Tempe Conventions & Visitors Bureau

One of the great things about Tempe is the people.  Tempe has a lot of diversity, which in large part is due to Arizona State University.  There are many restaurants that offer up cuisines from all over the world. We get visitors to our office everyday that are visiting our city from near and far.  But one thing that I’ve noticed about Tempe is it doesn’t matter where you’re originally from, everyone here is really nice.

One such individual, who should be called the nicest man in Tempe in my opinion, is Otto Valdez, who works at the Tempe Mission Palms in their Guest Services Department.  Otto moved to California from Guatemala in 1984.  After living there for a few years, he and his family moved to Arizona, to be closer to family that was living here.  He’s worked at the Tempe Mission Palms for 12 years.

Because Otto has been here a lot longer than I have, I asked him how Tempe has changed over the years.  He said that the construction of Tempe Town Lake is the by far the biggest change and that it has been great for the area.  “Tempe Beach Park keeps hotels and restaurants busy.  It’s great for business,” he says.  A lot of ASU parents and families stay at the Tempe Mission Palms when they come to visit their kids.  Otto says most continue to stay at the hotel throughout their child’s time at school and they all develop a friendship throughout the years.  “They become like family,” he says.

I was surprised to learn that quite a few celebrities have stayed at the hotel through the years.  Otto has met a couple and seen many others.  “Jeff Corwin, from Animal Planet, is extremely nice,” Otto tells me.  He then points to a little, sitting area off to the side of the lobby and says to me, “You see over there?  President Obama once stayed at our hotel before he was President and gave an interview sitting right there. “

Next time you’re staying at the Tempe Mission Palms or maybe you’re just hanging out in Harry’s Lounge for a drink, keep an eye out for Otto.  If you see him, say hi.  He’s the nicest guy you’ll ever meet.

For more information about hotels and information in Tempe, be sure to visit our website and or call 800-283-6734.

I called my dad on my way home from work the other day to see if he watched a movie I bought for him.  I consider my father to be older than the Earth itself, so I’ve decided that it’s my responsibility as his firstborn and namesake to try and keep him hip and cool.  Movies are something we have differing opinions on.  What I like, he hates and vice versa.   But the one thing we both have the same exact taste in is food.  We both love the same restaurants and for the most part, the same dishes at each.  Once we both find a place we like to eat, we become very loyal customers, regardless of how far away it is.

When my parents came to Arizona about year ago, they happened to stay at Phoenix Marriott Tempe at the Buttes.   It’s here where you’ll find one of the best restaurants in the valley, Top of the Rock.  Did you know that Top of the Rock was just mentioned in an article about the 25 most romantic cities to dine in by the Huffington Post?  If you’ve been there, it’s easy to see why.  The view the restaurant offers of the valley is incredible and the food is just as good.

The man responsible for creating these mouthwatering dishes is Executive Chef Gregory Wiener.  I had the opportunity to speak with him a few times and he’s the nicest guy in Arizona.  He’s originally from Chippewa Falls, WI, where he grew up helping his family, who owned and operated a small restaurant.  Safe to say he was born to cook.  At 15, he started cooking and knew that was what he wanted to do with his life.  He’s worked for Marriott Corp. in a variety of cooking roles, here and in California.

Top of the Rock supports local farmers so he visits a lot of farmer’s markets, looking at ingredients that are in season.  Gregory says that the food “talks to him”, so he keeps his dishes simple and highlights an ingredient.  With spring training here for the next month, he has a game day happy hour at the restaurant.  He loves the idea of finger foods, so they’ll be showcasing hot dog sliders — mini hot dogs and a variety of toppings.

Why is he a chef?  The answer is simple – he likes to cook for other people.  “I will seldom just cook for me,” he said.

Chef Gregory also wanted me to know that Top of the Rock is not just great views and great food.  They are also active in community involvement. Every month, they choose a local charity and they create a prix fixe charity of the month menu. Part of the proceeds from that menu goes to the chosen charity. “We try to get out in the community and do as much local work as we can,” he said.

