The Southwest’s first Canopy by Hilton will open its doors on June 16 in the heart of downtown Tempe, ushering in a contemporary, full-service hotel offering guests a local experience with a boutique feel, all within the central core of one of the most vibrant, dynamic and growing cities in Arizona.
Owned and developed by Driftwood Capital, Canopy by Hilton Tempe Downtown, the new 198-room hotel at the corner of University Drive and Myrtle Avenue, boasts spacious guest rooms and suites, along with approximately 5,000 square feet of flexible meeting and event space. Bookings for overnight stays after June 16 are now open, plus a special Positively Local Package, just in time for summer staycations.
“Bringing our vision to life has been a collaborative effort between our local design firm, local featured artists and team of longtime hospitality professionals who have created a destination that truly embraces the fabric of the neighborhood,” said Alan Klein, Chief Enthusiast and General Manager at Canopy by Hilton Tempe Downtown. “We hope to become a vibrant gathering space that embodies the innovation present in the exciting evolution of downtown Tempe. As part of the Hilton brand portfolio, we’ll be implementing Hilton CleanStay procedures, a new industry-defining standard of cleanliness and disinfection, created in partnership with Lysol, so our guests can feel reassured that an even cleaner and safer stay is waiting for them when we open our doors.”
With the hotel’s debut comes two distinct dining venues helmed by seasoned Valley Chef Ken Arneson. Alter Ego, the hotel’s signature restaurant located on the ground floor, will serve up elevated fusion cuisine made with fresh locally and regionally sourced ingredients and an inventive craft cocktail program that aims to set the bar for elevated cocktail culture within vibrant downtown Tempe. Alter Ego’s modern interiors will perfectly complement the rich history and heritage of Tempe, with floor-to-ceiling glass windows, lush greenery, custom wooden shelving, sleek marble countertops and exclusive, curated pieces from local artists.
Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, a few dishes on Alter Ego’s dinner menu include Long Bone Short Rib ($26) topped with a shitake Thai mushroom sauce, grilled green onion and shishito peppers; Char Sui Pork Tacos ($13) garnished with radish, bok choy slaw, cilantro and salsa verde; and Roasted Calabrian Shrimp ($25) smothered in ajo butter and grilled lemon, served with grilled Noble Bread. The menu will also include robust shared plates, salads, side dishes and desserts like Chocolate Tres Leches Cake ($9) with house-made ancho chocolate and cajeta gelato.
Alibi, the East Valley’s only full-service rooftop pool and bar set atop the hotel’s 14th floor, is a scenic retreat for weekenders and locals alike looking to relax, cut loose and cool down while lounging by the pool with music in ear and a cocktail in hand. With tapas-style light bites and a curated local craft-cocktail menu, Alibi guests will enjoy lounge seating, chic cabanas, a roaring fire pit and a seat at the custom wrap-around bar that features retractable climate-controlled glass walls for comfortable year-round entertaining. The terrace bar will also feature an ongoing lineup of weekly programming, events and live music.
During the hotel’s initial opening phase, Alter Ego will have a limited, scaled-back menu for all meal periods and will implement distanced seating and Hilton’s CleanStay procedures. Likewise, Alibi will refrain from programming, service and activities until later this summer, however the pool and cabanas will be open for hotel guests with limited food and beverage service from Alter Ego. Expanded hours and offerings for both venues will be announced in the coming weeks.
Canopy by Hilton Tempe Downtown features a modern aesthetic inspired by the spirit of the Southwest, highlighting the neighborhood’s cultural roots mixed with the emerging city scene. Designed by Scottsdale-based Allen + Philp, furnishings throughout the hotel mimic an urban culture, giving a nod to Arizona’s history in Mid-Century forms while connecting to the local environment through desert-inspired pops of color and texture in the fabrics and materials used. A variety of wood and metal tones are incorporated throughout the space to stay true to the nature of the Canopy brand.
The hotel’s guest rooms embrace an eclectic, Mid-Century modern style with a tribal-inspired flair. The design team collaborated with local artist Emily Brakefield to combine natural materials with an integrated art piece depicting native flora and iconic regional landscape details on the headboards to create a statement piece that anchors the room.
“We are thrilled to partner with Hilton on the launch of one of Driftwood’s first lifestyle hotels,” said Carlos Rodriguez, Jr., President and COO of Driftwood Capital. “The Tempe market has been on our radar for some time and we are proud to fill an underserved hospitality and restaurant niche in such a booming, progressive city.”
A curated collection of art crafted by local Arizona artists can be found throughout the hotel. Cairn rock formations, designed by artist John Randall Nelson, symbolize a sense of place and the start of a guest’s journey through the hotel, inspired by the trail markings of the area’s ancient Indigenous people. Artists Keanen Kasten and Issac Caruso were also commissioned to create custom murals.
Situated within a commuter-friendly urban corridor, the hotel is centrally located at 108 E. University Drive, just five miles from the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and just steps away from some of the area’s finest shopping centers, culinary offerings, entertainment destinations such as Desert Financial Arena and local landmarks including Tempe Town Lake, Mill Avenue District and Tempe Beach Park.
