Although El Conquistador is a bit out of the way, the view of the Santa Catalina Mountains rising behind the property makes this northern foothills resort one of my favorites in Tucson. Sunsets are truly spectacular. Most guest rooms are built around a central courtyard with manicured lawns and a large oasis of swimming pools, one of which has a long water slide. The pool area and the nearby horseback-riding stables make the Hilton an excellent choice for families. All rooms feature southwestern-influenced contemporary furniture, spacious marble bathrooms, and balconies or patios. Be sure to ask for a mountain-view room. Golf on the resort’s three courses is the favorite pastime, but this is not so exclusively a golf resort as the Lodge at Ventana Canyon or the Omni Tucson National Resort.