Hotel in Tucson near saguaro &other national sites in April

Question

Beginning to plan a trip southern Arizona

Flying into Tucson and hoping to visit the following:

Casa Grande Ruins

Chiricahua National Monument

Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument

Saguaro National Park

Tumacácori National Historical Park

Our plan is to stay in Tucson and are seeking advice on a hotel preferably a Marriott in order to use points.

Answer

Tucson is a great base for exploring southern Arizona’s unique national sites. Staying in Tucson will give you relatively convenient access to Saguaro National Park, Tumacácori National Historical Park, and moderate drives to Casa Grande Ruins, Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, and Chiricahua National Monument. Since you prefer a Marriott property to use points, there are several options depending on your preferences for location and amenities.

Recommended Marriott Hotels in Tucson:

JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa: Located on the west side of Tucson, near Tucson Mountains and not far from Saguaro National Park West. Offers upscale amenities, golf, and beautiful desert views.
Tucson Marriott University Park: Centrally located near the University of Arizona and midtown Tucson. Good for accessing restaurants and services, a convenient base for Saguaro National Park East and city amenities.
Courtyard Tucson Airport: Near the airport, convenient for early departures and arrivals. A practical choice if you plan to drive longer distances to Organ Pipe or Chiricahua.
SpringHill Suites Tucson: Multiple locations in Tucson, including near downtown and midtown areas. Comfortable and convenient for driving to multiple parks.

Travel Tips for National Sites:

Saguaro National Park: The park has two districts: East (Rincon Mountain) and West (Tucson Mountain). Both offer scenic drives and short, easy hikes suitable for all levels.
Tumacácori National Historical Park: About 45 minutes south of Tucson. Easy access from I-19, with short walking trails around the historic mission ruins.
Casa Grande Ruins National Monument: Around 1.5 hours northwest of Tucson. Offers a short self-guided walking tour of the ancient Hohokam structures.
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument: Roughly a 2.5–3 hour drive southwest of Tucson. Ideal to start early in the morning. Consider staying overnight nearby if you want more time to explore.
Chiricahua National Monument: About 3 hours east of Tucson. The scenic drive and hiking options are beautiful but can be a full-day trip; consider starting early.

Suggested Itinerary Considerations:

Use Tucson as your base for Saguaro National Park and Tumacácori (short drives). Plan longer trips (Organ Pipe, Chiricahua, Casa Grande) as day trips or optional overnight stays depending on how much driving you prefer.
Early mornings are best for wildlife viewing and cooler temperatures at desert parks.
Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and hats for all excursions in April, as the desert sun can be intense.

Overall, JW Marriott Starr Pass is ideal if you want a scenic resort experience near the mountains, while Tucson Marriott University Park offers central convenience for multiple day trips. Either would allow you to use Marriott points effectively while exploring southern Arizona.