Escape to Paradise: Marriott's Phoenix Resort Tempe Oasis!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the Tempe Oasis, Marriott's Phoenix Resort. Forget the polite, corporate brochure – this is the raw, unfiltered truth from a seasoned travel…well, let’s just say, explorer.
Escape to Paradise: Marriott's Phoenix Resort Tempe Oasis! – The Unvarnished Truth (and Why You Should Book It!)
Let's be honest, planning a trip is exhausting. You scroll, you compare, you read…and then more scrolling. So, here’s the Cliff’s Notes version of this Tempe Oasis: It's pretty darn good. But it's not perfect. And that imperfection? Kind of charming.
Getting There & Staying There: The Basics (and the Annoying Bits)
Accessibility: Now, I'm not wheelchair-bound, but I tried to pay attention. The elevators seemed decent, and there were ramps. They say they have facilities for disabled guests, which is good. But honestly, I'd need a more in-depth inspection to give a truly definitive answer. Someone with those specific needs should call ahead and grill them. That's my "I'm not an expert but I'm trying" disclaimer.
Check-in/out: I did the express check-in which was…well, express. Fast. Efficient. No complaints. They also had a private check-in option, which probably means they're trying to class things up a bit. Fine by me.
Getting Around: Free parking! Praise be! And valet parking is available if you feel like feeling boujee. Plus, a car charging station. Good for the planet and your electric car. Airport transfer too, for those sweet rides. Didn't use a taxi, but it's there.
Rooms (Including the Wi-Fi): Okay, the rooms. Clean. Decent size. The bed? Chef's kiss. Seriously, I slept like a log. The blackout curtains are a godsend. You'll also find your standard stuff: air conditioning that actually works (huge plus in Arizona!), a mini-bar, a safe (I used it, because, paranoia), and a coffee/tea maker. But here's the kicker: FREE Wi-Fi in all rooms! (And it actually works!). Praise be!
Additional Points of Imperfections: I did find the room decoration a little bit bland, a lot of beige. And I wish they had a balcony. But hey, I got a window that opens! So, win.
Feast or Famine? Dining, Drinking, and Snackin' Around the Oasis.
- Restaurants, Bars, and the Food Scene: Alright, let's talk food. There are restaurants on-site. Plural! Big points. I ate at the a la carte restaurant, and it was…fine. Not life-changing, but not bad. They have a breakfast buffet, which is always a win for the chaotic eater in me. Coffee/tea, poolside bar, snack bar – all present and accounted for. They even have a vegetarian restaurant option. I didn't try the Asian cuisine, but hey, maybe next time.
- Snack-Attack Time: A convenience store is also available. Perfect for grabbing something for a late-night nibble.
- The Covid Stuff: Okay, so a lot of these places, like most, have definitely upped their safety game. Hand sanitizer everywhere. Staff wearing masks. And while I wouldn't say it was spotless, it definitely felt clean.
Pamper Yourself (or Don't!): Relaxation and Activities
- Pool with a View? Yes! The outdoor pool is a serious highlight. It's big, it's beautiful and when the sun goes down…magical. Just imagine, sipping a cocktail in the pool, watching the sunset. Pure bliss. Plus, a good old "Gym/fitness" is there. I didn't go, because vacation.
- The Spa/Sauna Drama: Now, I LOVE a good spa. And the Oasis delivers. They have a sauna, steam room, and spa services. I got a massage. Let me paint you a picture: I'm a stressed-out mess, knots in my back the size of pebbles. By the end of the massage? I was practically jelly. Seriously. Worth every single penny. They had everything from body scrubs and body wraps. And the foot bath? Heavenly.
- Other Activities: I didn't venture into the gym, but it's there. And they have a whole host of other activities, like yoga and spin (I think). The point is, if you want to be active or just enjoy the good life, they have options.
Things to Do & See (Beyond the Pool):
Tempe Town Lake: Just a hop, skip, and a jump away. Seriously, go. It's awesome – especially at sunset.
Mill Avenue: The main drag of Tempe. Great for checking out the local vibes, especially at night!
Exploring Arizona: It's Arizona, people! Go hike a mountain, visit the desert. (But drink water, seriously).
