Tempe's BEST Airport Motel: Unbeatable Priest Dr. Deals!
Tempe's BEST Airport Motel: Unbeatable Priest Dr. Deals! - A Review with Soul (and a Few Warts)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the swirling vortex that is… checks notes… Tempe's BEST Airport Motel: Unbeatable Priest Dr. Deals! Yep, that's the name. Rolls off the tongue, doesn't it? Anyway, I just spent a few days there, and let me tell you, it was an experience. Let’s unravel this whole shebang, shall we? Forget perfectly polished reviews, this is going to be a raw, honest, and hopefully hilarious account. Consider this your insider's look at the "Unbeatable Priest Dr. Deals" experience, warts and all.
First Impressions: Accessibility and The Labyrinth of Priest Drive
Okay, so accessibility. That's important, right? Thankfully, this place seemed to handle it pretty darn well. Wheelchair accessible? Check. They've got elevators, which is HUGE. The facilities for disabled guests seemed genuinely considered, not just a perfunctory tick-in-the-box. Now, navigating Priest Drive… that's a whole other story. It's a Tempe labyrinth. Finding the place initially was a bit of an adventure, involving more U-turns than I care to admit. But hey, airport transfer is available, which is a serious lifesaver, especially after a red-eye. Car park [free of charge]? Yep, and plentiful at that. Score!
The Cleanliness Crusade: A Sanitized Sanctuary?
This is where things get interesting. We're living in COVID times, and everyone’s hyper-vigilant. Cleanliness and safety are top priority. Let me just say, they're trying. They have Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, and Rooms sanitized between stays. I saw staff meticulously wiping down everything, so points for effort. They even offer Room sanitization opt-out available, which is a nice touch. The Sanitized kitchen and tableware items gave me peace of mind. Regarding First aid kit, Hand sanitizer and Staff trained in safety protocol, well, I didn't need them, which is always a good sign. The Hygiene certification was hanging proudly in the lobby. I mean, it felt clean, but you know… you can only trust so much, right? There WAS a slightly questionable crumb on the elevator button, but I'm choosing to believe it was from the previous guest. Okay, maybe it was from me; I confess. (I’m a crumb monster, sue me.)
Dining, Drinking, and Surviving the Arizona Heat
Alright, let’s talk food. Their restaurants were… present. They HAVE one. Not a Michelin star, no. Maybe a used Michelin tire. Let's be honest. The Breakfast [buffet] was the usual suspect – a lukewarm wonderland of scrambled eggs and… something vaguely resembling sausage. I did score a decent waffle, though. And hey, they had Coffee/tea in restaurant, which is a necessity for this caffeine-dependent life form. The Poolside bar was the real star. That was a highlight. Sipping a cold drink, watching the sun set over Tempe… pure bliss. They also boast a Snack bar, which is perfect for those late-night munchies. Room service [24-hour]? Also a win. Especially when you're too tired to face the outside world (and the questionable sausage). And the Bottle of water in the room? Always appreciated.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax (Or Hide from the Sun)
Now, if you're looking for a resort experience, this isn’t it. But for a comfortable, convenient stay, it delivers. The Swimming pool [outdoor] was a life-saver, especially in the Arizona heat. The Pool with view? Well, you can see… some buildings. It’s not the Maldives, but it’s refreshing. Fitness center? Yeah, they had treadmills and weights, but I opted for the exercise of repeatedly getting up to refill my water glass. Spa/Sauna? Nope. Don’t get your hopes up.
The Room: My Temporary Fortress
Now, the rooms. Let me tell you, my room was… fine. It had Air conditioning (bless!), a Coffee/tea maker (another blessing), and a Refrigerator (a lifesaver for my emergency stash of snacks). The Bed was comfortable enough, but not the kind that makes you weep with joy. Basic, but functional. The Blackout curtains were a godsend, allowing me to sleep in past 7 am (a minor miracle). The Wi-Fi [free] was generally reliable, thank the heavens, though I swear I had to reconnect every few hours. (More on the internet later.) The Bathroom situation? Standard. Clean, but not glamorous. The Additional toilet? Nope. Just the one. You win some, you lose some. I give it a solid B.
