West - Need PHX/Tempe hotel recommendation

I am going to PHX to attend our fellow FT'er VJ's one day seminar (ASU Tempe campus). However, I don't know the area and could use advice on location or the hotel itself. Should be either near PHX or near ASU/Tempe, but after that I blank out. :)

I arrive Sat morning, seminar all day plus dinner, then go to hotel (I guess ASU location would be better for this), then PHX Sun morning (the airport location better for this).

Just for one night, so probably no insane deals, but if you know of any, I'd appreciate a tip.

The Hampton Inn south of the airport is pricing at $58 or so.

The Hampton Inn north of the airport is lovely (although twice the price); the Hilton Garden Inn is also very nice.

I'd try to stay somewhere along the light rail route, making it a little easier to get to/from both the airport and ASU. You may pay a little more, but unless you're renting a car, cab fares will add up extremely fast (a day car rental is usually less than a cab across town).

There's a cluster of hotels around 44th St/Washington. A Doubletree, Hampton, Crown Plaza, etc. There's a few in downtown Phoenix, and there's a Hilton Suites along the rail around Central/Thomas. In Tempe there's the Twin Palms (a bit low end, a healthy walk to Mill proper but close to ASU and you get access to the ASU Rec Center), Courtyard, and Mission Palms.

When/where is the Mileage Run seminar? I usually know about these things, but this is the first I'm hearing.

When/where is the Mileage Run seminar? I usually know about these things, but this is the first I'm hearing.

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/mileage-run-discussion/989775-2009-mileage-run-101-seminar-9-19-09-phoenix.html

Coor Hall if that rings any bells. The seminar is free---10AM-5PM, although a reception begins at 9AM---so if you live in the area, just drop by. :)

My flight lands at 9:15AM. So, I'd like to get to the Coor asap to make the 10AM start. Don't know when to register. :) In the evening, there's dinner at Unos Chicago Grill, 690 S Mill Ave.

After dinner I'd need to go the hotel. (This is where Tempe location can be more convenient).

Next morning I have a flight around 9AM. (This is where airport location can be more convenient).

Among cheaper hotels, Days Inn Tempe looks attractive partly because it claims to have an airport shuttle. For a hotel near a lightrail station this will not be a factor, of course. Problem is I couldn't tell those stations on the maps which show hotels.

Anyway, I am still brooding. :)

Replied to your PM. The Days Inn is right across the street from a light rail stop, and about 1/4 mile from Four Peaks Brewery. Have no idea what it is like inside, but with a free shuttle (and rail as backup), I'd go with that.

There is a new aLoft hotel at Rural Rd and the 202...from what I have heard I would avoid the Twin Palms or the Mission Palms...both are close to ASU but havent heard the best from people who have stayed there and they are older hotels