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Lodge on the Desert Tucson Review –
Our Experience After 2 Stays
Our Lodge on the Desert Tucson Review evaluates our takes on this boutique hotel.
During our recent stay we combined our experience with another staycation we had there about 2 years ago. Since we live in Tucson, we chose it both times as a weekend getaway for our anniversary. So we've experienced this boutique hotel's style, firsthand.
Our review goal is to see if couples, families, solo travelers, or boutique hotel fans would want to book their room. We aim for authenticity, with needed and practical details.
We'll give you our comprehensive review, covering everything from accommodations to dining.
Main entry for the front desk at Lodge on the Desert.Lodge on the Desert Tucson Review
Our Overall Impression
Twice we decided to go here. So we must feel it has many good points. But are there any drawbacks?
Location & First Impressions
They call themselves a Boutique Hotel. What does that mean?
Defining the term, it means they have less than 100 rooms, they have a distinctive atmosphere, with locally-inspired décor, and give a more personalized service. The aim is to provide a memorable stay within their facility. Often they'll be in interesting urban areas.
- It is a small hotel, with a historic southwestern ambiance inside and outside.
- It can be memorable - we met a Phoenix couple there who book it for bargain stays in the summer.
- Personal service? Seemed about the same as any good chain hotel/motel.
- Located right in central Tucson, on a main road, with easy access to all parts of town.
Quick Verdict (Our Take on the "Lodge on the Desert")
LOCATION:
- Since it's centrally located, you have easy access to activities and restaurants.
- It takes up half of the city block, yet you're not aware of traffic noise.
Map of the grounds provided by the hotel to find your room & more.INITIAL FEEL:
- Good southwestern vibe. Nice for a romantic or a relaxing stay.
- You may see kids, but we wouldn't call it "family-friendly." In the sense that there's nothing specifically for children. Unless you include the pool (very nice!).
- Pet friendly, with an extra fee. They provide a dog-walking area.
Leash your pet to bring it to the comfort zone.Pros and Cons Overall Summary
PROS:
- Quiet, romantic atmosphere.
- Southwestern historic charm.
- Free parking.
- You don't have to leave. You can relax with everything you need on-site.
- Centrally located.
- Special rates in warmer months.
CONS:
- Some rooms slightly dated (but it's history).
- No free breakfast (unless you get a package with it).
- Limited pool shade.
- Bathrooms may not suit you for the shower & counter styling. (They didn't suit me!)
- Need to "lug" your luggage to most rooms.
- No microwave to heat up leftovers.
FTC Disclosure: If you purchase via a link/ ad on this site, we may earn a small royalty. There's no added cost to you. Thanks much for any looks/ orders! Details>
DO WE RECOMMEND IT?
We do, for...
- Couples, seniors (maybe 🤔, see below), honeymooners, and those looking for short get-aways.
- Those wanting a stay with southwestern architecture, landscaping & aura.
- Those desiring a centrally located option with easy in & out.
- Those not looking for an included breakfast (it's not).
- Those who want a patio/balcony (many rooms do). We like that.
This place was so special in many ways, AND what we loved was saving 25% with our Member Pricing!
- And for those wanting to have everything that you need in-house. So going out for something, like personal care items, snacks or dinner isn't necessary. To us, it's like a mini-resort.
Its borders are walled in. Here's the entry path to find our room.Continue on, through more of our Lodge on the Desert Tucson Review.
Where we go into lots more detail, as there are possibly drawbacks for you.
What to Expect: Rooms, Style, and Comfort
CHECKING IN:
- Upon arrival there's a somewhat narrow circular driveway for check-in use at the main entrance. Though you'll find other parking nearby.
- The front desk personnel are helpful, having your room key ready, and a map to find your room & more.
- There is plenty of parking, but many rooms will entail a short walk.
Circular drieway in front of the main lobby entrance. Mentioned above in our Lodge on the Desert Review.ROOMS' POSITIVES:
- The original section has historic rooms, built as early as the 1930s. Expect a smaller bathroom, but lots of charm! We haven't stayed in those, but that's what they say!
- Newer rooms still have the historic "Old Pueblo" styling. Our room was quite "roomy." With a SW style corner fireplace, powered by gas. (Tho' we wouldn't use it in early July!)
Our room's entry. (Handy spot to place your keys, etc.) This was our newer room.Helpful Travel Gear We Use When We Travel (maybe you'd find them helpful for your travels):
- With some trips, we pack light & don't always want to use hotel shampoo, etc. So We Love Using This>
- With long trips, comfort in the tight seating on flights is important. We've used This Restful Comfort Item when we've traveled to Australia (especially!), Boston, and Ireland.
