Thinking of trying Tucson for our winter vacation. We prefer condos and usually go to VRBO but I see so many on there for Tucson...what are the ones to either focus on or avoid?? I don't know the area at all. To let you know what we like, when we travel to Hawaii we stay in Wailea on Maui or Waikoloa on the BI. But I also have champagne taste with a beer budget and have been lucky enough to find great lodging for less than $200/night. I'd like to find a condo with a monthly rate for about $3500. Is this doable for Jan/Feb/or March,2009???
Thanks in advance for your responses.

You might try looking into lodging in Green Valley, just south of Tucson. Lots of lovely condo apartments there that rent.

Green Valley is basically a retirement community. The best location in Tucson would be north next to the Catalina Mountains. You'll find lots of shops,restaurants and hiking trails nearby. I have no idea what the rental prices, but it is the best location,IMO,in Tuscon.

You will love Tucson weather in Feb. or March with north and east by Catalina Mountains the best housing areas as already stated. I also second looking into Green Valley because traffic and rental prices are much better than in Tucson. While it is a retirement community, there are many activities available through the recreational association including many centers with pools, tennis courts, photo or computer clubs, woodworking, dancing, birding, pottery, silversmithing, programs, etc. Golf courses are very plentiful with easy availability. GV is about 35 minutes south of central Tucson. It is an easy drive into Tucson for U of A cultural events, dinners, concerts etc. if those interest you, and you don't have so much traffic for daily living. You should find a lot of lovely condo rentals in your price range (or less) in GV, but Jan. - March is "high season." If you want warm weather the Feb/March is better since early Jan. can be cool because of the altitude. The sunshine is always wonderful! You will enjoy the area.

The website www.visittucson.org will give you a good overview of the Tucson area and activities while www.greenvalleychamber.com does the same for Green Valley area and offerings. The weather link shows the average monthly highs and lows temperatures if that is an issue. Have seen snow on cactus in Jan. which is beautiful, but it doesn't last long once the sun rises. Hope the references help you.

Thanks for all your replies! I'm finding that almost all of the places are already booked solid for Jan, Feb, March. Those that aren't don't look like something I would like, soooo, we'll probably have to wait til the following year. Bummer!
Oh, btw, what about Tubac Embarcadero & Anza de Tubac??? Pros/cons of location etc?? Looks like it's near exit 34 on I-19 below GV.

Given the economic condition, there should be many rentals available still in Tucson and GV. Did you check VRBO for GV? GV also has a local paper that often has seasonal rentals advertised. Some realtors also do rentals. The Tubac locations are just miles south of GV and close to a newer golf resort. Tubac is a small artsy community that IMO is geared to tourists. If you don't mind a very small town or driving, it could be an option. The buildings there are quite new so should be in good condition. The GV recreational opportunities are not available to use unless you are a property owner or renter of such designated property in GV. Hope you find something that suits you for this winter!

We called in to visit Tubac and loved it - very quiet, very small, very pretty.

http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/58bd4/4fc/c/

And you must visit the Sonora Desert Museum if you're visiting Tucson.

http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/58bd4/4fc/4/