Frommer's National Parks of the American West - Don Laine [365]
Among commercial campgrounds in the area are Cactus Country RV Resort, 10195 S. Houghton Rd. (☎ 800/777-8799 or 520/574-3000; www.cactus countryrvresort.com), at I-10 Exit 275, which has large spaces, some shade trees, and attractive desert landscaping. All RV sites have full hookups, including cable TV. There are only a few tent sites. Campers have access to an outdoor heated pool, a hot tub, modem hookups, a game room, a playground, shuffleboard, and horseshoes.
Where to Stay
There are no accommodations inside the park.
NEAR THE PARK
In addition to the lodgings listed below, you'll find dozens of chain motels along I-10, including the Motel 6–Tucson/ Congress Street, 960 S. Freeway, Tucson, AZ 85745 (Exit 258; ☎ 520/628-1339), and Motel 6–Tucson/22nd Street, 1222 S. Freeway, Tucson, AZ 85713 (Exit 259; ☎ 520/624-2516), which both charge $45 to $85 for a double; and Super 8–Tucson/Downtown, 1248 N. Stone St., Tucson, AZ 85705 (Exit 257; ☎ 520/ 622-6446), $48 to $120 double. Among hotels near the airport are the Best Western Inn at the Airport, 7060 S. Tucson Blvd., Tucson, AZ 85706 (☎ 800/ 772-3847 or 520/746-0271), with winter rates from $75 to $135 double and $59 to $95 double at other times; and Super 8–Tucson/East, 1990 S. Craycroft Rd., Tucson, AZ 85711 (Exit 265 off I-10; ☎ 520/790-6021), $46 to $99 double. See the appendix (p. 661–662) for a list of the national chains' toll-free numbers.
Casa Tierra
11155 W. Calle Pima, Tucson, AZ 85743. ☎ 866/254-0006 or 520/578-3058. Fax 520/578-8445. www.casatierratucson.com. 4 units. $135–$195 double; $165–$325 suite. 2-night minimum stay. Rates include full vegetarian breakfast. AE, DISC, MC, V.
If you've come to Tucson to really be a part of the desert, this is an excellent choice. A modern adobe home surrounded by 5 acres of cacti and paloverde, Casa Tierra is on the west side of Saguaro National Park's Tucson Mountain District, and it has fabulous views of a saguaro landscape and the surrounding mountains. Around a central courtyard with a desert garden and a fountain is a candlelit, covered portal—a seating area where guests congregate. The rooms have queen beds, brick floors, refrigerators, microwaves, hair dryers, and private patios; the family suite holds two bedrooms, a bathroom, a dining area, and a library area. The gourmet breakfasts range from stuffed French toast with prickly-pear syrup to green-chile polenta. There's an exercise room and a common area with TV, stereo, and games. Another perk: an outdoor whirlpool spa that makes a perfect stargazing spot at night (a telescope is provided)!
Hotel Congress
311 E. Congress St., Tucson, AZ 85701. ☎ 800/722-8848 or 520/622-8848. Fax 520/792-6366. www.hotcong.com. 40 units. A/C TEL. $59–$99 double. Student discount available. Lower rates for shared hostel rooms. AE, MC, V.
In the heart of Tucson's downtown arts district, the Hotel Congress once counted John Dillinger among its guests. Today it operates as a youth hostel and
economical historic hotel. Conveniently located near the Greyhound and Amtrak stations, the hotel is especially popular with students and European backpackers. The lobby has been restored to its original Southwestern elegance, and the hostel rooms have been renovated. Some bathrooms have tubs only; others have showers only. The property has high-speed Internet access in the lobby, a restaurant, and a popular and noisy bar.
Radisson Suites Tucson
6555 E. Speedway Blvd., Tucson, AZ 85710. ☎ 800/333-3333 or 520/721-7100. www.radisson.com. 299 suites. A/C TV TEL. Mid-Sept to mid-Jan $129–$144 double; mid-Jan to mid-May $189–$209 double; mid-May to mid-Sept $99–$129 double. AE, DISC, MC, V. Pets accepted; $50 fee.
This all-suite hotel is a good choice for those who want plenty of space. The five-story brick building is arranged around two lushly landscaped garden courtyards, one of which has a large heated pool