If you’re planning a trip to Tucson and trying to figure out where to stay, you’ve got options — from luxury desert resorts to modern boutique hotels and local gems with tons of character. After spending months exploring Tucson’s food, hikes, scenic spots, and hidden corners, these are the hotels and resorts I actually recommend. No fluff, no filler, just the Best Places to Stay in Tucson and the spots that are truly worth your time and money.
Whether you want mountain views, spa days, easy access to hiking, or a downtown stay close to restaurants and murals, this list has the best of the best. If you’re planning a food- and mural-heavy trip, don’t miss my Guide to Downtown Tucson: Food, Murals & Local Shopping — it pairs perfectly with the downtown hotels on this list.
If you want the full luxury desert experience, this is the spot. The Ritz-Carlton Dove Mountain feels tucked away in its own world — quiet, scenic, and honestly one of the prettiest areas around Tucson. There are two pools: a quieter upper pool and a lower pool with a splash pad, main pool, and waterslide. The food is extremely good for a pool menu. I loved the Caesar salad and burger, and the Mexican fruit tray was huge (ask for light Tajín).
The rooms are spacious with mountain views, the service is exactly what you’d expect from a Ritz, and the location feels peaceful without being too far from Tucson’s best hikes. If you want to splurge, this is absolutely the place. For a full recap of my stay, check out my Ritz Carlton Dove Mountain Review.
Mountain views, an on-property waterfall, and one of the prettiest resort settings in town. Loews Ventana Canyon is luxury without the ultra-high price tag, making it a great pick if you want resort-style amenities without going full Ritz. There’s a spa, golf course, hiking trails right from the property, and two large pools. The whole resort feels like a little desert oasis tucked into the Catalina Mountains.
A luxury boutique property with historic charm, incredible sunset views, and a more intimate feel. If you want something romantic or just a smaller resort that still delivers high-end amenities, Hacienda del Sol is perfect. The rooms are beautiful, the landscaping feels like classic Tucson, and the onsite restaurant is one of the best in the area. Great for couples, anniversary trips, or anyone who wants something a little different from the bigger resorts.
A strong mid-range pick with big resort energy — great pools, great views, and a family-friendly layout. It’s set against the Catalina Mountains, and the pool area is one of the best things about the property. Rooms are comfortable, the spa is solid, and you still get that big-resort feel without the luxury price tag.
If you’re planning a mixed itinerary with hikes, day trips, and exploring places like Mt. Lemmon, definitely read my Mt. Lemmon Travel Guide: Scenic Drive, Cookie Cabin & the Best Viewpoints.
This is a big resort, so expect a bit of walking from the parking lot to the hotel. That said, the rooms are clean and spacious, the lobby is modern, and the location was great for the price. You can see the casino from the lobby, and the property has a pool, multiple restaurants, and plenty to do without leaving the hotel.
For the value, Casino del Sol is solid. It doesn’t try to be a high-end luxury resort — it delivers exactly what it should: a comfortable, easy stay with good amenities at a more affordable price point. You can read my full experience in the Casino del Sol Tucson Review: A Great Mid-Range Stay Near Saguaro West.
If you want to stay downtown but still have a polished, upscale feel, The Leo Kent is the best pick. It’s part of Marriott’s Tribute Portfolio, so you get the boutique vibe with brand reliability. The rooms are modern and comfortable, and you’re within walking distance of restaurants, bars, and murals — especially helpful if you’re following my Mural Guide to Tucson: The Best Murals & Where to Find Them.
This is a great option if you don’t want a resort but still want something elevated.
Trendy, fun, and super aesthetic. The Tuxon has a modern desert design, a great pool area, and a boutique feel without crazy prices. It’s close to downtown, the freeway, and popular attractions, so it’s an easy base for exploring. The vibe is younger and more playful compared to some of the bigger hotels, but it still feels polished and comfortable.
Best for: luxury resorts, mountain views, hiking, peace and quiet
Hotels: Ritz-Carlton Dove Mountain, Loews Ventana Canyon, Westin La Paloma, Hacienda del Sol
Best for: restaurants, murals, nightlife, walkability
Hotels: The Leo Kent, The Tuxon
Best for: budget-friendly resorts, quick access to the airport, casino amenities
Hotels: Casino del Sol
If you’re visiting for hiking, don’t miss my Beginner-Friendly Hikes & Walks in Tucson or my One Day in Saguaro National Park West (Bajada Loop + Gates Pass Sunset) itinerary.
Tucson has a surprisingly wide range of hotels for a desert city — from ultra-luxury mountain resorts to boutique hotels with personality. Whether you're here for the food scene, sunsets at Gates Pass, or exploring hidden corners of the city, any of these hotels will set you up for a great trip. Choose based on location, vibe, and budget, and you really can’t go wrong with anything on this list.
If you’re flying into or out of South Florida, chances are you’ll pass through Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL).✈️
• Only 10 min from the beach & cruise port — perfect location!
• 4 color-coded terminals — Yellow, Red, Purple & Green
• Gate C tip: water bottle fillers are UPSTAIRS, not at the gate level
• Arrive 2 hrs early for domestic, 3 hrs for international flights
• Food options include Shake Shack, Starbucks & more — eat AFTER security
• Uber/Lyft pickup is easy & organized — but wait 10-15 min if surge pricing is high
• Rental car center is near Terminal 1 with all major companies available
• Cruising? FLL is basically next door to Port Everglades — super convenient!
My Fort Lauderdale Airport guide covers what to expect before you fly, from terminal layout to transportation and food options.
Head to the blog to read exactly what you need to know…✨
Is one day in Fort Lauderdale enough?🤔
Yes. Between the bakeries, murals, shops, canals, and beach access, one day in Fort Lauderdale is plenty of time to see a lot especially if you focus your time around Las Olas Boulevard.
You can start the morning with coffee and pastries, walk past murals and shops, see the canals, spend time at the beach, and still have room for gelato and a giant Italian sandwich.
If you’re looking for an authentic Italian bakery in Fort Lauderdale, Pan’E Dolci Bakery Fort Lauderdale is absolutely worth a stop. This café-style bakery is known for its Italian pastries, desserts, coffee, and massive savory sandwiches. The display cases are filled with cannolis, cookies, croissants, and breads, and they even have 22 flavors of homemade gelato.
Everything looks so good that it’s honestly hard to decide what to order.
#fortlauderdale #bakery #cafe #travel #florida
So what is a @virginvoyages cruise really like... here’s a quick look😉✈️
@virginvoyages is my absolute favorite cruise line and you can see why I keep coming back again and again!❤️
One of the things people ask the most before their first cruise is what to wear…✨
For a @virginvoyages cruise specifically what should you pack? The short answer… the vibe is fashionable but still vacation casual.
#virginvoyages #traveling #ootd #packingessentials #packing #vacation
Follow @travelwithwendyplummer for Beautiful Beach Destinations, City Guides, Foodie Spots, and Luxury Hotel Recommendations.
