Best Value Hotels in Tucson

The four-pearl Omni Tucson National Resort has a beautiful, 650-acre desert setting west of the Santa Catalina Mountains. Golf is a major focus here, and one of the two 18-hole courses served as a PGA tournament course for over 40 years. The resort offers extensive amenities aside from golf, however, including a big pool, a 13,000-square-foot spa, three restaurants, and tennis. Though it is one of the best luxury properties in Tucson, this Omni offers a solid value for its upscale rooms and long list of amenities. Be aware, however, that a daily resort fee is added to the room rates (typical at Tucson resorts).

This renovated guest ranch is Tucson's oldest resort and one of its most popular. Outdoor activities abound at the upscale property, which offers three saline pools, horseback riding and hiking trails, volleyball, basketball, and eight tennis courts -- but no golf course. Big rooms and two highly regarded restaurants overlook the serene mountains and city lights. Its rates are similar to those at the Omni (and it charges a daily resort fee), but except for the lack of a golf course, it offers just as many amenities as the Omni in a beautiful setting.

Big, luxurious, and loaded with activities, the JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa is an upscale hotel located on the outskirts of west Tucson. It's surrounded by striking desert landscapes, with good views all around. There's golf, tennis, numerous pools and water features, shopping, restaurants, a massive lobby, hiking, and the big Hashani Spa. About the only things not available here are free in-room Wi-Fi and free parking, both of which can be had at the slightly more affordable Westward Look Resort. But unlike the Westward and the Omni, the JW Marriott does not charge a resort fee.

The budget Comfort Suites Sabino Canyon looks at first glance like an average chain property. Once inside, however, you will discover a lovely lobby, pretty courtyards, and big rooms with amenities that include microwaves, mini-fridges, and flat-screen TVs with premium channels. Freebies such as Wi-Fi, self-parking, hot breakfast, and evening appetizers add up to an excellent value. This hotel certainly doesn't boast the long list on amenities that our top three value hotels offer, but rates are significantly lower (with no resort fee) and guests get free access to a local gym.

The mid-range Radisson Suites Tucson is an aging hotel that nevertheless continues to offer solid value. It has big rooms, a large, attractive pool, and a nicely landscaped courtyard. Rooms feature generic decor and some have lingering old tube TVs -- but they do come with Radisson's Sleep Number beds, as well as microwaves and mini-fridges. Plus, most have separate living rooms and balconies. It's definitely worth comparing rates with the more upscale Westward Look Resort, which offers modern rooms, a gorgeous natural setting, and an impressive roster of activities, but rates will almost always be lower at the Radisson. The rates at the Comfort Suites, however, can sometimes be lower than those at the Radisson and many would argue that the Comfort Suites is a nicer alternative.