Whether it’s for dinner or happy hour, Chef Gregory and his Top of the Rock cuisine is a view that isn’t worth missing. For more information, visit the Top of the Rock online or call 602-225-9000.

For more information about Tempe restaurants, visit TempeTourism.com or call 800-283-6734.

Visitor information cart comes to Mill Avenue 

Tempe Tourism Office provides an abundance of information and resources for not just visitors but locals too! There are times such as weekends and holidays that our office is closed. We want to make sure you get what you need so we’re bringing the information closer to you!

We have a permanent standing information cart full of free Tempe visitor guides, local attractions, maps and more!

Where:
Located on the west side of Mill Avenue in between Mojo Yogurt and The Shoe Mill

When:
The cart was set out on Mill Avenue Thursday August 30^th, just in time for the ASU Football kickoff game and all the pre-game festivities!
Open Hours: Monday- Saturday: 7:00 a.m.- 9:00 p.m.
Sunday- 9:00 a.m.- 5:30 a.m.

A big thanks go’s to the Downtown Tempe Community, their clean team and safety patrol staff who have agreed to help look after the cart and lock it up after hours. Come check out the new addition to Mill Avenue and stop by our office for a full selection of information on Tempe!

Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
51 W. Third Street Suite 105
480-894-8158

It’s that time again – back to school time! Tempe is being flooded with new and returning Arizona State University students gearing up for the new semester. Classes start on August 23, so now is the time for the big “move-in” to dorms, apartments, condos and houses. While students are figuring our their new living arrangements, parents deserve a needed respite at a nearby hotel to take a breather from all that energy. Enter Embassy Suites Phoenix – Tempe to the rescue!

The newly renovated Embassy Suites Hotel-Tempe is offering an ASU Friends and Family Package that includes a spacious suite, full breakfast, manager’s reception and a special ASU gift at check-in. In addition, a complimentary shuttle to the ASU campus is available to hotel guests and is based upon availability. The special rate being offered is $89.00, plus tax per night. This special offer is valid through September 8, so be sure to reserve your room soon. Use booking code L-PK4 when making your reservation online, or when calling please be sure to ask for the “ASU Friends and Family Rate.”

Embassy Suites Phoenix – Tempe
4400 S. Rural Road
Tempe, AZ 85282
480-897-7444
www.embassysuitestempe.com

Maybe you’re traveling to Tempe for Arizona State’s new student orientation or for the ASU Sun Devils first home game against NAU on August 30th. Maybe you’re traveling for business or coming in town for ASU Gammage’s opening season which kicks off with Les Miserables. It’s possible you live in Tempe and you’re just itching for a little staycation. Regardless of your reason for stay, Four Points by Sheraton Tempe is offering perks for YOU.

Now through September, when you check in Monday through Thursday, you’ll receive a “Friends of Four Points” token that can be redeemed for a perk – a free specialty coffee, treat, appetizer, or buy-1-get-1-free beer.

Recognizing that it’s often the friendly gestures that are most appreciated by business travelers after a long day on the road, Four Points brand is saying to its guests, “Hey friends, this one’s on us.”

This property is conveniently located near the Valley Metro light rail, ASU campus, and Downtown Mill Avenue. Check out the link below to find your perk.

http://www.starwoodpromos.com/friendsoffourpoints/

Four Points by Sheraton Tempe
1333 S. Rural Rd.
Tempe, AZ 85281
Phone: (800) 368-7764

Looking for some sunny springtime weather to get out of the cold? Tempe has lots of sunshine, plus some great hotel deals to make it easy on your budget! Here is a list of my favorite hotel deals in Tempe to take advantage of this spring. Make sure to call the hotel or check their website to confirm the special offer before booking.

