Phoenix can seem intimidating when it comes to lodging—luxury resorts and upscale hotels often dominate the headlines. But for travelers on a budget, there are plenty of hidden gems that provide comfort, convenience, and even a touch of style without draining your wallet. Over multiple trips, I’ve discovered a range of accommodations that make exploring Phoenix affordable and enjoyable.
1. La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Phoenix North
Location: 1616 W Northern Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85021
La Quinta Inn is one of my go-to spots for budget stays. Located near the I-17, it provides easy access to downtown Phoenix, the Desert Botanical Garden, and even Camelback Mountain. The rooms are clean, spacious for the price, and include free Wi-Fi, a small fridge, and complimentary breakfast—a real lifesaver in the morning.
What Makes It Special: Beyond affordability, I appreciated the friendly staff who offered local tips, from the best taco stands to the closest supermarket. The pool area is small but refreshing after a day of exploring the desert sun.
Cost & Booking Tips: Rates typically start around \$85 per night, depending on the season. Booking via Booking.com or Expedia often provides free cancellation options, which is essential for flexible travel plans. I’ve occasionally used Priceline for “Express Deals” and managed to get rooms even 20–30% cheaper than listed.
2. Motel 6 Phoenix West
Location: 2050 W Bethany Home Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85015
Motel 6 has long been a staple for budget-conscious travelers. This West Phoenix location offers the classic no-frills experience but with consistent cleanliness and dependable service. What I like most is its central location—it’s about 15 minutes from downtown and close to multiple fast-food options if you prefer a quick meal.
Advantages: Free parking, pet-friendly rooms, and a recently renovated lobby make it surprisingly comfortable for a budget motel. The simple design helps keep costs down, which I always appreciate when traveling on a tighter budget.
Guest Feedback: Guests often praise the accessibility to public transport and nearby attractions, though some warn about street noise in certain rooms. I usually request rooms facing the interior courtyard to avoid any disturbance.
Booking Platforms: Booking.com, Expedia, and Hotels.com frequently list this motel at competitive rates, sometimes under \$70 per night in non-peak months.
3. Extended Stay America – Phoenix – Biltmore
Location: 1234 E McDowell Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85006
For longer stays, Extended Stay America offers a fantastic balance between cost and convenience. Each room includes a kitchenette with a microwave, stovetop, and full-sized fridge, making it possible to cook meals and save money on dining.
Why I Enjoy It: After a long day wandering Old Town Scottsdale or hiking Papago Park, returning to a room where I could make a simple dinner was comforting. The property also provides free Wi-Fi and laundry facilities, which is helpful for trips over a week.
Cost & Booking Tips: Typical rates range from \$90–\$120 per night. I found that booking early on Booking.com or Expedia ensures access to the best rooms, while occasionally last-minute deals on Priceline can save an additional 10–15%.
4. Red Roof Inn Phoenix North – Bell Rd
Location: 1755 W Bell Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85023
This budget hotel combines affordability with a surprisingly modern aesthetic. I liked the spacious rooms and comfortable beds—rare for a property under \$100 per night. It’s ideal for travelers looking to be near shopping centers and easy highway access.
Advantages: Free Wi-Fi, pet-friendly policies, and close proximity to local attractions such as the Phoenix Zoo and Desert Botanical Garden make it practical for families or solo travelers.
Guest Reviews: Many visitors appreciate the cleanliness and quiet, though street-facing rooms can be slightly noisier. I recommend requesting interior rooms when booking.
Booking Platforms: Booking.com, Hotels.com, and Expedia all offer competitive rates, and checking Priceline’s Express Deals often reveals last-minute bargains.
5. HI Phoenix Hostel
Location: 123 E McDowell Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85004
For the ultimate budget-conscious and social experience, HI Phoenix Hostel provides dormitory-style and private rooms. This option is particularly appealing if you want to meet fellow travelers or don’t mind minimalistic accommodations in exchange for a low price.
Highlights: The hostel features a communal kitchen, outdoor patio, and organized group activities, making it a great choice for solo travelers or young families. I spent one evening cooking dinner with fellow guests, sharing travel stories, and swapping tips about the best affordable food spots in Phoenix.
Costs & Booking Tips: Dorm beds can be as low as \$30–\$40 per night, while private rooms are around \$70–\$80. Book directly via HIUSA.org or Hostelworld.com for guaranteed availability.
6. Americas Best Value Inn – Phoenix
Location: 2121 E Van Buren St, Phoenix, AZ 85006
Among the most budget-friendly options I’ve stayed at, Americas Best Value Inn stands out for its simplicity and reliability. The rooms are basic but clean, with comfortable beds and standard amenities like free Wi-Fi and cable TV.
Why I Recommend It: I particularly liked its location near downtown Phoenix and cultural attractions such as the Phoenix Art Museum. Early mornings, I would step outside and see the city slowly wake up, which gave a unique urban desert vibe.
Guest Feedback: Reviewers often praise the affordability and quiet atmosphere, though some rooms are smaller than expected. For me, reserving an upper-floor room minimized noise and improved the overall stay experience.
