Elena Mallia 
Tucson is a unique town that gives tourists access to the Sonoran Desert, historic sites, cultural attractions, vibrant city life, a rich dining scene, and much more! If this sounds like the ideal holiday destination for you, it’s time to start thinking about where to stay in Tucson.
Well, I wanted to make your decision a lot easier, so I compared all the Tucson neighborhoods and made a list of the 5 top places to stay in Tucson.
Downtown Tucson is the best place to stay in the city, where you can explore amazing museums, dine at amazing restaurants, and stay at some of the best hotels in Tucson. I also included 4 other amazing areas for staying in Tucson, so you can pick one based on your travel preference!
Besides talking about the best neighborhoods in Tucson, I also handpicked the ultimate hotels in each neighborhood. Whether you’re planning a luxurious vacation, a budget stay, or something in between, there’s a recommendation for you!
Finally, I have to encourage you to book your Tucson hotel as soon as possible. This is a popular destination and good accommodations sell out quickly!
Ready? Let’s go!
Quick Picks for Your Stay
Don’t have the time to read the whole post? Check out the list of the top hotels in Tucson, all located in Downtown Tucson:
Contents
- Quick Picks for Your Stay
- 1. Downtown Tucson – where to stay for the first time
- 2. Main Gate & University area – the coolest area in Tucson
- 3. Catalina Foothills – where to stay for the outdoors
- 4. Oro Valley – best area to stay in Tucson with a family
- 5. Tucson Airport Authority – where to stay near the airport
- BONUS: Where to stay in Tucson for hiking
- FAQs about where to stay in Tucson, AZ
- Final words on the best places to stay in Tucson
Here’s a map showing you the location of the 5 best Tucson neighborhoods I’ll be talking about in this post:
- Downtown Tucson: for first-timers
- Main Gate & University: the coolest area
- Catalina Foothills: for outdoors
- Oro Valley: for families
- Tucson Airport Authority: near Tucson Airport
1. Downtown Tucson – where to stay for the first time
Downtown Tucson (the city center) is the heart of the city and the best place to stay in Tucson on your first visit. This part of the city has a very lively atmosphere, and you’ll always find something to do – whether that’s visiting a museum or partying the night away!
Tucson Downtown is a huge area encompassing other districts like Fourth Avenue, El Presidio, and Congress Street, giving you access to delicious Mexican restaurants, shopping venues, interesting museums, and vibrant nightlife.
If you are a culture enthusiast, you need to visit the Museum of Contemporary Art Tucson, displaying a variety of cool exhibitions, or the Tucson Convention Center (map), home to 3 performing arts venues: the Tucson Music Hall, Leo Rich Theater, and the Tucson Arena.
NOTE: Every February, the city hosts the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show. This unique event takes place at the Tucson Convention Center, so if you want to attend, I highly recommend booking a room Downtown. But keep in mind that hotels are hard to find for the gem show, and the rates will be significantly higher during this time of year.
If you prefer shopping in Downtown Tucson, you will find the Old Town Artisans (map), a former Spanish fort that is now home to many local art galleries and shops. I also recommend exploring the more alternative neighborhood of West University, offering hipster-friendly record and book shops, designer boutiques, and thrift stores.
When you’re looking for a great way to spend an evening, it’s a good idea to see a performance at the Fox Tucson Theatre – the theater puts on plays and ballets, as well as live music performances and magic shows.
And if any of you are traveling with kids, you absolutely have to check out the Children’s Museum Tucson; besides cool exhibitions, this museum also hosts a variety of fun programs and events.
And you can’t leave Tucson without trying some delicious Mexican food! Right here in Downtown, you can dine at El Charro Café (map), the oldest Mexican restaurant in the US! This restaurant has been open since 1922 and is run by the same family, so it’s a definite must-try!
FUN FACT: Tucson is a UNESCO City of Gastronomy! In fact, it was the first US city to receive this title back in 2015.
Finally, I wanted to talk about getting around Tucson! Since this is such a large city, you’ll need a car to get around, so if you don’t have your own, I recommend renting one. But you should also make the most out of the Sun Link Streetcar, a free tram that connects 5 districts, including Downtown!
But for now, let’s check out the best hotels in Downtown Tucson!
This is one of the best Downtown Tucson hotels, offering a variety of luxurious comforts, including room service, a 24-hour front desk, and a continental breakfast. Guests can also work out in the fitness center, dine at the restaurant, or enjoy a drink from the bar.
