Tucson, pronounced “too-sawn” is one good-looking college town in the heart of the Arizona desert. It lies just an hour north of the Mexican border and is one of the Southwest’s most culturally invigorating cities. Plus, it’s no secret how hot Tucson, and Arizona in general, get in the summers. With the mercury hovering in the triple digits, the best and fun way to cool off is to slip into a hotel pool. Whether it’s an indoor pool or outdoor one, the best hotel pools in Tucson, Arizona offer a fun way to reinvigorate your mind, body, and soul. So, whether you want to laze at a sprawling, lavish setup or at a cutesy ranch pool, Tucson has you covered.
Also, Tucson is an excellent destination for exploring the American Southwest. Three of the Top Things To Do In Arizona lie just outside Tucson; the Tumacacori and Saguaro National Parks and the historic Gold Rush town of Tombstone. Moreover, Tucson is home to a desert museum, an ornate church, and even an old west movie set-turned-theme park.
At the end of the day, slipping into one of these 11 best hotel pools in Tucson, Arizona, whether indoor or outdoor, feels lovely. With these heavenly pools to allure you, we’re sure you’ll find it “too soon” to leave Tucson – pun intended.
Where to Stay in Tucson?
Tucson feels like a little big city, and you need to zero in on a neighborhood before choosing which hotel to stay at. For first-time visitors and culture vultures, Downtown Tucson with its wealth of attractions is perfect. It also features a host of nightclubs, bars, restaurants, and shops. Next up is the area around the University of Arizona, which is bursting with museums dedicated to science, history, and art. Plus, you’ll also find a collection of reasonable but cool breweries, bars, restaurants, and shops that cater to university students.
The northern part of Tucson includes the casa Adobe, Tortolita, the Oro Valley, and the Catalina Foothills. This is where you should be if you’re a nature lover; think a seemingly endless landscape with mountains in the distance. These areas are also home to brand stores, restaurants, galleries, and sprawling golf courses. Finally, we have the area around the airport, which is perfect if you have an onward flight.
If you’re planning to drive around and explore the region, then check out the Best Hotel Pools in Phoenix next.
Loews Ventana Canyon Resort & Spa
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The pool at Loews Ventana Canyon Resort & Spa is hands down the best hotel pool in Tucson. When you look up from your poolside chair, you’ll see stunning views of the Santa Catalina Mountains. In fact, it’s easy to forget that you’re in the heart of Arizona’s second-largest city. You can choose from two outdoor heated pools, each of which has a jacuzzi. The main one is snazzier and buzzing with DJs spinning cool tunes, poolside entertainment, and private cabanas. The other one is an adults-only lap pool at the decadent Lakeside Spa. Nevertheless, they both feature pool concierge service which makes it easy to lounge here all day long. If the jacuzzis feel warm during the daytime, then come back at night for a romantic after-dinner soak.
There’s so much to do at this designer resort that you won’t feel like stepping out. There are a host of activities on the offer, including dive-in movies, tennis, star-gazing, ping pong, and more. Fans of the outdoors will love hopping onto the free shuttle to the Seven Falls hiking trail nearby. Even the rooms here are luxurious, with balconies with stellar views and oversized soaker tubs in the bathrooms. It’s no surprise that Loews is one of the Best Hotels in Tucson, Arizona.
Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa
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“Tucked into” will be the wrong word for The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa. The luxurious resort is rather sprawled on 250 lush acres at the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains. If you want to escape the heat, then jump into one of the five pools at this rambling resort. Three pools are absolute action-filled, with one of them even featuring a 177-feet-long waterslide aptly called the SlideWinder. However, you need to be 42 inches tall to ride the slide. If your child under 12 years wants to ride the slide, then a responsible adult above 18 years needs to accompany them. What’s more, you can relax at the two quiet adult pools, complete with a swim-up bar.
The award-winning, AAA Four-Diamond resort offers a range of accommodations to suit a range of travelers. Moreover, it also features the Red Door Salon & Spa and a 27-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course. With eight dining options and the Westin Family Kids Club to keep kids occupied, this resort is picture-perfect.
El Conquistador Tucson, A Hilton Resort
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The pool at the El Conquistador Tucson is unarguably one of the most luxurious hotel pools in Tucson. The resort lies in Tortolita in north Tucson, right next to the majestic Pusch Ridge. Moreover, it offers not one, but five glittering and shimmering swimming pools. The main resort pool, aptly named “Slide Rock” features a whopping 143-feet-long waterslide (the only caveat: you need to be 42 inches tall to ride down it). The children’s fish-shaped pool is called “Shallow Springs” due to waterspout features in the tail and a water cascade in the middle. Hot and cold plunge pools aside, you will like the tranquil, adults-only pool in the casita area. Finally, all pools are heated and open throughout the year.
