Tempe Mission Palms Hotel and Conference Center

The Tempe Mission Palms is more warm and inviting than might be expected of a large corporate hotel near a major university. The only hotel near Arizona State and Sun Devil Stadium, Mission Palms attracts sports fans and students' families, but the lobby and common areas are more than mere way stations. There is a real Southwestern vibe to the decor, with a number of stone fireplaces and surrounded by couches, Mexican-inspired red tile floors, and everything decked out in bold desert colors: rust, chocolate, and turquoise. The grounds and courtyards are well-landscaped, with lemon and orange trees, bright flowers, towering palms, and stone fountains lining walkways, courtyards, and bright green lawns. Leather chairs and sofas add a sophisticated, clubby feel. Nothing feels cramped, here. Even the rooftop pool is large for an urban hotel, and there are mountain views from the sundeck. The airport is nearby, and jets frequently fly overhead, but the noise is only an issue on the pool deck. Sports fans will be happy to see the flat-screen TVs in the lobby and bar, which can get a bit busy when the hotel is full.

Tempe Mission Palms is located one block from Arizona State University and two blocks from Sun Devil Stadium. The hotel is within easy walking distance of Tempe's Mill Avenue entertainment district, a busy student and tourist area packed with restaurants, shops, and nightlife. The Metro Light Rail stops close to the hotel; guests can take the train into downtown Phoenix. The Mission Palms is a 15-minute drive from the Phoenix airport, and free airport transfers can be arranged by contacting the hotel in advance. Free self- and valet parking are included in the nightly resort fee.

Rooms at the Tempe Mission Palms are spacious, soundproofed, and clean, decorated in bold desert colors, with dark leather headboards, easy chairs, and picture windows that actually open to let in the fresh air. The layout is similar to most chain, business-catering hotels of this caliber. Bathrooms are modern and well-maintained, with photos on the walls, plentiful toiletries, marble tiles, and brightly painted walls. The hotel's business bent is evident in the ergonomic desk chairs, while the video game consoles, pay movies, and premium channels that come with the flat-screen TVs cater to families, too. All rooms have coffee- and tea-making facilities, mini-fridges, and laptop safes.

The Tempe Mission Palms has a large rooftop pool with two hot tubs, and the poolside bar serves drinks, burgers, and casual food on the sundeck or by the outdoor fireplace. The fitness center is just inside, with rooftop views, TV screens, and plenty of cardio and weight equipment. The rooftop tennis and basketball courts are lit for nighttime use. Harry’s Place is a classic American sports bar with three sports-dedicated flat-screens, while the Mission Grille offers buffet and a la carte menus for breakfast and lunch, with a full dinner menu served on granite tabletops, each set with individual cactus gardens. The hotel also has a number of meeting and event spaces, and there's a small business center. A mandatory daily resort fee covers Wi-Fi.