Tempe's BEST Homewood Suites? (ASU Area Phoenix Hotel Review)
Homewood Suites Tempe: My Unvarnished Truth (and Maybe a Slightly Off-Key Chorus)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's sanitized hotel review. We're diving headfirst into the Homewood Suites in Tempe, near ASU, and I'm spilling the tea, the coffee, and maybe a little bit of leftover continental breakfast (don't judge me!). I’m aiming to give you the real deal – the good, the bad, and the slightly awkward.
First Impressions and Accessibility: A Smooth Start (Mostly)
Okay, let's get this out of the way: arrival was… surprisingly smooth. Finding the place was a breeze, and thankfully, the car park [free of charge] was actually free, unlike some places that try to nickel and dime you on everything. Score! The check-in/out [express] process lived up to its name. I'm talking lightning fast. This is vital when you’re exhausted from a long flight, and honestly, I appreciate any hotel that understands the concept of ‘efficient’.
Now, on the accessibility front. This is important, and I’m not a person with disabilities, but I tried to be as observant as I could. The hotel definitely tried. The lobby seemed spacious, and navigating the public areas in a wheelchair accessible way seemed doable. There's an elevator, which is a godsend, and the website claims they have accessible rooms. However, I couldn't actually experience this firsthand, so take that with a grain of salt. Always call ahead and confirm your specific needs are met – it's the only way to be sure.
Rooms, Rooms, Glorious Rooms (and the Wi-Fi Saga)
The suites themselves? Big. Like, "could live here for a month" big. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! and Internet access – wireless! You'd think, right? Well, about that… the Internet access – LAN didn’t seem like happening and the Wi-Fi, while technically free and readily available, was… temperamental, let's say. One minute you're streaming your favorite shows, the next you're staring at a spinning wheel of doom. This is a serious downside for anyone needing reliable internet for work or just, you know, existing in this digital age. Frustration level: elevated.
The room itself was comfy, with air conditioning that actually worked (thank the heavens!), a refrigerator (essential for stashing snacks), and a decent coffee/tea maker. The desk situation was acceptable for getting some work done, but I am not exactly sure who would want to use this… but at least it's there. The fact that they have complimentary tea and free bottled water is a nice touch. My personal quirk: I always check the blackout curtains, and these were good. Daily housekeeping was reliable. The bathrobes and slippers are a nice touch.
I loved the seating area, great for relaxing with a good book or just staring out the window that opens. There were plenty of sockets near the bed, which is a MAJOR win in my book. And the extra long bed was a beautiful thing after a long day.
Sanitation, Safety, and That Fuzzy Feeling of… Okayness
Alright, let's get to the nitty-gritty of the pandemic era. The Homewood Suites clearly made an effort on the Cleanliness and safety front. They advertised Anti-viral cleaning products, and I saw plenty of hand sanitizer stations. They mentioned Daily disinfection in common areas, and the staff seemed to be wearing masks. The room itself felt clean and well-maintained. It was a relief.
There was a first aid kit, as well as fire extinguisher, and smoke alarms. They also had CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property.
Dining, Drinking, and the Quest for Caffeine
The breakfast [buffet] was… fine. Let's keep it real. It was the standard continental fare: eggs, pastries, yogurt, fruit. Nothing to write home about, but it filled a hole. They had Breakfast service every day, which is always a plus, but I would have loved some more variety. Considering the Alternative meal arrangement is available.
The Coffee/tea in restaurant was… available. Let's just say I'm a coffee snob, and the hotel’s coffee was not going to win any awards. Finding a decent caffeine fix was a mission. They have a snack bar, which is great for grabbing something on the go. I wish they had a quick grab-and-go deli or something, I'd be more happy. There's a Poolside bar, which sounds promising, but I didn't get a chance to try it.
Things To Do (Or Not Do, As the Case May Be)
Swimming pool [outdoor]. This is the place to be, but it was small. I'm not a pool person, so I can't honestly tell you much about it. I didn’t see any Pool with view.
They advertise a Fitness center, but I didn't check it out. I was too busy relaxing, if you could call it that.
Services and Conveniences: The Good, the Bad, and the "Meh"
The concierge was friendly. The laundry service came in handy. The convenience store had the essentials. So far so good! The luggage storage was great for keeping my bags safe.
Getting Around:
Airport transfer wasn't something I used, but it's good to know it's an option. Car park [free of charge] is a massive plus. Taxi service is easily available. If you're driving, Car park [on-site] is convenient.
In Conclusion: It’s… Alright.
Would I recommend the Homewood Suites Tempe? That depends. If you need a spacious room with a good location near ASU and you're not overly dependent on lightning-fast internet, then yeah, it's a solid choice. It's clean, the staff is friendly, and the free breakfast is… well, it's there. Don't expect luxury, but do expect a decent stay.
Now, if you're a digital nomad tethered to your laptop, or if you're looking for a truly memorable experience, you might need to look elsewhere. It's not a bad hotel, just not particularly outstanding. After all, I think it's a safe and nice choice.
