Hotel recommendation

Question

Hi,

We will be driving from Monument Valley to Phoenix and plan on booking a hotel for the evening as we have a flight from Sky Harbour departing at 08.30 the following morning. We have to return a hire car at the airport and wondering whether it better to stay overnight north of Phoenix and drop the car off on the way to the airport in the morning, or drop the car off after driving down in the evening and getting a hotel close to the airport. Ideally we would like a hotel close to restaurants we could walk to and if staying north of Phoenix a hotel with free car parking. Budget in the region of up to $250 but we just need somewhere clean, safe and functional.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Answer

For your situation, the key consideration is convenience in the morning for your early flight, as well as ease of dining in the evening. Both options—staying north of Phoenix or near Sky Harbor—can work, but each has pros and cons.

Option 1: Stay north of Phoenix

If you stay north of Phoenix, you could choose a hotel in Scottsdale, Tempe, or along the I-17 corridor. This allows you to keep your car parked and drive leisurely to the airport in the morning, dropping off your hire car on the way. The main advantage is less early-morning stress, especially if you want to avoid returning the car in the dark or dealing with early airport traffic.

Pros: Flexibility in the morning, generally quieter neighborhoods, potentially more walking-distance restaurants if staying in Scottsdale or Tempe.
Cons: Morning drive to the airport may take 30-45 minutes depending on location and traffic, extra planning to make sure you drop off the car on time.
Hotel suggestions: Hotels in Scottsdale near Old Town (e.g., mid-range boutique or chain hotels) often offer free parking and easy access to local restaurants.

Option 2: Stay near Sky Harbor Airport

Staying near Sky Harbor gives you the shortest commute in the morning, especially useful for an 08:30 flight. Most airport hotels have free shuttle service to terminals, which saves stress if you want to avoid early morning driving or airport navigation.

Pros: Minimal morning stress, hotel shuttles to the terminal, convenient if returning rental car late the previous evening.
Cons: Limited restaurant options within walking distance; most good dining is a short drive away.
Hotel suggestions: Courtyard by Marriott Phoenix Airport, Hilton Garden Inn, Holiday Inn Express Sky Harbor—all typically offer free shuttle service and are clean, safe, and functional, generally within your budget of $250.

Recommendation: Given your early flight and desire for minimal morning stress, staying near Sky Harbor is generally the most practical option. You can return your car in the evening, check into a nearby airport hotel, and take the shuttle to your terminal. If you want more evening dining options or a nicer neighborhood feel, staying in Scottsdale with free parking and allowing for a 30–45 minute morning drive can also work, but requires leaving earlier for your flight.