Lodging in Phoenix is ruled by the big chains and resorts. If you’re hoping to find something a bit more distinctive and independent, expect to pay for it accordingly. The best time to find bargains is in summer, when nearly every big hotel and resort slashes its prices to attract business to the infernal desert. Year-round deals can be found in Tempe, in the East Valley, where there are a few independent hotels that offer a nice room for a fair price.

$50–100

Metcalf House Hostel

(1026 North 9th Street, 602/254-9803, http://home.earthlink.net/~phxhostel/, $18–25 dorm room, $30–45 private room)

The best deal in town is the Metcalf House Hostel, but you really have to be a hostel kind of person to enjoy it. You can stay in a dorm room or pay extra for a private room, but you share the bathrooms and kitchen area. There’s a shady courtyard, coinoperated laundry, and a common area with a piano; the staff is friendly and laid-back, and the house is centrally located downtown. The hostel has no air-conditioning, and as a result is closed during July and August. You may find it too hot to sleep there in June and September as well.

The Budget Lodge Motel

(402 W. Van Buren, 602/254-7247, $45–89 day)

The Budget Lodge Motel is inexpensive and basic, though the neighborhood is a bit on the dodgy side.

$100–250

Hyatt Regency Phoenix

(122 N. 2nd St., 602/252-1234, www.hyatt.com, $139–289 day)

Downtown’s big, beautiful Hyatt Regency Phoenix is right in the beating heart of the city center, close to all the action. The towering hotel has three restaurants, an outdoor wading pool and hot tub, and comfortable, high-style rooms.

Hotel San Carlos

(202 N. Central Ave., 602/253-4121, www.hotelsancarlos.com, $98–240 day)

The most distinctive accommodation in the Valley is the historic Hotel San Carlos, located right downtown with a facade that brings back the golden-age of big city hotels. As it was with other historic Arizona hotels, the San Carlos, opened in 1928, was a favorite stop of Hollywood stars during the first half of the 20th century, and was one of the first high-rise hotels in the Southwest with full air-conditioning and electric elevators. The hotel now celebrates its glory days with themed rooms and memorabilia. The rooms are comfortable and chic, and the whole place has a kind of over-stuffed retro-cool ambiance that you’ll get nowhere else.

Embassy Suites Phoenix-Biltmore

(2630 E. Camelback Rd., 602/955-3992, www.embassysuites.com, $89–199 day)

Families should consider the Embassy Suites Phoenix-Biltmore, conveniently located along the central Camelback corridor and offering affordable suites with refrigerators, TVs, and a lot of space; amenities include a pool and hot tub, free made-to-order breakfast, and a complimentary cocktail hour every night.

Over $250

Wyndham Phoenix Hotel

(50 E. Adams St., 602/333-0000, www.wyndham.com, $280–449 day)

The Wyndham Phoenix Hotel is downtown’s biggest and nicest high-rise, right in the middle of everything and offering spacious, tasteful rooms—style, elegance, and haute comfort galore.

The Ritz-Carlton

(2401 E. Camelback Rd., 602/468-0700, www.ritzcarlton.com, $349–429 day)

The Ritz-Carlton along the Camelback Corridor is a gorgeous hotel with large, comfortable rooms and great views of the mountains and valley. It has all the amenities one would expect for the price, including a truly spectacular pool area.