Final Verdict: A solid 3.5 out of 5 stars. Could be better, could be worse. I'd stay again, but I'd pack my own emergency internet connection.
Gettysburg's 1863 Inn: Ghostly Secrets & Civil War History Revealed!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we’re about to embark on a Tempe ramble from my (possibly slightly messy) Homewood Suites haven. This isn't your perfectly manicured, Instagrammable itinerary. This is REAL life, people. Get ready for the glorious chaos.
Day 1: Arrival, Anticipation, and the Almighty Mini-Mart
- 2:00 PM: Arrived. Check-in was a total breeze, thankfully. The front desk lady, bless her heart, was super friendly. Immediately hit me with "Welcome to the best hotel in Tempe! Just kidding!" - and you know what? I kinda believed her. The room? Eh, standard Homewood stuff. Clean, comfy bed, the usual. Already envisioning the breakfast buffet massacre of tomorrow morning.
- 2:30 PM: Unpacked. Or, more accurately, chucked my clothes haphazardly onto the luggage rack. Always the illusion of order, yeah?
- 2:45 PM: The real priority, finding the nearest Mini-Mart. I'm talking salty snacks, a truly suboptimal iced coffee, and the desperate search for that perfect, gas-station-esque energy drink. Found a Circle K nearby. Success! Feeling like a conquering hero.
- 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM: Settling in. Worked for a (relatively) straight hour, then got the "I need to zone out" feeling. Ended up staring out the window, watching students stroll by. The energy of this place is buzzing – pure, unadulterated youth. It's both intimidating and kind of exciting. The smell of desert air – that distinct, dry, almost dusty fragrance – has already begun to weave its spell. I think I'm going to really like Phoenix.
- 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Poolside contemplation session. The pool area is nice; clean, with a little bit of shade. But the most important feature of this hotel is the little outdoor fire pit. I love the fire pit so much! I'm here for it, and I am never leaving. I'm going to sit here and watch the sunset. I'm going to listen to the conversations of strangers. I'm going to eat a bag of chips. I'm going to take some deep breaths, and revel in the absolute nothingness. This is the life!
- 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: The Breakfast is terrible. I am not sure if it is this location or the chain in general, but it has a long way to go. It is the one thing that really gets me annoyed in this hotel. However… the social hour is nice and has much better food!
- 9:00 PM: Bedtime. Tomorrow, the real adventure begins.
Day 2: ASU, Cactus, and a Culinary Calamity
- 7:00 AM: Breakfast (the aforementioned buffet challenge). Managed to consume some questionable scrambled eggs and a surprisingly decent waffle (shoutout to the waffle iron). Fueled up – partially.
- 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM: ASU exploration. This place is huge! Wander the campus. The architecture is an interesting mix of modern and vaguely southwestern. I saw a student wearing a t-shirt that said "Sun Devils" – I wonder if there ever was a devil sun, but I am pretty certain that the sun wouldn't be a devil. I have always found a certain beauty in the desert landscape; the way the brutal heat gives way to a stunning sunset is truly unique.
- 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Attempted hike at Papago Park. "Attempted" is important here. It was hot, and I am not used to this weather, so I only lasted about about 30 minutes before collapsing in a heap of sweat. The Red Rocks are gorgeous though (even when viewed from a position of near-collapse).
- 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Lunch. A disaster. I tried to be adventurous and try a local place that was highly recommended. Big mistake! The Yelp reviews were WRONG. The service was terrible, and the food even worse – bland, overpriced, and with an aftertaste that I still can't quite place. The only good thing? I could vent to the bartender about it later.
- 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Back at the hotel. Needed a serious cool-down. Thank god for a large, air-conditioned room. Decided to spend some time by the pool, pretending to be a sophisticated sunbather.
- 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Deep dive into local craft beer. The real cure for a bad meal? A decent brewery and a cold one. Found a great local spot with a lively atmosphere. Talked to the bartender and learned a ton about the Phoenix beer scene. The bartender was very helpful.
- 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Dinner at the hotel - back to the social hour! Some of the best food I have had and it's free!
- 7:00 PM: Collapse on the bed, stomach full, and head swimming with the day's adventures. Ready for another day in the desert…
Day 3: Goodbye, Glimpses & The Temptation of a Late Check-Out
- 7:00 AM: Breakfast (third time's the charm?). Survived the buffet.
- 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Shopping at the Tempe Marketplace. I loved this, I swear. I love walking around and seeing the sights. I would recommend anyone in Tempe do this to get a feel for the city.
- 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Check-out. The process was smooth and painless, just how I like it.
- 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Last-minute farewell: One last gaze at the desert landscape. A quick thought for all the people I didn't run into. One last look at the fire pit, and a mournful sigh. Already contemplating my return.
- 12:00 PM - onward: Departure. Headed back to reality, carrying memories, a slightly singed nose, and a lingering craving for that awful gas station iced coffee. The chaos was real, and I loved every minute. Phoenix, you weird, wonderful place, I'll be back. I promise.
Yo, Is This *Really* The BEST Homewood Suites Near ASU? (My Honest Take, No BS)
Okay, So...Is The Homewood Suites Tempe REALLY Worth the Hype?
