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Arizona Inn
Categories: Event Planning & Services Hotels Hotels & Travel Hotels Restaurants Event Planning & Services Venues & Event Spaces Hotels, Restaurants, Venues & Event Spaces [Edit]
2200 E Elm StTucson, AZ 85719
(520) 325-1541
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 6:30 am - 12 am
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$$$$
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
43 reviews for Arizona Inn
Review Highlights
43 reviews in English
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Review from David S.
Nevada City, CA
3/19/2012
az inn u r about to become in with the in crowd
Sinatra imagination
"can't imagine that you want me too"
$10 buck french onion
beautiful rolls and butter
no hd tv or any tv
this place is ready to explode -
Review from Raul S.
3/16/2012
FAST review - This is a review of the restaurant, not the hotel.
Food (3/5) -
Coconut shrimp - very good. Cept they give you a huge bowl of the coctail sauce and 3 shrimp. Seems like a waste of sauce.
Garlic Mushroom soup - two of my favorite things, very good.
Branzino - a white fish, nothing special. Came on a few fingerling potatoes and chard, which was a tad bitter.
The veal - according to my wife, it was good.
Desserts - OK. I got a sampler, but nothing really stood out.
I ordered of the prix fixe menu which gave me a sufficient amount of food. The servings here aren't tiny.
Ambiance (5/5) -
Rug. Older crowd. Paintings of pheasants. Quiet.
Dress code is definitely not casual. Due to a preponderance of the country club crowd, I'm glad I wore a button down shirt. I saw lots of jackets.
Service (3/5) -
Waiter was knowledgable of the menu. But the service overall was a bit slow. Our waiter didn't come until we were almost done with our meal to see how we enjoyed it. And we had to wait for a while on drink refills.
Total Impression (3.5/5) -
When a restaurant gives you a finger bowl after your meal, they are saying "hey we are classy, we want you to have clean hands that smell lemony after you eat". By the way, a finger bowl is just that, for your fingers. Don't drink from it! It has a lemon floating in it and could be mistaken for an after dinner drink.
If you want a nice quiet evening in an old-world classy restaurant, I'd recommend trying Arizona Inn. It just didn't make an impression on me in terms of the food.
It is somewhere between 3 and 4 stars .
Notes:
Parking - right across the street is a lot you can park in.
When entering the main lobby the restaurant is to the left. -
Review from Maggie K.
11/11/2011
I last went to the AZ Inn to dine several years ago, and have gone on several occasions to have drinks and dessert in the bar. I frequently look at the website and consider splurging on a room for an elegant, in-town getaway. I think of it as a place that is generally out of my price range, but when my parents came to celebrate my birthday, they wanted to take me somewhere really nice for dinner, so the AZ Inn was top of the list.
I've recently discovered that I am gluten intolerant, so when calling to make the reservation, my boyfriend asked about gluten free options. The woman he spoke to had no idea what he was talking about. He asked if he could maybe speak to someone who was more familiar with the menu, and she insisted that she knew the menu, and just seemed convinced that his question was out of line.
When going out to eat, I have become accustomed to needing to explain about gluten intolerance on occassion, but almost never have to coach people at fine dining establishments, where servers are usually well educated on the menus and common food allergies. Especially at such upscale places as the AZ Inn (that charge almost $40 for a vegetable platter). I am also especially taken aback that a restaurant at a hotel would have such problems with an extremely common food allergy (The online menu also states "We honor most special dietary requests").
So, I am disappointed that we were unable to celebrate my birthday at the Arizona Inn, and while I find the grounds lovely, I now highly doubt I would be inclined to stay there or plan any events there. -
Review from Aaron A.
Denver, CO
8/11/2011 1 Check-in Here
This hotel is ridiculously adorable. As quaint as a 14-acre property can get. Stepping off a bus and walking a few blocks here transforms busy traffic into a quiet historic neighborhood and a self-directed "The hotel's down THIS street?" My aunt and uncle were married here in 1995, when I was too young to skip out on school and make the trip. Though I wasn't staying here on this visit I made it a point to trek over to the area and check it out. Now over 80 years old and flanking the street like some Spanish mission/museum (the Alamo came to mind), there's a lot of history shining from the adobe walls.
