Howard Johnson by Wyndham Tempe University/Phoenix
1429B N Scottsdale Rd, Tempe, AZ 85288, Tempe, United States
2-star hotel
Guest rating: 2.4 / 5
Overview
Howard Johnson by Wyndham Tempe University/Phoenix is a budget-friendly, 2-star hotel located at 1429B N Scottsdale Rd in Tempe, Arizona. As part of the Wyndham-affiliated Howard Johnson brand, it offers a no-frills lodging option for travelers visiting the Tempe and Phoenix metro area. The property holds a public rating of 2.4 from 21 reviews, reflecting a mixed guest experience.
Rooms & Facilities
Specific amenities and in-room features are not documented for this property, though guest feedback references standard hotel elements such as showers and front-desk check-in service. Prospective guests should confirm details like air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and room configurations directly, as these are not formally listed.
Location & Surroundings
The hotel sits within a short drive of several notable Phoenix-area attractions, including Tempe Town Lake (about 1.5km away), the Hall in the Rock area, and the Hall of Flame Fire Museum (roughly 2.2-2.6km away). Nature and culture seekers can reach the Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix Zoo, and Papago Park within about 2 to 2.5km, while the ASU Art Museum is roughly 3.2km out. Farther afield, Scottsdale's museums and shopping (Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, Western Spirit Museum, Scottsdale Fashion Square) sit between 5 and 6.5km, and Camelback Mountain, Taliesin West, the Heard Museum, and Phoenix Art Museum require longer drives of 8 to nearly 20km.
Guest Experience
Reviewer feedback is mixed: some guests describe the property as clean, safe, and welcoming with friendly staff and an easy check-in process, while others report maintenance issues such as inconsistent hot water and a damaged shower curtain, plus difficulty reaching room service or the front desk at times. The location itself is frequently cited as a positive by guests.
Best for
This hotel suits budget-conscious travelers and road-trippers who want a low-cost home base near Tempe Town Lake, the Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix Zoo, and Papago Park without paying for a full-service resort. It may also appeal to those attending events at nearby Arizona State University given the ASU Art Museum's proximity, though guests should have modest expectations given its 2-star rating and mixed reviews.
Travel tips
Having a car or rideshare access is recommended, since many of the area's top attractions -- including Camelback Mountain, Taliesin West, and the Phoenix Art Museum -- are several kilometers away and best reached by road. Plan visits to closer sites like Tempe Town Lake, the Phoenix Zoo, and Papago Park early in the day to beat desert heat, since these are all within roughly 2.5km. If prompt service is a priority, consider contacting the front desk in advance to confirm check-in timing and room readiness.
What guests say
Guest reviews show a split experience at this property. On the positive side, several guests highlight a smooth check-in process, cleanliness, a sense of safety, friendly and welcoming staff, and a convenient location as recurring strengths. On the negative side, some guests report maintenance shortcomings, including inconsistent hot water in showers and a loose or damaged shower curtain, along with difficulty reaching room service or getting timely attention at the front desk. Overall, the location and staff friendliness are consistently praised, while facility upkeep and service responsiveness are the main points of criticism.
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