Alright, let's get real. "Best" is subjective, right? And everyone's got a different idea of paradise. But, after having my fair share of hotel stays near ASU, juggling family visits, and even a last-minute crash pad for a forgotten graduation weekend (don't ask), the Homewood Suites Tempe is definitely up there. Like, *really* up there.
It's not a five-star palace, let’s be clear. Think of it as a well-oiled machine that delivers on its promises, with a healthy dose of comfort thrown in. And seriously, after a brutal day sweating it out in the Arizona sun, a comfy suite doesn’t hurt ANYTHING.
But does it deserve the "best" title? Keep reading. I'll spill the tea.
How's the Location? Close to ASU? Is Parking a Nightmare?
Location, Location, Location! It's a HUGE win for this place. It's basically a stone's throw from Mill Avenue... which is both amazing and potentially terrifying, depending on your tolerance for college kids.
Walking distance to everything fun – bars, restaurants, the campus itself. You can practically *smell* the chili cheese fries from your room. (Okay, maybe not *that* close, but you get the drift.)
Parking? Surprisingly decent. It's gated, which always feels a little more secure. Yes, you might have to circle a time or two during peak hours, BUT I've NEVER had to resort to desperate street parking. That's a victory in Tempe, trust me. One time, though...I *did* see a guy parallel park a semi-truck on the street. Just kidding! (Mostly.)
The Suites… Are They Actually *Suites*? And Are They Clean?
YES! This is what makes Homewood Suites, well, Homewood Suites. Actual suites! They have a living area with a pull-out sofa (perfect for crashing after a long day of...whatever you're doing in Tempe). A separate bedroom, and a kitchenette. Yes! Real kitchenettes with a fridge, microwave, and even a mini-stove. It's like having your own little apartment.
I used that kitchenette to make instant ramen at 3 AM once. Don’t judge! It was a dark, desperate time. The point is, the kitchenette is a LIFESAVER. Especially if you're traveling with kids or just don't want to face another restaurant bill.
And are they CLEAN? Mostly. They're usually well-maintained. Look, no hotel is perfect. I have seen a stray hair or two and maybe a tiny bit of wear and tear (this isn't the Ritz-Carlton, people!), but generally, the housekeeping is on point. I’ve stayed in some places where I was terrified of the sheets… but not here.
What About the Free Breakfast? Is it Edible? Does it Justify the Hotel Itself?
Oh, the free breakfast... It's a critical factor in my book because I am *not* a morning person. If I have to figure out coffee and food at 7 AM, I'm a monster.
The breakfast here? Solid. Not gourmet, but really, who's expecting gourmet at a Homewood Suites? They have your basics: eggs, sausage/bacon, waffles, fruit, cereal, pastries, and, most importantly, *coffee*. And the coffee is…drinkable. It’s a win.
The real win? The breakfast seating area. It's usually bright, airy, and it’s a great way to ease into your day, people watching, while secretly judging the choices of breakfast pastries of everyone. You'll find students, families, business travelers... a good mix, really.
Does it have a Pool? Gym? Are They Any Good?
Yes! Pool and Gym. Not the most spectacular I've seen, but they do the job. The pool is nice for a quick dip, though it can get crowded during peak hours/times. The gym is pretty basic– treadmills, ellipticals, some weights. You'll find what you need for the most part (don't expect a Crossfit box!).
One time... I saw a guy try to do bicep curls with a water bottle. I'm not kidding. It was... inspirational. Maybe that’s what you need. Good inspiration to keep me away from the gym!
So...Are the Staff Friendly? Because That Makes a HUGE Difference.
This is where the Homewood Suites Tempe really shines. The staff is generally super friendly and helpful. They really do seem to *care* about making your stay pleasant.
I've had a few interactions that stand out. One time, I managed to lock myself out of my room (ugh), I went downstairs, embarrassed, and they jumped to help me. No judgment, just a quick fix. Another time, I needed a late checkout because I was waiting on a ride to the airport, and as long as they could, they were accommodating.
I’ve noticed staff can vary from hotel to hotel, but that's not something I've seen in a longer period of time, they stay pretty consistent. So yes, the staff is a definite plus.
Okay, Spill the Tea… What NOT to Expect? Any Annoying Deals?
Alright, let's get the downsides out of the way. No place is perfect. Here's the stuff that *might* bother you:
- Noise: Okay, it's near Mill Ave. Expect some noise. Especially on weekends from the party-goers. It's not deafening, but if you're a light sleeper, bring earplugs. Or... join the party!
- Elevator Wait Times: Sometimes, especially during peak check-in/check-out times, the elevators can take a hot (literally, Arizona heat!) minute.
- The occasional… uh… issue: Like any hotel, there's the potential for something to go wrong. Maybe a slow drain, a light bulb out, etc. Nothing crazy, but just don't expect perfection.
- Find Secret Hotel DealsHomewood Suites by Hilton Phoenix Tempe ASU Area Phoenix (AZ) United States
Homewood Suites by Hilton Phoenix Tempe ASU Area Phoenix (AZ) United States
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