If you want a fireplace, go for the Sheraton. As a gold member, they will upgrade you to a casita suite from a regular room at check-in. This is the same upgrade platinums get. I was able to get the upgrade twice last year as a gold. The Sheraton El.C. has one of the best upgrades for gold members. The casitas have a firplace in the living room. Even if you reserve a suite at La Paloma, you won't get a fireplace.

The beds at the Sheraton are average, however. The Westin has the Heavenly Beds. As a gold, you would get upgraded to a deluxe room from a regular room. I don't think they upgrade higher then a dlx for golds. The only difference is the view.

Both have wonderful pools. If you have to be in Tucson for business, the Westin is closer to most things. The Westin is on the north end of Tucson, and the Sheraton is about 15 minutes north of the Westin.

Let us know which you choose and how your trip goes! If you need advice on what things to do in town, let me know. My email account is listed under my profile.

Here is a website for the local paper's Best of Tucson 2000 results: http://desert.net/tw/2000-09-29/frameset.html. It may be worth taking a look at that too.

[This message has been edited by MarshKing (edited 02-21-2001).]