You’ve seen the photos online. Those crisp, edited shots of a beige building against a deep blue Arizona sky. It looks like every other Marriott property you’ve ever scrolled past, but honestly, staying at SpringHill Suites Phoenix North is a bit of a rollercoaster right now.
If you are looking for a sterile, cookie-cutter luxury experience, this isn't it. This is a hotel in the middle of a massive neighborhood identity crisis. Located right off the I-17 at the 9425 N Black Canyon Highway spot, it sits on the edge of what used to be the iconic Metrocenter Mall—a place that's currently being scraped away to make room for a massive multi-billion dollar redevelopment project.
The Weird Reality of the Location
Most people book here because it's "North Phoenix." They think they're getting the quiet suburban vibe of North Mountain or the upscale polish of Scottsdale. Basically, you’re in the trenches of Phoenix's urban evolution.
One side of the hotel faces the freeway, which hums with that constant 2:00 AM white noise of semi-trucks. The other side? It overlooks the new light rail extension. Honestly, the light rail is a game-changer. It literally just opened a station right behind the property, meaning you can skip the $40 Uber and ride into downtown for a few bucks. But the area is gritty. You’ll see some "urban pioneers" and a fair share of folks experiencing homelessness nearby. It’s not "dangerous" in a scary way, but it is "real city" in a way that surprises families expecting a resort.
The "Suite" Setup (and the Maintenance Mystery)
The rooms are actually huge. That’s the SpringHill brand promise, right? You get that West Elm-inspired trundle sofa and a desk that’s actually big enough to work on.
- The Layout: It's a studio setup. You have a "living" area separated from the bed by a half-wall or a frosted glass divider.
- The Kitchenette: Don't get your hopes up for a stove. It's a "wet bar" situation—microwave, small fridge, and a sink. Perfect for leftover tacos from Mi Amigo’s down the street, but you aren't cooking a five-course meal here.
- The Condition: Here is the kicker. Some guests get a room that feels fresh and renovated (there was a major refresh back in 2017/2018), while others end up in a suite where the carpet is definitely seeing its last days. It’s a gamble.
If you’re a light sleeper, ask for a room on the East side, away from the I-17. The freeway noise is no joke if you’re sensitive to it.
The Breakfast Situation: A Tale of Two Hotels
Usually, you get a free hot breakfast. Eggs, those little sausage patties that look exactly the same in every Marriott in America, and a DIY waffle station.
But here’s a weird quirk people keep reporting: sometimes, the breakfast isn’t even in the building. Because the property is managed alongside the Courtyard next door, they occasionally consolidate. You might have to walk across the parking lot to the "sister" hotel to get your morning caffeine fix. Is it a dealbreaker? Probably not. Is it annoying when it’s 105 degrees at 9:00 AM? Definitely.
Why People Actually Stay Here
Despite the grit, this place stays busy. Why? Because it’s a strategic base.
If you’re visiting Grand Canyon University (GCU), you’re only about 10 minutes away. If you’re here for a tournament at the Rose Mofford Sports Complex, you’re basically next door. It’s also one of the few places where you can cram a family of five into one room without paying for a second suite, thanks to those pull-out trundle beds.
The Pool and Perks
The pool is outdoor and heated (well, theoretically heated—Arizona "heated" sometimes just means it’s not ice). It’s a decent spot to decompress after a day of driving, though the I-17 wall is right there.
- Parking: They do charge for parking now. It’s about $10-$15 a night depending on the season, which feels a bit cheeky given the neighborhood, but it’s becoming the standard in the Valley.
- WiFi: It’s free and actually decent. You can stream Netflix without the spinning wheel of death.
- Pet Policy: They’re pet-friendly. You’ll see plenty of people walking their dogs along the nearby canal path, though I wouldn't recommend walking too far after dark.
Is It Worth It?
It depends on your budget. If you find a rate under $140, it’s a solid value for the space you get. If the price creeps up toward $200 because there’s a spring training game or a concert at State Farm Stadium, you might start feeling like you aren't getting your money's worth.
The staff is usually the highlight. They’ve seen it all in this part of town and tend to be pretty "Phoenix-tough"—friendly, efficient, and honest about where you should (and shouldn't) go for dinner.
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Actionable Insights for Your Stay
If you’ve already booked or are about to hit "confirm," do these three things to make sure you don't hate your life:
- Call ahead and request a "High Floor, Non-Freeway Side" room. This is the difference between a good night's sleep and feeling like you're sleeping on the shoulder of a highway.
- Use the Light Rail. The station is literally right there. It’s the easiest way to get to a Diamondbacks game or a concert downtown without losing your mind in traffic.
- Check the "Hold" on your card. They take a standard incidental deposit (usually $50-$100). If you’re using a debit card, that money stays locked for a few days, so plan your gas money accordingly.