Phoenix is hot. That’s not a revelation, but when you’re driving up the I-17 and the asphalt is shimmering with that weird heat haze, the only thing that actually matters is finding a place that’s easy to pull into and won't blow your entire travel budget on a fancy lobby fountain you'll never use. The Days Inn by Wyndham Phoenix North is exactly that kind of spot. It’s located right off the Black Canyon Highway, tucked into that North Phoenix pocket where the city starts to trade skyscrapers for desert hills and sprawling shopping centers.
It’s not a five-star resort. Honestly, if you’re looking for gold-leafed mirrors and a pillow menu, you’re in the wrong part of town. But for the road tripper heading up to Sedona or the family visiting Grand Canyon University, this hotel acts as a reliable, no-frills anchor.
I’ve spent enough time in North Valley hotels to know that "convenience" is often code for "loud highway noise." Yet, there’s a specific utility to this location. You are minutes away from the Deer Valley Petroglyph Preserve and the Hurricane Harbor Phoenix waterpark. It’s a functional stay. People choose it because they need a bed, a decent shower, and a way to get back on the road without navigating forty-five minutes of downtown traffic.
What to Expect at Days Inn by Wyndham Phoenix North
When you pull into the parking lot, you’ll notice the classic Wyndham layout. It’s familiar. Most people find comfort in that familiarity—you know exactly where the ice machine is likely to be and that the key card might take two swipes to turn green. The property is positioned at 21636 North 26th Avenue, which puts it right near the junction of the 101 and the I-17. This is the strategic "sweet spot" of the North Valley.
The rooms are standard. You’ve got your choice of Kings or Double Queens. They’ve updated the interiors over the years to move away from that 1990s floral vibe, leaning more into neutral tones and hard surface flooring, which, frankly, is a godsend in the desert. Carpet in a desert hotel always feels a bit like a sand trap for allergens.
One thing that surprisingly catches people off guard is the pool area. It’s an outdoor setup. In the middle of a July afternoon, that water is basically lukewarm tea, but during those crisp Arizona November nights, it’s a nice place to sit and decompress. The fitness center is small. Don't expect a CrossFit box; it’s a couple of machines and enough space to stretch your legs after a six-hour drive from Los Angeles or Albuquerque.
The Breakfast Situation
Look, we need to talk about hotel breakfast.
The Days Inn by Wyndham Phoenix North offers what they call a "Daybreak Breakfast." In reality, this is the classic continental spread. You’re looking at cereal, juice, coffee that’s strong enough to wake the dead, and usually some form of pastry or waffle. Is it a brunch at the Four Seasons? No. Is it free and saves you fifteen dollars at a nearby diner? Yes.
If you are a coffee snob, you’ll probably want to head a mile down the road to one of the local spots. There’s a Dutch Bros and a Starbucks nearby, but for the average traveler, the hotel coffee does the job.
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Location Dynamics and Why This Area Matters
Location is the primary reason anyone books a room here. If you’re looking at a map of Phoenix, you’ll see the "North" designation covers a massive amount of ground. This specific area is close to the Happy Valley Road corridor. Why does that matter? Because Happy Valley is basically the shopping and dining mecca of the North Valley.
You have the Shops at Norterra and Happy Valley Towne Center. You can find everything from a Buffalo Wild Wings to high-end boutiques and a movie theater. If you’re staying at the hotel and realize you forgot your toothbrush or need a new pair of hiking boots for a trip to Camelback Mountain, you aren't stranded.
- Distance to Sky Harbor: About 20-25 minutes if the traffic gods are smiling.
- Distance to Scottsdale: Around 20 minutes via the 101.
- Distance to Peoria Sports Complex: 15 minutes for Spring Training fans.
The proximity to the USAA corporate campus and the Honeywell offices makes this a frequent haunt for business travelers who are tired of paying $300 a night for "lifestyle hotels" in the Biltmore area. It’s about efficiency.
Navigating the I-17
Driving in Phoenix is a sport. The I-17, which sits right next to the hotel, is the main artery connecting Phoenix to Northern Arizona. If you are staying here on a Friday afternoon and planning to head north to Flagstaff, be prepared. The "mass exodus" is real.
Conversely, being at the Days Inn by Wyndham Phoenix North gives you a head start. You’re already north of the city center. While everyone else is stuck in the stack downtown, you’re already hitting the open road toward the Mogollon Rim.
