Tucson is an East Coaster’s paradise in February, but come June or July, it’s a resident’s nightmare.
Thankfully, some Tucson resorts feel our pain. Since there’s not a rush on rooms during the punishing summer months, the resorts offer Tucsonans sweet staycation deals.
Without the stress of long travel days or having to worry about paying for flights, staycations are a way to unwind and relax without breaking the bank.
Local resorts are also great places to rediscover Tucson’s charms.
Consider booking directly through hotel websites to get exclusive summer deals and perks. Weekdays often come with lower rates and quieter stays. When booking, don’t forget to consider what is most important to you for your getaway. Exploring nearby hiking trails, local restaurants, or events can add value to your staycation.
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Here are three options:
La Paloma
Tucked into the base of the Catalina Mountains, the Westin La Paloma has five pools, including a waterslide and swim-up bar, and a spa. It also has lush links in a 27-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course.
This summer, the Westin La Paloma is offering a “Poolside Paradise” package, available May through August. Guests who book a two-night stay between Sunday and Thursday will receive a full-day cabana rental and a one-time $50 food credit. Cabana rentals are available Monday through Thursday and include six bottled waters and a fresh fruit platter.
The resort is at 3800 E. Sunrise Drive. Summertime room rates start at $212. For reservations, visit: marriott.com/en-us/hotels/tuswi-the-westin-la-paloma-resort-and-spa/overview.
“Staff will tend to your cabana experience, serving fresh food and drinks from Sabino’s Pool Bar and Grill,” said Autumn Jarrett, a resort senior publicist.
Starr Pass
If you’re looking for breathtaking views and a luxurious escape, the JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa is the place to be. Located beside Tucson Mountain Park, this resort has a lazy river, waterslides, splash pads and desert hiking trails just steps away.
The Marriott Starr Pass has two package deals this summer. One is called “Savor the Sun,” with a room type of your choice and a daybed at one of its water collections. Price will vary based on the room type you choose.
Another is the “Cocktail Credit Package,” including two specialty margaritas from Salud or Plunge, two of the restaurants on property, and a $50 resort credit per night you stay.
“We’re the only property in Southern Arizona with a lazy river, which sets us apart from other resorts in Tucson,” said Kenneth Chacon, a marketing coordinator at the JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort.
The resort is at 3800 W Starr Pass Blvd. For reservations visit: marriott.com/en-us/hotels/tussp-jw-marriott-tucson-starr-pass-resort-and-spa/rooms.
Ventana Canyon
If you’re looking to spend more for an upscale and luxurious staycation, Loews Ventana Canyon Resort is a beautiful place to stay. Located high in the foothills, Loews Ventana Canyon Resort offers a quiet, upscale retreat with stunning views of the desert landscape. The resort features two heated pools, a luxurious spa, and two Tom Fazio-designed golf courses.
The resort is offering a Summer Staycation Offer, valid from May 2 through Sept. 6. Rates for this offer start at $159 per night plus tax with a waived resort fee ($39 daily savings) and upgraded room category based on availability. To book, call the resort and mention “Summer Staycation.”
Another offer Loews Ventana Canyon is offering is a U of A Family & Friends rate for families traveling in for campus tours, college move-in or any other summer travel needs. This rate includes a 20% discount and waived resort fee (savings of $39 daily). To book, call the resort and mention the rate code “NL3APF”.
“The resort’s roster of daily activities means that there is something for everyone to enjoy, whether you want to relax or explore. On property, guests can swim, play tennis, pickleball or golf, hike, feed fish in the koi pond, bird watch, learn about the local floral and fauna, enjoy treatments in the spa, enjoy delicious Southwest inspired cuisine, stargaze and so much more,” said Angela Trantham, area director of public relations.
The resort is at 7000 N. Resort Dr. For reservations visit: loewshotels.com/ventana-canyon.
Arizona Sonoran News is a news service of the University of Arizona School of Journalism.

