Family Vacation Critic Favorite

Loews Ventana Canyon Resort

7000 North Resort Drive, Tuscon, 85750, AZ

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Overview

Loews Ventana Canyon Resort is nestled at the base of the Santa Catalina Mountains in the Northeastern area of Tucson. This beautiful canyon location provides stunning desert views and is close to some of the best hiking in Tucson.

With a large pool, sweeping mountain desert views, a nature walk with natural waterfall, a luxurious spa, two PGA golf courses, a koi pond, and multiple restaurants to choose from on property, guests will find no shortage of fun to be had at the resort. There is even the Coyote Kids Club where children ages 4 to 12 can go for a few hours (or the day) so mom and dad can enjoy some alone time!

While there is plenty to do on property, the resort is a prime location for families who love hiking! The entrance to the Ventana Canyon hiking trail sits right off the resort parking lot. Plus, the famed Sabino Canyon is just a short drive away.

Families looking for a desert oasis escape will love a stay at Loews Ventana Canyon Resort.

Our Editor Loves

  • Desert views
  • Natural trail onsite
  • Proximity to hiking and outdoor activities

Family Interests

  • Golf
  • Hiking
  • Museum/Cultural

Family Amenities

  • Babysitting
  • Children Programs
  • Connecting Rooms
  • Cribs
  • DVD
  • Family Room 5+
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Kids' Theme Meals
  • Laundry
  • Onsite Dining
  • Pool
  • Refrigerator

Room Information

Find the Best Price for Your Stay

Guests at Loews Ventana Canyon Resort can choose from standard rooms (with a variety of room types/views available) or suites for extra space. Every room on property has a Keurig coffeemaker with gourmet coffee, hair dryers, iHome docking stations, free Wi-Fi, and oversized soaking tubs. The bathtubs really are HUGE, which is great for families and perfect for some relaxing "hot tub" time right in the comforts of your hotel room.

Cribs and rollaways ($25 per night) are available in rooms on request.

Standard Rooms
All standard rooms (which comprise the majority of the resort's available rooms) are 450 square feet with either two queen beds or one king bed. Families will want to opt for the queen rooms. Standard rooms that have a balcony or patio are available -- perfect for enjoying the beautiful sunrises and sunsets. Various mountain and skyline views are available, too.

Suites
Families looking for more space or an even more luxurious stay can check out the various suites available. Ranging in size from 750 square feet to 2,000 square feet, the different suite options definitely add a great deal of space compared to standard rooms. All suites offer at least one balcony/patio and a separate living room area. Some also have multiple guestrooms and bathrooms, a dining room, and fireplace.

Reviews

Fraternity 45th reunion

by bhuntsberry

This place exceeded our expectations from the curb to check out. Great Tucson location. Check out the sunrise from the "tower". Restaurants were more than adequate with outstanding breakfast buffets. Access to the Ventana Canyon trail is from the resort parking lot; a must do even if you only go to the end of the "fence". Sabino Canyon is minutes away and the trip to the University or Mt Lemmon road is an easy drive.

Beautiful Resort

by halexander70

What a beautiful resort with stunning views. I loved the short walking trail to the waterfall and the Koi pond. Great jazz music in the lounge as well. If you're looking for an amazing resort to stay, this definitely is the place. The staff is very accommodating and the room was really nice beds were so comfortable.

Family Activities

Resort Pools
Loews Ventana Canyon has two pools on property; both are heated so guests can enjoy the fun year-round. The main pool area, which ranges from about 3.5 feet to 6.5 feet in depth, is quite large with panoramic views of the Catalina Mountains. The large pool is the main activity hub and family gathering area on the property. The area features a Pool Concierge, complete with complimentary sunscreen. There is also a hot tub and Ping-Pong table in this pool area. During the summer and special holiday weekends, there is often poolside music, games, and more! In fact, family-friendly dive-in movies are shown here on summer evenings.

Adults looking for some quiet relaxation or lap swimming can visit the adults-only Serenity Pool and Hot Tub at the Lakeside Spa. It's a great place to relax after a spa treatment or go for a water aerobics class.

Window Walk Nature Trail
Guests of the resort can learn more about the Sonoran Desert and experience its beauty right on property with this half-mile paved trail. There are numerous educational signs posted along the way, allowing guests to learn more about the native plants and animals. There's an 80-foot waterfall on the trail, as well as a custom butterfly garden and koi pond. This is perfect for families wanting to really be immersed in the local environment!

Telescope & Stargazing
Tucson actually has light pollution laws, making it a better city than most to stargaze. The resort has its own telescope and on certain nights, a program leader from the local University of Arizona is on hand to give presentations and allow guests to observe the night sky through the telescope. Interested guests can contact the hotel concierge for the weekly schedule.

Coyote Kids Club
All kids under 10 staying at the resort receive a complimentary "Loews Loves Kids" welcome gift on arrival. So, the resort is definitely very family-friendly. For an extra fee, parents can sign their children (ages 4 to 12) up for the Coyote Kids Club, a fun recreational program. There are a variety of activities done in the kids' club -- including koi fish-feeding, nature walks, games, arts, crafts, and more. Prices range from about $40 to $80 depending on duration, meals, etc.

Tennis
The resort features four lighted tennis courts and has a variety of programs for almost all ages and skill levels. The Tiny Tots program is available for kids between the ages of 5 and 10. Additionally, guests can schedule private or semi-private lessons.

