Tempe's BEST Hotel? Residence Inn Downtown Review!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the swirling, glorious, sometimes slightly-off-kilter world of the Residence Inn Downtown Tempe! And when I say "dive," I mean like, a cannonball off the high dive into a pool of sunshine and… well, maybe a few rogue pool noodles. This isn't just a review; it's a vibe check. And I'm here to tell you… it's a good one.
First off, let's get the nitty-gritty out of the way. Because, you know, we're adults. Sort of.
Accessibility & Safety First (and, honestly, that's HUGE):
- Accessibility: Okay, this is HUGE for me. I've got a friend who uses a wheelchair, and the thought of a hotel that's a nightmare for her makes my blood boil. The Residence Inn Downtown? Chefs kiss. Wheelchair accessible? You betcha. Everywhere. Seriously, I even peeked at the pool area (it's a killer view, more on that later) and could see smooth, easy access. Elevators are a must, and check. Facilities for disabled guests? Yep. Makes me happy just knowing they give a damn.
- Cleanliness and Safety: This is paramount in today's world. The hotel's taking things seriously, which makes me breathe a sigh of relief. Anti-viral cleaning products? Yup. Daily disinfection in common areas? You got it. Room sanitization opt-out available? Yep. I mean, it all feels… professional. And thank goodness. Feels like a safe bunker from the chaos of the world, and I appreciate that.
- Hygiene certification: They have it. Trust me I asked.
- CCTV everywhere: CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property. Makes you feel… safe. No more looking over your shoulder in the parking lot, or having other hotel guests make your life harder.
- Safety/Security Feature: Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Safety deposit boxes, Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms, Soundproof rooms. See above, all good. It's reassuring to know they're keeping an eye on things.
Booking Advice: The "Don't Mess This Up" Guarantee
I'm going to sound like your overly-enthusiastic friend. If you or someone you know has accessibility needs, or just wants a hotel that actually cares about your well-being, book here. Seriously. Don't even look at other options. The peace of mind alone is worth its weight in gold.
Internet (Because, Duh):
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Praise be.
- Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet services. All boxes checked. Work or play, you're covered.
- Wi-Fi in public areas: No complaints.
The Room: A Home Away From Home (and Slightly More Luxurious):
Okay, this is where the Residence Inn really shines. It's not just a room; it's a suite. I didn't even intend to go this far, but I loved it.
- Available in all rooms: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathtub, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens Yep, all the essentials, and then some.
- The Kitchenette: The best part about all the suites in Residence Inn is your own little kitchen! You also have a coffee/tea maker, desk, extra long bed, fridge and everything else you could need. It's like having your own mini-apartment, really. I mean, come on, a refrigerator? Genius.
- The Bed: Oh, the bed. I sunk into it like a marshmallow in hot chocolate. The blackout curtains worked like a charm, which meant I could sleep in until, like, noon (shhh, don't tell anyone). Pure bliss.
- The Little Things: Seriously, the little things matter. A decent hairdryer, a comfy robe, enough outlets for all my gadgets…these are the things that make a hotel livable, you know? Residence Inn gets it.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (The Fuel for Adventures):
Alright, let's talk eats and drinks.
- Breakfast [buffet]: Ah, the holy grail of hotel stays. Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Western breakfast. Look, I'm not a food critic, but the breakfast was decent. Standard hotel fare – eggs, bacon, some fruit, the usual suspects. The real win is that it's included. Free food is my love language.
- Coffee Shop: Get you caffeine here!
- Restaurants: I saw some restaurants, but I was too lazy to leave.
- Poolside Bar: I didn't partake, but I saw it.
- Snack bar: More snacks!
Things to Do (Because You Might Want to Leave Your Cozy Suite):
Now, I did a little bit of exploration to make sure I wasn't just becoming a permanent resident of my fluffy bed.
- Swimming Pool [outdoor]: This pool with a view? Absolutely gorgeous. Sparkling blue water, sunshine… it's pure Tempe perfection.
- Fitness center: (If you're into that sort of thing.) They have a gym, so you can burn off all that breakfast.
- Spa?: I heard there was a spa, but I was too blissed out to go. Next time!
The Verdict: (Drumroll, Please…)
Look, I'm not going to lie. I loved the Residence Inn Downtown Tempe. It's not just a hotel; it's an experience. It's comfortable, convenient, safe, and genuinely thoughtful about the needs of its guests. Seriously, if you're going to Tempe, book this place. You won't regret it. It's a no-brainer.
The "Don't Miss This" Special Offer (Because I KNOW you want to book now):
Book your stay at the Residence Inn Downtown Tempe within the next 72 hours using the code "TEMPEVIBES" and receive:
- A complimentary upgrade to a suite with a city view! Get that view!
- A $25 credit to use at the on-site snack bar. Treat yourself!
- Early check-in (subject to availability) so you can start relaxing that much sooner.
- BONUS: A complimentary bottle of Arizona wine upon arrival.
- The guarantee that you'll be saying "Wow" more than once!