The grounds are clean and the courtyard is vast and well-maintained. I would enjoy having my own hypothetical wedding here and staying in one of the suites. The one area in which I engaged in commerce was the Audubon Bar where I had dinner. Serving food late! The prices are high as expected but nothing outlandish, and the quality lives up to it for certain. My cut of grilled chicken separated upon impact from the knife, just as I like it. The drinks were plentiful and mixed masterfully by Michael, who along with the rest of the staff who greeted me were incredibly kind and welcoming. I can't wait to return here on a future trip through the Southwest, and this time I'm getting a room! -
Review from Peg P.
First off, I want to say that I absolutely love visiting this historic inn built in 1930 and find the story of its creation and Rep. Isabella Greenway's contributions to our community so inspiring. This is a 5 star resort of the kind that once made Arizona famous. The 14 acres of beautifully lanscaped grounds are gorgeous and the service is superb. I'm glad Tucson still honors this inn which is also on the NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES.
We've been visiting here off and on for a number of years. My favorite time to visit is Christmas to see all the decorations. That's worth a trip all by itself.
Our lunch there today was just OK. I wish I could give it a higher rating. The service was wonderful and the setting was elegant. But my turkey sandwich was a bit of a taste disappointment for me. There was some kind of a sauce on the bread that I just did not care for. I also didn't care for the taste of the cheese they used. The slices of turkey were generous and thick. It came with crispy fries that I loved.
My partner had the portabello sandwich and was a bit disappointed. (She still ranks Tohono Chul Tea Room's as the best portabello in town.) She felt the mushroom needed to be sliced thinner for it was very tough to chew. The olive oil wasn't especially good and the cheese was, sadly, also leathery. All overdone, perhaps?
Neither of us plan on ordering those dishes again but will try something else instead.
This beautiful inn will always remain at the top of our list of enjoyable places to visit and a special place to bring out-of-town guests and friends. -
Review from Nadia C.
5/22/2011
Arizona Inn is one of my most favorite hotels to stay. It is like stepping onto a set from a movie based in the 30's with a twist of renovation.
My experiences at Arizona Inn that I have never experienced at any other hotels:
5pm ice cream serving for all guests by the pool
Playing ping pong on a warm night and actually had fun
Sitting in the parlor and reading a book in complete relaxation
Staff that was so kind and respectful, I felt like I was the only person staying there!
This boutique hotel is simply beautiful and I highly recommeng staying here at any chance you get. The swimming pool area is one of my favorite parts of the hotel, it has a fresh clean feel with pops of yellow that make you feel like you are laying out by the pool and Marlyn Monroe could be sun bathing right next to you! Arizona Inn is the perfect get-a-way. They have amazing specials in the summer for $99 a night or something like that, go check it out!!! -
Review from Shelley D.
Manhattan Beach, CA
5/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
Exquisite in every possible way.
The staff is genuinely hospitable, the grounds are beautifully landscaped, the rooms are impeccably maintained, and the restaurant is astoundingly good.
I liked it so much, I even read the little history book about the place that is in the room, and was glad I did. Knowing the amazing history only added to the experience of staying there.
The buildings are built to stand the test of time and I hope that the Arizona Inn continues in operation just as it is until long after the mountains around Tuscon have crumbled to dust.
Stay here.
At least once in your lifetime, stay here.
Multiple times, if you can. -
Review from Lisa B.
Carlsbad, CA
11/17/2011
Had sunday brunch. Food was good which is why i gave it three stars but dining room was very cold. Had to step outside three times to warm up. Service was poor and slow. Asked for orange juice and coffee.twice before getting it. Had to get up to get some one to bring our checkI dont mind a long leasurely brunch but expected attentive wait staff that remembers what you ask for and it wastoo cold to be comfortable
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Review from Geary M.
Tucson, AZ
11/5/2011
I had a Business breakfast meeting there recently. The staff was good, The dining room was nice, ... we all got food poisoned! Yes, my clients and I all spent the rest of the day in the Toilet. So much for the Crab Omelette. I won't be going back.
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Review from Tam F.
