Historic Hotels, Inns, Ranches, B&B’s, & Guest Houses
Summer can offer great deals at some of Southern Arizona’s Historic Hotels & Inns. A staycation at one of these this summer may be just the thing. Here is a short list of Historic Inns, B&B’s, Guest Houses, and Ranches with links to further information. A stay will transport your to another time. They are worth a visit, lunch, dinner or stay.
Arizona Inn – The Arizona Inn was built by Isabella Greenway of the mining magnate Greenways. During the Great Depression Isabella kept the hotel afloat and paid workers to build furniture that is still in use at this historic inn. It is still the pride of Tucson’s hospitality industry.
Lodge on the Desert – The Lodge on the Desert is one of those wonderful hideaways in the middle of town. Within walking distance of the Tucson Botanical Gardens and the Yumé Japanese Gardens it is an oasis, but central to numerous sites and activities for the traveler to Tucson.
Rancho de la Osa – This historic ranch on the Mexican border is a wonderful getaway. Lovingly restored just a couple of years ago by the True family (White Stallion), it is just the right amount of rustic. Meals are included with overnight stays as are jeep rides and horseback riding with your guide into the mountains to explore ruins and petroglyphs.
Tanque Verde Ranch – Located adjacent to Saguaro National Park East, its miles of horseback riding trails take the adventurous through stunning vistas of saguaro and ocotillo cactus. With 150 saddle horses for guests to ride, Tanque Verde offers a premier ranching experience. Additional activities include bike riding, hiking, day spa, swimming, and tennis.
White Stallion Ranch – Located west of Tucson on the other side of the Tucson Mountains, White Stallion is an Arizona ranch adventure. Get your adrenaline pumping with a fast horseback ride or take a slow ride and enjoy the scenic Sonoran Desert in comfort. Meals are served daily. Activities include swimming, horseback riding, hiking, fat tire biking, shooting, rock climbing, evening entertainment, and weekly rodeo.
Royal Elizabeth Inn – This historic 1878 mansion is a fine B&B in the heart of Downtown Tucson. Furnished in period gives the guests a sense of living more than a century earlier, but with all the modern comforts. Amenities include a swimming pool & spa, a parlor with fireplace, high-speed wi-fi, free reserved off-street parking, lush colorful year-round gardens, small conference and business services accommodations. Only a few blocks from the best restaurants and entertainment venues in Tucson.
Tombstone Bordello – Once home to Tombstone’s “fallen angels” and “shady ladies”, the Tombstone Bordello today is a quaint, full-service, Victorian-style bed and breakfast located in historic Tombstone, Arizona, just a short 5-minute walk to the infamous O.K. Corral and the heart of old Tombstone.
Monument Ranch – One of the best places to stay near Tombstone, Monument Ranch offers horseback riding, shooting, archery, and three meals per day. Located 3 miles west of Tombstone, the Ranch is also located near the Schiefflin Monument where miner Ed Schiefflin, founder of Tombstone, is buried.
Hacienda del Sol – Once a girls’ boarding school for wealthy east coast families, Hacienda del Sol is a premier guest ranch in the heart of Tucson. The Grill and Terraza Garden Patio offer fine dining and nightly entertainment. The onsite vegetable garden provides fresh ingredients for inventive culinary dishes, plus an extensive wine list. Activities include swimming, spa, and horseback riding. Enjoy the panoramic view of the majestic Catalina Mountains and city lights.
Hotel Congress – Established in 1919, this historic Hotel is located in the heart of the entertainment district. Revel in the unique Southwestern decor, the two bars including the famous Tap Room where bartender Tiger served drinks for over 50 years. Club Congress hosts entertainment almost nightly, which makes this hotel one of the noisiest in town. Ear plugs are available at the front desk or just join in the excitement.
Copper Queen Hotel – This historic hotel in Bisbee overlooks the old city. Each of its 42 rooms has its own bathroom. This early 1900s Victorian hotel is the only full-service hotel in Bisbee and some of its rooms are said to be haunted. Its restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Live entertainment in the CQ Saloon on weekends.
Simpson Hotel – A 100+ year old hotel in Duncan, Arizona, the Simpson was lovingly restored by its Innkeeper, Deborah. Not only do they serve up a great breakfast, but the website is also a fountain of information about the area, including the new Gila River Birding and Wildlife Trail. The Simpson Hotel has plenty of hiking and Birding opportunities within 100 miles, 90 miles to Cave Creek, just a few miles to the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, and a short drive to the Gila Bend on the Black Hill Country Biway.
The Gadsden Hotel – The Gadsden is one of those grand hotels you rarely see anymore. I was as wowed by it as I was by The Jefferson in Richmond VA. The lobby with its Italian Marble staircase and 42′ stained glass window is by itself worth the trip. It is said that Poncho Villa rode his horse up these stairs and there is a chip in the floor to prove it. The Gadsden is back on our radar as it has been purchased again out of its sure demise and extensive renovations are needed to restore this beauty. Be sure to visit the Slaughter Ranch Museum while you are there.
Triangle T Guest Ranch – How about a stay in Texas Canyon. A beautiful setting among the hoodoo boulders. Ride horses through the canyon. See the movie set from the original 3:10 to Yuma and more. Walk to the Amerind Museum. A comfortable, affordable, rustic stay in a fantastic setting. Close to wine tasting.
We hear great things about the most historic Cochise Hotel (1897). We have not stayed there but have visited. If you want to bathe in history, go here. It is just west of Willcox, just off the railroad tracks. Some great history here much of it on the walls and documented by its proprietor.
If you know of a Historic Hotel, Inn, Ranch or Guest House that we should know about, send us an email. We would love to hear from you.