- This Was Very Helpful When Packing for our 2-month long trip to Australia, New Zealand, and stopping in Hawaii on our return.
- A good variety to choose from: casitas, doubles, kings, suites, accessible rooms, spa rooms, etc.
- Rooms have a fridge & pour-over coffee-maker (or tea). With A Gooseneck Kettle, I Like This. As I don't want coffee-flavored water in my tea!
Coffee and/or tea prep area.- Beds are comfy enough, linens are large & thick.
- Mostly quiet rooms, hardly any shared-wall room noise.
But if you're a light sleeper these items may help:
- We love bringing a sound machine with us. We even have one in our bedroom at home. Pretty Much Like This One>
- Does your bedmate snore? Not great for your sleep or even for them. See If This Might Help You>
- We always bring This Portable Nightlight with us. Helps navigate those night trips to the bathroom! We bought a 4-pack, as I've been known to leave one behind!
ROOMS' NEGATIVES:
- If you're short, like I am (about 5ft/1.5m or a bit taller), the bathroom's double sink may be difficult. It's very high, much higher than my standard home sink/counter. It was very uncomfortable to deal with. (I should have brought My Booster Bench with me!) We tried another room, different from our first stay, and it was the same each time.
- The shower was roomy, but had no hand-holds. No bathmat, or roughed floor. Making showering a bit nerve-racking.
- Bed pillows could be improved (I always bring my own - just in case!).
Cielo's is their in-house restaurant/bar, which isn't only for guests. We have some positives, but negatives too.
Optional Amazon affiliate link here:**
* Luggage organizers
* Travel white noise machine
* Portable fan for light sleepers (Tucson noise tip!)
Amenities & On-Site Features
The Pool is a wonderful addition. Not busy when we were there, because it was hot! Heated temp for winter. Well-maintained, towels at poolside.
What other amenities are there at Lodge on the Desert Tucson?
- They say in-room Terry-Lined Bathrobes. None were in our rooms. With our short 2-night stays, we didn't call to inquire.
- WiFi is free, and fast enough - at least in the summer! Couldn't say when they're fully booked.
- They have a small store with snacks, etc. in the lobby.
- Bar is open all day & evening. We loved their happy hour/bar food choices.
- Restaurant open at meal-times, except no lunch in summer.
- Music on the bar/restaurant patio Saturday evenings.
- No on-site gym. Our Lodge on the Desert Tucson review research found they offer passes to a nearby fitness center, so guests can maintain workouts.
- The lush gardens and courtyards are gorgeous, but there's no benches in these serene spots, to sit & enjoy, rest, or unwind.
- A whirlpool spa adjacent to the pool.
Remember to bring your pool gear!
- If you have sensitive ears like me - you may want to Have Swim Earplugs.
- These Handy Towel Clips are great for keeping it from blowing away.
- If you prefer not to use hotel towels, This One is Light & Easily Packable.
A Brief History of lodge 0n the desert
The Lodge on the Desert was originally a residence owned by the Lininger family.
In 1936 they decided to make it into a lodge, redesigning it with seven rooms for guests. Back then, Alvernon Road wasn't paved. As Tucson grew, the family began expanding and renovating for more rooms. But still preserving its historical appeal.
Many actor celebraties from those older days stayed. They were in town making movies at Old Tucson. John Wayne often chose Room 150 for his stay. The lodge has turned it into a special room, commemmorating him. World War II served as housing for Air Force officers there for training. Ingrid Bergman, Jimmy Stewart, Paul Newman and others have also stayed.
Only two of the original rooms remain - some guests request those, as ghostly rumors have circulated! One of them is Room 154. And it's said that sometimes, a little before closing time a cowboy ghost sits at the bar.
[Reference: Parris, P. (2020, Feb. 3). Lodge on the Desert proves to be Absolutely Arizona for 85 years. KGUN 9 > News > Absolutely Arizona.]
Dining at Cielos Tucson - Our review
Their on-site restaurant, Cielos, offers Southwestern-inspired cuisine in a charming setting.
It's true that most dishes feature locally sourced ingredients and flavors to reflect the region's culinary heritage.
We ate at Cielos for our anniversary dinner. I had the halibut and Bill had the Vegetable Pasta, adding shrimp. Neither were something to "write home about."
We ordered desert, and that was yummily enjoyable!