The Internet Abyss: Wi-Fi Woes
Okay, let's get real about Internet. They shout about the Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, and I get it. It’s a must-have these days. The signal was there… sometimes. The Internet access – wireless frequently turned into "Internet access – barely there." I tried fighting with the Internet access – LAN at one point, but gave up. I needed to upload this review and I was sweating bullets! This is a crucial point to remember. This might be more of a problem if you are a digital nomad, or are trying to hold an important meeting. If you're looking for a stable connection, you might want to tether to your phone. Just my two cents.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Help
They have a few of the usual Services and conveniences: Daily housekeeping, a Laundry service (essential for the inevitably wrinkled traveler), Luggage storage (always appreciated), and the all-important Concierge who (bless her heart) was as helpful as she could possibly be. Air conditioning in public area. Yes, thankfully. Cash withdrawal is within reach, if you need it. A Convenience store is right there, which is great for late-night essentials (aka chocolate).
For the Kids (or the Kid in You)
The Family/child friendly situation looked… alright. They even offer Babysitting service! Kids are a thing, and they seemed to have this down.
The Quirks and the Memorable Moments
Okay, confession time: I spilled coffee everywhere one morning. Luckily, the Daily housekeeping swept in and saved the day. And the lobby artwork? A collection of… interesting choices. But honestly, that's part of the charm, right? A little bit of chaos. A little bit of quirky. It wasn’t flawless, and, perhaps, that's why I kinda loved it.
Final Verdict: Should You Bother?
Okay, here's the bottom line. Tempe's BEST Airport Motel: Unbeatable Priest Dr. Deals! is not luxury. It's not perfect. But it's genuine. It's convenient. It's affordable (especially with those “Unbeatable Priest Dr. Deals!”). It’s a solid option for an airport layover, a quick business trip, or a budget-friendly Tempe experience. It's a place where you can relax, recharge, and maybe even spill some coffee. Do I recommend it? Yeah, I do. Would I stay again? Probably. But I’m definitely packing extra coffee filters this time.
And now for the (highly) promotional offer:
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- Access to the pool (even if the view isn't quite the Maldives)
- And for a limited time add-on! A coupon for a free waffle at breakfast! (See, that sausage wasn't all bad!)
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Escape to Paradise: Amamoor Homestead's Luxurious B&B & Cottages
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the glorious, slightly questionable, and utterly unpredictable adventure known as… checks notes …a stay at the Motel 6 in Tempe, Arizona, right near the Phoenix Airport. Buckle. UP.
(The Almighty Itinerary…ish)
Day 1: Arrival and Mild Panic (aka, the "Are We There Yet?" Edition)
- 1:00 PM (ish): Touchdown at Sky Harbor. Oh, the Phoenix sun! Smacks you right in the face like a warm, judgmental hand. I’m immediately regretting wearing black. Note to self: Pack lighter, and maybe invest in a hat that doesn't make me look like a rejected extra from a Western.
- 1:30 PM - 2:00 PM: The Great Rental Car Scramble. Remember that time I thought I reserved an SUV? Apparently, "mid-size" translates to "compact hatchback" in rental-car-speak. We crammed our suitcases (and my existential baggage) in. The air conditioning barely works. Feeling optimistic.
- 2:00 PM - 2:30 PM: The Drive. Navigating Phoenix traffic is like trying to herd cats while blindfolded. Found Motel 6 at Priest Dr. Yay, We made it… Or did we?
- 2:30 PM - 3:00 PM: Check In…and the Moment of Truth. The front desk guy looks like he's seen things, or at the very least, a lot of tired travelers. He's got that weary-but-polite vibe. We get the room key (hold your breath), and it’s… well, it's a Motel 6. The carpet has seen better days (probably involving spilled soda and questionable footwear). The TV, ancient as Methuselah, and I'm already hoping it’s got a decent channel selection for the evening.
- Quirky Observation: There’s a faint smell of… something. Can’t quite place it. Maybe stale air freshener mixed with the ghost of a thousand cigarette butts? Ah, Motel 6, never change. (Please change, actually.)
