Arizona Inn

Among upscale resorts in Tucson, the Arizona Inn offers a unique combination of history, excellent service, and beauty that makes for an Old Arizona vibe. Created in 1930 by the state’s first congresswoman, Isabella Greenway, the boutique hotel began as an oasis on the outskirts of Tucson where travelers could enjoy luxuries like a swimming pool and a cold beverage. Fast-forward 80 years, and the Arizona Inn retains its oasis-like feel by offering a peaceful, high-end experience for which this property has become quite legendary.The Greenway family has owned the hotel throughout its life, consistently maintaining an air of timeless sophistication that remains homey and unpretentious at the same time. Once inside the small lobby, the old-timey charm is evident, from the aged wood furniture to the Native American handicrafts. Arched doorways lead to various rooms, including the handsome formal library, the ornate, sky-lit Audubon Bar, and the acclaimed Main Dining Room restaurant where Spanish chandeliers, cathedral wood-beam ceilings, white-clothed tables, and bushy palms channel an upscale colonial vibe.Scattered across 14 acres are the Arizona Inn’s iconic flamingo-pink adobe buildings. Grounds unfold with big open expanses of lush level lawn, mature trees, cacti, and beautiful rainbow-bright flowerbeds. The croquet, badminton, and clay tennis courts bring an air of proper Englishness to the scene. A short walk past palm trees and pink casitas leads to the 60-foot-long pool set amid the original 1930s-era layout that includes rows of bright-yellow cushioned lounge chairs. In the warmer months, a free ice cream sundae bar is set up beside the pool, while evenings evolve indoors to the restaurant and Audubon Bar where classic cocktails flow to the tune of live piano, and lively hubbub. The old-fashioned look may feel too dated for some, so those travelers may prefer JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa, which offers additional features like a spa and golf course. Families looking for more activities such as horseback riding and hiking may prefer White Stallion Ranch. 

The Arizona Inn is located in a historic residential neighborhood in central Tucson, which is a two-hour drive south of Phoenix. Guests can walk the neighborhood, but there are no restaurants or shops immediately nearby. The Inn is a 25-minute drive from Tucson International Airport, and 10 minutes from downtown Tucson where restaurants, bars, shops, and the historic Hotel Congress reside. Regional sites and activities are within driving distance, including Reid Park Zoo (12 minutes), La Encantada shopping area (15 minutes), DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun (20 minutes), Pima Air and Space Museum (20 minutes), and Mission San Xavier del Bac (25 minutes). A little farther afield but well worth a visit are the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area (30 minutes), Old Tucson Studios (30 minutes), Saguaro National Park East (35 minutes), and the Arizona-Sonoran Desert Museum (35 minutes). Free parking is located directly across the road from the Inn. 

Some of the Arizona Inn’s buildings house several rooms, and others function as stand-alone casitas. Pink exteriors give way to traditional interiors that feature antique dark-wood furniture, sleigh-style beds, vintage artwork dating to the 1930s, and floral curtains. Cushy sofas and armchairs alongside book-lined shelves add to the homey atmosphere, and beds are comfortable. Modern amenities are provided, including air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, DVD players, iHome clock radios, and writing desks with iPads for checking the weather and ordering room service. Also standard are free bottled water, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, free daily New York Times, and nightly turndown service. Standard Rooms and Junior Suites unfortunately don't have outdoor spaces, while patio categories add large private terraces with outdoor dining furniture and sunbeds. Deluxe rooms deliver substantially more space and open-plan lounge areas. Bathrooms have white subway tiling, white marble vanities, shower/tub combos, and bright Hollywood lights. An elegant selection of signature toiletries are provided. Big walk-in closets are offered in many rooms, though all units come with plush robes, electronic safes, and ironing facilities. Some higher categories add a little space with a wet bar. For larger groups and families, the Inn also offers a gorgeous two-bedroom, two-bathroom house that features a full kitchen, fireplace, and two private gardens. 

Although lacking a spa, Arizona Inn offers an array of on-site features. The beautiful heated pool is 60 feet long, open from early morning until late at night (midnight during our stay), and lined with cushioned deck chairs. Covered and open-air patio areas provide plenty of space to spread out and dine. Cocktails and light meals are available here throughout the day. An ice cream sundae bar is also set up by the pool seasonally.The Main Dining Room is a renowned restaurant space for its handsome Old Worldly vibe and fine American cuisine. It’s open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and brunch on weekends. Also serving all meals is the Audubon Bar & Patio, which sits right next door to the restaurant. The bar is open late, and evenings come with a pianist serenading the room -- a pleasant backdrop for its excellent classic cocktails. Both the Dining Room menu and a lighter bar menu are available in the Audubon Bar. Room service is available during specified hours, and can be ordered from the in-room iPads. Free coffee is provided in the library each morning, and free afternoon tea is available seasonally. Grounds feature two full-sized clay tennis courts, a croquet lawn, and other outdoor activities such as ping pong and badminton. Bicycles are also free to borrow. A small gym resides near the pool, housing a handful of cardio machines and free weights. Right off the lobby, an elegant library comes with shelf after shelf of old books, a chess set, and plenty of elegant lounge seating. A choice of meeting room and banquet spaces are available, and like common areas, they’re a classical affair. Free Wi-Fi is provided throughout the inn, and a business center offering free printing is located off the lobby. The New York Times is delivered to rooms daily (digital access is also available). Guests have access to a DVD library and a selection of board games. Ample free self-parking is right across the road.