Chocolate torte covered with chocolate ice cream & berries. Bill had it the standard way, with vanilla ice cream.The outdoor restaurant patio is inviting - at least outside of summer. (Some summer evenings are doable, though.)
Light strings create an evening glow, and the fireplace adds to the atmosphere. If we were there when the weather was cooler, we may have tried our meal out there.
We didn't bring a pet, but I hear they allow them on the patio.Entry to the restaurant & bar is ahead, straight through.
We Preferred Cielos Bar to the Restaurant
First, to let you in on this for our Lodge on the Desert Tucson review - they have a wonderfully friendly happy hour, beginning at 3pm, until 6.
Our first evening we chose to have a dinner meal there.
The starters are delish. Then we had bar food: burger & fries. They build the burger meat with a bit of Wagyu Beef.
The established style of burger & fries - with a deluxe twist!The bartender has worked there for years, and it shows! He even created his own craft drink, which was tasty.
Lodge Margarita with prickly pear added in. MMMM!What Most Reviews Miss
Here are some "local secrets" for this Lodge on the Desert Tucson Review - From Us, As Locals.
- Do you have an electric vehicle? We looked for EV charging stations to address that for our Lodge on the Desert Tucson review. None available on the hotel grounds. Closest we found was 5151 E Broadway (make left from Alvernon), a large commercial building where you'll find it. (We'll be verifying this soon.)
- There may be construction on Grant Rd. We take Broadway/Congress to get there, avoiding that. (Turn left when reaching Alvernon.)
- The Tucson Botanical Garden is just down the street.
- The Spa Room we had back a few years wasn't worth it to us. We wouldn't book it again, as it was awkward to get into, water didn't empty quickly, & it was basically a large square bathtub with jets.
- A best room for a sunset would typically have a western view. Also, sunset or sunrise views are much better when there are clouds in the sky. With or without clouds, typically the sky glows in nearly every direction!
Sunset view toward the east from our backyard.
Early sunset view from Cielos restaurant patio.- Rumor has it that some areas are haunted, because of its history. Some guests even request the room known for that. We haven't had that experience! Read More>
- If you look at general evaluation sites, you'll see the overwhelming input is good to excellent for Lodge on the Desert Tucson reviews.
- Our guess is some of the very bad ones are sketchy, like maybe from competitors? (Of course, we can't verify that.)
- Yet I'm sure any hotel has its bad experiences, and/or bad days. We've never experienced that.
- Our two experiences have been just fine, overall.
- Uber and Lyft are both available.
- If you find you'd want to sample alternative Eats in Tucson, without taking your car out, several are in walking-distance.
- Locale Neighborhood Italian Restaurant is right down the street.
- Head another 1-1/2 blocks south and turn right onto Broadway. One after the other, all in a row.
8 choices for a variety of food styles along Broadway.Lodge on the Desert vs. Hacienda Del Sol –
Which Tucson Boutique Hotel Is Better?
Let's compare another hotel in Tucson Arizona, with a similar ambience, by contrasting their features.
LODGE ON THE DESERT TUCSON
Location: Central Tucson.
Room Styles: Historic, plus a modern blend.
Pool Scene: Simple, quiet, no views.
Dining: Modest dining, usually open for all meals.
Price Range: $$ to $$$.
Vibe: Relaxing, intimate. Rated at 3-Stars.
Best For: Couples, locals, solo travelers.
HACIENDA DEL SOL TUCSON
Location: Catalina Foothills.
Room Styles: Adobe style luxury.
Pool Scene: Scenic, with desert and city views.
Dining: Two upscale onsite restaurants.
Price Range: $$$
Vibe: Romantic, luxurious. Rated at 4-stars.
Best For: Honeymooners, luxury stays.
For our next anniversary staycation, we plan on checking out the Hacienda del Sol - we've never been! But from what we heard, we'll love it! And we always check Member Prices first - as we know they'll have multiple ways to save!
Our Final Summary Impression of
lodge on the Desert in Tucson Arizona
Reading our Lodge on the Desert Tucson review, you probably saw we felt it naturally combines historic ambience with modern amenities.
We liked it well enough, especially since we saved with summer rates - and Saved Even More with Our Membership. If you decide to book, we think you'll have a memorable stay there, while in Tucson. But of course, there are many other options for Great Stays in Tucson.
If you have specific questions that we didn't cover, Please Contact Us to send it over, and we'll answer it for you.
This boutique hotel is a family-owned property providing a welcoming, enjoyable environment - overall. We hope you feel captured by its Southwestern hospitality.