Addressing the "Budget Hotel" Stigma
There is often a misconception that staying at a Days Inn means sacrificing cleanliness or safety. That’s a bit of an outdated trope. Under the Wyndham umbrella, these properties have to hit specific brand standards.
Sure, you might hear a door slam in the hallway or the hum of the AC unit kicking on. That’s part of the experience. But the staff at this location are local. They know the area. They can tell you which Mexican food truck down the street is actually worth your time and which ones to avoid. That kind of "boots on the ground" knowledge is something you don't always get at the high-end resorts where the concierge is reading from a corporate-approved script.
Comparing Prices
If you look at the neighboring properties—the Drury Inn or the Courtyard—you’ll notice a price jump. Sometimes it’s $40, sometimes it’s $100 depending on if there’s a big game at State Farm Stadium. The Days Inn consistently sits at the bottom of that price bracket.
Is the room slightly smaller? Maybe. Is the TV a few inches shorter? Perhaps. But if you’re only in the room for seven hours of sleep, that extra hundred dollars stays in your pocket for dinner or gas.
The Nuance of Phoenix Travel
Phoenix isn’t a walking city. You need a car. Staying here without a rental is a recipe for a very expensive Uber bill. The hotel offers free parking, which is a big deal because many downtown hotels have started charging $30-$50 a day just to leave your car in a garage.
Also, consider the season. If you’re booking the Days Inn by Wyndham Phoenix North in February during the Phoenix Open or Barrett-Jackson, expect every hotel in the valley to be packed. During these peak times, even budget hotels see a price spike. But even then, this location remains one of the more accessible options for people who weren't born with a trust fund.
Surprising Perks
One thing people often overlook is the pet policy. Arizona is a dog-friendly state, and many travelers are hitting the road with their pups. This hotel is generally accommodating to pets (check the current fee, it usually hovers around $15-25 per night), making it a logical stop for those moving across the country.
There’s also the Wi-Fi. It’s surprisingly stable. In an era where everyone is a "digital nomad" or just needs to stream Netflix to fall asleep, having a connection that doesn't drop every five minutes is a win.
Realities of the Stay
Let's be real for a second. You might encounter a slow elevator. You might find that the breakfast eggs are a little more "yellow" than you'd like. The walls aren't soundproofed with lead.
But there’s a certain honesty to the experience. It’s a place for the weary. It’s for the family who has been in a minivan for ten hours and just needs a cool room and a clean sheet. It’s for the technician who is in town to fix a server at a nearby data center and just wants a quiet place to crash.
Nearby Attractions Worth the 10-Minute Drive
- Cave Creek: If you want a "Western" experience without the tourist traps of Old Town Scottsdale, head twenty minutes northeast to Cave Creek. It’s got bikers, cowboys, and great steak.
- Reach 11 Recreation Area: A massive park with trails for those who want to see some desert flora without a strenuous hike.
- Musical Instrument Museum (MIM): Consistently rated one of the best museums in the country. It’s a short drive east on the 101. Even if you aren't a "museum person," the MIM is incredible.
Navigating Your Reservation
When booking the Days Inn by Wyndham Phoenix North, always check the Wyndham Rewards portal. Even if you aren't a "points person," the member rate usually knocks a few bucks off. Also, if you’re arriving late, call the front desk. The I-17 is notorious for construction closures at night, and they might be able to give you a heads-up on which exit is actually open.
The hotel industry is shifting toward automated check-ins and robotic service, but here, you still get a person behind a desk. That matters when your reservation gets wonky or you need an extra towel at 11 PM.
Actionable Steps for Your Stay
If you've decided to pull the trigger on a room here, do these three things to make the trip better:
- Request a room away from the highway. Even with decent windows, the I-17 never truly sleeps. The rooms facing the back or the side lots are significantly quieter.
- Check the AC immediately. It’s Phoenix. If that wall unit isn't blowing ice-cold air within five minutes of you walking in, ask for a room change. Don't suffer through a 110-degree day with a weak fan.
- Use the fridge. Most rooms here have a mini-fridge and microwave. Stop by the Fry’s Food Store or the Safeway nearby and stock up on water. Buying water at a hotel vending machine is a tax on the unprepared.
The North Valley is growing fast. New chip plants (like the massive TSMC facility) are bringing in thousands of workers and visitors. This means hotels like this are staying busier than ever. It’s a functional, straightforward lodging option in a city that is becoming increasingly expensive. You get a bed, you get a shower, and you get a prime location to explore the rest of the Valley of the Sun. Just remember to bring your sunscreen—even in January.