Other accommodation options in Downtown Tucson
This quaint inn features comfortable rooms and suites, free private parking, luggage storage, and complimentary Wi-Fi access
A family-friendly hotel offering a free continental breakfast, access to a heated outdoor pool, free bike rentals
This 2-bedroom loft has a full kitchen and a balcony providing views of the Tucson skyline
Since Downtown Tucson is the city’s main area and hosts many good hotels for tourists, I decided to add some extra options for you! Check them out below, listed in descending price order – from the most expensive one to the least:
- Doubletree By Hilton Tucson Downtown ($$$) – this amazing hotel features everything you need for a comfy holiday, including a restaurant, an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center, and a bar on-site
- AC Hotel by Marriott ($$) – this hotel is the ideal place if you want to party! It features an on-site nightclub, a rooftop terrace, and a poolside bar; Wi-Fi is free of charge, while a buffet breakfast and valet parking are available for an added fee.
- The Downtown Clifton ($) – a budget-friendly hotel with a bar and a restaurant offering free self-parking, laundry facilities, concierge services, and comfortable, individually furnished rooms.
Things to do in Downtown Tucson
- Explore the collections at the Museum of Contemporary Art Tucson
- Attend an event at the Tucson Convention Center
- Do some shopping at Old Town Artisans and the West University area
- Visit St. Augustine Cathedral (map)
- See an evening performance at the Fox Tucson Theatre
- Take the kids to the Children’s Museum Tucson
- Dine at El Charro Café, the nation’s oldest Mexican restaurant
- Spend an afternoon at the Southern Arizona Transportation Museum
2. Main Gate & University area – the coolest area in Tucson
Main Gate and the University of Arizona are the area around the University of Arizona Campus, located a 10-min drive East of Downtown Tucson and characterized by a youthful student vibe. In Tucson, these are the best places to stay for a holiday full of cool and fun activities.
The main landmark in the area is The University of Arizona (map), but you’ll also find cheap eateries, live music venues, vibrant nightlife, art centers, and museums. The Arizona State Museum showcases Southwestern artifacts, and the University of Arizona Museum of Art displays Renaissance art.
Other cool spots to visit are the Arizona History Museum and the Flandrau Science Center and Planetarium – you can learn something and have fun at the same time!
And if you love sports, there’s definitely no better area to stay than near the University of Arizona. Here, you can check out the Arizona Stadium (map), home to the Arizona Wildcats football team, or the McKale Memorial Center (map), where you can catch a basketball game.
Of course, you have to make at least one trip to Main Gate Square (map), a large, open-air shopping mall. This is extremely popular with students, so be prepared to see crowds of young people fill up the many cool eateries.
And if you’re looking for a spot to grab a drink or a quick bite in a more laid-back atmosphere, I recommend Gentle Ben’s Brewing (map), a brewpub that serves custom beers and delicious meals. NOTE: If you’re looking for cool hotels in Tucson and don’t mind staying a bit outside the University Area, I recommend you check out the Arizona Inn. This is a historic hotel that offers many unique amenities, like poolside and patio dining accompanied by piano music, access to large landscaped gardens, free valet parking, and more!
This upscale hotel boasts an amazing rooftop pool where you can go for a swim with a view or relax with a drink on the sun loungers. Here, you’ll also find a fitness center, a bar, and an on-site coffee shop and enjoy perks like valet parking and assistance from the 24/7 front desk.
Other accommodation options in Main Gate & University of Arizona
At this hotel, you’ll find a fireplace in the lobby, a bar, and a swimming pool, plus air-conditioned rooms
This budget-friendly motel provides access to a pool, laundry facilities, luggage storage, and free self-parking
This quiet house is offering a fully equipped kitchen, a comfortable bedroom, a fireplace, and a pool
Things to do in Main Gate & University of Arizona
- Check out the Arizona State Museum
- Visit the University of Arizona Museum of Art and the Arizona History Museum
- Learn something new at the Flandrau Science Center and Planetarium
- Get some souvenirs from the University of Arizona Campus Store (map)
- See a sports game at Arizona Stadium or McKale Memorial Center
- Stop for a Sonoran hot dog at the El Sinaloense Hot Dog Cart (map)
- Explore the shops and restaurants in Main Gate Square
- Try the custom beers at Gentle Ben’s Brewing
- Go for a walk along the historic 4th Avenue (map)
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3. Catalina Foothills – where to stay for the outdoors
If, during your vacation, you prefer to stay in a tranquil area that gives you access to many natural attractions and outdoor activities, the Catalina Foothills neighborhood is exactly what you’re looking for! Located at the foothills of the Santa Catalina mountains and a 20-min drive North of Downtown Tucson, this area provides the most stunning views in Tucson!
