There have been many new hotels and restaurants added to the Valley’s vast landscape in the past year. But none of them has quite the chic and sophisticated urban appeal of The Westin Tempe, located at Seventh Street and Mill. The hotel is a statuesque beacon in the heart of Downtown Tempe that immediately commands attention. It then delivers on its visual appeal with its incorporation of welcoming rooms, signature Terra Tempe Kitchen & Spirits and the Valley’s highest rooftop lounge, Skysill.

Whether you are craving a staycation or welcoming guests from out of town, Westin Tempe is an exceptional hotel choice. It is mere minutes from Sky Harbor Airport and convenient to all kinds of exciting events in Phoenix, Tempe and Mesa. It is also only a five-minute drive to the ASU campus. The service is fantastic at the hotel and staff is available to assist with just about anything needed, and they are always quick to tell you about the Terra, Skysill, the fitness center and fun things to do in and around town. Choose from rooms that have either one king bed, two queen beds or a variety of suites, some of which include dramatic high floor views of Tempe, Phoenix and the surrounding mountains.

Westin Tempe includes a well-appointed on-site 24/7 fitness center with free weights and a variety of equipment, Peleton Bike, Pilates balls and yoga mats. The rooftop also has a dramatic and beautiful heated pool that literally puts guests on top of the world for a workout swim.

Rooms are beautifully appointed with all the luxuries you would expect that make a stay at the Westin Tempe truly feel like home-away-from-home. In addition to a convenient work desk and chair, a comfy settee-style couch and chair are perched next to the dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows that provide sweeping views. A hairdryer, iron, ironing board and mini refrigerator are all standard, too. As a bonus, 24-hour room service is available. Want to spend the entire weekend in your room catching up on work or just relaxing? The friendly staff has you covered!

Rooms are exceptionally quiet, even when the hotel is full. If you have ever had the chance to stay in any other hotel in Tempe, you know that it can be challenging to find a peaceful night’s sleep. You’ll find peace and quiet in your room at Westin Tempe.

For breakfast or lunch, the on-site Cup of Joe Market Café offers healthy sandwiches, a variety of salads, Starbucks coffee and baked goods.

Dinner is where Westin Tempe will simply knock your socks off! Alexander Robinson, executive chef at Terra has created an incredibly unique fine dining menu in a chic, yet casual setting that is convenient to Westin Tempe guests, and also a destination restaurant for anyone in the Valley who appreciates an outstanding meal. The menu incorporates flavors from Spanish, Native American and Mexican influences and features local ingredients from the Salt River area. All entrees are a visual feast for the eyes!

Terra’s hot stone of wagyu beef or Pacific ahi tuna with a cilantro scallion salad, pickled ginger and serrano ponzu is its most popular shared plate, as a glance around the restaurant proves. The baked huarache (similar to a flatbread) is big enough to share or serves as its own meal. The fig-a-licious huarache incorporates fresh mission figs, smoked cipollini onions, arugula, crumbled goat cheese and a tangy fig balsamic reduction. One creative offering on the menu is the zucchini flower soup with summer squash, roasted poblano, sweet corn and crispy frijoles.

Main entrees include the squash pappardelle pasta, achiote roasted chicken, cilantro dusted Chilean sea bass and the incredible arroz negro with forbidden rice, Maine lobster, jumbo shrimp, mussels, calamari, crab, chorizo, grana Padano and saffron aioli. You won’t find another dish like it anywhere in the Valley!

The creativity spills over into the dessert menu with an incredibly fun-looking and tasting orange creamsicle cheesecake with citrus cremeux, blood orange gel and mandarin oranges presented in such a way that you think you’re getting a popsicle. Bravo to Robinson and his crew for stepping up the dessert game!

Don’t miss sunset at the Skysill Rooftop Lounge. Perched high above Tempe on the 18th floor, it is the highest open-air rooftop lounge in town. Relax and enjoy the views or go for a swim. The pool and jacuzzi are also adjacent to Skysill and include available daybeds, cabanas and a massive video screen, so you won’t miss your favorite sports game.

Westin Tempe is located at 11 E. Seventh Street, Tempe. Visit http://www.marriott.com/westin_hotels/tempe for more information.

By Lynette Carrington