Tucson Lodging- Loews and Lodge at Ventana Canyon

Question

Hi! I am booking rooms for my family (me, husband, two teen daughters and father in law (age 94 but in fantastic shape!)) for our trip to Tucson from Boston Dec 28- Jan 3.

We are planning to do some hiking, horseback riding, visit the desert museum, birdwatching and general looking around. Even though my father in law is very mobile and in amazing shape, I am leaning towards the Ventana Lodge as the other resorts seem giant and so maybe too much trouble to navigate for him. I also wonder if they will be empty during our time there since it is unlikely that there are any conferences on during the holidays.

Is the Ventana Lodge a good choice - well maintained, good restaurants, nice pool if we are lucky enough to get a warm day? We don’t play golf.

I expect that there may be a day or two when my FIL, or one of the girls, stays back at the resort and we meet up after we do an activity (eg, horseback riding). The scenery looks beautiful. I assume even though it is a smaller place, it is still pleasant to spend an afternoon there? Would you recommend it over the Loews? We are open to other suggestions as well.

Answer

The Lodge at Ventana Canyon is an excellent choice for a family visit to Tucson, particularly given your group dynamics and preferences. It is smaller and more intimate compared to larger resorts like Loews, which makes it easier for your father-in-law and others to navigate. The lodge is well-maintained, with beautiful desert landscaping and stunning views of the surrounding Catalina Mountains. Guests often highlight its quiet, relaxing atmosphere, which can be particularly appealing during the holiday period when many larger resorts might have busier conference traffic.

Pros of Ventana Lodge:

Smaller, more manageable layout – ideal for guests who may want to stay back and relax.
Beautiful desert and mountain scenery – perfect for afternoon downtime, reading, or enjoying a drink outside.
Well-regarded restaurants – offer both casual and fine dining options on-site, making it easy to have meals without leaving the property.
Nice pool area – although December/January weather may be cooler, the pool area is scenic and pleasant for relaxing if temperatures are warm.
Proximity to hiking trails, desert museums, and local attractions – you can easily head out for half-day excursions while others remain at the lodge.
Quiet during the holidays – fewer conferences or business groups, which generally results in a more peaceful stay.

Considerations:

It is not as large as Loews, so amenities like spa, shops, or additional restaurants are limited.
No golf may be a positive for your group, but if someone wanted access to golf courses, Loews has on-site options.
Even though it is smaller, the lodge still offers plenty of space to enjoy afternoon relaxation without feeling isolated.

Overall, for your specific needs—family-friendly, easy navigation, scenic views, and a quieter holiday experience—the Lodge at Ventana Canyon seems ideal. Loews, while very nice, is larger and may feel more bustling during peak periods, and navigating the property could be slightly more cumbersome for your father-in-law. You and your family should find Ventana Lodge comfortable, accommodating, and a beautiful base for your Tucson adventures.

Recommendation:

Choose Ventana Lodge for a smaller, scenic, and relaxed holiday experience.
Use the lodge as a convenient base for hiking, horseback riding, desert museum visits, and birdwatching.
Plan for flexible afternoons where some family members may want to stay back and enjoy the lodge’s amenities while others explore.

In summary, Ventana offers a balance of luxury, comfort, and accessibility, making it a very suitable choice over Loews for your family’s Tucson visit.

Tucson Lodging- Loews and Lodge at Ventana Canyon

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