Where to Stay in Tempe, Arizona

Compare Tempe's lodging areas first, then choose the hotel that fits your trip — campus visits, the lake, a family stay, or a car-free weekend.

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Choose your area

These are practical lodging zones, not strict boundaries — they can overlap, especially Downtown and the ASU campus area.

  • Best for: First-time visitors

    Downtown Tempe & Mill Avenue

    Tempe's most walkable district, with restaurants, shops, and nightlife along Mill Avenue, next to the ASU campus and Tempe Town Lake.

    Nearby:
    Arizona State University, Tempe Town Lake, Mill Avenue District
    Getting around:
    Served by Valley Metro Rail, which connects downtown Tempe to Phoenix and Mesa. Easy to explore on foot.
    Tradeoff:
    The liveliest — and often priciest — part of town, with event-night crowds and noise.
    See hotels in this area ↓

  • Best for: Campus visits & game days

    ASU Campus Area

    Staying near Arizona State University's Tempe campus keeps tours, performances at ASU Gammage, and Sun Devil sporting events close.

    Nearby:
    ASU Tempe campus, ASU Gammage, Mountain America Stadium
    Getting around:
    Valley Metro Rail stops along the campus edge; the area is easy to navigate on foot.
    Tradeoff:
    Hotels book up early and rates climb around graduation, move-in, and home game weekends.
    See hotels in this area ↓

  • Best for: Lake views & outdoor access

    Tempe Town Lake & North Tempe

    Hotels around Tempe Town Lake sit along the lake's walking and cycling paths, close to Papago Park's trails and the Phoenix Zoo.

    Nearby:
    Tempe Town Lake, Papago Park, Phoenix Zoo, Desert Botanical Garden
    Getting around:
    Best with a car or rideshare for anything beyond the lake path; some light rail access at the lake's west end.
    Tradeoff:
    Fewer restaurants and bars at your doorstep than the Mill Avenue area.

  • Best for: Families & longer stays

    South Tempe

    A quieter, mostly residential part of the city with hotels near the I-10 and US-60 corridors, close to Kiwanis Park.

    Nearby:
    Kiwanis Park, Arizona Mills mall
    Getting around:
    A car is the practical choice here — check parking costs with the specific property.
    Tradeoff:
    Not walkable to downtown Tempe or ASU — plan on driving to most attractions.

Questions about staying in Tempe

Where should first-time visitors stay in Tempe?

Downtown Tempe near Mill Avenue is the easiest base for a first visit: it's the city's walkable dining and nightlife district, sits next to the ASU campus and Tempe Town Lake, and has Valley Metro Rail service for car-free trips into Phoenix and Mesa.

Where should I stay when visiting Arizona State University's Tempe campus?

Look at hotels in downtown Tempe or along the campus edge — many are within walking distance of the ASU Tempe campus, but check the specific property's location before booking. Book early for home football games, graduation, and move-in weekends, when nearby hotels fill up.

Can I stay in Tempe without a car?

Yes, if you stay downtown. Valley Metro Rail runs through downtown Tempe and connects to Phoenix and Mesa, and Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport is a short rideshare or rail-plus-PHX Sky Train trip away. Outside downtown and the lake area, Tempe is largely car-oriented.

What should families consider when choosing a Tempe hotel?

South Tempe is a quieter base near Kiwanis Park's playgrounds and lake, with hotels along the I-10 and US-60 corridors. Wherever you stay, check the specific property for room types, pool hours, and parking costs — all three matter more with kids in the Arizona heat.

Should I stay in Tempe or Scottsdale?

Stay in Tempe if your trip centers on ASU, downtown walkability, or light rail access to Phoenix. Choose Scottsdale if you want a resort-style stay, spa and golf options, or Old Town Scottsdale's dining and galleries — keeping in mind Scottsdale is more spread out and largely car-dependent.

Plan the rest of your Tempe trip