Family Dining

Flying V Bar & Grill
This casual, yet upscale resort dining experience is actually one of the best in Tucson! Order guacamole, made fresh tableside, then move on to one of the specialty dishes or something from the grill. You'll find a selection of salads, grilled items (like steaks, burgers, etc.), plus a few seafood and pasta options. There is also an extensive drink menu featuring over 70 different tequilas and specialty drinks. Gluten-free options, as well as children's menus are available.

Dinner is served daily, 5:30 to 9, with extended closing hours on Friday and Saturday nights.

Canyon Café
This is a great place for families to enjoy a nice casual breakfast or lunch. Guests can choose to sit in the lovely indoor dining room or outside on the terrace with beautiful desert views. Both the breakfast and lunch menus feature local flavors (like huevos rancheros or carne asada fajitas), as well as common family favorites! Gluten-free options are offered, as well as children's menus featuring some healthy options, plus kids' drinks and fun books with crayons.

Every Sunday, there is the special "Blues, Brews, and BBQ Sunday Brunch" -- another local favorite. The brunch features an extensive menu with a large variety of breakfast and lunch options. There is full breakfast area including made-to-order egg frittatas; a whole spread of pastries; fresh fruit; fresh shrimp; a grilling station outside with BBQ ribs, burgers and more; plus a decadent dessert spread. The kids will especially love the chocolate fountain!

Breakfast here is served daily from 6 to 11 a.m.; lunch served is served Monday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The "Blues, Brews, and BBQ Sunday Brunch" is offered every Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Bill's Grill
Families spending time by the pool can enjoy some tasty Sonoran Mexican fare outside with items like Sonoran hotdogs, burgers, wraps, and more. There are a variety of beverages to choose from, as well. This poolside stop is open daily (weather permitting) from 11 a.m. to sunset.

Vista Barista
This is a great morning drink spot where guests can get their Starbucks coffee drinks, teas, and smoothie drinks. There is also an assortment of breakfast and lunch options like fresh fruit, yogurt parfaits, bagels, pastries, salads, sandwiches, and snacks. Vista Barista is open daily, 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Nearby Restaurants
For guests interested in venturing off property, there is no shortage of great restaurants within a 15-minute drive of the resort. Right down the street from the resort is El Charro Café -- a Tucson favorite, serving up Mexican food in Tucson since 1922. It's very family-friendly and a great place for families wanting to try some authentic, local fare!

Planning & Tips

All About the Extras
Resort Fee
There is an additional resort fee charge of $25 added to the daily rate of the room. This fee covers self or valet overnight parking, Lakeside Spa Fitness Center access, unlimited local phone calls, tennis court use (one hour per day, based on availability) and a shuttle to Sabino Canyon.

Concierge
Concierge service is available to help with local activities, arranging transportation, and more. Also be on the lookout for the poolside concierge who can help with drinks and towels!

Fitness Center
The fitness center is located at the Lakeside Spa. It features an adults-only lap pool, fitness classes, a variety of cardio machines, and a variety of strength-training machines along with free weights.

Pet Friendly
Loews Ventana Canyon Resort is pet-friendly, participating in the Loews Loves Pets Program. The resort has special services and treats available just for pets! A one-time fee of $100 per stay is required to accommodate the thorough cleaning required, and only two pets are allowed per room.

Check-In/Check-Out
Check-in is at 4 p.m., and check-out is at noon. Contact the front desk to see about requesting an early check-in or late check-out.

The Art of Smart Timing
The fall through spring months are high-season for hotels and tourism in the area, as late October through mid-April are by far the nicest weather months to visit Tucson. This is when you'll find cool to mild desert temperatures, instead of scorching desert heat. For these reasons, those six months are when you'll pay a premium rate at the resort.

For families looking for a deal and a fun summer escape, Memorial Day through Labor Day is a great time to go! It's the desert off-season, when temperatures regularly climb into the triple digits, so the resort often has greatly discounted rates. In addition to lower rates, the resort has fun summer activities (usually around the pool) like dive-in family movie nights

Getting There
Getting to Tucson is easy no matter the mode of transportation. The Tucson International Airport is serviced by most of the commercial major airlines. Depending on prices though, some traveling to Tucson prefer to fly into the larger Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and rent a car to drive down to Tucson. Traveling between Tucson and Phoenix is very easy, with Tucson being located just off Interstate 10. Given the proximity to a major interstate, Tucson is easy to access as part of a road trip -- whether coming from the east or the west.

For those flying in to Tucson, you'll pick up your rental car and head north from the airport toward the Catalina Mountains. There will be plenty of stopping points en route for guests wanting to grab groceries or any forgotten items before heading to the resort.

Getting Around
There is no good public transportation option in Tucson, so getting a rental car (if you're not driving to the area) will be a must. Given its location nestled in the mountain foothills, it is a bit of a drive (at least 20 to 30 minutes) from the interstate or the airport. But, the beauty of the resort is well worth the drive.

The resort fee includes self parking or valet.

For Mom and Dad
If you have a babysitter and are able to have an evening alone, book a treatment or massage at the Lakeside Spa. The spa and salon offer a variety of services including massage therapy, facials, body treatments, and manicures/pedicures. Use of the spa sauna is complimentary with all services. It is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. After the spa, head to the Flying V for dinner and drinks.

If you're looking to head off-property, consider heading to the luxury shops and restaurants at La Encantada Shopping Center. At less than a 15-minute drive away from the resort, it's a great option! Blanco Tacos and North are popular options for a date night.