11/9/2010
I attended my cousin's wedding here a couple of weekends ago. Arizona Inn has long been raved about and described as "old elegance". I must say the grounds are exquisite but when we arrived for the wedding, there was no one in the lobby or anywhere who could help direct us and we all found that a bit odd.
I did not see any guest rooms but the walk through the bar, restaurant dining room and finally the ballroom were all lovely. The ballroom is pretty small and with the dance floor and live band made the room feel even smaller. Otherwise the drinks were prepared well, the few passed hors doeuvres were tasty and it was a lovely event (with a few snafus).
One caveat-this place is not wheelchair or very walker friendly, so if you are traveling with the geriatric or disabled set, beware. -
Review from Tullia F.
Kalamazoo, MI
6/26/2011
For less than you would think (especially during the summer when the heat keeps tourists away), you can escape to this relaxing haven.
We had a wonderful dinner at the bar patio, enjoying the quail, rabbits, small children playing croquet and other "wildlife." Then, we retired to the pool for a swim and ice cream.
The next morning we had their fitness room all to ourselves and enjoyed huevos rancheros and an omelette served in our room. The room service said 30 minutes, but had our food to us in under 20.
Great service, including free bottles of water (a hotel that shall be interviewed later charged $6/bottle), completed our experience. -
Review from J C.
Tucson, AZ
1/2/2012
A beautiful hotel, with lush grounds that are a little like the Bel Air in Los Angeles. Brunch was merely OK one recent Sunday, and overpriced. (Why do restaurants in Tucson price like they're in NYC, with food quality in the haute Des Moines range?) The mushroom garlic soup was glop. The shrimp with pasta special was merely adequate (and way overpriced). Deserts were wonderful, though. And the service was impeccable.
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Review from Andrew C.
Manhattan, NY
9/29/2010 3 Check-ins Here
Amazing. Uhhhmazing. Whooamazing. Blingmazing. Shazamazing! I don't know how many renditions of that word I can make-up to convince you that The Arizona Inn is THE place to stay in Tucson, but I hope what follows does the trick:
First, it was cheaper than the nice chain hotels.
Second, This place is all around gorgeous. It's tucked away in a cute neighborhood, and has the charm of a decadent-era, Casa Blanca set. I felt like Katherine Hepburn or Keri Grant were right about to walk past my patio... The furniture is comfortable but eclectic; familiar yet fascinating. It feels as though every piece of décor (from the paintings to the fresh flowers to the books) are hand selected. The furniture is just beautiful, and everything is kept immaculately clean. In fact, I've never felt the urge to leave a tip for a 1-night getaway, but the housekeeping staff deserves it! There isn't a spec of dust or bit of grime to be found!
Third, service. From the minute you check-in, you can tell this place knows how to operate first class, 5-star accommodations. While the talking points are definitely understood as scripted, the check-in is smooth and comfortable, and the bell service is amazing. We received a nice tour of the grounds on our way to our room - amenities being pointed out and all! I love the well-kept green space, the beautiful fountains, the relaxing patios, and even the uncontrollable bird sounds (heck, I enjoy them so much right now, I'd put on a light sound-track if they ever migrate!). There's just this overall sense of serenity amongst the Inn's grounds, and I can't imagine anyone ready for a relaxing stay could imagine any additions...
Turndown service = chocolate on the pillows. Oh. My. Godliness.
I have to admit, my favorite aspect of this place is its' "old" charm, yet "now" feel. Everything is in great condition, and there are so many details to every aspect of the room! From the complimentary toiletries (including shoe covers, shower cap, manicure kit, etc.) to the selection of magazines and historic information on the hotel, I just couldn't get enough! It took me an hour to leave my room for dinner after checking in... this place just fascinated me.
I hope you take my advice and stay here!Listed in: Tucsonerrific
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Review from Jennifer D.
Tucson, AZ
12/4/2010 7 Check-ins Here
I LOVE IT! Well one I got engaged here on 07/07/07 =) And Spent our wedding night here...
We always have a good time when we have dinner here. Staff is great and the food AMAZING! -
Review from Brooke R.
Bay Area, CA
8/28/2007
I only visited the restaurant, but here is my experience.
