Hotels in Tempe, AZ

As the home of Arizona State University, Tempe is a bustling city filled with outdoor recreation and sightseeing opportunities. Located in the Greater Phoenix area, Tempe offers something for everyone–from incredible hikes to a bustling downtown scene.

The heart of downtown Tempe, Arizona, is Mill Avenue. Located near the ASU campus, this popular street is filled with interesting shops, restaurants, and bars that draw visitors throughout the year. Don’t miss out on checking out some of the local attractions, like Tempe Town Lake’s public art galleries, or catch a show at Gammage Auditorium, all easily accessible from Tempe hotels.

Nestled in the Sonoran Desert, Tempe is an outdoorsman’s paradise. For thrill seekers, the rugged terrain of the desert makes mountain biking an enticing challenge, while more leisurely types can enjoy an afternoon kayaking, canoeing, or fishing at Tempe Town Lake. For hiking with a view, a popular spot for hikers is South Mountain Park, which has over 51 miles of trails with spectacular views of the Tempe skyline. There’s also Papago Park, where visitors can explore desert landscape or go bird watching in one of two small lakes onsite or watch the sunset from Hole in the Rock.

If you're looking to explore a piece of Arizona's ancient history from the top hotels in Tempe, look no further than Hayden Butte in the heart of Tempe. This mesa is home to a variety of petroglyphs and artifacts left by the ancient Hohokam Indians who lived in the area centuries ago.

The Hohokam Indians were an ancient Native American tribe from the desert Southwest who inhabited the Valley of the Sun from around 200 to 1450 A.D. They are known for their irrigation systems, which were used to water crops, as well as for their petroglyphs that remain on many rocks throughout the area, including on Hayden Butte. Archaeologists believe that these petroglyphs may have been used as communication tools or to mark territorial boundaries between different tribes.

For those looking for an adventure-filled day out from the best Tempe hotels, there are plenty of hikes around town to explore. Whether it’s an easy stroll along Hayden Butte Preserve or a challenging trek up “A” Mountain (the fourth highest peak in Maricopa County), there are plenty of hikes with spectacular views. Other popular trails include Hole-in-the-Rock trail at Papago Park and the Siphon Draw trail at Lost Dutchman State Park; both offer unique landscapes perfect for adventurers seeking a new challenge.

From its vibrant downtown area to majestic mountain vistas and hiking trails, there is something for everyone in Tempe. Whether you're looking for a relaxing day filled with sightseeing or an adventurous hike up one of Maricopa County's peaks, Tempe has it all! Book your desert vacation today from Tempe hotels.

Don’t forget to check out our hotels in Phoenix and Gilbert.