El Conquistador Tucson, a Hilton Resort

El Conquistador Tucson, a Hilton Resort is a sprawling property that occupies over 500 acres in the Tucson desert. Overall, it's a generic property with the contemporary yet basic design and decor elements one expects from a chain hotel. Guests have commented on wear and tear inside, but also on the beautiful grounds -- where blue couches sit around fire pits against a mountain and palm tree backdrop. Interiors feature a slight desert lodge theme -- think stone tile floors, wood balcony railings, contemporary  wicker chairs, dark-brown leather couches, and stylish hanging light fixtures. Large-scale copper artworks with southwestern motifs hang behind the front desk and decorative copper runners border the walls. Kid-friendly features, particularly the waterslide, draw a lot of families, which gives the resort a family-friendly atmosphere. However, a full-service spa and nearby golf appeal to couples and groups. For the most part, this resort comes out a winner, though beware of daily resort fees and free Wi-Fi only for those who are Hilton Honors members (free to join).

El Conquistador Tucson is positioned at the base of Pusch Ridge Mountain, in a slightly secluded Oro Valley location just north of town. The property is surrounded by a few golf courses, and can feel far from the action for those without a car. Downtown Tucson is about a half-hour drive south, where there are a variety of restaurants, bars, museums, and other points of interest. Tucson International Airport is a 40-minute drive south. 

All 428 rooms and suites are done in a similar contemporary, albeit generic, look inspired by the desert. Earth-tone decor includes brown headboards and bed skirts, blue-gray carpeting, blue studded armchairs, and succulent artwork. Standard amenities consist of 42-inch flatscreen TVs, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, and work desks, as well as floor-to-ceiling windows with views of either the city, Pusch Ridge Mountain, or Arizona desert. Bathrooms are simple and underwhelming across the board, with shower/tub combos, basic toiletries, hairdryers, and granite countertops. Deluxe Rooms are spacious at 420 square feet and come with either one king or two queen beds. Variations and upgrades add extras like sofa beds, pool views, mountain views, and/or spa pool access. Junior Suites have lounge areas that add extra space, plus outdoor spaces with pool or mountain views. Top-floor Executive Suites feature bedrooms with king-sized beds, huge separate living areas with fireplaces, dining tables, and wet bas. Casita Suites have similar features plus microwaves, but they're located in an exclusive Casita Village area. 

This property is a true resort, chock full of features and activity options that justify having a resort fee. For starters, there are five pools and both cold and hot jetted tubs. The main pool area is usually full of families and children, but adults also have a quieter option at the adults-only pool. Guests can also relax with good but limited treatment options at the spa, which also has its own pool. Four restaurants, room service, and a grab-and-go snack shop round out the dining options, though the food here receives mixed reviews. Epazote Kitchen + Cocktails serves up locally sourced, fresh southwestern cuisine with (fairly expensive) craft cocktails, wines, and craft beers. Poolside dining and drinks come from the Desert Springs Grille, while casual southwestern and American fare can be found at the Sundance Cafe. Colibri Lounge is a slightly more elegant (though still casual) spot to grab a business lunch, dinner, or cocktail. Guests looking for a sweat can hit the 24-hour gym, play on one of the hotel's sports courts, or take a short ride to the nearby tennis courts. A basic but decent-sized gym has slightly dated Life Fitness machines and free weights. There are also three nearby golf courses, plus a nine-hole putting green within walking distance from the resort. Unique activity options include on-site horseback riding and hiking paths. Families tend to particularly like the resort's kid-friendly features, which consist of a separate kiddy pool, 143-foot waterslide, children's menus, and family packages. Highchairs, playpens, and cribs are available on request. It's worth noting that smoking is allowed in designated areas. Pets are welcome for a fee, including larger dog breeds.A 24-hour business center has computers, print and copy services, faxing, and mail services. Other notable features include a gift shop, concierge desk, luggage storage options, and daily bike rentals. Wi-Fi is reportedly slow at times, and it's only free for those that are Hilton Honors members (free to join).