Tempe Mission Palms Review
On a trip to the Phoenix area, I tried to find a Hyatt property that did not break the points bank and also wasn't a Hyatt Place. Finding a resort feel or something close to it and somewhere to enjoy the usually great Arizona weather was key. I found that with the Tempe Mission Palms, which is a Destination by Hyatt brand. I have now visited this property twice, and it still is what I believe to be a hidden gem in Arizona. In this Tempe Mission Palms review, I cover the hotel's location, its amenities, and more.
Location
Tempe Mission Palms is in the heart of Tempe and right next to Arizona State University. While some may steer away from a small college town, there are plenty of bar and restaurant choices within walking distance. It is just a 10-minute drive from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. The hotel also offers a complimentary shuttle to and from the airport.
The proximity to the airport makes it possible to use Uber to arrive and not have to leave the Tempe area if you choose. For those wanting to explore the greater Phoenix area, everything is spread out so best to rent a car. Phoenix Airport also has a new Skytrain to get to the rental car facility.
Tempe Mission Palms Review: Typical Booking Cost
In an area full of more well acclaimed or talked about hotels and resorts, Tempe Mission Palms is just a Category 3 in the World of Hyatt program! That means you can book this hotel for $95 (annual fee) from your World of Hyatt credit card anniversary certificate. Here are the award costs for each room type:
Standard Room
- 9,000 points off peak
- 12,000 points standard
- 15,000 points peak
- All bookable with a category 1-4 free night certificate, but best if used on standard or peak nights.
Standard Suite
- 17,000 points off peak
- 20,000 points standard
- 23,000 points peak
Premium Suite
- 18,000 points off peak
- 24,000 points standard
- 30,000 points peak
The hotel has 303 guestrooms and suites. The cash prices here typically range between $300 and $400 for a standard room, but can climb higher during busier periods. When I booked, rooms were around $450 per night. That makes the use of points or a certificate an excellent value. I use my World of Hyatt credit card or World of Hyatt Business card for any incidental charges while staying on points. If you do not have a Hyatt card, then a Chase Sapphire Preferred or Chase Sapphire Reserve would work as well.
Property/Amenities Review
The Tempe Mission Palms has free valet parking. There is a lobby bar, Harry's, which has a full bar and offers a dinner menu as well. I only had drinks here, but found the service to be friendly and efficient. I have heard complaints of slow service, but I did not experience that on either visit.
The fitness center is directly next to the outdoor pool and is well-equipped. I had a hard time finding the pool, as I was told it was on the second floor, which the elevator also showed. However, when I got off on the second floor, I found no signs and just ended up walking almost the entire floor until eventually finding the pool.
I found the outdoor pool area to be a tranquil oasis with low occupancy. It included a large outdoor seating area, the main pool, two hot tubs, and a snack bar that was available at peak times. There were also plenty of seats. Aviation geeks can also spot planes from the outdoor pool area as they land at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport very close to the hotel.
The hotel charges a destination fee of $22.76 per night. However, one of the great perks of the World of Hyatt program is that award bookings do not incur taxes and fees. The destination fee covers the following services:
- Use of Phoenix Airport shuttle
- Valet parking
- Self-parking
- In-room coffee and tea service
- Premium high-speed wireless Internet
- Local and 1-800 telephone calls
- Fitness center
- USA Today newspaper
- Poolside cabana use (based on availability)
- On-site UPS store
- Specialty coffee in the lobby every morning
- Electric car charging station
- $2 off Admission to Hall of Flame
- $2 off Admission to Arizona Heritage Center
- 10% off rentals from The Bicycle Cellar
Tempe Mission Palms Review: My Rooms
My rooms were a bit different on each stay. The first stay, I was in a 500 sq. foot Junior Suite. The furniture had a mismatched feel. It felt odd with the other more modern things like bed, artwork, and carpet. Not necessarily a bad thing, just an initial impression. It actually grew on me during the stay.
For my second stay, I was in a 725 sq. foot One Bedroom Suite. This suite was very large and spacious complete with a conference style table with seats for six. It was an accessible suite and was more contemporary and also included a pull out sofa bed. ToP members have mentioned that the rooms on the front of the hotel can be noisy. I have not experienced any noise issues during my stays. There are some local bars nearby so sound carrying is a possibility.
Hyatt Elite Perks & Status Recognition
I was welcomed as a globalist at check-in and received an upgrade on both of my stays. Unsure if I was lucky, or there were just fewer globalists staying here, but I enjoyed the suites on both stays.
I received complimentary breakfast as a globalist, which was fantastic. The restaurant, while having an older feel to it, was very spacious and had a friendly staff. My second stay was much different in that not only was the front desk staff friendly, but my server was excellent. Breakfast benefit offers the option of a breakfast buffet or a la carte menu. On the first day, I went with the eggs benedict, while on the second day, I opted for the buffet. The buffet spanned a large area and offered a wide variety of options.
The hotel also has conference and meeting space, and it looks like they offer a separate breakfast area for conference attendees. The restaurant had a coffee station set up outside in front, so it was possible to just come grab a cup of coffee as well.
Tempe Mission Palms Review: ToP Thoughts
Even though it was in a busy area, the hotel felt quiet and relaxing, just what I was looking for. If there were events going on at Arizona State University, things could get loud, but I did not experience that when visiting in January or early March. Asking for a room away from the main street helps avoid any noise issues. I enjoyed relaxing in the pool and hot tub areas while savoring a beer as I had the area all to myself. The few minor issues, such as some features feeling old, faded for me.
Bottom line: the award price for this Hyatt category 3 is a great deal, especially when compared with the cash price here. I plan to return for a third stay!
Have you stayed here? Come over to our Facebook Group and share your thoughts.
