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!
If you’re here, chances are you’re planning an adventure to the magnificent Saguaro National Park. Excellent choice!
We’ve meandered through Saguaro National Park not once, but twice! And let us tell you, each visit was a blast!
Who’d have thought a bunch of spiky plants could be so alluring?
Between you and us, we’re somewhat of national park aficionados, constantly traversing to those picture-perfect spots that Mother Nature so generously offers.
But after the end of a long day hiking in these gorgeous locales, we love to lay our head on a soft pillow rather than a rock.
Our seasoned experience with this desert wonderland might just help you dodge a few cacti and land in the perfect spot to rest your head. So let’s get started.
Our Top Picks: Best Saguaro National Park Hotels In Tucson
Don’t have time to read the whole article and want the answer now? Here are our top two choices near Saguaro National Park!
Hotel McCoy
✔️ Centralized location to both sides of the park
✔️ Retro art vibe that makes you want to stay at the hotel all day
JW Marriott Tucson Starr
✔️ Right next door to the more popular west side of the park
✔️ Luxurious desert oasis
Centrally Located Hotels Near 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.
1. Hotel McCoy – Art, Coffee, Beer, Wine
Rating: 9.1/10 ⭐️ | 🚙 16.5 miles from West, 20.9 miles from East
☘️ Our #1 pick for the best Saguaro National Park hotels
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)
➡️ Check Availability & Prices at Hotel McCoy
🌵 Looking to elevate your Tucson experience with a dash of luxury? Dive into our roundup of the best Tucson hotels with in-room jacuzzis right here!
2. 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)
➡️ Check Availability & Prices at Doubletree By Hilton Tucson
🌵 Ready to pedal your way through Tucson’s scenic landscapes? Grab your helmet and check out our comprehensive guide to Tucson biking tours here!
3. 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)
➡️ Check Availability & Prices at El Amador Luxury Inn
🌵 Thinking of a southwestern sojourn? Discover why Tucson is more than worth the visit in our detailed exploration right here!
Hotels Near Saguaro National Park West
If your focus is going to be on the Tucson Mountain District (or west side) of Saguaro National Park, these are great options.
4. JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort
Rating: 8.4/10 ⭐️ | 🚙 13.5 miles from West District
☘️ Our #2 pick for the best Saguaro National Park hotels
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
🌵 Considering a desert drive from Saguaro to Petrified Forest National Park? Gear up and check out our must-read guide for an unforgettable road trip right here!
5. 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)
➡️ Check Availability & Prices at Casino Del Sol Tucson
🌵 Wondering when to pack your bags for a Saguaro National Park adventure? Discover the ideal time to visit in our handy guide right here!
Hotels Near Saguaro National Park East
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.
6. 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)
➡️ Check Availability & Prices at Hampton Inn Suites Tucson
🌵 Planning a scenic journey from the red rocks of Sedona to the towering cacti of Saguaro? Find out all you need to know in our insightful guide right here!
7. 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
🌵 Still wondering if Saguaro National Park is worth a visit? Let’s put it this way – does a cactus cast a shadow in the desert?
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.
🌵 Think you can’t conquer Saguaro National Park in just one day? Well, strap on your hiking boots and hold on to your water bottle, because we’re about to prove you wrong, right here!
FAQs For The Best Hotels Near Saguaro National Park
Let’s answer some questions about Saguaro National Park.
Can You Stay IN Saguaro National Park?
For you outdoorsy types, camping is indeed an option within the East District of Saguaro National Park. But for those preferring a good night’s sleep, complete with fluffy pillows and air conditioning, you’ll want to head over to the bustling city of Tucson, just around the corner, with a wealth of comfortable accommodation options.
How Many Days Do You Need To See Saguaro National Park?
Saguaro National Park can be explored thoroughly in 1 to 2 days. One day is perfect for a highlights tour, but if you want to delve into the park’s intricate hiking trails and soak up all its natural beauty at a leisurely pace, we’d recommend two days. Either way, you’re in for a treat!
How Long Is The Drive Through Saguaro National Park?
The two main scenic drives in Saguaro National Park are the Cactus Forest Loop Drive (8 miles) in the East, and the Bajada Loop Drive (6 miles) in the West. Each one takes about an hour, but we recommend factoring in extra time to hop out, snap photos, and really soak in that striking desert beauty.
What town is closest to Saguaro National Park?
Tucson, Arizona, is the closest town to Saguaro National Park. It’s practically a hop, skip, and a jump away, with the park’s boundaries stretching to both the east and west of the city. So you’re never far from a comfortable bed, a hot shower, and some delectable southwestern cuisine after your day of desert adventures.
What should you not miss in Saguaro National Park?
Don’t miss the awe-inspiring Valley View Overlook Trail and the informative Signal Hill Petroglyphs. And certainly, don’t forget to experience the scenic drives – the Cactus Forest Loop and Bajada Loop Drive. Each offers an unforgettable glimpse of the park’s unique desert ecosystem and its star players, the towering saguaros. And if you can stay till sunset, do it!
To Finish – 7 Best Saguaro National Park Hotels
As we wrap up, remember, whether you’re bunking down in a fancy suite in Saguaro National Park hotels or or cozing up in a sleeping bag under the stars in the park itself, the main event here is that prickly charm of the saguaros.
Yes, those towering cacti might look a bit intimidating, but don’t let their prickly exteriors fool you. They’re the life of the party in this part of the desert.
And, whether it’s your first or fifth time, there’s always something new to discover amidst their spiky ranks.
If you still haven’t decided which of these fantastic hotels is your top choice, why not go with our top choice, 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!
