Days Hotel by Wyndham Mesa Near Phoenix

The hotel is fairly nondescript, but within the bounds of what travelers familiar with the Days brand will expect. Interiors have a distinct Western style, with bull horns over the front desk and an adobe-style fireplace in a small seating area off the lobby. It’s an airy space with a high wooden ceiling, but the beige tile floors and worn red carpeting are dated. The property's lovely landscaping includes a scattering of palm trees that surround the large outdoor pool. Overall, it's a good value offering a decent set of convenient features, and guests include everyone from businesspeople to vacationing families.

The hotel sits off a main road near I-60, behind a Starbucks and a Waffle House and surrounded by other chain restaurants. The area is walkable, though not exactly scenic. Golfland Sunsplash, a family-friendly amusement and waterpark is a 10-minute walk from here or a two-minute drive. It’s about a 10-minute drive to downtown Mesa, where guests will find restaurants and museums, including the Arizona Museum of Natural History and the Mesa Arts Center. The Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is about a 20-minute drive, while Phoenix can be reached in 30 minutes.

The 120 rooms are spacious and clean, with dull, chainlike decor that's a bit dated, consisting of blue carpeting and simple dark wood furniture. It's the upholstery and soft furnishings that really give everything its unintentionally vintage look, with busy '90s patterns in heavy drapery and chairs. Generic abstract art hangs in thick frames on the beige walls. Guests have complained that pillows are too soft and flat, and when we visited beds were made with no more than three pillows -- a strange number for beds that ostensibly sleep two people each. Narrow bathrooms have long granite vanities with hairdryers and curtained shower/tub combos -- we did spot just a bit of rust around some fixtures. In most rooms, a small nook by the bathroom houses a mini-fridge, microwave, and coffeemaker. Suites have separate kitchenettes with small sinks, coffeemakers, mini-fridges, and microwaves. All rooms have flat-screen TVs, safes, free Wi-Fi, irons, and ironing boards. There have been some complaints about noise from inside and outside of the hotel.

Features here are standard for most Days brand hotels, but most are nonetheless nice to have. A free buffet breakfast includes items such as scrambled eggs and is served in a large dining room -- most guests like the variety that's on offer. The hotel has a large outdoor pool and hot tub surrounded by palm trees plus a few tables and chairs. A small carpeted fitness room offers a handful of cardio machines, though it's not open around the clock. The business center houses a desktop computer and printer, and Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. There's also a small conference room. Pets are allowed with a small daily fee.