Tucson Resort with Outdoor Pool, Top Restaurant, Bars, & Saunas

Tucson’s historic and luxury boutique Arizona Inn has amenities including a heated outdoor pool, tennis court, saunas, exercise room, bars, and highly-rated restaurant.

The Arizona Inn is one of Tucson’s top resort hotels, but unlike many of the luxury spa resorts in the city, which are in the foothills, the Arizona Inn is located in a central residential neighborhood, not far from downtown. Yet it is the most peaceful retreat, set in 14 acres of gardens with colorful flowers, towering palm trees, cacti, lush lawns and cooling fountains. The Inn, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, is also less than 10 miles from Tucson International Airport.

Tucson’s Historic Arizona Inn

The Inn dates back to 1930 when it was founded by Arizona’s first Congresswoman, Isabella Greenway. Her family furniture business, which employed disabled veterans of the First World War, had suffered in the 1929 stock market crash. She built the Inn as a way of helping to keep it going, by using the furniture at the Inn and hoping to create demand from guests wanting to buy it.

Serenity Near Downtown at Arizona Inn, Tucson — image via arizonainn.com

Today that furniture lends an elegant, retro style to the casita-style rooms and suites, which have glass-fronted bookcases, writing desks, fireplaces, wet bars, king or queen beds, and comfy sofas and armchairs. The pretty pink, adobe-style buildings are set around lush courtyards, and premium and deluxe rooms have large private patios which make a peaceful and relaxing retreat.

Isabella Greenway aimed to create a sophisticated hotel that would give her guests “privacy, quiet and sunshine.” Little did she know that the surrounding neighborhood would become the city’s most desirable and historic residential area, or that the Inn would grow into one of the best hotels in Tucson, numbering many celebrities among its visitors. And it is still family-owned and runs today, which adds to its charm and character.

Outdoor Pool, Tennis Courts, Luxury Complimentary Amenities at the Arizona Inn

In addition to strolling in the beautiful gardens, guests can play a game of tennis on the clay tennis courts, or take a dip in the fabulous 60-foot heated outdoor pool. In the summer months, complimentary ice cream sundaes are served from the poolside ice-cream parlor. In the colder months, afternoon tea is served in the cozy library lounge.

One delightful feature of the Arizona Inn is the complimentary DVD library which features movies starring guests who have stayed at the Inn, such as John Wayne, Gary Cooper, and Cary Grant. These include classic films like High Noon and North by Northwest.

Other complimentary amenities include saunas and exercise facilities, a daily New York Times, high-speed internet access in all rooms, bottled water, bicycles, and a business center.

Fine Dining and Bars at the Arizona Inn

There are several drinking and dining options at the Arizona Inn. The award-winning main dining room has long been regarded as one of the best restaurants in Tucson for fine dining. It includes classic dishes like Bouillabaisse and Filet Mignon, served in very impressive surroundings. The elegant setting, with a fireplace and a cathedral ceiling, makes it a favorite for romantic and special occasions.

Less formal dining is available in the adjacent Audubon Bar, where a pianist plays every evening. It is open for lunch and dinner (till midnight). Dishes from the main dining room are available till 10pm, and there are additional choices of more contemporary dishes such as a Fig and Madeira Glazed Chilean Sea Bass. Guests can also enjoy al fresco patio dining facing the gardens.

Breakfast and lunch can also be taken poolside, and there is a full room service menu available from 6am until midnight.

Arizona Inn Weddings and Private Residences

Not surprisingly with its beautiful and well-tended gardens, the Arizona Inn is a popular venue for Tucson weddings. It also offers several private residences for guests who want seclusion and privacy. Many movie stars still stay here when visiting Tucson, as do politicians, and two of the private residences also have their own personal swimming pools for the ultimate in luxury.