Boutique Hotels in Tempe, AZ

As a watering hole for culture, the arts, and a wealth of fine dining, Tempe is one of Arizona’s most lively cities, just east of Phoenix. Home to an array of green spaces like Tempe Town Lake, well-considered parks, and its proximity to nature trails from Hayden Butte makes this town a dream for outdoor enthusiasts and vacationers alike. So grab a good pair of walking shoes and plenty of sun protection while touring from the best boutique hotels in Tempe.

With so many opportunities for arts and entertainment, you won’t run out of ways to spend the day in this desert town. During your stay at boutique hotels in Tempe, start with the Tempe Center for the Arts, a space for concerts, dance, and comedy shows. Check online to see what’s playing while you’re in Tempe and catch a live performance from the center. Then, for a fun day outdoors, head to Tempe Town Lake, an artificial perennial reservoir located just north of Tempe Butte at the confluence of the intermittent Salt River and the Indian Bend Wash. And depending on when you’re in town, you may catch an event at the lake, as many national and international events, like Ironman Arizona and Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon are held here. During the day, you can even rent kayaks, pedal boats, and paddleboards for a sunny day of fun on the water.

With Tempe’s sizeable Mexican influence, you’ll come across a wealth of Mexican food while in town, so make sure to try your fair share of tamales, Mexican sopas, chile rellenos, enchiladas, and other mouth-watering classics. And aside from Mexican fare, you’ll also come across everything from boast-worthy brunch spots to crepe bars, romantic bistros, and global fusion all mixed into the Tempe food scene! For a nice cocktail post-dinner, take a stroll along Salt River and pop into one of the many awaiting bars in the area around the best boutique hotels in Tempe.

Just minutes outside downtown is the all-encompassing Papago Park, a municipal park that offers an array of attractions and incredible trails. Amazing interlacing hiking trails surround the park’s massive buttes, and with its smooth footing and low elevation gain, you can count on it being an easy trek and a perfect place for running and mountain biking. While touring the park, you’ll come across recreational facilities— including Hunt’s Tomb, the world-class Phoenix Zoo, the 140-acre Desert Botanical Garden, an archery range, an orienteering course, Papago Ponds fishing lagoon, the Hall of Flame Museum, Papago Sports Complex, and the Papago Golf Course. So pick your adventure for the day and have an unforgettable afternoon of excursions all from one epic location! You don’t want to miss this desert wonderland just outside the best Tempe boutique hotels.

Have a relaxing reprieve while visiting this sunny desert paradise, and don’t forget to check out our top boutique hotels in San Antonio, Scottsdale, and Las Vegas.