On the outskirts of the Catalina Foothills, you’ll find the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area (map), a large national forest that offers plenty of opportunities for hiking and great photo spots. If you’re up to it, hike up to the Windy Point Vista (map), a scenic spot that offers the most stunning canyon views.
If you need more hiking recommendations, my top one would be the Pima Canyon Trail (see trail map), a very beautiful but difficult hike. I’d only recommend this to experienced hikers ready to face dangerous animals like rattlesnakes and tarantulas.
Once you’ve spent enough time outdoors, or you need a bit of a break between hiking trips, you should explore the Catalina Foothills. I’d suggest starting with DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun, a unique art museum, then moving on to The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures, which hosts many one-of-a-kind miniatures.
The next thing I’d recommend is to see how well you’d fare at golf! The Skyline Country Club (map) and the Tucson Country Club (map) both feature good golf courses where you can spend a relaxing day!
Lastly, if you still have time, you should check out some of the nearby neighborhoods. Casas Adobes, situated directly West of the Catalina Foothills, is home to Tohono Chul, a desert botanical garden that also features exhibits and art displays. Then, you can head East to Tanque Verde (it’s about a 25-min drive from the Foothills) and visit the Agua Caliente Regional Park (map) – the perfect spot for a picnic! This can be super romantic – the Catalina Foothills are definitely one of the best places to stay in Tucson for couples!
Hacienda del Sol Guest Ranch Resort
This luxury resort offers many facilities, like an outdoor swimming pool, a hot tub, a laundry service, and a fitness center if you want to stay fit. The rooms are also great, all featuring a flat-screen TV with cable channels and a private bathroom, and some of them even have a kitchen to cook your own meals.
Other options in North Tucson & Catalina Foothills
Enjoy stunning views of the Catalina Foothills and benefit from complimentary breakfast, room service, and a free manager’s reception
If you’re looking for affordable suites in Tucson, this Best Western offers air-conditioned rooms and free buffet breakfast
This guest suite has a private entrance for ultimate privacy, 1 bedroom with a Queen bed, and a lovely patio
NOTE: If you want more recommendations for a luxury stay in the Catalina Foothills, consider The Westin La Paloma. This 4-star resort offers various upscale facilities, including 4 restaurants, a swim-up bar, a golf course, and a spa – talk about luxury, huh?
Things to do in the Catalina Foothills
- Explore the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area
- Hike up the Windy Point Vista and enjoy the views
- Test your limits on the Pima Canyon Trail
- Venture out to visit the Tucson Botanical Gardens (map)
- Spend a day golfing at Skyline Country Club or the Tucson Country Club
- Visit the Tohono Chul Botanical Garden in Casas Adobes
- Have a picnic at the Agua Caliente Regional Park in Tanque Verde
4. Oro Valley – best area to stay in Tucson with a family
Oro Valley is actually a suburb of Tucson, located a 30-min drive North of Downtown Tucson, surrounded by majestic mountains, hills, and canyons, and offering a serene atmosphere. So, if you want to take a break from city life or you’re going on a family vacation, this is one of the ultimate places to stay in Tucson!
Some of the most notable spots in Oro Valley include Naranja Park (map), a large and organized park that offers plenty of family-friendly activities, and the Honey Bee Canyon Park (map), a great spot for hiking and a picnic with the kids.
Another great park you should check out here is the Canada del Oro Riverfront Park (map), which often hosts live music performances. So, bring a blanket, lay it out on the grass, and enjoy the show.
Yet another great thing about staying in the Oro Valley is the fact that you’ll be close to The Tucson Loop, a large trail that circles the Tucson Metropolitan Area. This is a great spot for walking and biking, so I suggest renting a bicycle for each member of your family and going on a nice ride!
While here, you have to explore Catalina State Park (map) – it’s right next to Oro Valley – and you can hike the Linda Vista Loop Trail (see trail map). This is a moderate hike, so if your kids are not super young, you should go for it!
The Oro Valley Aquatic Center is a great place to cool off from the desert heat; trust me, the kids will be grateful! But if you want something a bit different, you can always book yourself at tee time at El Conquistador Golf (map)!