Best Western Inn of Tempe – Book the Romantic Rendezvous Package at the special rate of $144.99 plus tax now through 2/23/12. This package offers an upgraded room and late checkout. Guests also receive a $30 gift certificate to Riazzi’s Italian Garden Restaurant, a box of chocolates and a bottle of champagne!

Country Inn & Suites by Carlson Phoenix Airport at Tempe – The Country Inn & Suites is offering baseball fans an affordable escape for Spring Training!  With 6 different team stadiums within 10 miles, you will have your choice of games and experiences. The spring training special rate includes complimentary transportation to the A’s, Angels, and Giants spring training stadiums,  a welcome gift including bottled water, sunflower seeds, sunscreen and a designated driver! Rate Code: H-SPRING.

Embassy Suites Hotel – Tempe – Book the Centennial “Suite” Savings Special for $89.00, plus tax per night. In honor’s of Arizona’s 100th Birthday, this hotel is offering a birthday special for weekends in February. The rate includes a two room suite, full cooked to order breakfast, complimentary manager’s reception each evening and a gift card to Garcia’s for $19.12, to commemorate the year that Arizona became a state. Valid any Friday, Saturday or Sunday in February. Booking Code: CEN.

Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham – Stay 1 night and save 15%, stay 2 nights and save 20%, stay 3 nights and save 25%. This special promotion includes free breakfast every morning, free wireless internet, gym and business center. When calling to make a reservation please mention SR promo to receive the special promotional rate. Expires 12/31/2012.

Ramada Limited Tempe – ASU – Book a room 21 days in advance and receive 20% off. Complimentary Amenities for Guests: wireless internet, extended continental breakfast, free parking, 24-hour business center and in-room coffee.

Residence Inn Tempe by Marriott – Batter Up! Take Me Out to the Ballgame in Arizona! Rates from $134 – $244. Valid seven days a week through 04/01/12. Promotional Code: SPE. Centrally located near all of the Cactus League stadiums, enjoy a baseball game & deluxe accommodations! The offer includes a baseball & Sharpie pen, a package of Topps Baseball Cards, a bag of peanuts & Cracker Jacks and a bottle of water.

Rodeway Inn – Tempe ASU – Book three nights and get get 10% off - Special promotion includes free continental breakfast every morning. When calling to make a reservation please mention AZ083 promo to receive the special promotional rate. Expires 12/31/2012.

Tempe Mission Palms – Warm Winter Savings: For select dates, save 20% off best available rates. Valid thru April 8, 2012. Subject to availability. Online Booking Code: TMPWWIN. Located in the heart of downtown Tempe, this hotel is one block from the Angels Baseball Spring Training Trolley that provides free transportation to the Angels Tempe Diablo Stadium.

The Buttes, A Marriott Resort – Escape Honeymoon Package – Rate beginning $239.00 per night (does not include tax). Includes chocolate covered strawberries upon arrival, a bottle of champagne, self parking, accommodations and late checkout. Escape Romance package - Rate beginning at $229.00 per night (does not include tax). Includes breakfast for two guests, a bottle of champagne, accommodations and self parking. Escape Spa package - Rate beginning at $239.00 per night (does not include tax). Includes a standard room, one 50 minute treatment at Narande Spa.

Tired of the bitter cold? Looking for some warmer weather for the holidays? Head to Tempe! You won’t find snow here, and you’ll only wear hats and scarfs because they are cute! Getting here is easy, and getting around is even easier! Here are some Tempe Travel Tips for what to see and do when you come to visit:

1.) Getting here - If you plan on flying to Tempe, the closest airport to fly into is Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, which is less than ten minutes away from Tempe! Once you land, there are lots of easy ways to get where you are going. If you are staying in one of Tempe’s fabulous hotels, you can call ahead to see if your hotel offers an airport shuttle service. Or you can take a cab or hop on the METRO Light Rail from the airport to Tempe. It’s just a short ride to Tempe.

2.) Tempe transportation – Once you’re in Tempe, get around to see all the sights by walking, biking, renting a car or taking public transportation. The METRO Light Rail, Valley METRO bus and the free local bus, the ORBIT, are all great ways to get around easily and affordably. 

