Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Tempe

The wedding ended up being beautiful, and our son and his bride were thrilled with the venue. They wanted guests to have room to mingle and feel comfortable, and the feedback was so positive. Some people told us it was the most fun wedding they’d been to, with dancing and karaoke. Guests have already talked about holding graduation parties and other celebrations here. We found the Fairfield Inn with only a month to plan, after most venues were booked and while we were on a budget. It was a real relief to find an inviting indoor and outdoor space at a reasonable price. The ceremony was on the patio at sunset, with a stage for the arch that let everyone see the couple. Staff arranged the chairs, then quickly moved the patio furniture back after the ceremony. That let us use both the event rooms and outdoor area, so guests had plenty of space. The pool, fire pit, and glass doors to the patio added a warm feel, and the pool made a lovely photo backdrop. The place was only a year old, so the chairs, floors, and walls looked so nice that I returned the chair covers I’d bought. There’s a glass door to the patio beside a beautifully designed bar and lounge, a nice spot for guests to gather. The staff made planning much easier. Tables and chairs were ready Friday so we could decorate the day before, with no extra setup charge. General manager Victor was there when we started, and even offered us food, drinks, and cookies while we worked. I thought the monthly employee luncheon they were holding was a wonderful idea. The service staff, engineers, maintenance team, and especially the bartenders were great. Cassie Lopez and Dakota Brandon, the Sales and Event Coordinators, were my go-to people. They answered questions quickly, offered useful suggestions for the wedding and reception, explained costs clearly, and there were no surprise fees at the end. Their professionalism and kindness were a huge help with a wedding planned so quickly, and everything went smoothly.

The room was comfortable after a long drive, which I appreciated. But the only thing I’d eaten that day was a burger from the hotel restaurant, and the next day I had some of the worst food poisoning. I felt fine after 24 hours, and the symptoms matched up.

The outdoor area was the highlight for us, especially the pool and hot tub. It was the best hotel pool setup we’ve seen, and we had a great time there. The rooms were clean and great, and I loved the western decor.

Tempe Marketplace is right across the street, with just about anything you could need. The hotel has plenty too, but it’s the staff that will bring me back whenever I’m in town. Joseph, Brandon, Michele, and Ellisa are fantastic at the bar, make a mean margarita, and even come out to the pool to keep you supplied with cold drinks in the heat. They’re a pleasure to talk to, like people you’ve known for years. The pool is excellent, with shaded spots as well as places to sit in the full force of the Tempe sun. Rooms are clean, well kept, and great.