Residence Inn Tempe Downtown/University is an all-suite, extended-stay hotel at 510 S Forest Avenue, Tempe, Arizona 85281, in downtown Tempe beside Arizona State University’s Tempe campus. Its appeal is practical: suites with kitchens, complimentary breakfast, and a rooftop pool within walking distance of Mill Avenue restaurants and campus events. Choose it for university visits, business trips, or family stays where separate living space matters more than full-service resort amenities.
What to Expect at Residence Inn Tempe Downtown/University
This contemporary downtown hotel follows Residence Inn’s apartment-style approach rather than the traditional bedroom-only format. Studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom suite categories provide different levels of separation between sleeping and living areas. Kitchens include a refrigerator, stovetop, microwave, dishwasher, and cookware, making simple meals realistic rather than an exercise in improvisation. Studios suit solo travelers and couples; separate-bedroom layouts make more sense for families, colleagues sharing accommodations, and longer university-related visits. Check the individual room description for bed configuration and maximum occupancy.
The rooftop outdoor pool is the signature leisure feature, with an elevated perspective over downtown and the university surroundings. A fitness center, complimentary Wi-Fi, and included breakfast support the workday routine. Breakfast is a casual hotel buffet rather than a destination restaurant; offerings rotate, so discuss allergies or dietary restrictions with staff rather than assuming dedicated gluten-free or vegan preparation. The atmosphere is functional and informal, with kitchens giving guests an alternative to restaurant meals. For a broader dining choice, head west toward Mill Avenue.
- Suite kitchens: Full-size appliances and cookware support breakfasts, packed lunches, and uncomplicated evening meals.
- Separate-bedroom options: One- and two-bedroom categories offer more privacy than an open-plan studio.
- Rooftop pool: An outdoor swimming area provides a break between campus appointments and downtown outings.
- Included breakfast: Complimentary morning food reduces the logistics and expense of feeding a family before departure.
- Campus-edge location: Walk to ASU, downtown restaurants, and Valley Metro light rail without relying on a car for every journey.
Residence Inn Tempe Downtown/University at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 510 S Forest Avenue, Tempe, AZ 85281 |
| Neighborhood / Area | Downtown Tempe, beside ASU’s Tempe campus |
| Operating Hours | Front desk daily, 24 hours; standard check-in 4 p.m., checkout noon |
| Admission / Price Range | Paid accommodation; $$–$$$ depending on dates and suite category; breakfast included |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 2 to 5 nights; longer for extended university or business stays |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Veterans Way/College Avenue light rail station, A Line; paid on-site parking |
| Official Website & Phone | Official Marriott website; +1 480-967-2300 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Reserve early for ASU graduation, family weekends, and home football games at nearby Mountain America Stadium: these events put substantial pressure on downtown rooms and parking. Compare the complete nightly total, including taxes and parking, and check cancellation terms before choosing a prepaid rate. Veterans Way/College Avenue station is roughly a five-minute walk away; the Valley Metro A Line connects Tempe with Phoenix and Mesa. From Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, take the PHX Sky Train to 44th Street/Washington and transfer to eastbound light rail. Drivers should follow hotel parking instructions rather than assume campus garages permit overnight hotel use.
Elevators connect the hotel’s guest floors, and mobility-accessible room categories are available; reserve the required bathroom configuration rather than simply requesting an accessible room on arrival. Confirm shower type, bed clearance, and pool access arrangements directly if these determine whether your stay will work. Outside, paved downtown sidewalks make short outings practical, although summer heat can turn even brief walks into strenuous trips. Mill Avenue’s dining blocks are about five minutes away, Tempe Town Lake’s south shore approximately 10–15 minutes, and ASU Art Museum at the Nelson Fine Arts Center roughly 15 minutes south. Schedule outdoor walks early in hot weather.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the check-in hours and best times to stay?
The front desk operates around the clock; standard check-in is 4 p.m. and checkout is noon. Spring and fall offer comfortable walking weather, but university event weekends warrant particularly early reservations.
How much does a stay cost, and is breakfast included?
Expect a midrange to upper-midrange hotel budget, with rates varying by suite size, season, and ASU events. Breakfast is included; consult the official booking page for your dates, parking charges, and package conditions.
How many nights should I book?
Two to five nights works well for a campus visit combined with downtown Tempe. Kitchens and separate-bedroom options also make the hotel practical for longer work assignments or family visits.
Is the hotel suitable for families and wheelchair users?
Families benefit from kitchen facilities, breakfast, and larger suite categories. Elevators and mobility-accessible accommodation support wheelchair users, but book the specific accessible room features you need directly with the hotel.
When planning your Tempe travel guide or browsing verified hotels in Tempe, pair this stop with standout local spots including AC Hotel Phoenix Tempe/Downtown, The Hudson Eatery & Bar, Hyatt Place Tempe / Phoenix / University, and Tempe Mission Palms, a Destination by Hyatt Hotel (0.2 km away).