This area is a bit further away from the city center, so you’ll definitely need to drive. And since you’ll be driving, why not take the kids to the Reid Park Zoo? This is a large zoo where you can see many different animals and the little ones might even get to learn something new!
This luxurious resort has stunning views of the Catalina Mountains and the beautiful Arizona desert. You can spend your days playing on one of the 3 world-class golf courses, indulge in relaxing treatments at the spa, and make the most of the outdoor pools and spa tubs.
Other accommodation options in Oro Valley
This top-rated hotel offers great value for the price, including a daily buffet breakfast and big studios with free Wi-Fi
Enjoy a hot breakfast at this affordable hotel that also offers a gym, a hot tub, and free parking
A ranch-style home with a dedicated bathroom, a private entrance, a comfy bed, and a parking spot for guests
Things to do in Oro Valley
- Spend a relaxing family day at Naranja Park
- Pack a picnic and head to the Honey Bee Canyon Park
- See a music performance at Canada del Oro Riverfront Park
- Rent a bike and go for a ride along The Tucson Loop
- Explore Catalina State Park and hike the Linda Vista Loop Trail
- Cool off at the Oro Valley Aquatic Center
- Spend an afternoon at El Conquistador Golf
- Drive out to the Reid Park Zoo to meet the animals
5. Tucson Airport Authority – where to stay near the airport
If you’re the type of traveler who’s always worried about missing your flight, or if you’re going to Tucson just for a short stay, the Tucson Airport Authority is the ideal place for you. This is a transit area right next to the Tucson International Airport, but it’s just a 15-min drive South of Downtown Tucson, so you can always go and do some sightseeing.
As you can expect from an area right next to the airport, there’s not much to see and do here! If you’re looking for a place to have a good meal, Jerry Bob’s Restaurant (map) is a great family-friendly American restaurant, but if you want to do anything else, you’ll need to drive!
Your first destination should be the Pima Air & Space Museum, a short 10-min drive East of the Tucson Airport Authority. I’m sure you’ll be pretty impressed by all the aircraft (and spacecraft!) on display at the museum.
If you drive 15 minutes in the opposite direction (west instead of East), you can visit San Xavier del Bac Mission (map), a stunning mission church dating back to the 18th century! And if you have more time, I’ll direct you towards Saguaro National Park (map) for some hiking or the Coronado National Forest (map), where you can do some bird-watching!
My final recommendation for those of you who are in no rush to leave would be to visit Old Tucson, a theme park that’s actually a movie set used in several Westerns, and to explore the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, a natural history museum that’s actually in the desert.
FUN FACT: More than 500 movies were filmed in Old Tucson, including classic Westerns like El Dorado and Three Amigos.
Let’s check out the best hotels near Tucson International Airport:
Just a 5-min drive from Tucson International Airport, this luxury hotel offers a free transfer service to/from the airport. The property features a casino, an outdoor pool, and 4 restaurants on-site, so you can choose where to have dinner every night! Rooms are also great, all with air-conditioning, a seating area with a work desk, and coffee-making facilities.
Other accommodation options in Tucson Airport Authority
This pet-friendly hotel provides a free shuttle service, a 24-hour front desk, and a delicious breakfast
An affordable hotel offering a free 24-hour airport transfer service, a complimentary hot breakfast, and free parking
Stay in this private room in a home, enjoy access to a shared bathroom and other parts of the home
Things to do in Tucson Airport Authority
- Grab a quick meal at Jerry Bob’s Restaurant
- Admire the vast aircraft collection at the Pima Air & Space Museum
- Visit the stunning San Xavier del Bac Mission
- Do some hiking at Saguaro National Park
- Try bird-watching at the Coronado National Forest
- Spend a fun day at Old Tucson
- Explore the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
| 👑 Luxury price: | US$200 |
| 💵 Mid-range: | US$120 |
| 🛏️ Budget: | US$80 |
| 📍 Best area: | Downtown Tucson |
| 🛎️ Best luxury hotel: | The Leo Kent Hotel |
| 🧳 Best mid-range hotel: | El Amador Inn |
| 👛 Best budget hotel: | Hotel McCoy |
BONUS: Where to stay in Tucson for hiking
If you are passionate about nature and outdoor sports and you’re going on a vacation to Tucson, you cannot miss the opportunity to take advantage of its incredible hiking trails.
