RISE Uptown

RISE Uptown, Scottsdale Phoenix: A Vibrant Mid-Century Modern Escape with Michelin Recognition

RISE Uptown in Scottsdale Phoenix stands out as a Michelin Key Selected property, lauded for its vibrant energy, distinctive mid-century modern design, and lively atmosphere. This boutique hotel offers a refreshing and stylish experience, drawing guests into a world of curated comfort and engaging amenities.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for RISE Uptown is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently praising its unique charm, cleanliness, and trendy appeal. Michelin Guide guests have given it an impressive "Overall Experience" score of 18.2 out of 20, with high marks for cleanliness (18.6), rooms (18.3), and services (17.9). Other platforms show similarly strong ratings, with an average of 8.5 out of 10 from over 400 reviews on Priceline and 8.7 out of 10 on Booking.com. Many describe it as the "nicest boutique hotel in Phoenix" and "super fun, friendly, and trendy."

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently rave about several key aspects of RISE Uptown:

• Design & Atmosphere: The hotel is celebrated for its imaginative, bright, and colorful mid-century modern aesthetic, which is carried throughout the renovated buildings, rooms, and public spaces. The "hipster, 60's contemporary vibe" is a major draw.
• Pool & Courtyard: The pool area, featuring the Lylo Swim Club, is considered the social heart of the hotel and is frequently highlighted as "really nice" and having a "great vibe."
• Unique Amenities: Guests love the complimentary popsicles upon check-in from The Pop Stand, the in-room record players (available upon request), and the vinyl record library. The rooftop bar, Don Woods' Say When, also offers stunning views and is a popular spot.
• Pet-Friendly: The hotel is dog-friendly, which is a significant plus for many travelers.

3. Room Quality

The 79 rooms at RISE Uptown are described as modern, comfortable, and filled with natural light. They are refreshingly stylish and full of thoughtful comforts, ranging from cozy Mini rooms to more expansive Balcony + Firepit options. In-room amenities include king beds outfitted in 100% Egyptian cotton, spacious tile showers, LATHER bath amenities, Apple TV, and mini-fridges with complimentary water. Some rooms also feature private outdoor spaces with fire pits or balconies, offering opportunities for stargazing or enjoying pool views. While generally praised for cleanliness and comfort, some guests have noted stained chairs/curtains and minor imperfections in concrete floors. Soundproofing can also be an issue if located across from the restaurant.

4. Dining Experience

RISE Uptown offers a diverse and "experiential" dining and drink scene:

• Lylo Swim Club: This poolside bar and restaurant serves Mexican-inspired coastal cuisine, ideal for its vibrant setting. Guest feedback indicates the food at the pool is "really good."
• Don Woods' Say When: The rooftop cocktail lounge provides 270-degree views of Uptown Phoenix, offering bespoke cocktails and chef-crafted bar bites.
• Cartel Coffee Lab/Roasting Co.: A highly regarded coffee shop on campus, offering robust coffee, fresh-baked goods, and grab-and-go meals.
• The Pop Stand: This upscale popsicle stand, a unique feature, offers paleta-style treats made with fresh fruit and even alcoholic options, with guests receiving a complimentary popsicle at check-in.

5. Service & Staff

Guest feedback on service and staff is generally positive, with many describing staff as "friendly," "accommodating," "kind," and "wonderful." Bartenders, in particular, receive praise for their excellent customer service. However, there have been "significant complaints about the service," particularly regarding unhelpful staff at check-in who failed to provide essential information about hotel amenities like popsicles, record players, or in-room provisions.

6. Location & Accessibility

The hotel is strategically located in Uptown Phoenix on Camelback Road, nestled within adapted mid-century buildings and flanked by "hip local shops and eateries." While described as an urban area, guests appreciate being able to walk to restaurants and shops. It's approximately 7.5 miles from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and about 5 miles from attractions like Copper Square and the Phoenix Convention Center. The Heard Museum is also nearby, about 3 miles away. Public transport options, including the light rail system and bus stations, are easily accessible. However, some guests noted that the location might require 20-30 minute drives to reach many desired attractions.

7. Value & Pricing

RISE Uptown is considered a "great place for the price" by some guests and offers "exceptional value" with an impressive 10.0 score for value on some platforms. Nightly rates can range significantly based on room type and dates, starting from around $72 for a standard room and going up to over $300 for deluxe or executive rooms. The option to add a food and beverage credit at a discount is also available. A deposit of one night's room and tax is typically taken at the time of booking, and a resort fee may apply.

8. Common Complaints

While largely positive, some recurring issues and criticisms have been noted:

• Service Inconsistencies: The most significant complaints often revolve around initial check-in experiences, where guests felt staff were unhelpful or failed to provide essential information about hotel amenities.
• Hot Water Issues: Some guests have reported problems with getting hot water, particularly on the third floor.
• Room Maintenance: Minor issues like stained chairs/curtains and rough concrete floor patches have been mentioned.
• Noise: Rooms located across from the restaurant can be subject to noise until closing.
• Lack of In-Room Coffee/Tea: Some guests were surprised that rooms did not include complimentary tea, coffee, or water beyond the initial bottled water, with sparkling water being expensive.
• Location for Some Attractions: While central to local shops, some popular tourist destinations may require a longer drive.
• No On-site Gym: There is no gym directly on-site, though an LA Fitness is nearby.

Sources

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