Driving up to the restaurant was not a favorable experience. There is no sign that says "restaurant here" or any other indication of where the restaurant might be. We drove by the main entrance of the hotel, thought that maybe we should go in, but decided to drive the perimeter just to be sure. Our initial thoughts were correct and we parked and walked inside the hotel entrance. There was no concierge to greet us and direct us in the right direction. We wandered forwards, and then sideways, and found the dining room.
We had reservations and were seated immediately. The service for the first part of the meal was good. Very fast and very friendly. The food came out and it was amazing. I had ordered the lamb chops. They were almost the best I'd ever had, second only to those I had in Madrid. During our entree, the wait staff did a shift change. Our new waiter was not attentive whatsoever. We sat with our dirty plates in front of us, waiting to order dessert, for almost 10 minutes. Finally we were able to order the last part of our meal. My creme brulee came out cold. The sides of the dish were warm so I nibbled on that in hopes that the waiter would come by and ask what was wrong with my food. This never happened. He took the almost complete dessert away. This was a new experience for me because I have never had to pay for a bad dessert before.
The food was good but the service is not worth the prices. -
Review from Ashley P.
Chicago, IL
10/27/2008
The Arizona Inn is one of the most amazing hotels I have ever stayed in. I can't even describe in words the level of detail and personal service this hotel focuses on. I could go on and on and on and on ... It's old world with modern, understated conveniences. The sandwich in my room with lemonade when I arrived late, ice already in the bucket, iPod alarm clock, classic movie library from the famous guests that have stayed there, bike rental, excellent room service and the variety in the menus from the bar, poolside, restaurant. Even the shampoo and soap smell like heaven.
Stay here. You will love it! -
Review from Roald M.
Tucson, AZ
9/12/2010
*This is for their dining room*
My wife and I had made a quick reservation for a week night; was not disappointed.
The ambiance is excellent, I hate that one can't smoke indoors anyplace nowadays, since it would fit perfectly in the comfortable, dim, leathery library adjacent to the bar.
Wait staff was very attentive. I ordered a couple drinks to get my mind right; a Manhattan which came with extra mix in an ice bath (wonderful) and a Mojito. Was properly krunk after that and ready to eat. A complimentary "blueberry bisque" was brought out but it was more like a mousse; savory and tasty nonetheless.
We ordered 3 items: Duck Confit Quesadilla (delicious), Sea Bass (the morsel I had was delicious), Beef Bourguinon (delicious, but came out diced up instead of wrapped in the puff pastry as I expected).
Comfortable and old-school classy for its time. I'm down for another visit. -
Review from Carrie R.
Los Angeles, CA
8/1/2006 5 photos
I CAN'T believe i'm the FIRST to review this five star place! Truly an oasis in the desert and even more remarkable so considering it's so near to the University of Arizona's campus.
I've stayed here many times...once when I just needed to get away from my dorm and study (thanks mom!), another time as a bridesmaid in my best friend's wedding.
BEAUTIFUL grounds...86 individually decorated rooms, many with patios and/or fireplaces. Prices aren't cheap just to be forwarned...but it's well worth it to stay here.
History of the Inn:
The Arizona Inn celebrates its 75th anniversary on December 18, 2005. The Inn has been family owned and operated since it was built by Isabella Greenway, Arizona's first Congresswoman and close friend of Eleanor Roosevelt. When her furniture factory ran into financial trouble following the stock market crash of 1929, Isabella characteristically rose to the occasion and built the Arizona Inn as a place to create demand for their furniture and to keep the factory going.
Today, the Inn is unique in its onsite cabinet-making shop with its own master craftsman who createscustom furniture pieces for the Inn and restores and copies some of the original Hut furniture so that the spirit, style, and idea of the Inn is kept alive. The furniture is still used today in the guest rooms, dining rooms and public spaces. One of the Inn's master carpenters works on a table as part of the Inn's on-going furniture restoration.
The entrance to the Inn (circa 1930)
Since 1930, generations of the Greenway family have lovingly protected, managed, renovated and restored this world-renowned resort. Today, visitors still find an Inn that feels like a family's country estate...fulfilling Isabella.
