7 Best Saguaro National Park Hotels In Tucson
Are you looking for the BEST Saguaro National Park hotels for your visit to this incredible area? Look no further!
Tucson, located in Arizona, is an ideal place to stay for nature lovers looking to explore the beauty of Saguaro National Park.
Located on the outskirts of Tucson, Saguaro National Park is a popular destination for hikers and campers who seek to experience the unique flora and fauna of the Sonoran Desert.
The park is also home to some of the largest saguaro cacti in the world. This makes it an ideal spot for photographers and plant lovers as well.
Staying near Saguaro National Park is a great way to see all the park offers while also being conveniently close to Tucson’s many attractions and activities.
The Best Saguaro National Park Hotel
Don’t have time to read the whole article and want the answer now?
Saguaro National Park Hotels – West Side
If your focus is going to be on the Tucson Mountain District (or west side) of Saguaro National Park, these are great options.
1. JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort
Rating: 8.4/10 ⭐️ | 🚙 13.5 miles from West District
The JW Marriott Tucson Starr is the perfect luxurious place to stay while visiting Saguaro National Park.
The resort is located in a saguaro cactus forest, giving you an up-close and personal experience with the iconic desert plants.
You can enjoy three golf courses and four delicious restaurants on-site.
For those looking to relax, the resort offers multiple outdoor swimming pools, a hot tub, an outdoor fireplace, and all rooms have a balcony or patio.
The JW Marriott also features an on-site spa, fitness center, and trails next to the resort if hiking in the national park wasn’t enough for you.
With so many amenities and activities, there is something for everyone at this luxurious desert oasis.
📎 Tip: This one is by far the most luxurious of the hotels on our list, so if you are wanting to splurge on a night stay, you can’t go wrong with this one!
A really nice hotel with plenty of amenities. Beautifully decorated hotel with large and very pleasant common areas. The room was also clean and comfortable. Staff was also very helpful and accommodative.
– George (More Reviews)
➡️ Check Availability & Prices at JW Marriott Tucson
📖 If you are also interested in visiting Petrified Forest while in Arizona, we have the perfect road trip for you from Saguaro.
2. Casino Del Sol Resort Tucson
Rating: 8.8/10 ⭐️ | 🚙 13.5 miles from West District
The Casino Del Sol is an excellent destination for those seeking an exciting experience that includes a bit of gambling.
The resort features a casino, restaurant, and bar, for plenty of entertainment and dining options.
Enjoy the beautiful outdoor pool. Or hold up in your room with comfortable beds and a relaxing rain shower in the bathroom.
The on-site spa offers massages, facials, and other pampering treatments, while the fitness center allows you to stay active. And the business center has everything you need for a successful work trip or vacation getaway.
Look no further than this casino resort for an unforgettable experience near Saguaro National Park.
The room is well appointed and the bed is exceedingly comfortable. We loved our view of the pool and the distant mountains. Breakfast and service at Moby’s was great!
– Deborah (more reviews)
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📖 Have you already decided what season to visit Saguaro? If not, we have the perfect post about the best time to visit the national park.
Saguaro National Park Hotels – East Side
If your focus is instead going to be on the Rincon Mountain District (or east side) of Saguaro National Park, these are your best options.
3. Hampton Inn Suites Tucson Tech Park
Rating: 9/10 ⭐️ | 🚙 10.3 miles from East District
The Hampton Inn Suites is a wonderful place to stay for a stress-free visit to Saguaro National Park.
The hotel features clean and comfortable rooms with free WiFi, making staying connected easy.
You can also enjoy the fitness center and outdoor pool when taking a break from exploring the park.
The hotel’s friendly staff and helpful concierge are always available to help with any questions or requests.
And best of all, a complimentary delicious continental breakfast is served every morning.
With its proximity to Saguaro National Park East and great amenities, the Hampton Inn & Suites Tucson Tech Park is an excellent choice for your stay in Tucson.
Loved the location, the rooms were clean, the breakfast was very good, they always had towels and extra pillows. Pool was super clean. Definitely would stay again.
– Christopher (more reviews)
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📖 Sedona to Saguaro will be a fun road trip if you are heading here from up north.
4. Hilton Tucson East
Rating: 8.3/10 ⭐️ | 🚙 7.1 miles from East District
The Hilton Tucson East is another option for anyone focusing on Saguaro National Park East.
