, compare the live total price, parking, cancellation policy, recent reviews, and exact location rather than relying on an old rate or neighborhood label.
Sources
- Westgate Entertainment District Hotels — hotel options and lodging amenities in the Westgate area.
- Visit Glendale: Westgate Entertainment District — Westgate location, attractions, and visitor transportation information.
- City of Glendale Transit Services — public transportation and Glendale Urban Shuttle information.
- Glendale Police Department Reporting and Crime Data — official crime-data tools and safety-data limitations.
- LivAway Suites Glendale Opening Announcement — confirms the March 17, 2026 Glendale opening.
- Visit Phoenix Facts — current Greater Phoenix visitor and destination information.
