Tucson has a good choice of accommodation, ranging from world-class resorts and spas in the foothills to dude ranches and fascinating historic inns.
Tucson is a popular tourist city and a convention and show location, and has accommodation of all kinds. Golfers head for the resorts and spas in the foothills, while city and culture lovers might want to stay downtown in one of the historic inns. There are also some very western places to stay, including the biggest dude ranch in Arizona.
Tanque Verde Ranch
This is the Tanque Verde Ranch, which has the biggest herd of riding horses in the state. It offers comfort cowboy-style, with riding lessons, guided hikes, painting classes, birdwatching, and other activities all included in the price. Its restaurant also serves superb South-Western and Mexican food, the likes of which no cowboy ever tasted. There are also cook-outs with live music, breakfast rides, a nature center where you can meet the local desert creatures, and an unrivalled location sharing a boundary with the Saguaro National Park East.
Hacienda Del Sol
The Hacienda Del Sol is a luxury inn located in the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains. It was built in 1929 and over the years visitors have included John Wayne and Clark Gable. You can also stay in the Casita Grande where lovers Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn had secret romantic meetings. In all there are 30 rooms, suites, and casitas discretely spread over 34 acres, and this intimate resort offers spa treatments, a pool, hot tub, horseback riding, a fitness center, and guided nature walks.
The Arizona Inn
Almost as old is The Arizona Inn, which opened in 1930 and has been in the same family ever since. It’s the perfect choice if you want to be closer to downtown museums, cinemas, shopping, or nightlife. The Inn has been included on many lists of the world’s top hotels, and it provides understated luxury with its casita-style rooms spread around 14 acres. It’s a surprisingly colorful yet quiet retreat in the heart of the city, and it has one of the most popular restaurants in Tucson for locals wanting a meal for a special occasion.
Resorts and Golf Courses
Although Tucson doesn’t have as many golf courses as Scottsdale and Phoenix, the ones that it does have are as good as any in Arizona. The best of them are in the foothills, attached to luxury spa resorts, with the added bonus of courses where you play to a backdrop of Southern Arizona‘s iconic saguaro cacti.
Westin La Paloma Resort and Spa
The Westin La Paloma Resort and Spa covers 250 acres in the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains, which form a natural boundary at the North-east of the city. It has its own spa, and a 27-hole Jack Nicklaus golf course, which regularly appears on lists of the best courses in the USA. The Westin also has no fewer than five swimming pools, and a children’s club, making it ideal for families.
JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort and Spa
The JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort and Spa is to the west of the city, not far from the Desert Museum and the beautiful landscapes of the Saguaro National Park West. The views of mountain and desert from many of its rooms are among the things that appeal about this resort, along with its 27-hole championship golf course, its Hashani Spa, variety of restaurants and bars, various pools, and a Lazy River for children and adults alike to enjoy.
OUR PICK OF THE GUIDES
From that blues bar you haven’t visited yet to the desert hike you keep meaning to plan, experience something new right here at home with Moon 52 Things to Do in Phoenix & Tucson.
- Cool things to do in and around the cities: Kick back at a Spring Training game or squeeze into the grandstands of El Gran Mercado for some lucha libre. Bike the famed Loop in Tucson, kayak Tempe Town Lake, and lace up your boots for an urban hike in the Phoenix Mountains. Support local BIPOC writers at Palabras Bilingual Bookstore and taste what’s on tap at a women-owned brewery. Savor Sonoran-style food like tamales and carne asada or try authentic Tohono O’odham fry bread.
