Baseball Fans? There’s no other place to stay in town than the Sheraton Mesa Hotel, Wrigleyville West.
Someone at Sheraton had their thinking ‘cap’ on when they decided to build a Sheraton Hotel next to Sloan Park, the spring baseball training facility for the Chicago Cubs baseball team. The hotel is named in honour of the Cubs’ grounds in their home town, Wrigley Field. Not only does the owner of the Cubs have his own personal suite at the Sheraton Mesa Wrigleyville West, but many members of the team stay on the premises during spring training. Obviously, this is a real highlight for those guests who might be fans of baseball. This is also a popular hotel with locals and families during low season when prices are very reasonable.
The best news is that this part of Arizona boasts nearly 365 days of sunshine and gorgeous dry heat. This makes the hotel a superb base for outdoor activities, particularly in the winter when average temperatures are still very warm.
The large Riverview Lake is positioned to the front of the hotel’s entrance appearing delightfully cool in this very hot climate. There is also the Riverview Park nearby.
On entering the four-story hotel, guests will notice a distinctive open plan on the ground floor with a spacious, welcoming lobby. There is a separate waiting area on one side of the lobby featuring a large screen TV while the check-in kiosks/desks are situated on the right. Displayed on the wall on the right, next to the check-in desks, are snacks, drinks and a few generic supplies that can be purchased. Down the hall to the left is the sympathetically decorated Mexican Restaurant (La Plancha) and there is a large Sports Bar and Restaurant named Stats just a few steps away from the entrance. A cordoned off section beyond the lobby and next to Stats is set up as a quasi-Business Centre, though it is far too noisy to function as such.
The well-appointed rooms (there are 180) are roomy and comfortable though I found the colour palette slightly too subtle (verging on anaemic) for my taste. The décor could have been a bit more interesting; but, the beds are very comfortable indeed. There was an area nearly the size of a small living room for a couch, coffee table and large desk. The thing I found annoying though, was that my phone was not charged, and it was an inconvenience to have to go down to the lobby to make a request.
There is also a poolside bar and grill as well as three swimming pools, Jacuzzi and a gym. On the third floor, the Sheraton Club is the venue for VIP guests and is open 24 hours. The club serves breakfast from 6:00am and there is a happy hour in the afternoon. No staff were present when I visited in the evening, but it was possible to serve yourself coffee, tea or a snack.
A shuttle service provides transfers to the airport and to nearby shopping from the Sheraton Mesa.
I am a bit dismayed at the trend in some U.S. hotels of eliminating bell boys (baggage personnel) and concierge staff. I think for first timers, in particular, and for international travellers who might have heavy luggage, this is a policy that should be thought through more carefully.
The Details
Sheraton Mesa Hotel at Wrigleyville West, 860 North Riverview, Mesa, Arizona, 85201, USA
Tel: +1(480) 664-1221
Website: www.marriott.com
The hotel is a 20-minute drive east (7 miles) from Phoenix Sky Harbour International Airport (PHX) on Hwy 202 and free on-site parking is available. There is also a complimentary airport shuttle service operating Monday to Sunday from 5:30am to 11:00pm.
Type of Hotel: 4-Star Hotel
Number of Rooms: 180 rooms and suites including complimentary Wi-Fi.
Price Band: Low to Medium depending on the season.
Insider Tip: Take a short drive to Goldfield Mine, a re-constructed 1890s gold rush town, for a taste of the Wild West and grab a bite at Tortilla Flats while in the vicinity.
Reviewer’s Rating: 7/10
Author Bio:
Lynn Houghton is a Travel Writer and Photographer based in London.
Photographs courtesy of Visit Mesa and by Lynn Houghton
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