- 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Room Reconnaissance and Mild Existential Dread. Unpack. Assess the situation. The bedspread has a pattern that seems to be designed to induce vertigo. Bathroom: Functional. Cleanliness? Let's just say I'm carrying a LOT of sanitizing wipes. Emotional Reaction: I'm simultaneously exhausted and restless. This is going to be a long trip…
Day 1: Afternoon.
- 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Exploring the Neighborhood (Or, the Search for Caffeine). Walk around the motel. Found a fast-food restaurant nearby. Opinionated Language: I'm not expecting Michelin-star cuisine, but I am desperately hoping for a decent cup of coffee and maybe… just maybe… something vaguely resembling a vegetable. Walk to Mc Donalds… They don't have that coffee.
- 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Relaxing Time Back in my room, turn on the TV, and try to sleep. Emotional Reaction: Can't Sleep! I'm too anxious.
Day 1: Dinner and Dreams (Possibly Nightmares)
- 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Dinner. Finding food. The closest restaurant is Denny's.
- Quirky Observation: The place feels like a time capsule. Feels like the 1990's.
- 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Back at the motel. Try to go to sleep again, but all the thoughts.
- 9:00 PM - ?????: Sleep? Or the Endless Scroll of the Internet? Praying for sleep. Praying for the ability to ignore the incessant hum of the ancient air conditioner. Praying that the next day will bring something… other than stale air and existential dread. Oh, and maybe a decent cup of coffee.
Day 2: The Desert Beckons…and Possibly Bites Back
- 7:00 AM (or whenever the sun's rays decide to rudely awaken me): Wake up. The headache kicks in. Drink Water.
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast. I am considering the complimentary continental breakfast. Emotional Reaction: "Is that… a stale donut? Nope, pass."
- 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM: Driving around. Visit the Saguaro National Park. After a scenic drive, the Saguaro National Park. Opinionated Language: The desert is stunning. The cactus is so cool.
- 5:00 PM: Drive back and Dinner. Back at the motel, turn on the TV, and try to sleep. Emotional Reaction: Can't Sleep! I'm too anxious.
Day 3: Departure and Realization
- Morning: Check-out. The Relief is Palpable. Hand over the keys. Breathe in the fresh(ish) air. Avoid eye contact with the front desk guy (he knows). Drive back to the airport.
- The Flight: Adios, Arizona! I'm actually leaving.
- The Takeaway: Motel 6, you were… an experience. A slightly dusty, potentially haunted, and undeniably budget-friendly experience. I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Mostly because I’m pretty sure the hotels that would be better are WAY out of my price range.
- Post-Trip Reflection (aka, The Rambling): I wonder if that “something” I smelled in the room was actually… happiness? Or at least the faint aroma of cheap cleaning products and the possibility of adventure? Either way, I survived! And hey, at least I have a story (and a slightly questionable carpet stain) to prove it. Next time, maybe I'll spring for the slightly nicer Motel 8. Or, ya know… a tent.
- *Final Rating: 2.5 stars. Would stay again (probably).
Tempe's BEST Airport Motel: Unbeatable Priest Dr. Deals! (Seriously, Read This!)
(Hold on to your hats, folks. This ain't your grandma's FAQ...or maybe it is, depending on how your grandma rolls.)
Okay, okay, "Unbeatable Priest Dr. Deals." What's the *deal*? Is this a cult? (Asking for a friend... who might be me.)
First off, no cult (as far as *I* know!). The "Priest Dr." bit refers to Priest Drive, the street the motel's on, in Tempe. And believe me, the deals? Actually pretty decent. I mean, look, I've stayed in some SERIOUS dives over the years. Places that made you question the structural integrity of the building. Places where you'd *swear* you saw a shadow person peeking from behind the vibrating mattress... This isn't one of those. It's a solid, clean, *affordable* place to crash before or after a flight. Plus, free airport shuttle? Huge bonus, especially when your flight gets in at 2 AM and you're already running on fumes (been there, done that, cried at the baggage carousel).
Is it REALLY close to the airport? I HATE airport hotels that claim to be "close"... then it's a 30-minute shuttle ride through hell.
