10 Best Luxury Hotels in Tucson: Deluxe Desert Retreats Await
3. Loews Ventana Canyon Resort
By Patricia Escarcega Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tucson Local Expert
Everyone needs a little "me" time. Enjoy yours by spoiling yourself at some of the most posh luxury hotels Tucson has to offer, like The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa.
Indulge in ritzy, on-premises upscale dining or pamper yourself with plush king-sized beds and in-room deluxe hot tubs at luxury hotels like the Loews Ventana Canyon Resort.
One of the most posh hotel resorts in town is the Ritz Carlton Dove Mountain. The resort is located northeast of town, offering guests excellent views of the Catalina Mountains in a quiet and pristine stretch of desert.
Speaking of quiet, one of the most popular luxury hotels in town is Miraval, a specialty resort where guests come to find tranquility and healing. Daily hikes, nature walks, wholesome meals, yoga and other activities make this a great place to unwind and rejuvenate.
If you're looking for luxury in the heart of the city, book a room at the Royal Elizabeth Bed and Breakfast, an 1878 adobe mansion that is now a modern bed and breakfast. There are five spacious suites to choose from at "The Liz," each one thoughtfully furnished with antiques and Old World-inspired decor. Don't expect to find frilly or stuffy Victorian decor here, though. High quality bedding, satellite TV and remote-controlled ceiling fans and lights make for a comfortable stay, as does the full gourmet breakfast that is served in the dining room every morning.
10 Hacienda Del Sol Guest Ranch Resort A former girls school from 1928, the historic and charming Hacienda del Sol Guest Ranch lets guests book their own private casita. Hot tubs make a big hit with couples, as does the property overall, which offers verdant serenity in the city. Beautiful views and world-class service are other hallmarks of this popular and romantic lodging choice. Although the setting may appear rustic at first glance, the hacienda's accommodations are deluxe all the way. Spacious and private casita suites offer all the creature comforts of a deluxe getaway, including TV, Wi-Fi and high quality bedding. Gourmet meals are also prepared daily. 9 JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa This four-diamond resort is tucked away in a quiet and scenic part of west Tucson. The resort is known for its award-winning spa and golf course, and it's a popular destination for golfers, couples, girls trips and families. The hotel has every amenity to ensure a comfortable and fun family stay, including a fire pit patio, restaurants and shops. Three golf courses offer a lovely green contrast from the surrounding desert. There are nature trails laced throughout the property for hiking and biking. During the warm spring and summer months, kids will love the multi-level swimming pools, waterslides, dancing fountains and lazy river. 8 Canyon Ranch This stunning hotel resort is a popular retreat for visitors seeking to luxuriate in the warmth and peace of the desert. Rooms are designed to reflect the earth tones of the surrounding desert while providing guests with range of in-room amenities for a comfortable and luxurious stay. Canyon Ranch Hotel is a popular destination for those seeking spa retreats, nutritional counseling, and new spiritual paths. Hiking trails, star gazing and fitness classes give guests the opportunity to unwind and enjoy the desert. Canyon Ranch caters to guest seeking rest, rejuvenation and renewal. But even casual business travelers will appreciate the serene setting, luxury accommodations and excellent amenities. 7 Westward Look Resort Built in the early 1900s, this is one of Tucson's oldest hotel resorts. Despite its well-established pedigree, the Westward Look is also on the cutting edge, recently earning its certification as a green resort. The resort is located on 80 scenic acres at the base of the Santa Catalina Mountains. The rugged beauty of the resort is ideal for families looking to find recreational fun in the surrounding desert. Hiking, horse-back riding, or stargazing are popular activities here. Of course, kids will love lounging by the pool. Rooms are comfortable and luxurious, with many offering views of the surrounding mountains and desert. 6 Tanque Verde Ranch Resort Tucson Pack your family's boots and jeans: this is a bonafide dude ranch that also offers tennis, mountain biking, watercolor workshops, bird watching, gem presentations and other programs. Wildly popular with outdoors lovers, Tanque Verde has eliminated TVs in the rooms so be forewarned. There are coordinated horse rides twice a day. A tennis pro is also on staff. The Santa Fe style adobe guest rooms are tastefully decorated to reflect Southwestern tradition. The rustic Old West decor is complemented by the modern amenities, like gourmet meals and an on-site spa. Kids will love the full schedule of recreational and arts and crafts activities.
5 Westin La Paloma Resort and Spa The Westin La Paloma Resort and Spa offers stunning views of the towering Santa Catalina Mountains. Families will love the long list of amenities, including golf courses, tennis courts and pools. The children's pool not only features a wading area for smaller tots, but a large water slide that will keep tweens and teens busy during your stay. The resort also offers an on-site kids' club, where young children can participate in crafts, movies, and scavenger hunts. Need a date night out with your significant other? The hotel is happy to arrange for babysitters. Plus, cribs and rollaway beds are available in almost every room. 4 Omni Tucson National Resort At the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains, you'll find the posh Omni Tucson National Resort. This luxury property carries on the tradition of resort living, with gorgeous grounds, swimming pools and lovely cabanas. Couples love this property, with its beautiful, spacious rooms and private patios. The Omni's golf courses also get high marks from guests, as does the resort's service. The resort's spa makes it a destination for many, and the grounds are immaculate and very Tucson in their landscaping. There is also a full service spa on the grounds, and a whopping four restaurant destinations, including the popular Bob's Steak and Chop House. 3 Loews Ventana Canyon Resort Ventana means "window" in Spanish, which is appropriate because this stunning resort offers a window to the soul of the Sonoran Desert. The resort is nestled at the foothills of Tucson's Catalina Mountains, ensuring you and your family will be surrounded by the scenic views during your stay. Amenities at this luxury resort include the Lakeside Spa & Tennis Center, canyon hiking trails, professional stargazing guides, and two Tom Fazio-designed PGA golf courses and lighted tennis courts. Kids of all ages will love the two swimming pools and the nearby riding trails. Each of the 398 guest rooms features a private viewing balcony, oversized tub, and amazing views of the desert mountains and night sky. 2 Arizona Inn Tucson The Arizona Inn is Tucson's premier historic, luxury boutique hotel situated on 14 beautifully landscaped acres right in the heart of Tucson's midtown. Although only a short distance from the University of Arizona campus, Arizona Inn guests will feel a world away from the grit and noise of the city. Casita-style guest rooms are sumptuously decorated to reflect the Inn's rich history. On-site dining is some of the best in the city. The Inn maintains a AAA four diamond status for both the hotel and dining room. It also earned a spot on Conde Nast's Traveler Gold List, Travel and Leisure's Top 500 Hotels in the World, and Tripadvisor's Travelers' Choice Award for Best Service in the United States. 1 Miraval Arizona Resort & Spa Oprah was the first to make most people aware of the Miraval. It's extremely pricey but offers its guests the opportunity to immerse themselves in well-being, 24/7. Miraval is not your typical resort so don't check in expecting another spa hotel. Instead, expect a comprehensive wellness program that incorporates exercise, healthy food, meditation and sleep. It's not for everybody but if you need to up your health, and can pony up the necessary fees, Miraval can be miraculous. Aside from its emphasis on mind, body and spirit healing, the hotel offers a luxurious stay in a one of the city's most scenic open desert areas.
About Patricia Escarcega
Patricia Escarcega has lived in the Arizona desert since she was a teenager. She works as a writer and editor in Phoenix with her four dogs and two cats. She received her MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Arizona and is working on a novel about growing up in the 1990s.