Greenway's original mission to provide guests a sophisticated desert retreat offering peace, privacy and sunshine to its guests. The ladder-back chairs and tables in the dining rooms, built by the veterans at the Arizona Hut are still in use today. -
Review from Jentry M.
Tucson, AZ
11/21/2010
Absolutely first class 5 star service.
I had some family members stay here while visiting Tucson and I went to meet them for lunch on the lawn.
The hotel exudes old world charm. The staff are all friendly and not pretentious at all. The grounds of the hotel are impeccable as maintained by their 8 staff groundskeepers.
Lunch was wonderful. You can eat in the formal dining room, the informal dining room, the bar, on the patio, by the lawn, or pool side.
Good times, highly recommended. -
Review from Sean O.
Redwood City, CA
4/12/2010
My family has been staying/eating at the Arizona Inn for 13 years now. The grounds are beautiful, the pool is very relaxing and the staff is friendly. However, this last trip (early April) was a huge disappointment. The food is terrible now.
We tried each of their restaurants (Audobon Grill, the Dining room and the Poolside food) once. Our first morning there, we ordered room service for breakfast and ate out on the patio. The kid who brought the food did not set anything up for us (not a big deal but annoying). The "hot" water for our tea was warm...it literally would not steep the tea bags. And the croissants and scones were dry and came with no butter or jam. My family ended up picking up food and bringing it back to the pool after that.
The grounds are still beautiful and most of the staff is friendly but the service takes forever and it is not worth the wait. We have been making a girls trip to the Arizona Inn almost every year, but have now decided to go somewhere new next year.
Sorry Arizona Inn..but you were a disappointment. -
Review from Shannan M.
Scottsdale, AZ
12/5/2007
I am so sorry that Brooke didn't have a five-star experience. She's right though, its an understated property, little signage, and the whole place is quiet, quaint and cozy. I almost take anything but a five-star-experience personally even though I am not affiliated with the property in any way, shape or form because I absolutely love this place!
I try to go twice a year - even if it means I am alone. Its this perfect little oasis, that is hidden off of the main drag that helps you escape all that really isn't important.
The staff is amazing from start to finish - with perfectly personalized service. From the moment I call to make my reservation, they have my history on file and know exactly which rooms and views I prefer. All the rooms have some type of outdoor seating, be it a table and a couple of chairs or chaise lounge seating. There are wild honeysuckle bushes throughout the property - enough that you can have a private party with someone you love, a glass of champagne and all the flowered nectar you can 'drink' (not that I have first hand experience or anything...).
Lastly, i love that the bar/restaurant staff has no qualms about freshly stuffing my olives with blue cheese - or giving me absolutely perfect service if I am at the hotel alone and dining alone (which to me is the epitome of great service).
The summer months are extra spectacular as they have an all-you-can-eat ice cream social every night by the pool. Yum...a little Vueve Cliquot and all you can eat ice cream - seriously, what more could a girl ask for?
Whether you share this special hideaway with someone you love or by yourself, this desert oasis has perfected the art of hospitality, service, comfort, coziness, ambiance and atmosphere and is a must-stay during your next visit to Tucson. -
Review from Stacy S.
Sierra Vista, AZ
8/22/2009
Arizona Inn is an oasis in the desert, the only sound I heard were the grounds keepers meticulously caring for the lush flowers, trees & grass that meanders trough this unique experience.
You can wander around and find yourself playing ping pong or relaxing at the pool with the trees tickling you with their shade. The Library and dinning room wrap you in an air of casual sophistication.
This Island in the clouds is all about service and attention to detail, and shame on you if you do not take the time to embrace the historical significance of this location.
Please enjoy. -
Review from Jenny E.
Boston, MA
9/15/2010
This hotel is as good as it gets.
The attentive service, the food, the drinks, the rooms, the pianist... all top quality.
It's an oasis in Tucson. -
Review from Dan and Tif S.
San Marcos, CA
11/2/2008
This is definitely one of the nicest places to stay in Tucson, if not the nicest. The property has a great history, and the gardens are a refreshing change of scene from the desert landscape. I saw what had to be the biggest orange tree in the world outside of my room. They have a great pool area and the library is beautiful.
