Baking beneath the arid Tucson sun, the University of Arizona has produced a diverse cast of alumni, from reality TV socialite Nicole Richie to postmodern author David Foster Wallace and the eminently funny Kristen Wiig. As with many gargantuan public universities, the school is also known for its Division I athletes, the Arizona Wildcats. The school’s football stadium, Arizona Stadium, is correspondingly big, with a seating capacity of 55,000.
If you’re planning a trip to this inviting desert locale, you might want to read up on some of the best hotels near campus. Our three choices range from the affordably spartan to hipster coolness and an unmistakably Southwestern-style resort. We might borrow a phrase from Nicole Richie to describe this diverse selection: “That’s hot.”
From $60/ night
This is an exceedingly affordable option for those trekking to the University of Arizona, which is a little over a mile away. We researched rooms for multiple dates and most were priced around $70. Quite a few perks are packed into this price: free wifi and continental breakfast, a mini-fridge, microwave, work desk, air conditioning and cable TV. Book swiftly, though: there are only 38 rooms. The motel promises a five minute drive to the University of Arizona or the Tucson Amtrak station, while the city center can be reached in a half mile. When not out and about, guests can absorb some Arizonan rays at the outdoor swimming pool or sun patio.
From $100/ night
A glowing exterior and hypermodern design make this hotel an appealing options for travelers with trendy taste. Also attractive is the location, with the University of Arizona reachable with a mere five minute walk. The University of Arizona Medical Center is likewise nearby, located less than a mile away. Big windows and tall ceilings lend the rooms a sumptuous spaciousness, while a flatscreen TV, coffeemaker and mini-fridge help to ensure guests feel at home. A gourmet pantry is on-site and open 24 hours. For recreation, guests can enjoy billiards, a fitness center and a sleek outdoor pool.
From $199/ night
One of the highest rated hotels in Tucson, the 95 rooms in this historic, family-owned property each come with free wifi, a flatscreen TV, mini-fridge and private bathroom (cozy bathrobes included). The casita-style rooms exude a restorative ambience, providing views of the hotel’s 14 acres of lush gardens. Not only are the usual amenities available (like an outdoor heated pool and gym), but the Arizona Inn offers resort-quality goodies to all guests, including a tennis courts, croquet, ping pong, afternoon tea, saunas, badminton, complimentary bike rentals and a seasonal ice cream sundae bar. All this luxury is not far from the University of Arizona: the campus is a half-mile away, while the Medical Center is a ten minutes’ drive.