The hotel offers all the amenities needed for a comfortable and relaxing stay. Amenities include a full-service restaurant with room service, an outdoor pool and whirlpool, comfortable beds, and a quiet location.
You can also take advantage of the fitness room, 24-hour business center, and free WiFi.
Some of the rooms offer incredible mountain views. And the hotel is close to a walking path if you want to get outside for a brisk walk to start your morning.
To top it off, the Hilton Tucson East is also pet-friendly, making it the perfect hotel for your furry family to stay with you.
Very nice property in a great location on the East side of town. The beds were very comfortable and the rooms were quiet. They have a nice breakfast buffet and a a little mini market with Starbucks coffee. Also, they allow furry friends!
– Catherine (more reviews)
➡️ Check Availability & Prices at Hilton Tucson East
📖 Limited on time? We discuss it a bit down below, but we have a whole post on the best way to see the Saguaro National Park in just one day.
Centrally Located For Both Sides Of Saguaro National Park
If you aren’t sure what side of the park you want to visit yet or have plans to spend time on both sides, these options will be the best for you as they are centrally located.
5. Hotel McCoy – Art, Coffee, Beer, Wine
Rating: 9.1/10 ⭐️ | 🚙 16.5 miles from West, 20.9 miles from East
☘️ Our pick for the best Saguaro National Park hotel
The Hotel McCoy is the perfect place to stay when visiting both districts of Saguaro National Park. The hotel offers a centrally located and convenient spot to reach either side in under 30 minutes.
You can ride the free bikes, swim in the outdoor pool, or play table tennis (or one of the other games) for entertainment. Every room has a desk if you need to get some work done.
All rooms are on the ground floor, and some have gorgeous mountain views.
A free breakfast is served each morning, and the fitness center is available for you to stay active.
The retro art vibe of the hotel provides fun colorful decor and quirky murals. Plus, there is beer and wine on location for a nightcap or afternoon delight.
And if all that wasn’t enough, they are also a pet friendly hotel.
With all its amenities, Hotel McCoy will make your visit one that you won’t soon forget!
The McCoy was a real pleasure! It’s retro look & vibe plus super clean rooms made us feel like we hit a vacation destination. The single level hotel is filled with murals and artwork. The staff was extremely friendly. Our room had a mural that just kept me smiling.
– Judith (more reviews)
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📖 Going to be in Tucson for a bit? We have some incredible Tucson biking tours that are sure to delight you.
6. Doubletree By Hilton Tucson Downtown Convention Center
Rating: 9.2/10 ⭐️ | 🚙 15.7 miles from West, 16.2 miles from East
The Doubletree By Hilton is another centrally located option in downtown Tucson that makes visiting both sides of the national park easy.
The hotel features a fitness center if you want to get in a workout. It also has a restaurant and bar, perfect for grabbing a bite to eat or enjoying an adult beverage to end your day of exploring.
The spacious room is clean, and many have balconies with city views.
You can also enjoy a continental or American breakfast each morning. There is a year round outdoor pool, fireplace, and seating area to relax your tired feet in the afternoon or evening.
The friendly staff at the Doubletree By Hilton Tucson Downtown Convention Center will ensure all your needs are met for an unforgettable stay.
I stayed at this property a few weeks ago with my daughter and it was perfect. Booked again…The cleanest place, friendly staff, nice touch on the coolies at check in, great location for walkable downtown, safe, well lit, just super nice.
– capek (more reviews)
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📖 Since we are talking about hotels to stay in the area, we assume you think Tucson is worth a visit. But if you are still on the fence, check out the reasons why.
7. El Amador Downtown Luxury Inn
Rating: 9.1/10 ⭐️ | 🚙 16.3 miles from West, 15.5 miles from East
The El Amador is our final suggestion. But just because it is last on our list doesn’t mean it isn’t a fantastic place to recover from your full day of hiking.
Located in a renovated home with quaint antique furnishings, there is free WiFi and BBQ facilities for you to enjoy.
Complimentary bikes are available to explore the area when you are not in Saguaro National Park. Or you can enjoy the secluded courtyard with seating and a fire pit to relax after a long day.
Some units have kitchen facilities, while all the rooms can indulge in exploring the beautiful garden.
With its cozy atmosphere and central location, El Amador Downtown Luxury Inn is an excellent place to lay your head at night.
📎 Note: This one is in a personal residence that has been converted into an inn so it has a different feel than the rest of the options on our list.
If you are traveling to Tucson highly recommend the El Matador downtown luxury inn. Absolutely beautiful. Beautiful room, private Secure parking. Close to everything. Five stars do not hesitate.