I didn't eat in the restaurant, but did eat several times in the bar which shares some of the same menu. It's pricey but good. Throw a couple bucks to Bob the piano player -- he'll play you a tune and tell you all about the celebrities who have come through in the 25+ years he's been there.
I only passed through Tucson for a few days in October so I don't know if this always happens, but there were a lot of mosquitos around at sunset when I was hanging out on the patio outside my room. They got my wife pretty good the first night but bug spray kept them away after that.
A lot of the hotels in Tucson look nice in pictures but are really run down in person. The Arizona Inn isn't cheap but you get your money's worth. -
Review from M. S.
Bernardsville, NJ
9/26/2009
Just enjoyed our third visit in 2009....wish there was time for one more. We are from NJ and our son is at the U of A. We visited in April, August and September and it is a spectacular property with understated elegance, exceptional service and gorgeous grounds. Love taking the complimentary bicycles for rides around the Sam Hughes historic neighborhood and the University. Breakfast by the pool each morning and tea in the library (or ice cream by the pool) each afternoon.
I can't describe how pleasant and comfortable this lodging experience is. They aim to please and small properties like this just get it right more often than the behemoth resorts. We'll NEVER stay anywhere else in Tucson! -
Review from rich m.
Santa Rosa, CA
7/20/2010
I'm hesitant to write what I really think for fear of spoiling what feels like our special place.
This is a charming, relaxing & comfortable hotel. In the modern day and age when nice hotels tend to resemble the facade and crowds at Las Vegas or Disney, this place stands apart. The grounds, architecture, and furniture here harken back to a golden age, and it often feels like you're the only one there.
Spend hours at the pool soaking up the rays and sipping a cocktail or the quick appearing ice water with lemon. Take in a game of pingpong under a thatched roofed cabana in the middle of the grounds, and enjoy the peaceful serenity of this place whether in the well insulated room or walking the gardens.
They also have the most helpful and professional staff. They keep this place looking great and will help you with anything you need. -
Review from Amanda K.
3/27/2011
HOLY COW!! That's what I said when I saw the prices of the dining room menu, but that's also what I said when I took the first bite of my food. Everything was simply amazing. Grilled vegetable salad was delicious and refreshing. The grilled lamb loin with broccoli rabe, carrots, and butternut squash mashed potatoes = mind blowing. The service was first class, as was the ambiance. Everything was perfect. We also walked around the property and everything is fabulous and beautiful. I can definitely see why people get married here! Getting to eat here was such a treat!
Listed in: Tucson Faves
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Review from LCAandJon B.
Oakland, CA
4/15/2011
We showed up after dark and walked into a twinkly, bona fide paradise. Room was spacious and cozy, swimming pool was glowy and warm (huge thanks to the nice night watchman-type who left us alone to swim after-hours), and in the morning we realized how serious of a mistake we'd made by not showing up earlier--the grounds are gorgeous. It was pricey enough to prevent us from staying more than one night, but well worth the hours we had there.
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Review from Guy D.
Gilbert, AZ
3/28/2010
I can't think of another hotel I would rather stay in when visiting Tucson. We usually head over to the uber modern Marriott Starr Pass Resort but now I think if we are ready to spend some $$$ (it wasn't cheap in March!) this will be the place to go.
Service, atmosphere and attention to detail was 1st class. The rooms were tastefully decorated and very private and the classic DVD library featuring only movies of the stars that have stayed at the property is a genius idea.
Highly recommended. -
Review from Patrick J.
West Hollywood, CA
1/30/2011
This place is a rotten, overpriced hole. I have not one positive thing to say about it. The rooms are dismal, the facilities are unspectacular, and the prices are absurd relative to what one receives.
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Review from Stephen Z.
Tucson, AZ
11/16/2009
Yeah I would pick this one.
The hotel and the restaurant -
Review from Mark A.
Palo Alto, CA
5/16/2009
I have not a single bad thing to say about this place....
The grounds could not be more beautiful,
The service could not be more friendly and efficient,
The rooms are spectacular; well appointed and very spacious...
This place is a classic; it doesn't get much better than this hidden oasis. -
Review from Priscila B.