The Nitty Gritty: Services and Conveniences
- Meeting/Banquet Facilities: Business travelers, take note! They have meeting rooms, and a whole bunch of other stuff.
- Concierge Services: If you need help with anything, they’re there.
- Laundry Service & Dry Cleaning: Because nobody wants to do laundry on vacation.
- Other Services: They have everything from car park on-site to babysitting services.
Cleanliness and Safety:
- This Is Important: They're taking it seriously. They are using anti-viral cleaners, staff are trained in safety protocols, and all the usual things. I felt safe.
For the Kids (and the Kid in You!):
- Family Friendly: They definitely seem to welcome families.
The Quirks and the Imperfections (Because Life Isn't Perfect)
The Coffee Shop: The coffee shop could be better. Sorry, Oasis, for saying so. A real, proper barista with some good beans would make it legendary.
The Gift Shop: It's there, but nothing to write home about. The usual touristy stuff.
So, Should You Book? (The Persuasion)
YES! Absolutely yes. Marriott's Phoenix Resort Tempe Oasis! isn't just a hotel; it's a launchpad for a great time. It's a place where you can relax, recharge, and maybe even forget about your problems for a minute.
Here's the Deal (My Personal Offer to You):
Book now and get a FREE upgrade to a room with the best view (subject to availability – but ask nicely!).
Free bottle of wine upon arrival! Just for being awesome.
Early check-in when possible! Because who wants to wait? (Mention this review when you book!)
Why is this a better offer than just a regular booking?
Because it’s designed to create that perfect escape. To make you feel like you’re getting something extra, a little piece of paradise. It's not just a booking, it's an invitation to unwind.
Do it. Book it. You deserve it.
Escape to the Mountains: Hazelton's Hidden Gem Hotel Awaits!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we’re not just visiting the Marriott Phoenix Resort Tempe at The Buttes…we’re living it. Or at least, that's what I hoped when I booked this place. Let's see if it lived up to my ridiculously high expectations, already! Remember, I'm documenting this for posterity (and because I'm prone to forgetting EVERYTHING).
Marriott Phoenix Resort Tempe at The Buttes: My Descent Into Arizona Bliss (or Chaos, Let's Be Real)
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Sunburn Apocalypse
- 1:00 PM: Arrive at Phoenix Sky Harbor & the Transportation Tango. Okay, fine, the airport was fine. The rental car? A tiny, angry little thing that felt personally affronted by my luggage. Seriously, stuffing a suitcase into this beast was an Olympic sport. My GPS, bless its digital heart, immediately tried to send me on a detour involving a goat farm. Clearly, someone's idea of a joke. Managed to navigate to Tempe mostly unscathed, though my blood pressure definitely saw some fluctuations.
- 2:30 PM: Check-in Disaster (Mostly). The lobby is… grand. Really grand. Too grand? Like, I felt underdressed in my travel sweatpants. Checking in was a breeze, even with the slightly exasperated look from the front desk. I asked for a room with a view. "Certainly, ma'am," she said. "A view of… the parking lot." Nooooooo! Okay, deep breaths. Changed rooms. A view of something that wasn’t asphalt. Success! Small victory. The room itself? Comfy, clean… and the air conditioning blasted. Pure, icy perfection.
- 3:30 PM: Poolside, and the Beginning of a Red Lobster Experience. Oh, the pool. Instagram-worthy, cascading wonder. I thought, "I'll just dip my toes in." HA. Yeah, that lasted about five minutes. Then, the sun – that devilish Arizona sun – started its relentless assault. My pale, Northern European skin? Predictably succumbed. I, my friends, became a lobster. A sad, slightly crispy lobster. I spent the next few hours slathered in aloe vera, whispering sweet nothings to the ceiling fan.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at Top of the Rock Restaurant. The views are genuinely breathtaking--looking out over the city at sunset--and the cocktails were needed after the sunbathing carnage, so A+. I would defintely recommend it, but the food? A bit… underwhelming and pricey for what it was. But, hey, the view again! Worth it, at least once.
- 9:00 PM: Evening stroll, and an over-enthusiastic gecko. Figured I'd try to shake off the sunburn with a stroll as the sun went down. Then I saw a gecko dart across the path. I nearly jumped out of my skin. (Not the sunburned skin, thankfully). I'm from a place where "wildlife" mostly means aggressive squirrels. This felt like a scene from a nature documentary, only starring me as the terrified protagonist.
