Phoenix is hot. Not just the "surface of the sun" July heat, but the downtown scene is absolutely on fire right now. If you're heading to a Phoenix Suns game, catching a Mercury matchup, or screaming your lungs out at a concert, you’re looking for hotels by Footprint Center. It sounds simple enough until you realize that "close" in downtown Phoenix can mean a thirty-second stroll or a mile-long hike past construction detours in 100-degree weather.
Location is everything here. You want to be close, but you also don't want to pay $400 a night for a room that smells like industrial carpet cleaner.
I’ve spent plenty of nights navigating these streets. Honestly, the grid system in Phoenix is a blessing, but the parking situation is a total nightmare. If you pick the right spot, you never have to touch your car. If you pick the wrong one, you’re stuck in a parking garage spiral for forty-five minutes after the encore ends. Let's break down where you actually want to stay and why some of these "top-rated" spots might actually be a bad fit for your specific trip.
The Literal Neighbors: Where You Can Hear the Crowd
If you want to be so close you can practically see the players entering the tunnel, there are really only two serious contenders. These are the heavy hitters.
Renaissance Phoenix Downtown Hotel is basically the unofficial headquarters for Footprint Center events. It’s about two blocks away. You walk out the door, turn a corner, and there’s the arena. The vibe here is very "urban chic," which is code for "lots of glass and expensive gin." It’s a solid choice because it’s consistent. You know what you're getting. But be warned: during playoff games or massive tours like Bad Bunny or Stevie Nicks, this place turns into a madhouse. The lobby will be packed with people in jerseys or sequins, and the elevators take forever.
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Then there’s the Hyatt Regency Phoenix. You can’t miss it; it’s the one with the giant flying saucer on top (that’s Compass Arizona Grill, the revolving restaurant). It’s directly across the street from the Phoenix Convention Center and a three-minute walk to the arena. It feels a bit more "corporate" than the Renaissance, but the rooms are massive. If you’re traveling with kids or a group of friends who refuse to share a bed, the extra square footage here is a lifesaver. Plus, having a revolving restaurant upstairs is a cool gimmick, even if the locals rarely go there.
Why Boutique Might Be Better for Your Sanity
Sometimes the big box hotels feel a bit soulless. If you’re in town for a show and want a room that actually looks like someone designed it this century, you’ve got to look at the boutique options.
The Kimpton Hotel Palomar Phoenix is technically part of CityScape. It’s literally sharing a sidewalk with the arena’s footprint. Honestly, this is probably the "coolest" place to stay. They have a rooftop pool called Lustre that overlooks the city. It’s a scene. People dress up here. You’ll see influencers taking photos of their avocado toast while you’re just trying to find some ibuprofen before the game. It’s pricey, but the proximity is unbeatable. You can walk from the lobby to the arena entrance in about sixty seconds if you’re fast.
A little further out—but worth the ten-minute walk—is Found:RE Phoenix. This place is weird in a good way. It’s an art-focused hotel located near Roosevelt Row. It’s got a grit to it that the Hyatt lacks. The rooms look like industrial lofts with concrete floors and local paintings. If you’re coming to Phoenix for the culture and not just the sports, this is the spot. You’re close to the light rail, which is a secret weapon.
The Light Rail Cheat Code
Let’s talk about the Valley Metro Rail.
A lot of people think they have to stay within walking distance. You don't. The light rail drops off right at 3rd Street and Jefferson, which is basically the arena's front porch. This opens up hotels that are technically "far" but actually more convenient.
For example, the Cambria Hotel Downtown Phoenix is up in the Roosevelt Row Arts District. It’s a bit of a hike to walk to Footprint Center in the summer, but the light rail makes it a five-minute trip. The Cambria has a rooftop bar with some of the best sunset views in the city. You get the benefit of being near the best bars and galleries without the "stuck in a stadium crowd" feeling when you leave your hotel.
The Luxury Tier: When Someone Else is Paying
If you’re looking to drop some serious cash or you’ve got a stack of points burning a hole in your pocket, the Arizona Biltmore is usually the name people drop. But wait. The Biltmore is nowhere near the Footprint Center. It’s a twenty-minute drive. Don’t fall for the "best hotels in Phoenix" lists if your goal is to be near the arena.
Instead, look at the Westin Phoenix Downtown. It’s located in a high-rise office building, which sounds boring, but the rooms start on the high floors. The floor-to-ceiling windows are incredible. You can see the entire valley. It’s about four blocks from the arena. It’s quiet, professional, and the beds are actually as comfortable as the marketing says they are. It’s a great "grown-up" choice.
