TL;DR

Retro vibes: Renovated mid-century relic with iconic signage.
Unique stay: Small-scale boutique hotel in corporate-heavy Phoenix.
Youthful energy: Hip and modern, appealing to a younger crowd.
Prime base: Ideal starting point to explore Phoenix.
Check prices here

Finding a small-scale, mid-century relic of a boutique hotel in downtown Phoenix is not what we would call easy.

In a city better known for the reliable comfort of corporate hoteliery, RISE Uptown is a nice anomaly.

A clean, modern renovation of the late ’50s original proudly carries on the retro vibe with some truly spectacular signage and the original towers, set alongside a new pool and a much more contemporary welcome building.

It’s certainly hip, decidedly young and perhaps not for everyone.

However, older, more sensibly subdued, guests have plenty of boutique retreats around Camelback Mountain in Scottsdale and Paradise City to be getting on with.

If you’d like to really see what Pheonix has to offer, RISE Uptown is the best place to start.

What are the rooms like?

Number of rooms: 79 with light-filled design and vintage accents.
Mini rooms: Compact yet comfy at 265 sq ft with queen beds.
King options: Studios, balcony rooms, and ground floor poolside & firepitside rooms.
In-room perks: Record players, Apple TV, fridges, and premium linens.
See each room in detail here

Let’s start with the windows, shall we? There are a lot of them at RISE Uptown.

The natural light simply floods into spaces decked out in warm natural wood, cheerful patterned wallpaper, and gorgeous vintage rugs.

Mini rooms are a Western US mini, featuring 265 square feet of queen bed and comfort that would be roomy in a historic hotel anywhere else.

They’re exceedingly comfortable and well-priced, only lacking a desk for the work-from-vacation types.

Studio Kings can easily fit a working space, and your other King options include balconies, ground-floor Firepit Rooms, and all sorts of poolside possibilities.

In our opinion, they’re worth the extra cost.

All other rooms feature king beds, luscious linens, mini fridges, TVs outfitted with Apple TV, desks, and record players on request (we recommend you request – there’s a vinyl library on site).

What are prices like?

Check prices here

And what’s the food like? Any facilities we should know about?

Mix with locals: Bars, restaurants, and pool open to the public.
Lylo Swim Club: Poolside bar with Sonoran snacks and cocktails.
Say When Rooftop: Drinks with 270° views of Phoenix.
Coffee & breakfast: Cartel Coffee and homemade vegan poptarts.
Cool treats: Pop Stand popsicles on arrival.
Extras: Gift boutique store and frequent on-site events.

You’ll have plenty of food options at RISE Uptown and, if you want to get to know the city, be happy to learn that locals are welcome at the bars and restaurants.

Lylo Swim Club is one of the hottest spots on the property, also. A poolside bar offering modern takes on Sonoran snacks alongside creative cocktails.

Beware, there’s a shotski, so if you want a quiet read, take the book elsewhere if you see that unleashed.

Luckily, you’ve got the Say When Rooftop Bar, with a menu of well-crafted versions of spritzes and highballs.

It might be hard to pay attention to a book again though when you’ve got 270 degree views of the city.

In the welcome lobby you’ll find coffee experts Cartel serving hot joe and the hippest of breakfast snacks (homemade vegan poptart, anyone?).

Pop Stand will be there to help you cool off from the second you arrive with a selection of unique popsicle flavors.

There’s even a small gift boutique full of locally made goodies.

RISE Uptown frequently organizes events, so make sure to check out their page before you arrive to see what kind of adventures you’ll be able to enjoy.

How is the neighborhood? Anything interesting nearby?

City & nature: Easy access to downtown Phoenix and Camelback Mountain.
Car-free options: Nearby train to central Phoenix.
Family fun: Children’s Museum, Science Center, Art Museum.
Sports & events: Close to stadiums and event venues.
Local flavor: Cafés, bars, restaurants, and boutique shops nearby.

RISE Uptown is good for both those who want to explore both the city of Phoenix and the surrounding nature.

Don’t bother with congested traffic, either drive out towards Camelback Mountain, or grab the train into the center of Phoenix.

There you’ll find the Children’s Museum, Science Center, Art Museum, and more. The range of sports stadiums and large event spaces means you’ll find something for anyone to enjoy.

The nearby area is worth a small exploration as well. There are local cafés, bars, restaurants, and you’ll find some very nice boutique shops throughout the city.

And what about the reviews? What did other guests think?

Some things guests liked:

‘Such a cute and comfortable hotel. The decor was super stylish, the bed was comfortable, the staff super friendly, and the pool area was gorgeous. Even though I was traveling for work I felt like I was on vacation. And the touch with the complimentary popsicles, I felt like a little kid again. I loved it!…”

”This is a fantastic little spot! The rooms are spacious, clean and the aesthetic is just right! The check in staff were wonderful and so accomodating. The Lyla swim club is the perfect addition to the stay and we enjoyed early morning swims as the hotel guests can access the pool from 7am before it opens to the pubic! The food and drinks were also incredible here and the staff are top notch! We are definitely keeping this one on the list when we need a little staycation!…”