– richard (more reviews)
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📖 Curious to find out why we think Saguaro National Park is worth a visit? Check out our post for more.
FAQs About Saguaro National Park
Let’s answer some questions about Saguaro National Park.
Can You Stay IN Saguaro National Park
Yes, you can stay INSIDE Saguaro National Park for the night!
While there are no cabin rentals or RV spaces within the park, backcountry camping is available at designated sites.
Six camps are scattered around the Rincon Mountain District (east side), all of which require an overnight permit from NPS.
The number of sites available at each camp varies, as does whether you can make a campfire. All the camps are at least 4 miles away from the nearest trailhead, so prepare for quite a hike. But the solitude once you are there will be well worth it.
Camping in the backcountry is a great way to experience all that Saguaro National Park offers while getting close to nature.
But if camping isn’t your cup of tea, plenty of lodging options near the park’s borders provide comfortable and convenient accommodations for those who wish to stay in Tucson (like all the ones we discussed here!).
How Many Days Do You Need To See Saguaro National Park
The time you need to spend in Saguaro National Park depends on what activities and sights you want to experience.
While it is possible to explore the park in one day, two days would be ideal if you want to take advantage of all the park has to offer.
With just one day, we suggest you pick only one district (East or West) and explore it as fully as possible.
If you have two or more days, you can devote at least one day to each side of the park to experience the diversity the two sides offer.
With two+ days, you would have enough time to take the scenic drives on each side and do some hiking on the shorter trails to explore the area’s unique plant and wildlife species. Or you could spend one day doing an all-day hike.
Which Saguaro National Park Is Better, East Or West
The Tuscon Mountain District (the west park) and the Rincon Mountain District (the east park) are the two districts that comprise Saguaro National Park.
Which one you visit will depend on your interests during your visit; we wouldn’t suggest that one is superior to the other.
The Tuscon Moutain District is the smaller side of the park. And even though it is smaller, it has the greater density of the famous saguaro cacti.
If you’re a beginner hiker, it offers a range of shorter walks to get your feet wet. It also has a beautiful scenic drive.
This district would be the best to see if you only had one day because the smaller size allows you to see more in less time.
The Rincon Mountain District (the east park) is bigger and more mountainous than its counterpart.
You should visit this side if you want to experience longer hikes that might take all day to complete. You will also find more diversity in the plants and trees during your hike on this side of the park.
Carry bear spray when in the Rincon Mountain District as the higher altitudes in the park provide habitats for black bears.
This side of the park also has a picturesque drive, although longer trails are the main attraction here.
How Long Is The Drive Through Saguaro National Park
Both districts have a scenic drive, so it depends on which side of the national park you are on.
The Tucson Mountain District (west side) has the Bajada Loop Drive. It is a 6-mile drive that winds through Saguaro National Park’s breathtaking desert landscape.
The loop is an excellent way to experience the park’s diverse habitats, from arid grasslands to lush forests of saguaros and other cacti.
You might see small wildlife along the drive, such as lizards and squirrels. You probably won’t see larger creatures, but keep your fingers crossed, as the park has javelina and mountain lions.
The Rincon Mountain District (east side) has the Cactus Forest Loop Drive.
This drive is an 8-mile paved road that winds through Saguaro National Park’s east district.
It offers a unique experience as you pass through areas of giant saguaros, prickly pears, cholla cacti, and much more.
Along the way, you might spot wildlife like roadrunners and jackrabbits. The loop also provides stunning views of the Rincon Mountains and other distant ridgelines.
Read More:
–One Incredible Day In Saguaro National Park
–Best Time To Visit Saguaro
–Saguaro To Petrified Forest Road Trip
–Sedona To Saguaro Road Trip
–Best Tucson Biking Tours
–Is Saguaro National Park Worth Visiting
To Finish – 7 Best Saguaro National Park Hotels
When choosing your Saguaro National Park hotel, Tucson has several great options. From the pet-friendly Hilton Tucson East to the quaint El Amador Downtown Luxury Inn, there’s something for everyone.
But our top choice is Hotel McCoy.
Its central location, free bikes, and outdoor pool make it a great spot to come home after exploring the park. With its retro art vibe and colorful decor, plus beer and wine on location, you can be sure to have a memorable stay!
Whether you want luxury or affordability, there’s something for everyone in Tucson when it comes to staying near Saguaro National Park.