I'm planning a trip to Tucson. My husband and I would like a place with a kitchen, so I was thinking about staying at the Ghost Ranch Inn in a cottage. Does anyone have any experience with that location? Thanks.

Very nice, you can't go wrong.

Karen,

Thanks for your response. Since I posted this message I've been doing a little more research and several people have told me Ghost Ranch Lodge is in a bad neighborhood -- topless bars, hookers, etc. Was that your experience there? Also, can you see the mountains from that location? Thanks.

You DO NOT want to stay in that area, it is not a nice section of town at all, it does have it's share of hookers, bars, etc. There are so many nice places to stay in Tucson - don't know about cottage type accommodations, but anything is far better than where the Ghost Ranch Inn is located. You many not find something with a kitchen, but there are some real nice places, including The Windmill Inn, Tucson Sheraton (on Grant R), several suite type hotels on Broadway and Speedway (east side of town), a new Hampton Inn and Suites on Oracle Rd. and many many more. I live in the area so I know what I'm saying and my company often puts visitors at the Windmill (two room suites) in a very nice plaza on River Road at Campbell.

Make that the Sheraton on Grant Rd, can't type today. You can see the mountains from EVERYPLACE in Tucson, some areas are just closer then others, but all the places I mentioned are close to mountains. By the way, rates change depending on the season, sometimes a great deal too.

I do believe Jill is correct in her appraisal...have not stayed, but I was impressed with the look and area of Windmill Inn

phyllis, my son is a student at U OF A in Tucson & I have visited him there several times...I have stayed at The Arizona Inn quite a few times and I would have to say that it is my favorite. I haven't stayed at The Lodge on the Desert but I have stopped by and checked out several rooms - it looks very nice... both of these hotels are in the central downtown location. I have also stayed at Starr Pass Resort in the mountains on the west side of town. Really nice golf course typed condos with kitchen facilities. I have also stayed at the Western Paloma - way over rated. & at the Lowes Ventana Canyon - really beautiful and full scale just not very convenient to the university. Tucson has some great restaurants as well. enjoy jwg

Thanks for all your responses. I think I will change my reservation. Now I'm considering Hacienda Del Sol and Lodge on the Desert. Any experience with those locations? Thanks.

Haven't stayed in either since I live in the area but Hacienda del Sol is a nicer location. It's closer to the mountains as well. If you are planning on visiting in Feb. be forewarned there is a huge Gem show in town for several weeks and accommodations are hard to come by all over the city.

Hi,

I stayed at Lodge on the Desert last February, and the service and room were both delightful. It has a small inn feel to it, although it is in the middle of town, and not on the outskirts. Our room did not have a kitchen, but a lovely fireplace and rustic appeal to it. I would call soon, however, because when I tried to book Lodge on the Desert for my mother the previous spring, they were all booked up...so book early! Have fun!

P.S. You can see the mountains from almost anywhere in Tucson....just walk outside and look in any direction! One of the perqs of living here!

Phyllis,
We were in Tucson last spring and stayed at the Windmill Inn. It was clean and quiet and had a nice kitchen which we used to refrigerate and reheat all the food we couldn't eat at the fine restaraunts that we went to. This was the first time that we stayed in a suite-only establishment, and we would do it again when we can.

phyllis,

phyllis,
also intended staying at ghost ranch on nov 99 visit but was advised against staying in that area. we changed to lodge on the desert and i would recomend it. dec 00 stayed bed and breakfast at coyote crossing (www.coyotecrossingbb.com)which was excellent. on the west side of town near desert museum and saguaro national park if you like hiking/wildlife/peace and quiet this is the place.

Thanks for all your input. I've now narrowed it down to three in this order: Coyote Crossing B&B, Hacienda del Sol, or El Adobe Ranch cottages. I'd welcome any additional comments you have.