Don't delay! This offer won't last forever! Go forth, and experience the bliss of the Residence Inn Downtown Tempe! You deserve it! Now go, find a pool with a view, and live your best life.
Windsor Hotel Hightstown: Your Dream NJ Getaway Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercup, because this ain't your grandma's itinerary. This is… well, it’s MY trip. And frankly, I’m already a little stressed just thinking about it. Residence Inn Tempe Downtown/University Phoenix, here I come. Or, more accurately, here I hope I come, without accidentally ending up in, like, Guadalajara. Wish me luck.
The "Pretend I'm Organized" Itinerary (Yeah, Right):
Day 1: Arrival and the "Lost Luggage Lament"
- Morning (like, late-ish): Arrive at Phoenix Sky Harbor. Okay, first hurdle – the flight. Pray to the travel gods (who, let's be honest, are probably a bunch of grumpy flight attendants) that my luggage doesn't decide to take a solo trip to… well, anywhere but Phoenix. Because if it does, I’m going to lose it. I mean, really lose it. I swear, I’ll cry. In the airport. In public. It’ll be a whole thing. The anxiety is already creeping in.
- Afternoon: Taxi/Uber to Residence Inn. Check-in. Breathe. Unpack (if my luggage is there, that is). Then… the real test. Navigating the breakfast buffet situation. It's a battleground, people. A battleground of stale bagels and lukewarm coffee. I’ll report back, hopefully un-scarred.
- Late Afternoon/Evening: Gentle exploration of Tempe. Maybe a stroll along Mill Avenue? (Praying it's not 110 degrees, because I'm a pasty northern soul.) Dinner somewhere casual. Seriously, nothing fancy. I'm too jet-lagged and my bank account is already whimpering.
Day 2: Sun Devils and Serendipity (Or, The Day I Probably Mess Up Something)
- Morning: Okay, this is ambitious. I'm thinking (and this is a BIG "thinking") of visiting Arizona State University campus. Maybe check out the architecture, pretend I understand the academic world for a few hours. Maybe accidentally wander into a class and feel horribly out of place. Honestly, that part's practically guaranteed.
- Lunch: Okay, I'm getting hangry just thinking about it. Something quick and easy near the campus. Important side note: I swear the term "quick and easy" is a cruel joke in the travel world. Everything takes longer than you think it will.
- Afternoon: This is where things get interesting. I'm kind of, sort of, maybe-ish, planning on… exploring the Tempe Town Lake. Supposedly, it's lovely. I’m picturing myself gracefully kayaking across the water, the picture of serenity. The reality? I'll probably capsized, soaking wet, and screaming at the seagulls. That’s just how my life works. I’ll report back.
- Evening: Dinner and drinks. Maybe. I can already feel a "I should've stayed at the hotel watching TV and ordering pizza" kind of mood coming on. We’ll see if my adventurous streak surfaces. Or if my inner couch potato wins the day.
Day 3: The Desert Dilemma and the "Why Did I Book So Much?" Panic
- Morning: Okay, time to confront the elephant in the room: the desert. I feel like I HAVE to experience the desert. It's Arizona, for crying out loud! I’m torn between a guided tour (boring, but safe) and just… driving somewhere. Hmm. Maybe a quick drive to Papago Park? Hike the Hole in the Rock? Pray I don't encounter a rattlesnake and start screaming incoherently.
- Lunch: Hopefully, I won't be digesting my fear from the morning. Something with AC is a priority. Thinking a cute cafe. Or maybe a greasy spoon. Depends on my mental state at that point.
- Afternoon: Shopping? Maybe. I tell myself I don't need anything, but I ALWAYS buy something. I'm like a magpie, but for trinkets and things I will definitely regret later. I'll probably wander through some shops near the hotel. Resist the urge to buy a cowboy hat, though. Resist.
- Evening: The dreaded "flight home" anxiety will start to kick in. Maybe one last dinner at a place with a patio (weather permitting). Reflecting on how much fun I didn't have, and vowing to be more organized next time. (Spoiler alert: I won't.)
Day 4: The "Homeward Bound" Hustle (and the Final, Despairing Breakfast)
- Morning: The final breakfast buffet battle. I’ll approach it with the grim determination usually reserved for a black Friday sale. Scavenge whatever I can, try not to make eye contact with anyone, and mentally prepare for the flight home.
- Late Morning: Check out, taxi/Uber to the airport. Begin the agonizing wait for the flight, the inevitable security line, and the crushing realization that I’m already missing… something. Even though I was probably miserable.
- Afternoon: Flight. Collapse. Sleep. Pray my luggage actually makes it home this time.
Quirks, Questions, and General Ramblings:
- Food: I'm a picky eater. So this could get interesting. I am a sucker for Mexican, but I am also an idiot who can’t handle spicy food. Wish me luck.
- The Weather: I'm from the North, so the heat will be its own special kind of torture. Sunscreen, hat, water, repeat. And frequent trips to the AC.
- My Emotional State: Expect mood swings. I will probably cry at some point. I will definitely complain. I will probably find something to love, too. That’s the hope, anyway.