El Conquistador is a truly serene retreat away from the bustle of Tucson’s city center. It offers a unique experience of the Southwest with a bunch of activities like tennis, golf, biking, and hiking on the offer. There’s even a spa, three golf courses, and excellent restaurants. And if you’re staying here, then you’ll love the rooms and suites with views of the mountains.
JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa
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JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa is one serene hideaway nestled in the Saguaro-covered foothills in west Tucson. What’s more, the resort has some of the best pools in the region. It features two swimming areas, one of which is a rambling multi-level pool. But, the star attraction is the Starr Canyon Lazy River, on which you can float on a tube to your heart’s content. If you’re feeling particularly intrepid, slide 175 feet down the Monsoon Falls Waterslide. If your little ones are accompanying you, they’ll love the small Dancing Springs splash pool. After a thrilling water adventure, you can simply lay down by the reflection pools. If you aren’t staying here, then you can access all this with a spa session.
This quiet landscape of the resort area is also home to a full-service spa, as mentioned above. What’s more, it even has a bevy of restaurants, bars, and lounges, and three nine-hole desert golf courses! Plus, every spacious room and suite at this retreat overlooks the stunning and secluded desert landscape environment. Plus, there are a plethora of natural trails for biking and hiking close by.
The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain
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The pool at Ritz-Carlton Dove Mountain is one of the best hotel pools in Tucson. The resort is tucked away on 850 acres at the foothills of the Tortolita Mountains half-an-hour north of the city. The Ritz offers not one but three swimming pools. The Aventura Pool with a waterslide and splash pad is perfect for families with children, and its 235-feet-long waterslide is the longest in Tucson! The only caveat – you need to be at least 42 inches in height to slide down this one. While the Turquesa Pool boasts an Infinity entry, the zenith is the adults-only Spa Serenity Pool. What’s more, it comes with a 10-foot tanning island.
The resort is fun for the entire family and also features a slew of fine-dining restaurants, three tennis courts, and a championship golf course. What’s more, you have elegant rooms and casitas to choose from to stay at. Take a break from the heat by dipping into the pools and not doing anything at all.
Arizona Inn
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The pool at Arizona Inn is one of the most charming hotel pools you’d have ever seen. You’d hardly expect a historic hotel to a swimming pool, let alone such a gorgeous one. But, the one at the Arizona Inn in the heart of Tucson belies all myths. The 60-feet-long heated pool is the centerpiece of this hacienda-style resort and is lined with soft yellow loungers and pretty parasols. It’s the perfect place to unwind on the quaint property. What’s more, it’s a heated pool, making it perfect for a spot of swimming even during colder weather. You can order drinks and food from the restaurant and bar while lounging by the pool.
The 1930-built inn offers casita-style accommodations, complete with private patios and views of the mountains or the gardens. Moreover, the resort even has two luxurious detached “casitas” with their own heated pools and full hotel service. Plus, there are tons of activities for you to enjoy on the property, including ping pong, badminton, croquet, tennis. Finally, you can even rent bikes to explore the neighborhood on your own.
Lodge at Ventana Canyon
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If you’re a serious swimmer, then the pool at Lodge at Ventana Canyon is the perfect pool for you. In fact, it’s the best hotel pools in Tucson for swimmers and those looking to get in a good bit of cardio exercise in the water. The eight-lane, junior Olympic-sized competitive lap pool is not just large, but it’s heated too. You can go lap swimming and even soaking to escape from the Arizona heat. What’s more, there’s even a one-and-a-half-foot-deep heated kiddie pool which is more of a splash pool. But, it’s perfect for your family to enjoy together. You can even order beverages, drinks, and snacks from the pool snack bar, which is open during the summers. There’s even a poolside serve at hand to assist you. Plus, the poolside cabanas are the most heavenly lounging spaces ever.
There’s so much to enjoy at this resort that you’ll never feel the need to step out. There are two golf courses on-site, and the on-site restaurants offer lip-smacking meals with panoramic mountain views. You can choose from 50 suites, each of which comes with sitting areas, dining areas, kitchens, and private balconies with enchanting mountain or city views.
