Best Hotels in Tucson

Phoenix still holds the title of Resort Capital of Arizona, but Tucson isn’t far behind—and Tucson resorts boast much more spectacular settings than their rivals in Phoenix and Scottsdale. As far as non-resort accommodations go, Tucson has a wider variety than Phoenix, with a better stock of bed-and-breakfast inns both in historic neighborhoods and in the desert outskirts, and two guest ranches within a 20-minute drive. Business and budget travelers are well served with all-suite and conference hotels, as well as plenty of budget chain motels.

Seasons — Tucson hotels and resorts experience wide fluctuations in rates from season to season. At the more expensive hotels and resorts, summer rates (usually in effect from May to September), are often less than half what they are in winter. Considering that temperatures usually aren’t unbearable May and September, those are good months to visit if you’re looking to save money. When making late-spring or early-fall reservations, always be sure to ask when rates are scheduled to go up or down. You’ll save quite a bit if you avoid the last week in January and most of February, when the winter gem and mineral shows are in town and hotels generally charge premium rates.

Bed & Breakfasts — If you’re looking to stay in a B&B, try Airbnb.com or Wimdu.com (for rentals and less formal B&Bs) or contact Arizona Trails Travel Services (tel. 888/799-4284 or 480/837-4284).