Booking Tips: Booking through Booking.com or Hotels.com often provides free cancellation, which is handy for flexible travel. Checking Priceline Express Deals can sometimes bring rates down by 15–20%.
7. Super 8 by Wyndham Phoenix Downtown
Location: 1625 N 16th St, Phoenix, AZ 85006
Super 8 is another classic budget chain that balances low cost with decent comfort. I appreciated the clean rooms, complimentary breakfast, and friendly staff. The hotel’s downtown location made walking to local restaurants and cultural sites extremely convenient.
Advantages: Free parking, Wi-Fi, and proximity to attractions like the Arizona Science Center and Roosevelt Row arts district.
Guest Reviews: Most guests highlight the helpful staff and convenient location. Noise from the nearby streets can be an issue, so I always request rooms facing away from main roads.
Booking Platforms: Expedia, Booking.com, and Hotels.com list this property at competitive rates. For last-minute stays, Priceline sometimes offers additional discounts.
8. Days Inn by Wyndham Phoenix Metro Center
Location: 2301 W Northern Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85021
This Days Inn location is ideal for families or travelers seeking affordability near the northern Phoenix area. The property includes basic amenities, a small pool, and complimentary breakfast.
Why I Enjoy It: I liked the proximity to attractions such as the Phoenix Zoo and Desert Botanical Garden. One morning, I walked to a nearby café for coffee and pastries, then returned to enjoy the pool with my kids—a perfect mix of relaxation and exploration.
Cost & Booking Tips: Rates range around \$75–\$95 per night. Using Booking.com or Expedia allows free cancellation, and I’ve occasionally scored last-minute deals on Priceline for even lower prices.
9. Econo Lodge Inn & Suites – Phoenix
Location: 2222 E Van Buren St, Phoenix, AZ 85006
Econo Lodge offers simple, clean accommodations that are perfect for short stays or budget travelers. The rooms are spacious enough for families, and the property includes free parking and Wi-Fi.
Advantages: Its central location makes it easy to reach downtown Phoenix attractions. I appreciated being able to park my car safely and walk to nearby restaurants and shops.
Guest Feedback: Most reviews praise the value for money and friendly service, though some guests note that decor is dated. I found the ambiance comfortable and unpretentious, ideal for a no-frills stay.
Booking Platforms: Hotels.com, Booking.com, and Expedia are reliable, while Priceline occasionally has Express Deals that lower rates by 10–15%.
10. Motel 6 Phoenix East – McDowell
Location: 1414 E McDowell Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85006
Rounding out my list, this Motel 6 property offers straightforward lodging at one of the lowest price points in Phoenix. The rooms are basic but clean, with amenities like free Wi-Fi and cable TV.
Why I Recommend It: It’s ideal for travelers who plan to spend most of the day exploring the city and only need a safe, comfortable place to sleep. The property is close to public transport, which makes accessing downtown attractions convenient.
Booking Tips: For budget travelers, I often check Booking.com or Hotels.com first, then compare with Priceline Express Deals to see if last-minute savings are possible. Staying flexible with check-in times sometimes secures better rates.
Tips for Booking Budget Hotels in Phoenix
- Book in advance when possible: Even budget hotels can fill quickly during peak tourist seasons (spring and winter).
- Use multiple platforms: I always compare Booking.com, Expedia, Hotels.com, and Priceline. Each platform occasionally offers exclusive deals.
- Check cancellation policies: Free cancellation options give flexibility in case plans change.
- Stay slightly outside the city center: Neighborhoods like North Phoenix, Tempe, or near the Biltmore area often have lower rates than central downtown.
- Sign up for loyalty programs: Even basic chains offer points or member rates.
- Consider extended stays: Properties like Extended Stay America often provide kitchens, allowing savings on meals.
- Look for packages: Some hotels partner with flight booking sites or attractions; this can save money for combined bookings.
- Check reviews carefully: Guest photos often reveal more than official hotel images.
- Travel in shoulder seasons: Early summer or late spring often provides lower prices before peak tourist months.
- Be flexible with amenities: If you can forgo extras like a pool or gym, rates can be lower.
Where to Book in the U.S.
For budget travelers in Phoenix, I rely heavily on multiple platforms:
- Booking.com – Great for free cancellation and last-minute deals.
- Expedia – Often offers bundled packages including flights and hotels.
- Hotels.com – Loyalty program allows free nights after multiple bookings.
- Priceline – Best for Express Deals and Name-Your-Price discounts.
- Kayak – Useful to compare multiple platforms quickly.
I’ve also booked local tours and attractions using Viator or GetYourGuide, which often feature discounted tickets for museum entry, city tours, and desert excursions.
Experiencing Phoenix on a Budget
Staying in budget-friendly hotels doesn’t mean sacrificing experiences. I spent afternoons hiking Camelback Mountain, exploring Roosevelt Row’s street art, and picnicking at the Desert Botanical Garden—all affordable or free activities. After long days, returning to a comfortable, inexpensive room made the city feel accessible and enjoyable.
From my experience, the key to a successful budget trip in Phoenix is flexibility, research, and willingness to explore lesser-known neighborhoods. Even on a shoestring budget, the city’s vibrant culture, desert landscapes, and family-friendly activities make for an unforgettable stay.