Hotel McCoy – Art, Coffee, Beer, Wine
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One of the cutest hotel pools in Tucson is that at Hotel McCoy, which lies right in the heart of the town. The fenced outdoor pool area is one of the most vibrant in a hotel of this size. Firstly, the freeform turquoise pool is heated, which means that you can enjoy it throughout the year. It has a shallow end, which makes it perfect for you to spend time here with your family. What’s more, the hotel provides everything from swimming toys to beach towels, so you have to pack and be wanting for nothing. Finally, the cute, colorful daybeds, chairs, and tables lining the pool are perfect for relaxing after a swim or a lounge. Maybe you can even enjoy a bite by the pool in nice weather or after sundown.
Besides the pool, the hotel even has a wellness area with a fitness center. For a hotel this size, it’s a real perk. Begin your day with a superb continental breakfast before heading out to explore Tucson. After a long day, retire to the comfort of your rooms, some of which even come with incredible mountain views.
Hacienda Del Sol Guest Ranch Resort
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If you’re looking for a romantic getaway in Tucson, then the Hacienda Del Sol Guest Ranch Resort is perfect. Set in the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains, the charming property oozes intimate charm with spectacular views. What’s more, it has one of the best hotel pools in Tucson too. It might be one of the only hotel pools in the world in the shape of a heart! It’s lined with comfy daybeds for you to enjoy lounging after a romantic dip with your partner. There’s even a hot tub right next to the pool to soak off all stress and reinvigorate your senses. In the evenings, curl up next to the fire pit right next to the pool with fabulous views of the mountains and Tucson’s twinkling lights.
The 1940s-built resort is even listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has hosted famous guests over the years. With just 59 rooms, staying here is as intimate as it gets, complete with striking outdoor patios. Moreover, the resort even has two elegant and romantic dining options for you to enjoy a quiet dinner under the stars. End the day with a massage treatment at the decadent spa.
Tanque Verde Guest Ranch
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The Tanque Verde Guest Ranch is one of the only hotels with indoor pool in Tucson, Arizona. What’s more, it even has an outdoor pool area at the same time, making it one of the best places to stay in town. The indoor pool area at this Tucson, Arizona hotel features floor-to-ceiling windows that let in lots of natural light. What’s more, the indoor pool is also heated, so you can use it any weather, and it even has its own indoor jacuzzi. The outdoor pool deck, on the other hand, is an absolute blessing to get away from the heat. It’s a gorgeous set up with its own waterfalls and sweeping mountain views, and it even has its own jacuzzi.
The lodge sits a mere 10 minutes from the famed Saguaro National Park and features a decadent La Sonora Spa where you can pamper yourself to the hilt. The in-house restaurant serves superb Southwestern cuisine, along with Mexican and BBQ specialties. Moreover, you can enjoy evening cocktails and nightcaps at the bar onsite. Even the rooms are in Southwestern style, with modern furnishings.
Adobe Rose Inn
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If you’re looking for a small hotel pool in Tucson to unwind, then look no further than the Adobe Rose Inn. Located in the historic Sam Hughes neighborhood of Tucson, the hotel boasts one of the prettiest pools around. The rectangular, fenced outdoor pool is adults-only and is shared between the six rooms of this cute bed and breakfast. It’s fringed by lush foliage and rose bushes, hence the name of the inn. There’s a shallow end where you can enjoy a cool dip to escape Tucson’s heat. After a swim or dip, retire to one of the comfy chairs that sit by the poolside and enjoy the peace and quiet.
The 1933-built historic property is one of the best intimate stays in town. All adobe-style rooms feature all standard-mod-cons, and some even have a fireplace. Begin your day with a homecooked three-course breakfast and be fired up to explore Tucson. Rounding up the amenities here is the sun terrace and the lush surrounding gardens, which are a shot of color in the desert region.
Recommended Restaurants / Bars in Tucson:
- Taco Bike Tour – Tucson’s affinity with food, especially Mexican food is well-known. If you’re looking for the real deal, and don’t want to stick to the ‘trendy’ places, then join this taco bike tour. Tour the best local spots for tacos, with the ride ending at a craft brewery.
- Taqueria Pico De Gallo – Again, we cannot get enough of tacos. This Tucson institution is the best local place for tacos, right from homemade corn tortillas to chicken, fish, and carne asada tacos.
Recommended Activities In Tucson:
- Mural Bike Tour – Tucson is home to an amazing mural scene. Right from huge neighborhood identifiers to hidden gems, from faded to new glossy ones, Tucson has around 35 murals. Explore them all on this amazing bike tour of Tucson and learn all about them.
- Historic Bike Tour in Tucson – Bustling university lanes, adobe-lined avenues, modern art, old forts, and vibrant barrios – Tucson has it all. Explore the best of Tucson on this two-and-a-half-hour guided bicycle tour.