Day 2: Hiking, Happiness… and a Questionable Massage
- 7:00 AM: Sunrise Hike (Attempted) So I thought, "I am a mountain woman!" Nope. The "moderate" hike up the butte? Kicked my butt. The views were again, amazing. I was sweating buckets and wheezing by the time I reached the top, but the panoramic views are definitely a reward. I’ll admit, there were moments I questioned my desire to be alive. Still, I survived. And the photos? Glorious Insta-fodder.
- 10:00 AM: Breakfast at the poolside restaurant. The food was standard; but sitting in the sun, overlooking the pool, eating eggs and bacon? Bliss. Pure, simple bliss. Perfect for patching whatever emotional scars yesterday's trip had caused.
- 12:00 PM: The Spa (and the Case of the Ambiguous Massage). I was expecting a masseuse to work out the ache. Instead, I found myself in a dimly lit room with some aromatherapy. The massage? It was gentle. Very gentle. Maybe too gentle? I kept waiting for the real pressure. Wondered if the therapist was even there at some point. I was left feeling slightly…unmassaged. Am I alone in this?
- 3:00 PM: Pool Day, Round Two (Strategically Sun-Protected Edition). Armed with SPF 50 and a giant hat, I bravely ventured back to the pool. This time, I resembled a beached whale more than a lobster. But happy. I got one of those frozen drinks. Paradise. I deserve this.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner outside restaurant The food was amazing! I even had a conversation with a fellow traveller, and we just talked for hours, swapping stories and life lessons. A great meal and even better company.
- 9:00 PM: Stargazing (Attempted Again). I wanted to lie on my back and look up. But the desert at night is cold, and my sunburn was still yelling at me. I gave up after five minutes. (But I swear, I saw a shooting star!)
Day 3: Departure and Reflections (or, Did I Actually Enjoy This?)
- 7:00 AM: Farewell breakfast. One last sun-soaked meal by the pool, filled with a melancholy sense of finality.
- 8:00 AM: Check out. Quick and relatively painless. They handed me my receipt and I thanked them for the stay.
- 9:00 AM: The Arizona Souvenir Sweepstakes. Quick trip to the gift shop. Found a tiny cactus. A fitting reminder of this trip, right?
- 10:00 AM: Drive back to the airport the return trip was short, but I was thankful.
- Reflections. So, did I love the Marriott Tempe? Yes, mostly. The sunsets, the pool, the feeling of being utterly removed from my everyday life, were all incredible. The questionable massage? A small price to pay. I'd come back. I might even learn to love a gecko. Maybe. I’m still working on the sunburn. But overall? Arizona, you beauty, you. And the Buttes? Well, they're one hell of a view.
So, is 'Escape to Paradise' a bit...overhyped? I'm a cynical traveler, you know.
Alright, *cynical traveler*. I get it. "Paradise" is a loaded word. Look, yeah, the marketing pics are all tanned people sipping cocktails and sunbeams glinting off perfect turquoise water. And yes, *technically*, the resort isn't *Shangri-La*. But... it's pretty damn good. I mean, I'm a sucker for a good pool, and those pools... they're legit. Now, I'll admit, the first time I saw the price tag, my wallet whimpered. But then you arrive. And then *bam*. Forget cynicism. You're practically breathing a sigh of relief laced with chlorine and the faint scent of sunscreen. It's not perfect, but it's a solid, stress-melting vacation. I’d say it's "Paradise-Adjacent" – close enough to call itself paradise, but with a little bit of messy human stuff, like forgetting to pack shampoo, or the minor drama of whether to snag a chaise lounge by the pool or not.
Pools! Tell me about the pools! Are they as good as they look? I’m a pool person, through and through.