Sahuarita, AZ
1/31/2011
I have been there several times and every time it is awesome. Great service great food. I also spent Thanksgiving there. I just think they need to update the menu a little bit. I run out of options. Of course, lately I have been getting the chef special to not repeat. I can say I have tried 75%$ of their menu and everything is delicious
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Review from Grace S.
Oakland, CA
How do I love thee, let me count the ways.
1. Pool! Quiet, tranquil, bar... the enclosed pool area is clean with yellow loungers surrounded by beautiful trees.
2. Suites! The rooms have an antique style sleigh beds and furniture with modern touches (flat screen TVs, DVD player, and Wifi). This was our 2nd stay and we needed up with a room with a separte living space.
3. Ice Cream social! In the summer they offer free ice cream bar from 5 to 9pm every evening. I thoroughly enjoyed by chocolate ice cream and raspberry sorbet with chocolate syrup, nuts, and fruit.
4. Activity space! Whether you choose to play ping pong or croquette... or have a drink at the piano bar... or sit in the library reading a book.... it just feels classy.
5. Movies rental options! They offer free DVD rentals of old classic movies... but wait, they only offer movies of those former stars who stayed at the Arizona Inn: Spencer Tracy, Katherine Hepburn, Clark Gable... etc.
We stayed here a week this time and didn't even leave the place for the first 2 days. We lounged all day in the pool, starting with breakfast by the pool, then ended up at the Audubon (piano) bar for dinner. With nightly turn-down service, we were welcomed back to our quiet rooms (we never heard any noise from other guests) with a chocolate waiting on our pillows. The beds were so comfortable we sleep like babies.
Ahhhh, this is just what I needed.
The only reason why I didn't give this place 5 stars is because of the food. Just like many restuarants throughout Tucson, I find the food is just not that great. -
Review from Suzanne F.
Phoenix, AZ
2/17/2011
A great place to stop by if you'd like to see something truly unique in Tucson. There's a dinning room for elegant breakfast, dinners, lunches and brunches, as well as a bar and food service at the pool. The service is great, the food is good but the ambiance is amazing. One of the oldest hotels in the city, the architecture is awesome, the furniture is so elegant and the grounds are extensive and beautiful.
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Review from Kate G.
Mine Run, VA
1/13/2010
I live in the Washington, DC metropolitan area but have been spending the holiday season in Arizona for many years to visit with family, usually for about 10 days. For nearly as long, I've been curious about Janos for a special occasion meal based on Zagat reviews and such. This year I was also celebrating a milestone birthday over the holidays, so about a month prior to my Tucson visit, my mother and I discussed where I might like to go for my birthday. She suggested Arizona Inn because she adored it so and thought it would be lovely all decorated for Christmas, but Janos would be OK with her as well. I read the reviews for both on Yelp and told her she could pick as I'd be happy with either. She responded, "OK, I'll just keep the reservation I made at Arizona Inn then." (This was over three weeks prior to the date we would be dining.)
The six of us arrived promptly at our reservation time of 7pm. My mother checked in with the hostess then inquired if it would be an issue if we wanted to enjoy a cocktail in the library prior to sitting down to our table. We did take note the dining room was only about 1/3 full at that time, but in case they wanted to turn the table over another time that night, we would have been happy to sit and begin our meal then. (If you're not a local, note Tucson is an early crowd, so the likelihood of turning the table again that night was remote.) The hostess said "No problem. Your table will be ready for you whenever you would like." There was a wedding reception going on in another part of the building, so the bartender was backed up, and getting the drinks took a while, but about 45 minutes later we went back to the dining room and asked to be seated.
There was a different hostess there at that moment and she had a slightly panicked look on her face. Instantly the first hostess reappeared and said "Sorry, right this way." She proceeded to lead us through the dining room to, what appeared to be, a large auxillary room far off to the side where we would have been the only people dining. It really felt like it was the "kids table at Thanksgiving" and we were being punished. The whole thing was a quite a surprise for, I'm told when making the reservation, it was discussed we were coming in to celebrate a birthday, in addition to the fact the reservation was made so far in advance. Furthermore, my mother used to be a frequent guest of the hotel, as well as the restaurant, and indicated she never even knew the room existed, it was so far removed from everything. (Wasn't the breakfast room, not the ballroom, not the courtyard, etc.)
