At the Aloft chain, a budget wing of über-hip W hotels, you get a high-ceilinged room with big windows and modern decor. It’s tucked in between the north bank of the Gila River and the 202 highway on the far eastern edge of ASU proper, so you’re not going to be walking to any ASU meetings, and remember that parking at ASU is something of a hassle. But it is the most interesting place to stay if you’re doing work at the university’s research park, SkySong, 2 miles north up Scottsdale Road. Aloft has a LEED certification and offers special amenities for kids (goodie bags, special kid bedding, a splash pool).