I mean, you’ll be a short drive away from the beautiful Tucson Mountains as well as parks like the Saguaro National Park and the Catalina State Park!
I searched for the best hotels to stay in Tucson with a convenient location near the best natural attractions – check out my list below and take your pick out of the 6 recommended options:
Luxury (US$250 and up):
- Loews Ventana Canyon Resort – this hotel is located a short drive from the Sabino Canyon and offers a Golf & Racquet Club right on site, as well as beautiful landscapes you can explore by hiking.
- JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort – nestled in a saguaro cactus forest, this amazing resort is in a great location, only 10-min away from Tucson Mountain Park and many hiking and biking trails.
Mid-range (US$130 – US$230):
- Hampton Inn & Suites Tucson Marana – just a 20-min drive from Catalina State Park, this 3-star accommodation offers an outdoor swimming pool where you can relax, free WiFi throughout the property and super friendly staff!
- WorldMark Rancho Vistoso – this family-friendly aparthotel is situated within walking distance of Honey Bee Canyon Park, a great hiking spot, and boasts an outdoor pool, plus fun activities like billiards and table tennis.
Budget (up to US$110):
- La Quinta Inn & Suites – located a short, 10-min ride from Arthur Pack Regional Park, this budget-friendly hotel serves a daily breakfast with fresh waffles and provides guests with access to a hot tub and a heated outdoor pool.
- My Place Hotel – this affordable hotel is a 10-min ride away from Saguaro National Park and offers clean rooms with comfy beds, free parking, laundry facilities, and complimentary Wi-Fi access.
NOTE: If you want to be fully immersed in nature, camping is a great option. There are a few campgrounds around Tucson, but I’d single out Tucson / Lazydays KOA Resort for a luxury camping experience and the Spencer Canyon Campground on Mt. Lemmon for a more down-to-earth stay.
FAQs about where to stay in Tucson, AZ
📍 Which is the best area where to stay in Tucson?
The best area to stay in Tucson is Downtown Tucson, with its wide variety of museums, restaurants, and great hotels like The Leo Kent Hotel and El Amador Inn.
👪 Which is the best area where to stay in Tucson for families?
The best area for families to stay in Tucson is Oro Valley, which offers both outdoor activities and kid-friendly attractions. Stay at El Conquistador Tucson for luxury or at the more affordable Fairfield Inn & Suites Tucson.
🚗 How do you get around Tucson?
The best way to get around Tucson is driving, so you can easily explore all of the city’s top attractions and not spend a fortune on taxis. You can also take the Sun Link Streetcar to certain spots around the city – it’s reliable and free!
✅ Is Tucson worth visiting?
Yes, Tucson offers something for any type of traveler! You can stay in top-notch hotels, sample delicious cuisine, go hiking or golfing, and of course, enjoy the stunning desert views.
☀️ What is the best time to visit Tucson?
The ideal time to visit Tucson is either between April and May or September and October. During these months, the weather is not too hot, so you can also spend some time outdoors and explore the desert.
📅 How many days should I spend in Tucson?
I recommend spending at least 5 to 7 days in Tucson so you can explore the city and some of its notable museums, try some local food, and also explore a few of the nearby mountains, parks, and national forests.
👩❤️👨 What are the best places to stay in Tucson for couples?
One of the top places to stay in Tucson, AZ, on a couples’ getaway is the Catalina Foothills. You can go on long romantic walks, plan picnics, and stay in romantic resorts, such as the Hacienda del Sol Guest Ranch Resort and Embassy Suites Tucson.
Final words on the best places to stay in Tucson
Here we are at the end of this extensive guide on where to stay in Tucson, a great city in Arizona, West USA. I hope that this was helpful and you’ve already picked out an area and a hotel for your upcoming stay!
Since I gave you many hotel options, I know it will be difficult for some of you to choose, so I want to give you a little bit of extra help by offering my 2 absolute favorites, located in Downtown Tucson:
- The Leo Kent Hotel – this upscale hotel is in a convenient Downtown location and features a restaurant and a fitness center
- El Amador Inn – a comfortable inn with spacious rooms, free parking, and a lovely garden with an outdoor fireplace
As soon as you like one of my suggestions, go ahead and book immediately to get a spot (and maybe also find some great offers)!
If you have any questions about the best areas to stay in Tucson or anything else, please share them in the comments below. I will answer as soon as possible!
Have a great holiday!
Elena
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