Desert Dreams and Staycation Scenes at Marriott Phoenix Resort Tempe at The Buttes

The Perfect Getaway Without Getting Away

Just 20 minutes from seemingly everywhere in Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, downtown, ASU, you name it there lies a magical little escape that feels like you’ve been whisked off to Sedona, minus the traffic and vortex tours. The Marriott Phoenix Resort Tempe at The Buttes is more than a hotel. It’s a mountaintop village carved into the terrain, where the unassuming desert transforms into a luxurious haven of pools, sunsets, and yes, duck that will make you weep tears of joy.

Where the Rocks Rule and the Palms Don’t

Let’s get this out of the way: This is not your granddad’s Marriott. The Buttes is its own thing. No rows of palm trees here this resort is literally built into the rock. You’re not just looking at the desert; you’re part of it. Walkways wind between natural rock walls. Elevation changes lead to surprises around every corner. It’s a place where you can and we did find eight different ways back to our room, each route feeling like a tiny hike with a reward of air conditioning and a view.

Our room felt as though it had been designed by a chic geologist. The carpeting had a subtle agate geo-rock pattern, while the rich walnut headboard and light, airy furnishings struck the perfect balance between rustic and refined. With a roomy fridge, ambient lighting, USB-C ports, and a giant flat-panel TV, it had everything we needed to relax and recharge.

A Renovation that Rocks (Literally)

Fresh off a multi-million dollar renovation, the resort has upgraded all 353 guest rooms and suites, including the presidential and chairman suites. The bathrooms? Spa-level. Think quartz countertops, glass showers, modern barn doors, and Aveda amenities in sleek dispensers. The vibe is tranquil, tactile, and just a little bit sexy.

The design honors the surrounding desert with warm, natural hues and materials like rustic wire-brushed oak and raffia textures. It’s the perfect mix of ancient and modern, and somehow feels like it belongs there because it does.

Waterfalls and Wonders

One of the most striking features of the resort is its stunning waterfalls, which seem to magically appear as you wander the property. Some cascade alongside walkways while others spill gently into hidden Jacuzzi pools tucked into quiet corners of the rock formations. There’s even a breathtaking waterfall built right into the lobby itself     an unexpected and welcome greeting as you step into this desert oasis.

These watery touches add a sense of serenity and surprise to the overall experience, elevating the resort’s unique connection to its natural environment.

Pools, Pickleball, and That Sweet Butte Life

The resort boasts two large, sparkling pools connected by a glass swim-through passage (yes, really), plus several secluded Jacuzzi pools tucked at different elevations. You’re always just a few steps from a soak with a view. These aren’t just any pools they’re true resort-style experiences, complete with food and drink service delivered to your lounge chair, plush towel service, and even a waterslide for the adventurous. Whether you’re sunbathing or splashing, it’s all done in style.

There’s also a tennis court and electric pickleball, which if you haven’t tried it feels like regular pickleball but with the added spice of high-tech flair.

Tuesdays bring live acoustic music by the poolside bar a little light rock, a little desert breeze and a cocktail in hand. It’s like stepping into your own chill music video.

Food With Flair and a View to Match

Dining here is not just a meal it’s an event. We started at the lobby bar’s new expanded patio, On The Rocks, which offers sweeping views of downtown Tempe and the Twin Peaks Mountains. But the true culinary crown jewel is Top of the Rock, the resort’s signature restaurant perched (you guessed it) at the very top.

Here’s where things get deliciously serious. Executive Chef Florian, who hails from France and has been sprinkling culinary magic for about 18 months now, has brought an elegant flair to every dish. The sea bass? Perfectly flaky. The duck? A rich, tender masterpiece. Every plate came with an unexpected twist like the focaccia bread (baked in-house, naturally) paired with dried tomato honey butter that made us question everything we knew about carbs.

And then there’s the chicken and donuts. Yes, you read that right shredded chicken lovingly poured over three golden, pillowy donuts. It sounds outrageous, and it is, in the very best way. Don’t even ask just order it. We at Fine don’t offer a money-back guarantee, but this is as close as you’re going to get. It’s absolutely a charm, a savory-sweet delight that you’ll be telling people about for weeks.

No, that was not our dessert, that was just an appetizer!  Our dessert was a chocolate mousse topped with house-made whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, and surprise granola-like crunchies hidden at the bottom. That extra texture made each bite more fun than the last. It’s clear the culinary team thinks in layers flavor, texture, presentation and the result is unforgettable.

Reservations here are highly recommended, especially for prime-time dinner hours. We were told to book at least three weeks in advance and after tasting everything, we understood why.

Breakfast With a View (and Bacon)

Don’t sleep on breakfast well, do sleep, but then wake up for it. The morning buffet is as convenient as it is satisfying, with a solid mix of hot classics, healthy options, and a view that can only be described as majestic. Our breakfast vouchers got us access to the elevated buffet area where eggs taste better because they’re served with a side of sunshine and panoramic scenery.

Meet the Team That Makes It Happen

The real heart of the resort? The people. We had the pleasure of meeting Scott, a sales manager with 25 years in the business who moved to Arizona in 2022. His pride in the property is contagious. He gave us such a warm tour of the property and you could hear him gushing as he talked about the property.  Dave, the food manager of 12 years, told us his goal is to create an experience one that begins the moment you drive up the mountain and ends with a sunset you’ll still be thinking about when you get back to your email inbox.

Our waiter Darrell at Top of the Rock brought humor, elegance, and the kind of attentive service that elevates dinner into an occasion. Everyone we met, from front desk to housekeeping, seemed genuinely happy to be part of the magic here.

So Close, Yet So Far (in the Best Way)

The best part of this staycation gem is how it balances accessibility with escapism. You’re 10 minutes from Sky Harbor, a short drive from ASU, downtown Phoenix, and the nightlife of Scottsdale but the moment you pull into the driveway and start the gentle climb up The Buttes, the outside world fades away. It feels like a secret you almost don’t want to share.

But we’re sharing it because it’s just that good. Whether you’re a local looking to reset without boarding a plane or a visitor seeking a resort that embraces Arizona’s natural charm, the Marriott Phoenix Resort Tempe at The Buttes is a stunning, surprising, and soulful escape.

Pro tip: Try the chicken and donuts. Trust us.