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If you like being able to walk to sights, shops, and restaurants, plan on staying in either the Downtown or University neighborhood. For a quieter but equally convenient base, opt for one of the charming B&Bs near the U of A campus.
The posh resorts, primarily situated in the Catalina Foothills and Northwest areas, although farther away from town, have many activities on-site, as well as some of Tucson's top-rated restaurants, golf courses, and spas; resort staff can arrange transportation to shopping and sights.
For a unique experience, you can check into one of several Southwestern-style dude ranches on the outskirts of town. If you’re seeking accommodations that can change your life, book a stay at one of Tucson's world-class health spas for pampering, serenity, and guidance for attaining an improved sense of well-being.
Summer rates (late May through September) are up to 60% lower than those in winter. Note that unless you book months in advance, you'll be hard-pressed to find a Tucson hotel room at any price the week before and during the huge gem and mineral show, which is held the first two weeks in February. Also, resorts typically charge an additional daily fee for "use of facilities," such as pools, tennis courts, and exercise classes and equipment, so be sure to ask what’s included when you book a room.
Although near the university and many sights, the beautifully landscaped lawns and gardens of this 1930 inn seem far from the hustle and bustle. The spacious rooms are spread over 14 acres in pink adobe-style casitas—most have private patios and some have fireplaces. The main building has a library (high tea is served here November to March), a fine-dining restaurant, and a cocktail lounge where a jazz pianist plays.
This is one of the most luxurious and prettiest of the big resorts, with dramatic stone architecture and an 80-foot waterfall cascading down the mountains. Rooms, facing either the Catalinas or the golf course and city, are modern and elegantly furnished in muted earth tones and light woods; each bathroom has a miniature flat-screen TV and a double-wide tub. Dining options range from poolside snacks at Bill's Grill to Southwestern cuisine at the Flying V Grill (try the fresh guacamole made table-side here). The scenic Ventana Canyon trailhead is steps away, and there's a free shuttle to nearby Sabino Canyon.
If you're seeking the convenience of Downtown with ultramodern style, vibe, and amenities, this Marriott boutique hotel fits the bill nicely.
Historic charm meets modern luxury in this beautifully renovated 1875 adobe home, walking distance to Downtown sights, dining, and nightlife. Enjoy the many inviting indoor and outdoor common areas, or hop on one of their complimentary bicycles to explore the charming Armory Park and Barrio Viejo neighborhoods. The Inn owner, an 8th generation Tucsonan and great-great-granddaughter of one of the city's founding pioneers, will happily share her tips on the best of Tucson.
This 32-acre hideaway in the Santa Catalina Foothills is a charming and more intimate alternative to the larger resorts, combining luxury with Southwestern character. Designed in classic Mexican hacienda style, this former finishing school for girls was converted to a guest ranch during World War II and attracted stars like Clark Gable, Katharine Hepburn, and Spencer Tracy. Expanded in recent years, the lodging options range from smaller, historic rooms, some with fireplaces and private porches, to spacious, newer rooms boasting private outdoor showers or views of the mountains and city lights.
A huge copper mural of cowboys and cacti and a wide view of the Santa Catalina Mountains grace the lobby of this friendly upscale golf and tennis resort. The property draws families and conventioneers, some taking advantage of low summer rates for the excellent sports facilities, the spa, and the pool complex with a 140-foot waterslide. Rooms are either in private one-bedroom casitas or in the main hotel building, and more than half of them have kiva-style fireplaces.
Perfect for groups or couples with differing ideas on how to spend a vacation, the friendly Omni Tucson National is both a premier golf resort and a full-service European-style spa, where you can be coiffed, waxed, and wrapped to your heart's content. With five restaurants to choose from, you may not even want to leave the property. Most of the rooms, although not technically suites, are spacious, with separate sitting areas. Some casitas have full kitchens and dining rooms.
The most upscale of Tucson's guest ranches and one of the oldest in the country, the Tanque Verde sits on 640 beautiful acres in the Rincon Mountains next to Saguaro National Park East. Rooms in one-story casitas have tasteful Western-style furnishings, fireplaces, and picture-window views of the desert. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffets are huge, and the spa will help remedy sore muscles. Horseback excursions are available for every skill level, and children can participate in daylong activity programs, leaving parents to their leisure. Frugal travelers seeking a ranch stay can get room-and-breakfast-only rates (with meals and riding as optional add-ons).
Popular with business travelers and families, this sprawling resort, with grand views of the Santa Catalina Mountains and the city below, specializes in relaxation, with an emphasis on fun. The huge pool complex has an impressively long waterslide, as well as a swim-up bar and grill for those who can't bear to leave the water. Kids' programs, including weekly "dive-in movies" during summer months, make for a vacation the whole family can enjoy.
