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If you like being able to walk to sights, shops, and restaurants, plan on staying in either the Downtown or University neighborhood. For a quieter but equally convenient base, opt for one of the charming B&Bs near the U of A campus.
The posh resorts, primarily situated in the Catalina Foothills and Northwest areas, although farther away from town, have many activities on-site, as well as some of Tucson's top-rated restaurants, golf courses, and spas; resort staff can arrange transportation to shopping and sights.
For a unique experience, you can check into one of several Southwestern-style dude ranches on the outskirts of town. If you’re seeking accommodations that can change your life, book a stay at one of Tucson's world-class health spas for pampering, serenity, and guidance for attaining an improved sense of well-being.
Summer rates (late May through September) are up to 60% lower than those in winter. Note that unless you book months in advance, you'll be hard-pressed to find a Tucson hotel room at any price the week before and during the huge gem and mineral show, which is held the first two weeks in February. Also, resorts typically charge an additional daily fee for "use of facilities," such as pools, tennis courts, and exercise classes and equipment, so be sure to ask what’s included when you book a room.
Although near the university and many sights, the beautifully landscaped lawns and gardens of this 1930 inn seem far from the hustle and bustle. The spacious rooms are spread over 14 acres in pink adobe-style casitas—most have private patios and some have fireplaces. The main building has a library (high tea is served here November to March), a fine-dining restaurant, and a cocktail lounge where a jazz pianist plays.
This hotel, built in 1919, has been artfully restored to its original Western version of art deco; it's now the center of Tucson's hippest scene and a great place for younger and adventurous travelers to stay. The gangster John Dillinger was almost caught here in 1934—apparently his luggage, filled with guns and ammo, was suspiciously heavy. Each room has a black-and-white tile bath and the original iron bed frames. The convenient location Downtown means it can be noisy, so make sure you don't get a room over the popular Club Congress (a nightclub with dance parties) or Century Room (a jazz lounge with live music nightly), unless you plan to be up until the wee hours.
If you're seeking the convenience of Downtown with ultramodern style, vibe, and amenities, this Marriott boutique hotel fits the bill nicely.
A sprawling, 1970s-era hotel and conference center, the Doubletree sits directly across the street from Randolph Park, Tucson's best municipal golf course and tennis facilities, and Reid Park, which houses the city zoo, a lake with paddleboats, and numerous play areas. A pleasant jogging/walking trail encircles both parks. The hotel property is well tended though generic-looking.
A hidden gem in the Downtown district, the Clifton exudes cool, retro energy and delivers with spacious, attractive rooms that won't bust your budget.
A stone's throw away from campus, the Graduate is the newest and hippest hotel in the University area. The youthful, college-y vibe is felt from the lobby's coffee bar and lounge area, with multiple workstations, to the top (14th) floor, where you can soak in spectacular mountain-city-sunset views from both the rooftop pool and Moonstone, the hotel's swanky bar with a wraparound patio.
Set in a chic shopping plaza filled with boutiques, galleries, good restaurants, and a weekend farmers' market, this all-suites hotel provides a range of amenities, including a complimentary hot breakfast daily, bicycles, and a complimentary happy hour every Wednesday. Each 500-square-foot suite has a small living room, wet bar, and two TVs. Choose a room with a view of the pool and fountain rather than the parking lot.
A charming hacienda-style hotel built in the 1930s offers modern comfort in an old-world setting. Many rooms have fireplaces and private patios, and the lovely gardens (croquet, anyone?) are a midtown oasis. A restaurant, bar, and meeting rooms are also on-site.
With the University of Arizona less than a block from the front door, this clean, albeit generic, Marriott hotel is a convenient base when visiting the campus. Recently renovated rooms are nicely furnished, and the staff are friendly. The open, atrium-filled lobby's small restaurant and bar provide a welcome stop after a long day of business or touring.