YES. Okay, deep breath. YES! We’re talking practically *across* the street, in airport terms. The shuttle runs like, every half hour? I've never timed it, because honestly, by the time I get to the curb, I’m usually in a sleep-deprived haze, praying I remembered to pack my toothbrush. But let me tell you, it's a godsend. One time, I landed in Phoenix after a red-eye from hell (delayed flight, screaming baby, the works...) and just *collapsed* happily in my room five minutes after getting off the plane. Pure. Bliss. The shuttle driver, bless his cotton socks, even helped me lug my ridiculously oversized suitcase. He probably thought I was a complete mess, but hey, we all have those days, right?
What's the room situation like? Pictures online always look too good to be true. (Spoiler alert: they usually ARE.)
Alright, honest time. The rooms… aren't *glamorous*. But they're clean. Honestly. Like, not "clean-ish" or "we tried our best." Clean. The beds are comfy enough. The bathroom actually works. I've stayed in much worse. Think functional, not fabulous. The air conditioning usually works (a HUGE plus in scorching hot Phoenix). There's a TV (though let's be real, you're probably just gonna watch whatever's on at that point, or collapse on the bed). And the best part? No creepy crawlies. I have a phobia, okay? And I can vouch for it.
WiFi? Or do I need to tether off my phone and risk my data plan exploding?
WiFi is a thing. It works. Mostly. Look, it's not lightning-fast gigabit fiber optic. Don't expect to stream 4K movies. But it's good enough for browsing, checking emails, and (crucially) updating Instagram with a triumphant "I survived travel day!" post. Considering the price, I'm not complaining. Plus, you're at an airport motel, so your internet expectations should be adjusted accordingly. And, you know, maybe actually *talk* to someone in real life for a change?
Breakfast? Free continental breakfast is usually… well, let's just say I've seen better options at gas stations.
Okay, this is where things get… interesting. They *do* have a continental breakfast. It's… basic. Think: pre-packaged muffins of dubious origin, questionable coffee (I always sneak in my own Starbucks Via packs), and maybe some sad-looking fruit. BUT! Here's a pro-tip: there's a *great* little diner a short drive away called (checks notes) "The Eggery". Seriously, skip the motel breakfast. Go to The Eggery. Get the omelet. Thank me later. Trust me, your taste buds (and your sanity) will thank you. And if you *must* eat at the motel breakfast, well, you've been warned. Just bring your own coffee. PLEASE.
What about parking? Is it a parking *lot* or a parking *warzone*?
Parking is… adequate. It's not a sprawling mega-lot, but I've never had a problem finding a spot. It's not overflowing, like you're fighting for your life to find somewhere to stuff your car. Don’t be an idiot and leave valuables in plain sight, obviously. I mean, come on, it's a motel parking lot. Common sense, people! And hey, even if it's packed, at least you're close to your room. Silver linings, people! Silver linings. I mean one time, I saw a dude *attempt* to park his giant pickup truck sideways to fit in between two sedans. That...was an experience. But other than that, parking is generally fine.
Okay, let's talk about the pool. Does this place HAVE a pool? And is it a festering swamp of questionable liquids?
It has a pool! Rejoice! And… it's usually clean. I mean, I haven't gone full-on CSI on the water quality with a testing kit, but it looks… swimmable. I've seen people in it. Kids splashing. Couples awkwardly trying to relax. It's not the Four Seasons, mind you. It's a motel pool. Don't expect pristine, turquoise waters. But, on a hot Phoenix day, it’s a total game-changer. A quick dip (after the nightmare of the baggage claim) can work wonders. It’s been a life saver, one time I was so stressed and my bags were late, I ran down, swam, and almost slept by the pool. That’s saying something! And hey, at least it's not a swamp! (I *think*...)
What about… noise? Airport hotels have a reputation for being loud. Am I going to be woken up by planes taking off every five minutes?
Okay, this is the (slightly) less-than-perfect part. YES, you can hear some plane noise. But honestly, it's not *that* bad. It's not like the planes are landing in your bathtub. It's more of a background hum. I'm a light sleeper, and I've managed to sleep fine there. (Though admittedly, I'm so tired after travelling, a herd of elephants could probably stomp through my room and I'd still sleep.) The walls aren't exactly soundproof, but again, it's an airport motel. You're not paying for luxury silenceCoastal Inns
