Hotel Snapshot
Imagine it: you’ve spent an active day among anthropomorphic Saguaro cacti in the sweltering heat of the Sonoran Desert, riding horses, mountain biking, or rock climbing. You’re thirsty, truly parched. It’s 5:30, still hot, and hours before sunset. You arrive home to your hip hotel, The Tuxon, dreaming of a libation and a dip in the curvy, ice-cold pool. That’s when the ranch bell rings. You stop, mesmerized as fellow guests flow from their rooms and a handful of locals gather poolside. “What’s going on?” You ask. “It’s Shady Hour at the Shady Cactus Swim Club,” screams an elated someone. As if on cue, a staffer quiets the crowd, then leads everyone in a jaunty “Shady Toast,” followed by complimentary mini-slush shots for all. You grab your drink, hightail it to your room to change into swimwear, then speed back to join the party.
Design and Character
An ode to the great American road trip with Mid-Century flair and modern desert style, the redone motor lodge, first built in 1969, pays homage to its era with architectural flourishes, with low-slung buildings and rooms that encircle the banana-shaped pool in a cozy embrace. Distinctly desert landscaping accents the wide-open mountain views, while poolside accoutrements (yellow umbrellas, rope-y blue chairs) provide pops of color amid the desert’s sandy taupe. Contemporary, artsy references to the American, Mexican, Native American, and Western cultures that define Tucson and its hinterlands abound via the art (by whiz kids such as Tucson-born Ishi Glinksy and Tucson-based Jessica Gonzalez) and elements used (think brass, chunky stone, saddle leather, potted cacti).
The Tuxon—utterly design-centric and effortlessly unpretentious—sits right off the main highway (I-10), minutes from downtown. With a little kitschiness and quirkiness in keeping with those original mom-and-pop motels of yore, The Tuxon elevates heyday funk with a sense of humor and oodles of southwestern contemporary style. Key to the Shady Cactus Swim Club scene is the stellar musical programming, which sets the tone around the pool. Expect local bands, traveling musicians, and talented DJs. The Saturday pool parties should not be missed. (More on the Club’s poolside noshes below.)
The Rooms
Small boltholes at just 200 square feet, rooms are luxuriously kitted out with sublime extras, including a bed as comfortable as you’d expect in a posh presidential suite. Geometric tile conjures thoughts of southwestern woven blankets, rain showers pour down with plenty of force, and a Marshall speaker brings the party to your room.
Food & Drink
In keeping with things you yearn to eat and drink in the sun while splashing with new friends, Shady Cactus Swim Club at the pool bar serves up festive drinks and shareable Baja-inspired small plates. Chili-dusted chicken fingers, yucca fries, nachos, and street tacos pair well with fun, frozen drinks like Barbie in the Barrio, a vivacious blend of rosé, vodka, strawberry, and lemon. If you’re feeling bold, try The Greenhorn (blanco tequila, Ancho Reyes Verde, sweet & sour, lime, Tajin), sure to make its mark. When morning rolls around, grab some breakfast burritos, waffles, and upscale coffee, which makes starting the day downright easy.
The Amenities
The Tuxon keeps things playful with daily Shady Hour slushy shots, early-morning elevated coffee, and a ranch bell reverie. Borrow a complimentary cruiser bike to roll through downtown Tucson or the Mercado District, then hit the 24/7 fitness room (yes, it has Peloton bikes) to undo whatever poolside indulgence snuck up on you. Back in your room, Marshall speakers set the vibe while you wind down from a very well-spent day.
Location & Neighborhood Recs
Just off I-10, near downtown and the Mercado District, The Tuxon makes it easy to dive into Tucson’s best bits: shop vintage finds along 4th Avenue, wander the Tucson Museum of Art, grab tacos at Seis Kitchen, or go all-in on plant-based magic at Tumerico. Keep the day going by browsing the shelves at the beloved Antigone Booksellers. And cap the day off with a desert-pink sunset at Saguaro National Park East.
Fast Facts
Location: Tucson, Arizona
Rating: 3 stars
Room Count: 112 rooms
Pricing: Starts at $100
Our Favorite Thing About the Hotel: The overall design, the pool, and the whimsical Shady Cactus Swim Club concept and drinks. Bring on the group toast and ranch bell!
Dining: Food and bev here falls under Shady Cactus Swim Club. You’ll eat around the pool or in common areas within the lobby complex.
Amenities: Daily Shady Hour with complimentary slushy shots to kick things off, 24/7 fitness center with Peloton bikes and cruisers to explore the area, elevated coffee in the morning, ranch bell reverie, Marshall speakers in the room.
Airport: Tucson International Airport (TUS)
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