We're trying to decide whether the Westin LaPaloma is really a lot nice and worth the extra $$$$ than the Sheraton Tucson- any thoughts/recommendations?

I have visited Tucson often because I have family there and when I was there recently for a wedding all of the out of town guests stayed at the Sheraton on Grant. It is a very nice property with a lovely pool and spa area. The suites are nicely decorated and they are very clean. The price also includes a free hot and cold buffet breakfast that is served in a nice diningroom that overlooks the pool. There's also a restaurant and bar on the premises. The service was very good. The lobby is also very nice and there's a gift shop located there, too. Grant is a very busy road and you will be in an area that has many shops, restaurants, strip malls, and markets. By no means bad at all. The mountains are visible from there, too. The Westin La Paloma is a more luxurious property and it is nestled in the mountains. I would say that if you are planning to use where you stay as a means for relaxation and sport, etc. then stay at the Westin La Paloma because it does offer many more amenities. There are 3 pools, one of which is for adults only and of course, the golf course, etc. If you are just looking for a nice place to stay after a day of sightseeing then I would recommend the Sheraton.

We stayed at the Sheraton El Conquistador (not the one on Grant). It was lovely. I haven't seen the LaPaloma but also heard ist's very nice.

I stayed at Westin LaPaloma this past December 2002. The grounds were nice and the kids enjoyed the pools. The staff were anxious to please and informative about Arizona in general. The rooms (we had two) on the third level (Starwood guest wing) were a bit tired. Upon leaving the LaPaloma, we stayed at Four Seasons Scottsdale then Bellagio Las Vegas. As a result, I concluded the price was a bit steep for what we got. (We paid $235 per night) I hope this helps.

You should search on Tuscon. There are a lot of threads on this subject.

Both the Westin La Paloma and Sheraton El Conquistador are great resorts. You won't go wrong with either of them. If I had to choose, I would pick the Westin b/c it has a fantastic pool area.

I know the Priceline haters wouldn't want me to mention this, but La Paloma and El Conquistador are frequently less than $75 per night on Priceline.

Just for the record, Postal, I'm sometimes accused of being a "Priceline Hater". Nothing could be further from the truth. I think it's great when you can make it work for you. I've never used Priceline, because:
A) there is a big chance that my travel plans will change and I can't risk losing the cost of an entire stay at a hotel.
B) I usually book months ahead, when the hotels still have good deals, but Priceline really doesn't. (although I admit their later deals may be even better)
C) I am very picky about where I stay. I often have a particular hotel I want to stay at, and ending up with another -- not the one I want to be in will in effect "ruin" my trip.

But I think your advice is great. If people can travel with the restrictions that Priceline neccesitates -- then more power to them!

I stayed in the Flamingo last September. It only costs $29 a night. It had a bed, clean room, running water, free breakfast, and the biggest collection of wester movie posters in the country. It served its purpose. I spen most of the day out doing things so I onlt needed the room to sleep and clean-up. It is in an older area so some of the people were a little scary. I felt like I was in the X-Files the first night we arrived in the area.