You're heading to the desert to see the Red Sea in person. Exciting, right? But here is the thing: if you think booking a room near State Farm Stadium is as simple as clicking the first "cheap" link on a travel site, you're probably going to end up walking three miles in the Arizona heat or stuck in a parking lot for two hours.
I’ve seen it happen. People book a "Glendale" hotel only to realize they are actually twenty minutes away in a spot that has zero gameday vibe. If you want to actually enjoy the trip, you have to understand the layout of the Westgate Entertainment District. It's the heartbeat of the area.
The "Step Out the Door" Reality
Honestly, if you want to be close enough to smell the grass, you have only a few real options. The Renaissance Phoenix Glendale Hotel & Spa is the big player here. It’s basically on top of the stadium. You can walk from your room to the entrance in about five to seven minutes. It’s fancy, sure, but on gameday, you’re paying for the privilege of not touching your car.
Then you’ve got Aloft Glendale at Westgate. It’s trendy. It’s got that "W Hotel Lite" feel with the W XYZ bar that gets absolutely packed after a win. If you’re looking for a quiet, zen-like retreat, this isn't it. It's loud, it's social, and it's right in the middle of the bars and restaurants.
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Where the Value Actually Is
Most people sleep on the cluster of Hilton properties just a block further back. Hampton Inn & Suites Phoenix Glendale-Westgate and Home2 Suites by Hilton Glendale-Westgate are tucked just behind the main drag.
They’re usually $50 to $100 cheaper than the Renaissance.
You still walk.
It’s about 10 minutes.
The Home2 Suites is actually better for groups because the rooms have those little kitchenettes. You can stock up on Gatorade and snacks at the nearby Target and save a fortune on stadium concessions.
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The New Kid on the Block (and the Delays)
We have to talk about VAI Resort. It’s the massive $1.2 billion project sitting right across from the stadium. For a long time, the rumors said it would be open by now. As of early 2026, it's still the "coming soon" giant of the neighborhood. When it fully opens, it’ll be the largest hotel in Arizona with over 1,100 rooms and a freaking Mattel Adventure Park.
For now? It’s a construction marvel to look at while you walk to the game. Don't count on booking a room there for the current season unless you see an official ribbon-cutting announcement.
The Budget Survival Guide
If the Westgate prices make your eyes water—and they will during a playoff run or a major concert—you have to look toward 99th Avenue or Avondale.
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- Holiday Inn Glendale - Stadium & Ent Dist: This is a solid choice. It's about a 15-20 minute walk. It sounds long, but compared to the $30-50 parking fees at the stadium, that walk is basically paying you.
- Comfort Suites Glendale: Located on Camelback Road. It’s clean, it’s reliable, and it’s usually the first place to have "reasonable" rates when everything else is sold out.
- Staybridge Suites: Great for longer stays, but it fills up fast with corporate travelers and stadium staff.
Avoiding the "Glendale" Trap
Here is the expert tip: "Glendale" is huge.
A hotel on Bell Road might say it's in Glendale, but it's actually 20 minutes north near the Arrowhead Mall. That’s great for shopping, but it’s a nightmare for Cardinals games. You’ll be fighting Loop 101 traffic with 60,000 other people.
If the address doesn't start with a 95th Ave or 91st Ave location near Westgate, you aren't "near" the stadium in any way that matters on a Sunday morning.
Final Pro Tips for Your Stay
- Book 6 months out: I’m not joking. The moment the NFL schedule drops, these rooms vanish.
- Check the Desert Diamond Arena schedule: Sometimes a massive concert happens the night before a game. If that's the case, hotels near cardinals stadium in glendale az will be triple the price.
- Use the rideshare zones: If you stay further out, don't try to get dropped off at the stadium gates. Have your driver hit the Tanger Outlets and walk the rest of the way. You'll save 30 minutes of sitting in a car doing nothing.
Essentially, you have to decide if you want to spend your money on the room or your time in traffic. Staying at Westgate is an investment in your sanity.
Your Next Steps
Check the current Arizona Cardinals schedule and cross-reference it with the event calendar at Westgate. Once you have your dates, prioritize the Hilton cluster (Tru, Home2, or Hampton) for the best balance of price and proximity before the "stadium-adjacent" surcharge kicks in.