Omni Tempe Hotel at ASU

There’s something about waking up at the Omni Tempe Hotel at ASU that just instantly puts you in the mindset of what it would feel like to actually live at Arizona State University. It’s not just the location, it’s the little details that make it all come together.

Every morning, we looked forward to breakfast. Sitting there with views of campus life, surrounded by subtle ASU touches, it felt like we were already part of it. The best part though was chatting with the servers, many of them were students themselves, and hearing firsthand what life is really like. It gave us such a real, unfiltered feel for the school that you just don’t get from a formal tour.

And the menu made it even better. We kept going back to favorites like the avocado toast with pico and a sunny-side egg, the everything bagel with lox, and the thick-cut French toast with whipped cream and maple syrup. One morning we tried the huevos rancheros, which felt very “Arizona,” and another day it was pancakes with sausage on the side. It’s one of those menus where you could easily stay a few days and never get bored.

Even back in the room, those little moments kept building on that feeling. The coffee cups had the ASU logo on them, and somehow that small detail made it even more fun. We’d sit there with our coffee, getting ready for the day, and it just got us excited to head out and explore campus.

One of the perks that made the stay even better was having breakfast included along with a credit to use on property. It made everything feel easy, no overthinking, just enjoying. And at the end of the day, it was so nice to come back, grab a cocktail, and sit and chat with other guests. It had this relaxed, social feel that made the whole experience even more memorable.

Location & dining suggestions

What makes this location so special is being right on Mill Avenue. You can walk out the door and immediately feel the energy, restaurants, coffee shops, and that fun college buzz. Looking out, you see Tempe Butte right there, and in the distance Camelback Mountain, which gives you that perfect Arizona backdrop.

And when you step outside, you’re right in the middle of it all. You have to stop into Taco Boys down the street. You really can’t go wrong there. It’s especially lively after a football game, full of energy, and such a fun way to experience the college scene. Another easy, casual spot is Zipps Sports Grill, great for watching games and just hanging out.

Pick up all your ASU gear right across the street.

For something a little more sit-down, Caffe Boa is such a gem. The bruschetta or caprese salad is a perfect start, and you really can’t miss with the lasagna, the voodoo penne pasta, or even just a simple panini.

Another really popular spot is Postino Annex, and it’s one you’ll probably find yourself going back to more than once. It’s great for breakfast, super easy and fun, or for lunch where you can share all kinds of boards. The table cheese is fabulous, the sub board is a favorite, and they’re known for their hot donut dots, which are such a fun treat.

And for something casual, Board & Brew is always a great spot to sit outside and people watch, especially on game days. It’s perfect for grabbing a beer and a sandwich and just soaking in all the ASU energy around you.

Another thing I loved, especially when traveling with a college-bound student, is how easy everything is. There’s shopping right nearby, so whether you forgot something, need to grab a few things for campus, or just want to browse a bit, it’s all right there within walking distance, which makes the whole trip feel effortless.

It’s one of those stays where you don’t just visit a campus—you actually start to picture what life there could look like. And that’s what makes it so special.

Quick, helpful info

• Closest airport: Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, about 10–15 minutes away

• Best time to visit: Fall and spring, when the weather is perfect and campus is buzzing

• Easy add-ons: Scottsdale is a quick drive if you want to explore a little beyond campus.

Here are a few tips if you’re planning a visit to ASU.

• Stay on Mill Avenue if you can. Being walkable makes a huge difference.

• Build in downtime—sitting by the pool or grabbing coffee was just as valuable as the tours.

• Talk to students whenever you can. Breakfast conversations gave us the most insight

• Plan around game days. The energy is incredible, but restaurants and parking fill up quickly.

• Make reservations for dinner, especially at Caffe Boa and Postino Annex.

• Use your hotel perks. Included breakfast and property credit really elevate the stay.

• Take advantage of the location—you can walk almost everywhere you need.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Arizona page.