Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa

You’d be hard pressed to find a more stunning setting for a hotel in the Tucson area. The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa occupies a slice of pristine desert at the base of the massive Catalina Mountains, saguaro cacti and all. Its sunsets, whether viewed from the high-ceilinged lobby or the spacious pool area or your own balcony, are surely unrivaled.

The sprawling property includes the aforementioned large pool, adjacent golf course and two top-notch restaurants. The rooms are spread out among multiple buildings, so sometimes there’s a bit of a stroll involved. Hotel staff is happy to ferry guests via golf cart, but a walk is worth your while, as desert plants and animals get botanical garden-treatment with interpretive signs throughout the property.

As well-thoughtout as the property is, the rooms are somewhat lacking. They’re looking dated, though they’re clean and feature inoffensive décor. The balconies are a nice touch, though they don’t all feature mountain views. Sadly, the property clearly skimped on one important touch: sound dampening. A recent three-night stay involved not one night of restful sleep, as upstairs and outside neighbors were audible. Thicker walls and floors and better insulation should be a no-brainer.

THE WESTIN LA PALOMA

3800 E SUNRISE DR. TUCSON, AZ 85718

520.742.6000