3.) Bring some comfortable shoes - There is both great hiking and shopping here in Tempe, so good shoes are essential! To enjoy the weather, take a hike up “A” Mountain or head to Papago Park. For an afternoon of shopping delight, check out Tempe Marketplace, Arizona Mills or stroll through Mill Avenue District shops.

4.) Bring your appetite - There are loads of mouth-watering restaurants in Tempe. Some of my favorites are Four Peaks Brewery, La Bocca Urban Pizzeria and Essence Bakery. Explore Tempe’s culinary scene to find your faves!

5.) Explore the Arts - Get tickets to see a Broadway show at the beautiful Frank Lloyd Wright designed ASU Gammage. Or for something more edgy, see a production at the Stray Cat Theatre. Looking for something kid friendly? Childsplay is perfect for the little ones featuring productions designed specifically for younger audiences. Theatre, live music and plenty of museums will keep any arts lover happy!

La Bocca Urban Pizzeria

Tempe’s newest hotel is now the greenest. The Aloft Tempe has just been awarded a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification by the US Green Building Council (USGBC). 

Aloft Tempe joins a growing list of eco-conscious, LEED-certified buildings in Tempe, including the Downtown Tempe Transit Center, Arizona State University’s Memorial Student Union Center and Papago Gateway Center.

Starwood Hotels and especially the Aloft brand strive to have less of a negative impact on the environment.  The hotel’s loft-inspired guest rooms have packaging-free dispensers for shower productsto reduce plastic waste. The heating and cooling systems operate only in rooms that are reserved and occupied to help eliminate excess energy consumption.

Ecologically-minded features continue into the hotel’s communal spaces with natural daylight in 75 percent of public areas to reduce electricity use. The hotel’s re:freshSM housekeeping service utilizes eco-friendly cleaning products and laundry detergent, while offering guests the option to re-use sheets and towels to reduce energy and water usage. Outside, Aloft Tempe’s landscaping features only native Arizona plants that allow for water efficiency.

If you haven’t been to an Aloft hotel yet, you must go. The Aloft brand offers an urban-influenced, modern, open and vibrant design, high tech amenities and a social guest experience with its dynamic re:mix lounge and destination w xyz bar. And the best part? All of this style comes at an affordable price. It’s a perfect fit for a college town like Tempe.

For more information about the Aloft Tempe, go to http://www.alofttempe.com/.

The employees at Sheraton Phoenix Airport Tempe have made a difference to a local school with their “Best in Class” program. Over the past few months, the employees worked together to collect donations for Nevitt Elementary School in Tempe. They collected $1494.03, which they presented to the school’s principal this week. It’s nice to know that in these tough economic times, there are still people who are willing to help others in their community. It’s really nice to know that this kindness happened in Tempe. Keep up the good work!

When you volunteer, it makes you feel great. You’ve forgotten about yourself for a while in order to donate your time and talents to help those in need. I didn’t think that feeling could be topped, but maybe it can.

Sage Hospitality, a hotel management and development company, is now rewarding voluteers by giving them something extra — a free hotel room. With their “Give a Day, Get a Night” campaign, Sage will reward anyone who volunteers for at least one day with a free room at one of their many properties nationwide, including Tempe’s own Sheraton Phoenix Airport Hotel. The voluteer hours must be completed between now and December 20. Volunteers will need to have a letter from a 501c3 organization, stating that they have completed 8 hours of service in order to get a free room or a room at half price.

Here’s a clip from our local Fox station that will tell you more about it: http://www.myfoxphoenix.com/dpp/video/video/sheraton_offering_discount_07_08_2009

A list of all participating properties and more information can be found at www.giveadaygetanight.com.

Anytime is a good time to volunteer, but Sage might have given us a little extra incentive. Kudos to them for creating such a wonderful program. Now…go out there and help someone!