Downtown Tucson, always a hot spot for culture and nightlife, including restaurants, museums, breweries and performing arts, has undergone impressive changes in the past few years.
“Millions of dollars of private investment went into the downtown area spawned by the Sun Link streetcar, resulting in a downtown that still holds its historic character but also offers a great deal of excitement,” said Dan Gibson, director of communications for Visit Tucson.
“There’s something about the feel of downtown that’s fun and unforgettable that attendees want to experience,” Gibson added. “We see planners including downtown dine-arounds, late-night events, cooking classes, tours and more in their schedules.”
Some downtown dining and nightlife highlights include the demonstration kitchen and cooking school at The Carriage House, owned and operated by James Beard Award-winning chef Janos Wilder. Popular restaurant HUB recently opened a private dining space, and the forthcoming City Park mixed-use development, slated to open next year, will offer dining, entertainment and a 2,600-square-foot deck for outdoor events.
Also in the works, at press time the AC Hotel Tucson Downtown was scheduled to open in September, followed by Cobra Arcade Bar, which is on track to open later this year.
Tucson is eager to show itself off to visitors, meetings attendees especially, and downtown reflects that, according to Gibson. Eight out of 10 planners who participate in a site visit in Tucson end up booking a meeting in this picturesque Southwest community, he said.
Part of that is spurred by Tucson’s many attractions, including the Tucson Botanical Gardens, Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Kartchner Caverns State Park and Kitt Peak National Observatory. Also, according to Gibson, the character of the destination’s resorts contributes greatly to that high percentage.
“Our properties reflect the beauty and spirit of the Sonoran Desert,” he said. “You’ll recognize the brands associated with our resorts, and they all have special touches that make them uniquely Tucson.”
Following are resorts that feature comfortable guest accommodations and attractive meeting/event spaces, as well as those “special touches” that will impress attendees.
JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa
The setting of JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa, surrounded by mountain ranges and towering Saguaro cactus, inspires both outdoor recreational pursuits and a wellness menu indigenous to the region.
“We offer an extensive selection of mindful meeting amenities to groups because we believe it reduces stress, creates a more productive meetings environment and allows those attendees to maintain their daily exercise or meditation rituals,” said Director of Sales and Marketing Dan Carraher. “Our location is so pristine it creates a sense of peace and relaxation for all of our guests.”
PageBreakAmong the wellness options at the property, which hosted Meetings Today Live! West in September, are treatments at Hashani Spa, poolside meditation when there is a full moon, and scenic hiking and biking trails right outside the resort’s front doors.
The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa
The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa delivers a dramatic sense of arrival and awe-inspiring views, according to Cerelle Gooding, director of sales and marketing.
“Looking out from the front of the resort you can enjoy a completely panoramic view of the city lights,” she said. “When you turn around and walk into the lobby you’re welcomed by immense three-story windows with picture-perfect views of the Santa Catalina Mountains.”
Groups here enjoy both the resort’s manmade amenities, including its refined main lobby and outdoor landscaped pathways, as well as its natural setting.
“Tucson is considered the astronomy capital of the world and is known for our intentionally dark night sky,” Gooding said. “We like to bring in local astronomers to enhance our group events, usually at outdoor welcome receptions. It is a unique way to engage the group and get attendees moving around and visiting with one another.”
Westward Look Wyndham Grand Resort & Spa
Westward Look Wyndham Grand Resort & Spa stands out because it promotes wellness during group events, including yoga, meditation and tai chi sessions.
“Our renowned Chef’s Garden is meticulously tended year-round and provides seasonal fruits and vegetables that are used ‘farm-to-meeting room,’” said Dave Toler, director of sales and marketing. “Our spa staff will walk you through our Sonoran Spa Garden where fresh herbs can be picked and brought back to the spa where you will be taught how to make a special body scrub.”
Attendees can also enjoy a moment of reflection in the meditation labyrinth.
Casino Del Sol
Casino Del Sol is Arizona’s only Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star and AAA Four Diamond casino resort.
“It’s unique in its proximity to the Tucson International Airport, only 15 minutes, and has the most dining options of any other meeting space in town, including Forbes Four Star and Wine Spectator Award of Excellence winner PY Steakhouse,” said Jacqueline Stilwell, director of sales and marketing.
Amenities here include casino games, an open-air amphitheater, Hiapsi Spa and Sewailo Golf Club, which Stilwell said takes great pride in being the hometown course for the University of Arizona golf team.
“The Golf Club offers groups private golf clinics so they can get a taste of how the best collegiate players in the country train for tournaments,” she said.
Hilton Tucson El Conquistador Golf & Tennis Resort
Everything done at the newly renovated Hilton Tucson El Conquistador Golf & Tennis Resort exudes a uniquely Southwest flavor, according to Tracy Kaltman-Ahmed, director of sales and marketing.
Offerings include the recently added on-property horseback trail rides and lessons that allow guests to experience the Sonoran Desert firsthand; the Artist’s Nest, a studio/gallery that features workshops with local Southwest artists; and Last Territory, a Western-themed venue with outdoor grills for barbecues and fun indoor dining during which guests are encouraged to dress in cowboy attire.
“With the up-close mountain views, vast Arizona skies and gorgeous desert landscape, it’s natural for people to want to be outside in the fresh air,” Kaltman-Ahmed added. “A guided hike is a popular way to get groups together, promoting conversation, ideas and camaraderie.”
Loews Ventana Canyon Resort
Since AAA Four Diamond recipient Loews Ventana Canyon Resort is owned and managed by the same company, groups can count on the same exceptional service and product each time they visit, according to Christopher McLaren, national sales manager.
“As our name suggests, we are nestled at the base of the Santa Catalina Mountains in Ventana Canyon,” he said. “Our destination is a hiker’s paradise, as we have a trailhead that begins right from our property into the canyon.”
This desert oasis, which completed a resort-wide rejuvenation last year, also includes two Tom Fazio-designed championship golf courses and the Coyote Corral, which is themed to mimic a miniature tombstone.
“Groups inevitably enjoy this venue at some point throughout their program, but most commonly for their casual dinner and/or icebreaker events,” McLaren said.
Omni Tucson National Resort
Omni Tucson National Resort, a boutique-style property, offers groups the opportunity to play a round of championship golf where the pros play, according to Sandy Shipman, director of sales and marketing.
“The Catalina Course is home of the PGA Tour Champions and Tucson Conquistadores Classic,” she said.
All meeting space is conveniently located on one level and has access to a terrace overlooking the scenic Santa Catalina Mountains, Shipman added.
