StayAreasIs Tempe a good place to stay in Phoenix?
Yes, especially for value and the light rail. Mill Avenue and the lake are on hand, though it's busy with students during term.
Stay here if
- Budget travellers
- Visitors to ASU
- Sports fans
Look elsewhere if
- You want a quiet stay during term
- You want luxury resorts
- You want the Scottsdale scene
Hotels in Tempe
All Tempe hotels on Booking ↗Typical rates for a double outside peak events, not live prices. Updated Oct 2026 · How we rate areas · Booking through our links costs you nothing extra and may earn us a commission. Learn more
Staying in Tempe
Tempe is a good-value place to stay in the Phoenix area, with the light rail on hand. Mill Avenue's bars and restaurants, Tempe Town Lake and the ASU campus are all within walking distance, and trains run to the airport and downtown Phoenix. Old Town Scottsdale is about 15 minutes by car.
The city revolves around Arizona State University. Mill Avenue fills with students in the evenings, Sun Devils games pack the stadium in autumn, and Tempe Town Lake's paths are busy with runners, cyclists and paddleboarders. Papago Park's red rocks and the Desert Botanical Garden are a short drive north.
The downside is the student crowds and the lack of polish. Mill Avenue gets rowdy on weekend nights during term, many hotels are functional chains, and the area lacks Scottsdale's restaurants and resort style. In summer, it's very hot and quiet.
What makes Tempe worth it is the balance of value and convenience. You can ride the light rail from the airport, walk to dinner on Mill Avenue and kayak on the lake in the morning, for less than you'd pay in Scottsdale.
Getting around
- Arizona State University16walk
- Tempe Town Lake21walk
- Papago Park30transit
- Desert Botanical Garden35transit
- Phoenix Convention Center39transit
- Old Town Scottsdale39transit
- Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)44
Tempe questions
Is Tempe a good area to stay in Phoenix?
Yes, especially for value and the light rail. Mill Avenue and the lake are on hand, though it's busy with students during term. It suits budget travellers, visitors to ASU and sports fans.
How much does a hotel in Tempe cost?
A typical double is around $145 a night at a budget hotel, $215 mid-range and $380 for luxury, outside peak events.
How do I get from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) to Tempe?
About 44 minutes door to door: PHX Sky Train to 44th St station, then the light rail east to Tempe.
How far is Tempe from the main sights?
Door to door from Tempe: Arizona State University 16 minutes on foot, Tempe Town Lake 21 minutes on foot, Papago Park 30 minutes and Desert Botanical Garden 35 minutes.