Most people booking a room at the Four Points Mesa Gateway think they’re just getting a standard, run-of-the-mill airport hotel where you sleep for six hours before a 6:00 AM flight. It’s a logical assumption. You see the word "Airport" in the title, you see the Marriott logo, and you assume it’s a concrete box with a shuttle.
But honestly? This place is weirdly different from your average Phoenix layover spot.
First off, it’s literally sitting on a golf course. Not "near" a golf course or "a short drive from" one—the Four Points Mesa Gateway is the anchor for the Toka Sticks Golf Club. You can walk out of the lobby and be at the first tee in about ninety seconds. That changes the whole vibe. Instead of the sound of jet engines (though you’ll still hear those, let’s be real), you get these massive, sweeping views of the greens and the San Tan Mountains in the distance.
Why Location Matters at Four Points Mesa Gateway
If you’ve never flown into Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA), you should know it’s the "chill" alternative to the chaos of Sky Harbor. It’s mostly Allegiant and Sun Country. Because the airport is smaller, the hotel feels more like a community hub for the Southeast Valley—Mesa, Gilbert, and Queen Creek—than a transit station.
You’re basically at the corner of Power and Williams Field Roads. This puts you right next to the ASU Polytechnic campus. If you’re visiting a student or doing business with the university, this is the only spot that makes sense.
The Shuttle Situation
Don't make the mistake of thinking the shuttle is a magic carpet that goes everywhere in Phoenix. It doesn't.
📖 Related: The Gwen Luxury Hotel Chicago: What Most People Get Wrong About This Art Deco Icon
- The Radius: It covers about a 5-mile (or 8km) radius.
- The Airport: It’s a 24-hour service to AZA, but you really need to reserve your spot. Don't just walk downstairs and expect the van to be idling.
- Local Drops: It’ll take you to local spots, which is great because Uber prices in this part of the valley can get surprisingly steep during peak hours.
What’s Actually Inside the Rooms?
The Four Points Mesa Gateway has 134 rooms. They aren't trying to be the Ritz, but they aren't budget motels either. They use what Marriott calls their "latest generation of design," which basically means lots of clean lines and less of that 1990s floral carpet look.
I've noticed a few things that people either love or complain about in their reviews. The beds are the "Four Points Signature" ones—pretty plush, honestly. Every room has a microwave and a fridge. That sounds like a small detail until you’re staring at a $15 airport sandwich and realize you could’ve just heated up leftovers from the night before.
Room Tips
- The View: Ask for a "Golf View" room. If you face the parking lot, you’re just looking at cars. If you face the course, you get the mountains. It’s a no-brainer.
- Noise: Some guests have mentioned thin walls. If you’re a light sleeper, ask for a room away from the elevators. The hum of the machinery can be annoying at 2:00 AM.
- Connectivity: The Wi-Fi is free and generally fast enough for a Zoom call, which isn't always a given in airport-adjacent properties.
Dining at Gegus: Not Your Typical Hotel Food
The onsite restaurant is called Gegus. It serves American fare—burgers, salads, the usual suspects. But because this property is owned by the Gila River Indian Community, you’ll see some subtle Native American-inspired decor.
The best part of Gegus isn’t the menu; it’s the patio. Sitting out there for happy hour while the sun goes down over Toka Sticks is actually... nice? Like, actually "I'm on vacation" nice, not "I'm stuck at the airport" nice.
They do a cooked-to-order breakfast, but keep in mind it’s usually not free unless you have specific Marriott Bonvoy status or booked a specific package. It'll run you somewhere between $10 and $18. If you're on a budget, there’s a Starbucks and a Macayo’s Mexican Food inside the actual airport terminal just a couple minutes away.
👉 See also: What Time in South Korea: Why the Peninsula Stays Nine Hours Ahead
The Business and Event Side of Things
If you're here for work, you're probably heading to one of the four meeting rooms. They have about 4,500 square feet of space total. The largest indoor room, Hasan (Cactus), fits about 95 people, but they also have a massive 4,200-square-foot outdoor lawn.
I've seen people host weddings here. At an airport hotel? Yeah. Because of the golf course backdrop, it actually works. It’s way cheaper than the resorts in Scottsdale but offers a similar desert-chic aesthetic for photos.
Real Talk: The Pros and Cons
Let’s be intellectually honest here. No hotel is perfect.
The Good:
- Proximity: You can practically throw a rock and hit the terminal.
- The Pool: It’s heated and outdoors. Arizona sun is no joke, so having a place to soak is essential.
- Pet Friendly: They allow up to two pets, though there is a $75 fee per stay.
- Parking: It’s $10 a night for self-parking, but they have "Park and Fly" deals where you can leave your car for a few days if you’re flying out.
The Not-So-Good:
✨ Don't miss: Where to Stay in Seoul: What Most People Get Wrong
- Service Speed: Sometimes the front desk gets slammed when a big flight lands, and wait times can creep up.
- Toiletries: A few travelers have complained that the provided soaps/shampoos are a bit basic. If you have a specific hair routine, bring your own stuff.
- Limited Late-Night Food: The kitchen usually closes around 10:00 PM. If your flight gets in at midnight, you’re looking at vending machines or a long Uber drive for Taco Bell.
Managing Your Stay at Four Points Mesa Gateway
If you’re planning to stay at the Four Points Mesa Gateway, don't just wing it.
First, check if you’re a Marriott Bonvoy member. Even the lowest tier can sometimes get you a later checkout or a better room. Second, if you're golfing, book your tee times in advance at Toka Sticks. The course gets busy, especially in the winter months when the "Snowbirds" descend on Arizona.
Also, be aware of the season. In March, prices can spike to over $200 because of Spring Training and the perfect weather. In June? You might find a room for $120 because it’s 115 degrees outside.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
To get the most out of your stay at this specific property, follow these three steps:
- Reserve the Shuttle Early: Call the front desk at 480-579-2100 as soon as you have your flight info. Don't wait until you land.
- Request the North Side: Rooms on the north side of the building generally offer the best views of the golf course and are slightly further from the main road noise.
- Confirm the Park and Fly: If you intend to leave your car while you travel, call ahead to verify the "Park and Fly" rate. It usually includes three nights of parking, with a $7 daily fee after that, which is often cheaper than the airport’s own long-term lots.
The Four Points Mesa Gateway serves a very specific purpose. It’s for the golfer who wants to play until dusk, the student visiting ASU Poly, and the traveler who wants to wake up ten minutes before their gate opens. It isn't a luxury resort, but for a 3-star airport hotel, it punches well above its weight class.