The JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa opened in 2005. Its unmatched location, on the edge of Saguaro National Park West, steps from Tucson Mountain Park, and just 10 minutes from downtown Tucson, makes it a great option for travelers and families who want the experience of being grounded in the natural surroundings while still being able to easily enjoy all of Tucson’s attractions.
I travel to Tucson frequently, and while I’ve visited many accommodations in the region, I’d never made it over to the Starr Pass Resort until recently. I was surprised at how close it is to town — just a brief 5-mile drive off Interstate 10. But as you drive past the towering saguaros of the national park, you feel as though you’re hours from civilization. Then, as you come around the final bend, you’ll see the resort in the distance — a sprawling beige stucco Pueblo-style structure that hugs the mountainous terrain.
And now is the perfect time to visit, as the resort recently wrapped up a multimillion-dollar renovation that included all 575 guest rooms and suites, as well as 115,000 square feet of meeting and event space.
Remodeled Rooms
Although I had not stayed at the resort prior to its renovation, an online search brings up photos of rooms with chunky dark wood furnishings, heavy leather seating, shades of dark reds and greens, and beige-colored walls. The new look is soft and calming, with a sleek minimalist vibe that incorporates the region’s Native heritage.
Gone is the heavy wall-to-wall carpeting, replaced by light-hued wood-look flooring. The walls are covered with a soft creamy hue and warm wood paneling. Above the bed, 3D organic sculptural forms reflect Tucson’s indigenous culture and the natural landscape. They add an artsy touch without overwhelming the room. The furnishings are sleek and midcentury-inspired, including a tulip table, floating TV console, and a marble-topped sideboard that holds the coffee maker and mini-fridge.
The bed features a long padded headboard and mismatched minimalist nightstands (my room had one square and one round table). Textiles throughout the room are in cool sandy tones, whites, and creams. The overall effect is a soothing desert palette without any cliché Southwest or Spanish details. The relaxing palette continues into the spa-like bathroom, which offers a long stone vanity with dual sinks, a large lighted vanity mirror, and a glass-enclosed walk-in shower.
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It is important to note that if you get a room overlooking the patio, be prepared for a little noise. The patio features live music on Friday nights from 5:45-9 p.m. Also, during my recent visit, the resort was hosting a large conference, and the event-goers spent much of the evening outdoors socializing, laughing, and whooping it up. It was after midnight when they finally dispersed, and the noise stopped. So if you need quiet, make sure when you book your room to request one that is far away from the patio and pool area.
Dining Options at Starr Pass Resort
The Starr Pass Resort offers a variety of dining options, from casual eateries to its signature restaurant, aptly named Signature Grill. The Grill offers classic Native American and Mexican dishes made from local ingredients. Sample the pozole, a hearty soup made with braised pork and hominy; an ancho chile-crusted steak; or a green chile pasta with smoked brisket burnt ends. I had the chicken pibil enchilada. The dish was flavorful, and the portion generous.
Other dining options include Passaggio, an Italian restaurant; Creosote Kitchen & Cocktails, which offers Sonoran cuisine and views of the golf course; Plunge, the poolside eatery; JW Market for grab-and-go bites; and the Salud Patio, which offers a lighter selection of Mexican and American dishes, creative craft cocktails, and an expansive tequila menu. Guests can also enjoy evening tequila tastings on the patio. And, of course, in-room dining is available from 6:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.
Something for Every Member of the Family
No visit to the Starr Pass Resort is complete without booking a relaxing treatment at the serene Hashani Spa. Tucked away on the ground floor of the resort, two levels below the lobby, this Zen-inducing spa welcomes guests with a bright and airy living room that opens to an outdoor patio. Book a day pass and enjoy the fitness room, outdoor saline pool, steam room, and indoor whirlpool. Or, schedule one of the many services that include massage, facials, and even salon treatments, such as manicures and pedicures. The spa also offers alternative therapies, including lymphatic massage, reiki, and Theragun and compression treatments.
For the ultimate in pampering, I recommend the new signature Desert Sage treatment. This 100-minute experience starts with an exfoliating Desert Sage Scrub, leads to an enriching Sedona Mud Body Wrap, and ends with a relaxing Desert Sage-infused massage.
If golf is more your thing, the on-property golf course and clubhouse were also part of the renovations. The 27-hole Arnold Palmer-designed course, which was once home to the PGA Tour, has been restored to championship-level play. The clubhouse has also been redesigned and upgraded with the addition of Creosote.
And of course, there are always the water features. The resort offers a collection of aquatic attractions that ensure fun for all family members. There’s the Starr Pass Lazy River, Monsoon Falls Water Slide, and the Reflection Pools. Rent a poolside cabana and spend the afternoon soaking up the desert sun. Rentals include a complimentary fruit plate, complimentary chips and salsa, a locker for storing valuables, and a mini-fridge stocked with water and cool towelettes. In between swims, head to the central lawn for a game of cornhole or giant Jenga.
If You Go
Rooms at the JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa start at about $500 per night. This includes a $49 nightly resort fee. The resort is part of the Marriott Bonvoy program, so members can earn points with any stay at the resort. In addition, the property offers a number of special rate packages, including a golf stay and spa retreats for two.
Check rates for JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort online at Expedia, Booking.com, Agoda.com, or Hotels.com.