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Another high-end contender is the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown. It’s the largest hotel in Arizona. Because of its size, it feels a bit like a city within a city. They recently did a massive renovation of the lobby to make it more of a "community workspace." It’s fancy, but in a modern, functional way. It’s very popular for convention-goers, so check the calendar. If there’s a massive tech convention at the same time as your concert, the rates will triple.
The Budget Reality Check
Let’s be real: "budget" and "downtown Phoenix" don’t usually hang out in the same sentence. You’re going to pay a premium for the zip code. However, you can find deals if you’re willing to compromise on brand names.
The Hilton Garden Inn Phoenix Downtown is tucked into a beautiful historic building (the old Professional Building). It has a lot of 1930s Art Deco charm that you won't find at the newer builds. It’s often $50-$70 cheaper than the Hyatt or Westin, and it’s only two blocks from the arena. It feels more expensive than it is because of the architecture.
Then there’s the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Phoenix Downtown. It’s near the baseball stadium (Chase Field), which is right next to Footprint Center. It’s basic. It’s standard. But they have free breakfast. Never underestimate the power of a free cinnamon roll when you’re hungover after a Phoenix Suns win. It’s a fifteen-minute walk to the arena, which is manageable for most of the year.
What Nobody Tells You About Downtown Parking
If you stay at any of these hotels by Footprint Center, you are going to get hit with a parking fee. Usually, it’s between $30 and $55 per night. It’s a total racket.
- Valet-only: Many boutique hotels don't even have a self-park option. You’re at the mercy of the valet timing.
- Public Garages: Sometimes it's cheaper to park in the Jefferson Street Garage or the Chase Tower garage and just walk your luggage over.
- Light Rail: If you stay at a hotel further out (like near the airport or in Midtown), parking is often free, and the light rail ticket is only a few bucks.
Pro Tips for Your Footprint Center Stay
Don't just book the first thing you see on a travel site. There’s a strategy to this.
First, check the Suns' schedule. Even if you aren't going to a game, if the Suns are playing at home, the entire downtown area transforms. Traffic crawls. Bars have hour-long waits. If you want a quiet stay, avoid home-game weekends.
Second, look at the "Fry’s Signature" grocery store on 1st Street. It’s not just a grocery store; it’s got a bar and a massive deli. If you don't want to spend $30 on a mediocre burger inside the arena, hit the Fry's beforehand. It’s the local secret for a pre-game meal that won't break the bank.
Third, the "walking distance" lie. Google Maps might say it’s a 10-minute walk. In Phoenix, a 10-minute walk in June is a different physical experience than a 10-minute walk in January. If you’re visiting in the summer, stay at the Palomar or the Hyatt. Do not try to walk from the edges of downtown unless you want to arrive at your event drenched in sweat.
Where to Eat Near Your Hotel
You can't just survive on arena popcorn. Since you're staying in the area, you've got some of the best food in the Southwest within a few blocks.
- Pizzeria Bianco: It’s world-famous for a reason. Chris Bianco basically started the artisanal pizza movement here. It’s in Heritage Square, a short walk from the arena. Expect a wait. A long one.
- The Arrogant Butcher: Right in CityScape. It’s the perfect "pre-event" spot. Great pretzels and cheese sauce. It’s loud, energetic, and literally steps from the entrance.
- Cornish Pasty Co: If you want something heavy and delicious before a long concert, this is it. It’s on Central Ave. The "Oggie" is the classic, but they have about forty different types of pasties.
- Hanny’s: An old department store turned into a sleek bar. Go to the bathroom while you're there—trust me, the elevator shaft view is a trip.
Final Logistics Check
Make sure you download your tickets to your phone's wallet before you leave the hotel Wi-Fi. The cell service around the arena gets incredibly spotty when 18,000 people are all trying to post to Instagram at the same time.
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Also, Footprint Center has a very strict bag policy. Most hotels by Footprint Center are used to this and will hold your larger bags at the front desk if you’ve already checked out, but double-check with the concierge. You don't want to get to the front of the security line only to be told your purse is three inches too wide.
Actionable Next Steps
To make the most of your trip, follow this checklist:
- Map the "Real" Distance: Don't trust the hotel's marketing. Put the hotel address and "201 E Jefferson St" into a map and look at the actual walking path.
- Compare Valet vs. Public Parking: Call the hotel and ask for the daily parking rate. Compare it to the "ParkWhiz" or "Spothero" apps for nearby garages.
- Check the Convention Schedule: Visit the Phoenix Convention Center website. If a "Mega-Con" is in town, downtown will be unbearable.
- Book the Light Rail Zone: If downtown prices are insane, look for hotels near the Central Ave/Camelback light rail station. You'll save money and get to the arena just as fast.
- Confirm Bag Policies: Check the latest arena rules for the specific tour or game you are attending, as they can change based on the performer's requirements.