The Footprint Center, located in the heart of downtown Phoenix, is the home of the Phoenix Suns NBA team and the Phoenix Mercury WNBA team. In addition to basketball, the Footprint Center also hosts a wide variety of major events, including concerts, family shows, and sports events. Opened in 1992, the Footprint Center has become a major entertainment hub in Phoenix.
Downtown Phoenix has a major sports district. As you can see in the lead photo above, the Footprint Center and Chase Field (home of the MLB Arizona Diamondbacks) are right next door to each other.
During a recent trip to Phoenix, I had the chance to thoroughly explore the area around the Footprint Center, attending both a concert and an Arizona Diamondbacks baseball game at Chase Field. I spent a good deal of time downtown and am excited to share the best hotels near the Footprint Center for your sports road trip to Phoenix.
If you’re planning to visit the Footprint Center for a Suns game or a Mercury game, or a big concert, finding a good hotel nearby is important. Based on my experiences with hotels in downtown Phoenix, here are my top picks for hotels near Footprint Center.
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Where Is the Footprint Center?
The Footprint Center is conveniently located in downtown Phoenix, just west of Chase Field, home of the Arizona Diamondbacks. With its central downtown location, basketball fans and visitors have easy access to a wide variety of hotels, restaurants, and bars.
Being close to a Valley Metro Light Rail station, major highways, and the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, the Footprint Center is really easy to get to and from. Staying at a hotel near Footprint Center gives you the convenience of walking to the arena, with plenty of dining and entertainment options around.
The 5 Top Hotels Near Footprint Center
Now, let’s get into my top five hotel recommendations for staying near the Footprint Center in downtown Phoenix, AZ.
1. Kimpton Hotel Palomar Phoenix
Literally kitty-corner to the arena, the Kimpton Hotel Palomar Phoenix is the closest hotel to the Footprint Center. You can’t get a hotel closer to the arena than this!
The Kimpton Hotel Palomar Phoenix is also part of the CityScape complex, with great access to bars, restaurants, and shopping. With a rooftop pool and poolside cabanas, it’s the perfect place to relax before or after catching a Mercury or Suns game or concert.
2. Hyatt Regency Phoenix
A short 5-minute walk from the Footprint Center, the Hyatt Regency Phoenix is another excellent hotel choice. It’s across the street from the Phoenix Convention Center, making it ideal for business travelers who want to catch a Suns game or concert in their downtime.
Some rooms at the Hyatt Regency Phoenix even have private balconies with stunning city views. One highlight is the rooftop Compass restaurant, which slowly rotates, offering 360-degree views of Phoenix, including the Footprint Center and Chase Field. A cool place to dine before heading to your event!
3. Residence Inn by Marriott Phoenix Downtown
Just one block away from the Footprint Center, the Residence Inn by Marriott Phoenix Downtown is perfect for extended stays or travelers who prefer to cook some of their own meals.
In addition to offering free breakfast, the Residence Inn hotel features full kitchens in the rooms, making it easy to save money on dining out. The Residence Inn is a great choice for those looking for convenience and comfort in a hotel near the Footprint Center.
4. The Westin Phoenix Downtown
An easy 10-minute walk down N 1 St. to the Footprint Center, the Westin Phoenix Downtown offers spacious, modern rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows for impressive city views.
The Westin Phoenix Downtown hotel has a rooftop outdoor pool and a well-equipped fitness center, including Peloton bikes.
If you’re looking for a combination of luxury and proximity to the Footprint Center, this is an excellent option. Plus, it’s close to Majerle’s Sports Grill, a fun stop on your way to the game or concert.
5. Hampton Inn & Suites Phoenix Downtown
Right next door to the Westin, the Hampton Inn & Suites Phoenix Downtown is a more affordable option while still providing great access to the Footprint Center.
The Hampton Inn also offers free breakfast, which is a bonus if you’re looking to save a bit on meals. While it’s not the cheapest hotel in the area, it’s a solid mid-range option for those attending events in downtown Phoenix.
Budget-Friendly Hotels for Footprint Center Events
When I stayed in downtown Phoenix for my events at nearby Chase Field, I found the hotels were too expensive for my budget. Plus, I have a golden rule about spending as little as possible on my hotels, so I can spend more money on event tickets.
If the above hotels near the Footprint Center are stretching your budget, consider staying a bit farther out. To help you out, here are the two more budget-friendly options where I stayed on my sports road trip to Phoenix.
Hyatt Place Phoenix/Downtown
I stayed at the Hyatt Place Phoenix/Downtown hotel on my first night in Phoenix before the Green Day concert. Given I would be flying into Phoenix that morning, I wanted a hotel as close to the stadium as possible, yet still somewhat affordable.
Only an 11-minute walk to the Footprint Center, Hyatt Place offers a more affordable stay without being too far from the action. It’s a comfortable hotel with everything you need, and a great choice for those looking to save on accommodations while still enjoying a quick walk to the arena.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Phoenix Dwtn
I stayed at this hotel the night of my Diamondbacks game as it was affordably priced, offered free parking and free breakfast.
The downside of this hotel is that it is a 27-minute walk to Footprint Center. The walk was no problem before the game, but I wasn’t thrilled about walking back to it in the dark after the game. I easily solved this problem with a very cheap and fast Uber Scooter ride from the stadium to the hotel. I was there in 6 minutes!
With your hotel sorted, you’re ready to enjoy all the exciting events the Footprint Center has to offer!
Footprint Center Tickets
Now that you have your Footprint Center hotel picked out, it’s time to pick up your event tickets. Don’t forget, regardless of whether you want to attend a Phoenix Suns game, a Phoenix Mercury game or a major concert, we encourage you to spend the lion’s share of your road trip budget on your event tickets (and less on hotels).
More Phoenix Sports
If you are interested in the other Phoenix sports teams, don’t miss my guide to going to an Arizona Cardinals game, as well as my guide to going to an Arizona Diamondbacks game.