Downtown Phoenix attracts millions of visitors each year. Travelers and residents come for major events such as the Super Bowl and March Madness, concerts, conventions or to enjoy the many, many retail, dining and entertainment opportunities housed within the heart of the city. There to welcome locals and out-of-state visitors is the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown.  

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Service with smiles

Even amidst scorching, triple digits and an influx of departing eventgoers, Sheraton Phoenix Downtown’s ecosystem runs flawlessly. During a recent stay, our BOSW team was able to see firsthand how the collective departments of the property matched the vibrancy of the downtown region during a mass exodus of checkouts and steady flow of check-ins. Everyone remained on their toes and in best service posture, despite the weather and activity. From valet and front desk to food and housekeeping, this staff is on point. 

Stay. Meet. Play

Above and beyond the pristine customer service consistent of Sheraton Phoenix Downtown the times we’ve visited the location, what’s fascinating about this particular property is its eclectic patronage. In addition to meetings and events guests, business people, airline employees, families, couples and friend groups filtered through all areas of the hotel. This clearly demonstrates the versatility and mass appeal of this particular property.

As for “all areas,” there are many of which to explore. The property’s outdoor pool (with bar service) is located on the fourth floor of the highrise. Every Saturday through Labor Day (Sept. 2), guests can experience pool floats, live music or a DJ from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., as well as weekly food and beverage specials. 

We highly recommend the street tacos with Sonoran fried rice, Navajo tacos with a choice of beef, chicken or vegan chorizo or a crisp Caesar salad with shrimp or chicken. Those looking for a refreshing cocktail or mocktail can turn to Beverage Manager Tim Smith to recommend and curate the perfect concoction. 

The hotel lobby provides plenty of spaces to relax, read a book, squeeze in a bit of work (if one must) and connect with friends or coworkers. Of course the guest rooms of Sheraton Downtown are spacious, cozy and many boast beautiful views of the cityscape.

Carcara mood and food

One of Sheraton Phoenix Downtown’s true gems is Carcara, the onsite restaurant that opens its Citrus Grove Patio for al fresco dining and a window to bustling downtown. The food and service here are impeccable. A year ago, we had the pleasure of meeting Tony McMahon,  a now “semi retired,” long-time food and beverage restaurant general manager with a passion for excellent service. Although not currently with the property, it’s clear that McMahon set the precedent for quality and service that lives on today. 

Our Carcara server, Berkley, was at the ready to make sure we had a clear purview and understanding of the menu. We started with the White Bean Lemon Soup with basil oil and micro celery with just enough heat to make things interesting. For mains, the Fork Tender Short Rib atop elote con leche, fresno chimichurri and straw potatoes and the Pan Seared Striped Bass served with summer squash, toy box tomatoes and sugar snap pea succotash, basil-lemon butter are magnificent. 

Now, here’s where Berkley and Tony (from behind the scenes) really knocked our socks off. The desserts — oh the desserts! We couldn’t get enough of the Sour Cherry Crisp complete with oat streusel and peach gelato; the Red Velvet Gateaux made of red velvet cake, cream cheese mousse, raspberry mousse, passion fruit and raspberries; and the light Sorbet Trio featuring trawberry-rhubarb, kiwi-ginger and peach-thyme flavors. 

&More

The next morning, we enjoyed rich, bold lattes and chai teas from &More (just off the Sheraton’s lobby), served by sweet-natured baristas Amelie and Elly. With the little room left in our stomachs from Carara the night before, we enjoyed delicious avocado toast and received an impromptu visit from the enigmatic Berkley to close out our stay. 

This property is a hands-down, must-stay for those looking to soak up all that Downtown Phoenix has to offer.

Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Deals and Steals

Explore the heart of downtown Phoenix and enjoy the perfect summer cool down with Sheraton Phoenix Downtown’s Stay & Sip: Urban Summer Retreat Package, complete with overnight accommodations, a Supergoop! sunscreen kit filled with the brand’s favorite products, a bucket of local seltzers and a 4 p.m. late check-out. The 1,003-room hotel offers a contemporary destination featuring thoughtful amenities, modern lodging and a first-rate location, conveniently within walking distance from the Phoenix Convention Center, Footprint Center, Arizona State University, the Mayo Clinic, Arizona Mills Mall and more. After a busy day in Phoenix, retreat to the hotel’s pool terrace to soak in the sunshine and downtown views before delighting in Sonoran-inspired fare at Carcara. Book here.

Now through Labor Day, Sheraton Phoenix Downtown is offering Summer Pool Party Saturdays from Noon-4pm. These events are open to all ages, and guests and locals alike are invited to enjoy live music, DJs, and a wide variety of food and beverage offerings from a weekly rotating menu with delicious bites and seasonal agua fresca. This rotation includes:

• Build Your Own Chicken Taquitos Station | Chips, Salsa, Guacamole, Pico, Sour Cream, Hot Sauces
• Build your Own Nachos Station | Shredded Chicken, Roasted Vegetables, Cheese Sauce, Traditional Accompaniments
• Taco Bar | Beef Machaca, Shredded Chicken, Corn and Flour Tortillas, Traditional Accompaniments
• Quesadillas | Shrimp and Three Cheese, Shredded Lettuce, Pico de Gallo, Salsa, Guacamole, Hot Sauces
• Sonoran Hot Dogs | Crumbled Bacon, Guacamole, Pinto Beans, Crema, Pico de Gallo, Cotija Cheese

Beverage specials will also be available on a weekly rotation, and highlights include frozen margaritas, micheladas, and a paloma and sangria bar! 

*Pool Party entry is free for hotel guests and also be available on ResortPass starting at $25/person.