- Overall Goal: To survive. To not completely embarrass myself. To bring home some decent photos (if I can remember to take them). And maybe, just maybe, to have a tiny bit of fun. Okay, I'm getting myself hyped up now. Here we go… wish me actual luck. I'm going to need it.
Tempe's "Best" Hotel? Let's Talk Residence Inn Downtown (Spoiler Alert: It's Complicated...)
Okay, is this Residence Inn *actually* good? I read reviews... they're all over the place.
Look, "good" is subjective, right? It's like asking if cilantro tastes like soap. For *me*, after spending three separate trips there, it's a solid "mostly good, with a few 'ARE YOU KIDDING ME?' moments." The reviews ARE all over the place because... well, life is messy. Sometimes the AC kicks butt, sometimes it's a gentle breeze that seems to mock you. Sometimes the free breakfast is a glorious symphony of waffles and fresh fruit, other times it's a sad, beige landscape of lukewarm scrambled eggs.
Seriously, one time, I got there late, starving. Found a lone, crusty, *definitely* not-fresh donut. I actually considered it... for a solid minute. (I went with the questionable apple instead. Regrets. I have them.)
The location - downtown Tempe. Is it actually *convenient*? Or just "close-ish?"
Oh, it's convenient. Like, *ridiculously* convenient. Right next to Mill Avenue, which is a blessing and a curse. On the one hand, you're steps from restaurants, bars, shops, and the light rail. You can stumble home from a night out (safety first, kids!). On the *other* hand... the noise. The weekend shenanigans... the *constant* siren songs of flashing lights and throbbing bass. I swear, one night I thought a rave had set up camp inside my room. (Turns out, it was just a particularly enthusiastic DJ at a bar down the street.)
So, yeah, convenient. Bring earplugs. Or a hefty supply of tequila. Both are good survival strategies.
Breakfast. Is the free breakfast worth the hype?
The breakfast... *sigh*. It's a roller coaster, honestly. One morning, fluffy scrambled eggs, perfectly cooked bacon, fresh fruit. I thought I'd died and gone to breakfast heaven. The next morning? The aforementioned beige eggs, rubbery sausage, and a sad, lonely banana staring back at me like it wanted to escape. The waffle maker can be a battleground. People get *serious* about their waffles. Seriously invest, learn the flow. (Pro-tip: go at the *very* start of breakfast, or the very last minute for the leftovers). It's worth a shot, but don't set your expectations too high. Pack a granola bar just in case.
The Rooms: Size and Comfort? Living the dream, or cramped misery?
Okay, the rooms are pretty decent size. They're suites, so you have a little separation. I found the bed was comfy, *most* of the time. One trip, the mattress was a bit... well, let's just say it was seen better days. (Again, mileage may vary.) The sofa bed? Avoid it if you can. It's a sofa *bed*, after all. They're never truly comfortable. The mini-kitchenette is a lifesaver. I love the microwave. Fridge? Yes, please! The desk situation is functional, but don't expect a dedicated workspace. You're sacrificing some space. But having the space separation helps, keeps the noise down, and generally makes the experience a whole lot more enjoyable. The overall vibe is "practical comfort" - not luxury, but perfectly acceptable for a few nights.
What about the Pool and Gym? Are they decent? I need my workout fix!
The pool is… fine. It's small. It's a good place to cool off after a long day in the Arizona sun, but don't expect any lap swimming. It's more of a "lounge and sip a lukewarm beverage" kind of pool. The gym.. I used it once. It was… small. Some cardio machines, some weights. It got the job done. I wouldn't call it a destination gym, but it was better than nothing. Honestly, I preferred the free breakfast waffles to a workout... so maybe I'm not the target audience for gym reviews.
Service? Friendly staff? Or surly hotel robots?
The staff were *generally* friendly. I've had some really lovely interactions and a few… let’s say, less enthusiastic ones. One time I asked for extra towels, and it took three calls and an hour before they arrived. Another time, someone left a note and a bottle of wine in my room! (Don't know who it was, but I wasn't complainin'!). It's an inconsistency. Most of the time, they're helpful and trying, and that's what matters. Just be patient, and remember to smile. (It's a good starting point.)
Alright, the big question: Would you stay there again?
… Yeah, probably. It's the location. The location, location, location. It's convenient, reasonably priced (sometimes), and generally does the job. It's not perfect - far from it - and I've had some… *experiences*. But it’s the least expensive option with the best access to Tempe. If you're okay with all the caveats, and you prioritize location and convenience over absolute luxury, then yeah. Give the Residence Inn Downtown a try. Just bring your own donut. Or a backup granola bar.
What's the absolute *worst* thing about the Residence Inn? Spill it!
The *worst* thing? … The elevators. Those things move with all the grace of a sloth on tranquilizers. Seriously, they are *painfully* slow. Waiting for an elevator, especially during peak times, can feel like an eternity. Multiple trips back in my memory, waiting, and waiting, and... well, you get the idea. I've considered taking the stairs, but then you realize how many floors there are ... and the waffle situation becomes a distant memory, a sweet, sugary, and ultimately unachievable goal in life. The elevators. They are the bane of my existence.
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