As you might imagine, we were very disappointed and my folks started a discussion with the manager on duty. He started giving us the runaround. After 15 minutes, I decided to pop a call over to Janos and said, "We're getting the runaround about our reservation at Arizona Inn; If we came over about 8:30, would you be able to feed us?" They said no problem. We gave Arizona Inn another 10 minutes then headed up to Janos.
With the bartender as an exception, every person we encountered at Arizona Inn was rude and didn't care they were ruining my birthday dinner with family. We think they gave our table away accidently between the two hostess, but there wasn't a single apology, only arrogance. Even the next day when we spoke by phone with the regular manager, he provided additional flip attitude.
Two notes... Both the dining room and library were quite charming and inviting in their holiday decor. Second, the meal at Janos was unbelieveably spectacular, and it wasn't just because I was starving by that point. ;-) (I'll be writing a review over there as well.) -
Review from sarah k.
Phoenix, AZ
2/4/2007
Well, it is about time I got caught up on my Tucson reviews. Having once lived in Tucson, I can tell you that this is the place to stay. It is historic, quaint and lovely. The rooms are serene, in that birds chirping outside your window kind of way. I'll take a room here any day over the giant resorts such as the Marriot at Starr Pass. It is also located in a great central location - close to the univerisity, close to downtown, and a short drive from the newer shopping zone/outdoor mall to the north. They serve high tea daily gratis for guests. Breakfast by the pool and a walk around the grounds in a must even if you don't stay here. It's on my roster of things I do every time I'm down in Tucson for a visit.
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Review from Rob B.
San Francisco, CA
9/2/2008
Wow, this is what a resort hotel should be like. Huge, tasteful rooms, mostly suites, all unique, most with private patios, fancy restaurant (I didn't eat here...NYC prices in Tuscon and no one I talked to was raving about the food), clay tennis courts, manicured grounds, all spread out over a couple blocks in a walled compound in a fancy Tuscon neighborhood.
My favorite: The pool!
This is the textbook posh hotel pool area. The changing room reeks of perfect: big stacks of white towels, bottles of decent products, showers with tall showerheads, sauna (in the desert?? no thanks) white tile and carrera marble. The only thing missing was an attendant, but those guys always make me cringe anyway ("Hey, what does your dad do?" " He sits in the bathroom of a fancy resort and hand out towels to rich white people for tips").
The pool itself is just the right size. Big enough for laps, but not alienating or too big to keep an eye on the kids. It's surrounded by a sufficient (for a change) number of nice yellow-cushioned chaises, and the staff brings you a tall glass of ice water without your having to ask. They also have food and drinks, and a Fat Tire draft was only $3.50, less than even divey bars in San Francisco. My only complaint: not enough shade. Seems like they're trying to keep the presence of garish unbrellas to a minimum, but c'mon, this is Arizona already! Of course I didn't request an umbrella as there didn't seem to be any where I was loungeing, but I would be surprised if the staff of a 5-star resort wouldn't have brought one, so tell me to shut up.
We shared the pool with David Hasselhoff (I didn't recognize him!) and his daughter and her friends, chattering away like Valley Girls. Helen Mirren was also spotted by someone in our group.
This place does everything right, tasteful and fancy and homey at the same time. Not at all stuffy, no attitude, and I didn't feel out of place wearing shorts and a T-shirt in the lobby. Best of all, it's not a big chain, so it retains its distinct personality. Expensive. Worth it. -
Review from Tia G.
Washington, DC
3/1/2009
One of the most attentive hotels I've ever stayed. The attendant at the front desk unlocked the gift shop for us after business hours. The restaurant's steak is fabulous...don't leave without trying the prickly pear syrup on your pancakes at breakfast, and the prickly pear margarita!
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Review from Margaux L.
Los Angeles, CA
6/11/2007
This is the most wonderful 1930's desert resort to enjoy for a weekend getaway. The staff is amazing, the pool is perfect and the grounds are lovely and inviting. Ping pong, croquet, clay tennis courts and ice cream sundaes every night by the pool. This is my favorrite new place to visit!!
