I stayed at the Residence Inn Phoenix Desert View, located next to the Mayo Clinic, over Thanksgiving weekend. My experience was second to none.
We arrived very late and check in was fast and courteous, despite the fact that it was after 1:00 am. I'm sure the person working behind the desk was tired, but you would never know that by the way we were treated.
My room was excellent. It was a large studio suite with a king bed. The kitchen was updated with stainless appliances and new-looking cabinets. Everything you could need was available in the kitchen. There was a desk, a chair and a pull out couch - plenty of room to relax and get some work done if necessary. Free in-room internet (wired) was convenient and worked well. The television was on a swivel so you could see it from anywhere in the room, including the bed. The large king bed had a firm mattress - not the most comfortable mattress I've ever slept on, but still good. The room was spotless - could not have been cleaner. The bathroom was not too large, but the double sink is located outside of the bathroom which gave some extra room.
This hotel offers free breakfast from 6 - 9 am. While I wish it was offered until 10, a little more convenient if you are on vacation and want to sleep in a bit, the breakfast itself was fantastic. There was a wide variety of foods - most of the breakfast staples (eggs, sausage, waffles, pancakes, cereals, bagels, etc.) and they had a special each morning as well (quiche, casserole, etc.) Best hotel breakfast I've eaten. Janet is the woman who runs the kitchen and she does a fabulous job. She's personable and goes out of her way to make sure that guests' needs are met. Even when she was working on Thanksgiving day, she was happy to be there - making sure we all had what we needed, that people knew when the food was going to be cleaned up and even made sure that the Thanksgiving Day parade was on the television.
On weekday evenings, there is a social hour with a complementary buffet. We did not take advantage of this, but what was available the one night we were there looked and smelled good.
I didn't use the pool or fitness rooms, but they were very nice and well maintained. The fitness room included several machines including treadmills and ellipticals. The outdoor area was comfortable with two firepits that were perfect for the cool night air. There was plenty of seating outside as well.
The hotel looks far more upscale than the rates. We paid $115 per night and the place looked like it could be worth twice that. The staff was very responsive and professional. Whenever you passed anyone they were quick to smile and say hello.
If I am in the Phoenix area again, I will be staying at this Residence Inn!