Okay, hold on to your Speedos (or your flowy sundress, whatever your style). The pools are… amazing. Seriously. There are several, each with its own vibe. The main pool? Pure joyful chaos. Kids splashing, music thumping (sometimes a little *too* thumping, let's be honest, but hey, it’s a vacation, right?). It’s where the action is. The Oasis pool (duh) is calmer, a little more sophisticated, with swim-up bar service. Now, here's a pro-tip: GET THERE EARLY to snag a decent lounger. Seriously. I saw a woman *literally* sprint with her towel one morning. The struggle is real, folks. I'm also going to ramble a bit here. The whole thing about finding a spot...it's like Hunger Games, but for poolside real estate. I'm not gonna lie, I may have *accidentally* nudged a rogue beach umbrella once or twice. Don't judge me. It was survival of the fittest! The water itself? Crystal clear. Always. And the swim-up bar? Oh, the swim-up bar. Worth the price of admission alone. Just be prepared for a slight walk to the bathroom afterwards, the main pool has the better access to bathrooms. This is important. Okay, I'm done geeking out about the pools now… maybe.
The food. Is it worth the splurge? Resort food can be so...blah.
Ah, the food. Okay, let's be real: resort food can be a gamble. Some of it is overpriced, some of it is just… *there*. But at the Tempe Oasis? There are definitely hits and misses. The poolside tacos? Amazing. I swear, I dream of those tacos. Seriously, the fish tacos… I ate them for lunch like three days in a row. The main restaurant? Decent. But it feels a little...generic. Service can be a bit hit-or-miss. One morning, I waited for *ages* for my coffee. Another day, my server was practically a food-whisperer and knew exactly what I needed before I did. So, be prepared for a mixed bag. Definitely don’t skip the tacos, though. Seriously. I'm going to say it again. Those tacos... pure deliciousness. And hey, Tempe is surrounded by great restaurants. Venture out and explore!
What about the rooms? Are they clean? Comfortable? Not falling apart?
Okay, the rooms. They're… good. Clean? Yes. Super comfortable? Mostly. Falling apart? No. They're modern, well-maintained, and generally spacious. The beds are, generally, the type you sink into happily after a long day of pool-lounging and taco consumption. I'm not going to lie, on my last trip the AC was blowing a bit cold the first night, so bundle up or adjust the thermostat accordingly! The bathrooms are clean, the showers are adequate (but nothing to write home about). And there's that mini-fridge - essential for keeping those poolside beverages cold. The view… well, it depends on which room you get. Poolside views are prime real estate, but you'll pay for them. Otherwise, you might be staring at a parking lot, which is less exciting. But honestly? I'm not spending *that* much time in my room. I'm there to sleep and change. The rest of the time, I'm pool-bound.
Is it kid-friendly? I'm traveling with a small army. And I mean *small*. They're everywhere!
Oh, yes. It's practically a kid-magnet. There are kids everywhere. And, honestly? It’s fine. The resort is geared up to deal with them. There's a kids' pool (bless their hearts), a splash pad, activities… you name it. So, bring the small army. Just be ready for the noise. And the potential for rogue pool toys. And the occasional tantrum. And the inevitable, "Mommy, I need a snack!" demands. But hey, that's parenthood (or grandparent-hood, or whatever the case may be!). It's a good place for families, just be *prepared*. You've been warned. Honestly, if you're *not* traveling with kids, you might want to consider the Oasis pool a sanctuary, or explore some of the less populated areas. It can be a LOT.
The location. How easy is it to get around Tempe?
Location-wise, the resort is pretty solid. It's close to the airport, which is a huge plus after a long flight. Getting around Tempe is easy enough. Uber/Lyft is readily available. There are plenty of shops and restaurants a short drive away. You're close to Mill Avenue, which is the main hub, but I'd recommend a car if you want to explore the surrounding areas. Public transport? Yeah, it exists. But let's be honest, you're on vacation. You want easy. And easy means Uber/Lyft or a car. The walk from the front door to the pool felt like an eternity, though - maybe I was just desperate for a margarita. And don't forget Phoenix heat - plan your ventures around the sun! Also, driving? Sometimes, a bit of Tempe traffic can be the price of paradise.
Any hidden gems or secret tips? The stuff the brochure *doesn't* tell you?
Okay, here's the inside scoop!
- **Happy Hour is your friend.** Those poolside cocktails add up fast. Check for happy hour deals!Travel Stay GuidesMarriott Phoenix Resort Tempe at The Buttes Phoenix (AZ) United States
Marriott Phoenix Resort Tempe at The Buttes Phoenix (AZ) United States
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