Found in the southeastern area of Arizona is a city brimming with ranches, mountain views, and cacti. This city is none other than Tucson. From here, you can easily access Saguaro National Park, which features desert landscapes that you won’t find anywhere else. Aside from its unique flora, Tucson is rich in history. Head to El Presidio Historic District, where you can find adobe buildings, and visit Presidio San Agustín del Tucson Museum. This museum offers re-enactments, workshops, and walking tours. Meanwhile, Pima Air and Space Museum is home to around 400 aircraft, some of which have a long history. There are also lots of unique things to do in Tucson. If you’re interested in learning more about the city’s past, experience it up close by booking a room in a historic hotel. Keep reading for the top historic hotels in Tucson, Arizona.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) properties with historic significance, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 12, 2024.
1. Arizona Inn (from USD 299)
Where to stay in Tucson? Check out Arizona Inn, a boutique hotel in East Tucson that has been around since 1930. It was created by the state’s first congresswoman, Isabella Greenway. Before it became a hotel, it was an inn that would hire war veterans so that they could keep supporting themselves.
Today, it is part of the National Register of Historic Places, and it features antique furnishings and convenient amenities. Some of its amenities include an outdoor pool, sports facilities, and a sauna. Those staying here can choose among standard rooms, suites, and a two-bedroom house with a full kitchen.
Arizona Inn
Address: 2200 East Elm Street
4.05 km (2.6 mi) from Reid Park Zoo
2. Hotel Congress (from USD 109)
This is a well-known hotel in historic downtown Tucson. Each room here doesn’t have a TV, adding to its old-world feel. Instead, what you will find are rotary phones, old radios, and iron bed frames that are reminiscent of the 30s. Worry not though because WiFi and air conditioning are available.
Since this hotel has been around since 1919, there are a few horror stories that surround it. If you’re a curious cat or in the mood to feel like a protagonist of a movie, consider visiting Room 242. While chilling in the plaza, keep an eye out for a figure from the windows of Room 214.
Hotel Congress
Address: 311 East Congress Street
4.54 km (2.9 mi) from Reid Park Zoo
3. Lodge on the Desert (from USD 118)
Lodge On The Desert originally started off as a private residence with only four bedrooms. Then, it became a renowned retreat that would often be visited by movie stars in the late 1930s. While it now features contemporary decorations, you can still find vintage touches everywhere. For instance, in every room, there is a beehive fireplace.
Other amenities in this unique hotel in Tucson include a heated pool and hot tub, a fitness center, and an award-winning restaurant and bar.
Lodge on the Desert
Address: 306 North Alvernon Way, Tucson City Center, Tucson (AZ), United States, 85711
2.03 km (1.3 mi) from Reid Park Zoo
Other historic accommodations
4. El Presidio Bed & Breakfast Inn
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by El Presidio Bed & Breakfast on Saturday, June 10, 2017
Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, El Presidio Bed & Breakfast Inn blends Victorian grandeur with Mexican and American heritage. It was built in the late 19th century as a simple home. After it was discovered by Jerry Toci in the 1960s, it underwent restoration until it became an inn in 1985.
Despite its vintage touches, the inn features modern amenities, such as a TV and DVD player, in its rooms. Breakfast is complimentary, featuring a different set entrée every morning.
El Presidio Bed & Breakfast Inn
Address: El Presidio Bed & Breakfast Inn
Price: from 142 USD
Star Rating: 3 Stars
5. Hacienda Del Sol Guest Ranch Resort (from USD 499)
Reasonable pricing for a historic property with beautiful southwest gardens and views.
Multiple pools, spa, gym, and spacious, elegant suites with a southwest vibe.
Superb location with amazing desert views and close proximity to town.
Delicious dining options with 5-star meals, excellent service, and breathtaking views.
This resort used to be an all-girls school for the elite. In 1929, it was already called “Hacienda Del Sol.” Then, in the 1940s, it became a retreat for movie stars. Now, it is an accommodation that welcomes all types of travelers.
It features a number of rooms and suites that exude a historic feel while guaranteeing guests a convenient stay. The resort also offers casitas that will make you feel at home. Two on-site restaurants, a spa, and meeting facilities are available, too.
Hacienda del Sol Guest Ranch Resort
Address: 5501 North Hacienda del Sol Road
10.88 km (6.8 mi) from Reid Park Zoo
6. Tanque Verde Ranch (from USD 266)
Tanque Verde Ranch has a long history, going as far back as the 17th century. It started out as a watering hole then became a ranch in 1868. In the mid-1920s, the property was sold to Jim Converse, who then turned it into an attraction that allows guests to experience the ranch lifestyle. It was sold once again in 1957 before becoming a popular destination for families who want to try various activities.
Now, it features various resort-like facilities and lodgings. Some of the on-site activities you can partake in include archery, yoga, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, and nature walks, to name a few. Once guests are tired, they can retreat to a rustic but cozy casita.
Tanque Verde Ranch
Address: 14301 East Speedway
22.53 km (14.0 mi) from Reid Park Zoo
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
very large nice rooms with a fireplace and large bathroom and ours had a terracehonestly wouldn't come back; way overpriced for the size of the roombreakfast was included and was excellentHost:
very kind and accommodatingtanque verde ranch is superior friendly staff and beautiful groundstons of fun and relaxing activities and everyone i mean everyone was so kind and friendlywith that being said the staff is remarkable and beyond what i have experienced at 5 star hotelsRead more reviewsLocation:
was a great experience and had an amazing time walking through the propertythis is a great place to stay
Some history lessons can be learned outside the classroom
While checking out museums or historic sites is never a bad idea whenever you want to learn more about the place you’re visiting, you should also consider staying in a historic hotel. Not only will you learn about history, but you will also get a taste of what life was like in the past. Not to mention, you can be pampered by doing so. Book one of the top historic hotels in Tucson, Arizona, today.
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