Omni Hotels & Resorts has broken ground on Omni Tempe Hotel at ASU, a 330-guestroom hotel, set to open in 2023, on the Arizona State University (ASU) campus.
The 16-story property is a $125-million investment and part of a public-private partnership with Arizona State University (ASU) and the City of Tempe. Downtown Tempe is thriving with attractions, businesses, residents and visitors, and Omni Tempe Hotel at ASU will be the incredible completion of an important downtown intersection.
Dan Surette, chief sales officer, Omni Hotels & Resorts, told Hotel Business exclusively that the hotel will be a games changer for Tempe, an area that is on the rise. “It’s going to have over 30,000 sq. ft. of [meeting] space,” he said. “We have a 15,000-sq.-ft. ballroom. The largest ballroom outside of that is 6,000 sq. ft. When we talked to ASU and we started working with them, our development team knew that they wanted a hotel there that could accommodate large numbers. So, having that size of ballroom for ASU events, meetings, conferences and social events galas, etc. I think it’s a game-changer for Tempe because they don’t have that space…”
The hotel is a public-private partnership. “We’ve worked very closely with the city,” he said. “There are certainly some tax benefits over time. But with the university, there’s a partnership as it relates to the land and the function space. With ASU, there’ll be an ongoing relationship where we will work very closely with them on events and so forth. We’ll partner with them to use our function space, as well as us using it as well so I think it’s going to be a really close relationship with ASU and Omni.”
The groundbreaking included Peter Strebel, president, Omni Hotel & Resorts; Tempe Mayor Corey Woods; ASU President Michael Crow; Regent Bill Ridenour; and John Creer, VP, real estate, ASU.
“The City of Tempe and ASU have created an excellent environment for students, visitors and locals, and we are thrilled to be a part of this exciting time of growth and change in the Tempe community,” said Strebel. “…We look forward to bringing an entirely new hospitality and meetings experience to the city that will further put Tempe on the map as a destination.”
“This hotel is not only a collaborative effort that will have a significant benefit to our community but this prominent corner will ultimately be developed into a thriving and bustling space, accessible to locals and visitors,” said Mayor Woods. “I look forward to the synergy that is created with the organizations, businesses, teams and families that will come to enjoy Omni in Tempe.”
Omni will develop the hotel in collaboration with a team including C+TC Design Studio Inc. (architect), Brasfield & Gorrie (general contractor) and Monogram at BBGM (interior design). The hotel will have 330 guestrooms, including 11 suites, four dining outlets, a pool deck and retail.
“Arizona State University is excited to partner with the City of Tempe in bringing a four-star hotel and conference center to the intersection of the ASU Tempe campus and downtown Tempe,” said Morgan R. Olsen, EVP/treasurer/CFO, ASU. “Omni Tempe Hotel at ASU will provide a world-class venue for visitors, and from our perspective, for convening scholars and experts on a wide range of topics that will enrich university and community life. We are very pleased to reach this milestone, and we are confident that Omni will deliver a great experience to the many visitors drawn to ASU and downtown Tempe, and serve as a great complement to our cultural and educational assets, shopping and entertainment venues and thriving businesses.”
Omni Tempe Hotel at ASU will be a lifestyle hotel, reflective of its natural surroundings and the unique local culture of Arizona:
- Design: The hotel’s design elements highlight Tempe’s local and cultural landscape, integrating ASU’s modern, industrial feel with Arizona’s rich desert hues. Contrasts of Arizona’s light and shadow create texture and patterns that will mingle with the hotel’s accents of concrete, leather, metal and natural materials. Other nods to the ASU campus can be found throughout the hotel, with abstract artwork of library books, artwork from local artists and alumni and library-esque tables in the lobby bar area.
- Culinary: With four culinary outlets planned, each outlet will serve unique and locally inspired cuisine. From a coffee bar that evolves into a cocktail bar by night, to a pool bar with views of the Tempe skyline, there are food and beverage offerings available all day to satisfy every palate. Guests and Tempe locals will also enjoy expansive views from the rooftop restaurant and lounge that will feature indoor and outdoor, covered space and bold design elements that celebrate the Arizona cityscape.
- Amenities: Guests will enjoy an elevated pool deck with a lounge and recreation space, a retail space with curated, authentically local goods and a state-of-the-art fitness center.
