Some places to stay are simply somewhere to sleep. Others have a story. City Center Downtown, at 600 W. Van Buren St. in Phoenix, Arizona, has been part of the city since 1959. Today it combines that mid-century heritage with the modern comforts travelers expect.
As our website puts it, at City Center, every stay tells a story. This guide shares the story of our historic motel in downtown Phoenix: how it was recognized, what it is like to stay here now, and why it makes a convenient, affordable base for exploring the Valley of the Sun.
City Center Downtown at a Glance
- Built: 1959
- Recognition: Awarded by Phoenix Historic Preservation and the City of Phoenix
- Honored for: Stewardship of a Mid Century Marvel
- Address: 600 W. Van Buren St., Phoenix, AZ 85003
- Phone: +1 (602) 252-1706
- Check-in / check-out: 2 PM / 11 AM
A Mid-Century Marvel Since 1959
City Center Downtown was built in 1959, during an era when travelers across the Southwest were discovering Phoenix. More than six decades later, it still welcomes business travelers, families and visitors who want to experience the heart of the city.
Recognized for Stewardship
City Center has been awarded by Phoenix Historic Preservation and the City of Phoenix. The motel takes pride in being honored and recognized for its stewardship of a Mid Century Marvel. That recognition reflects a commitment to caring for a building that is part of Phoenix’s story, rather than replacing it.
For guests, it means you are not staying in just another generic property. You are staying in a mid-century motel in Phoenix that the city itself has recognized.
Why Mid-Century Stays Feel Different
There is something memorable about staying somewhere with history. A mid-century property gives your trip a sense of place. It is a reminder of how Phoenix has grown, and a chance to experience a piece of that history firsthand while you explore the modern city around it.
Heritage Meets Modern Comfort
A historic setting does not mean old-fashioned comfort. City Center Downtown pairs its 1959 story with updated rooms and practical amenities.
Inside the Rooms
Our rooms are spacious and highly functional, with amenities designed to make your stay in Phoenix memorable. You will find:
- Sophisticated granite countertops
- New furniture
- In-room air conditioning units
- A refrigerator, microwave and coffee maker
- Free cable TV
- Free Wi-Fi
The Single Queen Bed Room welcomes you with a homelike ambience and a cozy, inviting Serta queen size bed.
Amenities for Today’s Traveler
Beyond the room, City Center offers the conveniences modern travelers rely on:
- An electric vehicle charging station
- Free parking for all guests
- A 24-hour reception desk
- A business center
- Laundry services
- A pet-friendly policy
An EV charging station at a 1959 motel is a fitting example of old meeting new. You can charge your car while staying in a recognized mid-century building.
An Accessible Stay in a Historic Setting
City Center Downtown strives to meet every guest’s accessibility needs. Our non-smoking ADA guest room comes with a queen bed and a private bathroom with a 36-inch door, a roll-in shower, shower grab bars, an adjustable hand-held shower wand, a portable shower seat, and a raised toilet seat with grab bars. The bedroom is wheelchair accessible, with closet rods at wheelchair height, and the room includes a TV with closed-caption capability, an iron and ironing board, a refrigerator and a hairdryer.
Accessible amenities across the property include accessible self-parking, an accessible front desk, accessible guest room doorways with 36-inch clear width, an accessible public entrance and an accessible route to accessible guest rooms.
Your Downtown Phoenix Base
City Center is set in the heart of Phoenix, so you can explore what the city has to offer conveniently. It is an affordable downtown Phoenix hotel option for business travelers and families alike.
Walk to Concerts, Museums and Events
According to our website, many favorites are within walking distance, including The Van Buren, Crescent Ballroom, Orpheum Theatre Phoenix and Phoenix Civic Space Park. You can also catch a Phoenix Suns or Phoenix Mercury game nearby.
Other distances listed on our attractions page include:
- Phoenix Convention Center: 0.9 miles
- Arizona Science Center: 1.1 miles
- Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum: 1.6 miles
- Phoenix Art Museum: 1.8 miles
The Heard Museum, with its cultural and fine art collections, is another nearby favorite.
Nearby Dining
When it is time to eat, our attractions page highlights local favorites such as Matt’s Big Breakfast, Hanny’s Restaurant, Pomo Pizzeria Napoletana, CIBO Pizza Restaurant and Short Leash Hotdogs.
When to Visit and How to Book
You can visit Phoenix throughout the year, but our FAQs note that the most suitable time is November to April.
Booking is easy:
- Visit our website and select Book Now to check availability.
- Choose your room and dates.
- Call (602) 252-1706 with questions, special requests or group bookings.
Cancellations require notice 24 hours prior to your booking. Our team can walk you through the process by phone.
Conclusion
City Center Downtown is more than an affordable place to stay. Built in 1959 and recognized by Phoenix Historic Preservation and the City of Phoenix, it is a 1959 motel in Phoenix, AZ with a story worth being part of. Today, that heritage comes with granite countertops, new furniture, free Wi-Fi, free parking, an EV charging station and a 24-hour reception desk, all in the heart of downtown Phoenix.
Ready to stay in a piece of Phoenix history? Book your room at City Center Downtown online, or call +1 (602) 252-1706. We look forward to welcoming you to our Mid Century Marvel.
FAQs
When was City Center Downtown built?
City Center Downtown was built in 1959 and is located at 600 W. Van Buren St., Phoenix, AZ 85003.
What recognition has City Center Downtown received?
City Center has been awarded by Phoenix Historic Preservation and the City of Phoenix, and is honored for its stewardship of a Mid Century Marvel.
What modern amenities does the motel offer?
Guests enjoy free Wi-Fi, free cable TV, a coffee maker, a refrigerator and microwave, granite countertops, new furniture, in-room air conditioning, free parking, an EV charging station and a 24-hour reception desk.
Is City Center Downtown pet-friendly?
Yes. City Center Downtown is a pet-friendly motel.
What are the check-in and check-out times?
Check-in is at 2 PM and check-out is at 11 AM.
