mvs1

If I had to choose between Scottsdale and Tucson over Thanksgiving..which one would I go for? It's an anniversary trip...we want to be relaxed, enjoy nature and venture out to some quaint areas or short hikes a few times. Not much into shopping but more one on one with nature.
I have been to Tucson and its gorgeous...not seen much other than Mount Lemmon...but is Scottsdale like that?
In Tucson which resort should we consider- Loews Ventana; Hilton El Consq or Westin La Paloma?
If its Scottsdale, which hotel - 4 seasons or Westin Kierland

Any other suggestions? Heard Phoenician is too glitzy..not representative of the Arizona. Thanks!!!

historytraveler

In regard to your preferences, I would choose Tucson. Not only will you have Mt. Lemmon but numberous other hikes are available through out the Catalinas, including Sabino Canyon ,Pima Canyon along with numberous other possibilities. In addition it's an easy drive to Tubac, Patagonia. Scottsdale has Camelback which gets very crowded.
Tucson also has a number of excellent restaurants within a 5 minute drive of the Westin and the Hacienda.

Any of the resorts you mentioned would be fine. My personal choice would be Westin La Paloma but check out Hacienda de Sol. This has a truly Southwest flavor without any pretensions and an excellent restaurant to boot!Tucson is known as the Old Pueblo, Phoenix/Scottsdale represent a more modern vision of the southwest.

Vera

There are definitely two kinds of people in this world. Some choose the staid formal beauty of La Paloma, and others the natural flair of Loews Ventana. I'm the Ventana type, myself. Think La Paloma looks too much like Scottsdale. I've lived both places, Sc. and Tucs. No contest if you want to enjoy the outdoors. Agree with the other poster about the smaller Hacienda del Sol. Its gorgeous. But it is small and not quite as close to hiking stuff.Just to confuse the issue, there's also the new Starr Pass Resort on the other side of town. If you have not yet explored what's south of Tucson--San Xavier Mission, Tumacacori Ntl Monument, AZ-Sonora Desert Museum, Tubac (not necesssarily in that order), Starr Pass would be a good choice, too.
Vera

historytraveler

obviously there are differences between Ventana and the Westin, however I think they're minimal. I probably would not opt for Starr Pass. It is a nice resort(Mariott) but there is a decided lack of activity there unless you golf and no restaurants except for those in the hotel complex.

enjoylife

If you choose Tucson, you must go to Kartchner Caverns. Call in advance to reserve your tour tickets. It is a must see.

mvs1

Thanks so much for all the info. I think we are leaning towards Tucson! I definitely wnat to go to teh desrt museum. What are the Kartchner Caverns...how far?

Thanks again folks.

tucsonartist

Kartchner Caverns are near Benson - close to I-10, a little less than an hour east of Tucson. Definetly worth it! It is an example of a spectacular cave and they are very careful about how they open it for visitors so they can keep it a wet and active cave for a long, long time.
I, too, would vote for Ventana over Westin La Paloma, but I also love Westward Look. Ventana is on the NE side of Tucson; Westward Look is on the west side of Tucson. That is the only draw back, for me, as I am a fan of the East and Northeast sides of Tucson.

j_999_9

Is weather an issue? It seems to me the weather in Scttsdle would be warmer in Nov. than in Tucson.

tucsonartist

No, weather would be very similar. We in Tucson like to brag that in the summer it's 5 degrees cooler here than in Phoenix - but it's really not a big difference!

enjoylife

Go to www.kartchnercaverns.org for more information. I have been to the caverns twice and was so impressed by their beauty and by the care that has been taken in preserving them.

mvs1

Thank you again - the weather was one of my concerns but since there is not much difference and seems like Tucson is so much better than Scottsdale....5 degrees cooler will do. We live on the east coast so 70 or 75 degrees - its still warm for us in November!
I have to check out the hotels again. I prefer the hotels that have reflect the local environment.

kenmat

Scottsdale is one big shopping district.There are many more things to do around Tucson. Don't miss the desert museum, its fantastic! We were in Tucson for a week and still didn't cover everything that we wanted to do. I would not want to live there, but its a great place to visit, however you do need to venture away from town.

historytraveler

Regarding your hotel choice and the desire to stay at a place that reflects the local enviroment, I'd stay at Hacienda del Sol.