My wife & I just returned from a 4 day trip at the Starr Pass Resort in Tuscon, and we were simply blown away. The architects deserve a lot of praise for designing such an easily navigable hotel of this size. It just seems to effortlessly flow from one part to another. It's also perfectly situated at the bottom of a mountain with great views of downtown Tuscon.

The front entrance of the hotel opens up to a 40 ft. high window/opening that overlooks the pool area and a view of Tuscon. There's also a really neat gathering area between the hotel and pool packed with couches and fire pits. Everynight at sunset they pass out shots of Tequila and pay homage to a long-ago Indian chief...it's really kinda fun. The back patio is probably my favorite part of the hotel because of the fire pits (natural gas powered) that are fun to cuddle up next to with one's spouse late at night. It's quite romantic.

The staff is also extraoridinarily courteous and friendly too. You'll never want for anything in this hotel. There's also a nice 1.5 mile hike up the mountains just behind the hotel. There's some beautiful cactus and rock formations that allow for some great pictures. It's hard to find the entrance to the trail though...so keep your eyes peeled!!!!!

We enjoyed the restaurant (forget its name) that sits up on the deck. It's also got some great views of the pool and downtown Tuscon, and they've got some propane heaters to keep everyone warm at night. Try the avacado dip appetizer that they make at your table. Also, the turkey wraps were quite good at the pool side restaurant.

There's also a ton of Hollywood heavy hitters rolling thru there now as I saw Quentin Tarrantino roll-thru.

Another highlight of the trip was a visit to Corronado (sp?) National Park that's about 14 miles North-East of Tuson. The drive reminded me of a Southwestern version of the drive on Highway 1 near San Francisco. The next curve of the road provided an even more beautiful sight than the previous one. Anyone who appreciates natural beauty and the outdoors will love this place. Simply amazing.

The Starr Pass Resort gets my highest recommendation.

Thanks so much for the review! I can't wait for my stay in May!

Thanks for the posting.
I'm taking the family there next week.

Regarding the mountain hike out back - do we need to bring hiking boots or are sneakers okay?

1. Was the pool heated?

2. Was the jacuzzi large?

3. How was TV and channel selection quality?

Hiking in the Tucson Mountain park can be done with sneakers, but overall better idea is hiking boots. Lots of loose "scrapple" on the trails and very easy to slide. Beware of the cacti.

I agree with Robert that hiking boots are probably advisable, however, sneakers would definetly work. It's also VERY important to wear long pants because the trail is pretty narrow in parts with cactus lining both sides.

1. I'm not sure if the pool is heated. Since it's Arizona though, it was warm like a bathtub during the day.

2. There are two hot-tubs that comfortably fit 6-8 adults each.

3. Regular Cable TV with 60 channels and HBO.

Thanks. I'll have to try it...

Flashes1 --

You are a good salesperson, as you have swayed me, as well! I will peel off one of my days at the Hilton Conquistador just to have a looksee at this property!

There is a M11 special code that will bring up a $239 room rate right now with a $100 resort credit -- so effectively $139/night per room.

Of course, the Marriott Mega Bonus promotion now in effect, didn't hurt either!

$139 is a really, really good deal you'll find for a place like this. I'm starting to get a little worried though because my points haven't posted yet, and we checked out last Saturday. My wife was on a medical conference which had a lower than usual rate, but if that disqualifies the points, there's going to be heck to pay! The receipt listed the points so we'll see.

Couple of other things I thought of:

1. There is no on-site parking, so everything is valet, and the lot is pretty far away. Don't keep anything in the car you need easy access to, and call ahead 15 minutes before you need the car.

2. I don't recommend the restaurant at the off-site country club unless you're on expenses or you have lots of $ because it's pretty expensive, and the food is nothing special. It does have a nice outdoor patio though that has a great view of the mountains and part of the golf course.

Flashes1--

Don't worry about your points -- they will post in due course, approx. 7-10 days after checkout has been my experience. Moreover, Marriott is good about not disqualifying rates for points like other hotel chains -- hear me Hyatt!!

Thanks for the tip re Valet parking, but we will be there only 1 night so it stays there. We will hike the property and lol around -- kinda cool in Tucson right now, but good excuse for me not to get into a bathing suit!

Besides the Guac made at your table -- ala Rosa Mexicano in NYC (and probably elsewhere) what else do your recommend at the restauarant?

Thanks,

NJ