Best Hotels Near Saguaro National Park | 10 Amazing Stays

Ah, Arizona – mostly known for the geographical wonder that is the Grand Canyon. But plenty of other spectacular locales are sitting right under your nose, and Saguaro National Park is one of them. The park is a natural marvel, boasting unique views and stunning saguaro cacti scattered across the Arizona landscape. 

If you’re considering spending a few days exploring and getting the most out of the park, you’ll want to know where to stay. Luckily, there are plenty of hotels and lodging options in the park and nearby to call home while conquering your USA National Park checklist. 

So, if you want to learn more about the best hotels near Saguaro National Park, keep reading. It’s time to dive into the top ten places to stay close to Saguaro National Park.

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Practical Tips for Lodging Near Saguaro National Park

Before heading off to Saguaro National Park, there are some things to know beforehand that make booking your accommodation a quick and easy experience. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• For starters, remember that there are no Saguaro National Park hotels on the park grounds, but there are campsites. So ticking off those camping tips for beginners and staying close to all the best hikes in the park is also worth a thought.

• Next, consider which side of the park you want to visit. Saguaro East has all the campsites, so if you want to stay in the park overnight, you’ll have to go there. Remember, these campsites can’t be driven to (hike-in only) and have no space for RVs.

• Saguaro West has no campgrounds, so you’ll want to book accommodations in surrounding areas if you prefer this side of the park.

• The biggest tip for almost any trip is to book your accommodation well in advance. You don’t want to pay for your permits and entrance fees only to realize accommodations are all full.

Top 10 Saguaro National Park Lodging Options

It’s time to get into the thick of it and look at the different lodging options in and near Saguaro National Park. Here are the 10 best choices, including camping inside the park, lodging near Saguaro West and East, and finally, in Central Tucson.

1. Camping in Saguaro National Park

If you’re looking for where to stay in Saguaro National Park and don’t want to travel back and forth, you can go camping on the park grounds. There aren’t any hotels or cabin options in the park, so the campgrounds are your only option. 

Here are six fantastic campsites to choose from, including the nearest trailhead to each site:

• Douglas Spring (Douglas Spring)
• Grass Shack (Loma Alta/Hope Camp)
• Happy Valley Saddle (Miller Creek)
• Juniper Basin (Tanque Verde Ridge)
• Manning Camp (Turkey Creek)
• Spud Rock Spring (Turkey Creek)

To use the campgrounds, you’ll need a Saguaro National Park Wilderness permit (works for all six sites) or a Thru Hiking Overnight permit (works for Grass Shack or Manning Camp only). It costs around $8 per night at each campsite. >>>Find Out More

2. Places to Stay Near Saguaro West

When visiting Saguaro National Park, you can choose between one of two sides located on opposite ends of Tucson. These accommodations are located closer to Saguaro West. 

Budget | Red Roof Inn Tucson North – Marana

The Red Roof Inn offers a great combination of affordability and proximity, only a 34-minute drive from the center of Saguaro West. It’s also less than 20 miles from Tucson International Airport, making it extra convenient. 

Guests at the Red Roof Inn will be happy to know it’s a pet-friendly hotel, so you won’t need to leave your four-legged friends behind. You’ll have keycard access to a spacious room and great amenities, like free WiFi and free private parking. And if that Arizona heat starts getting to you, don’t worry — this accommodation also has air conditioning and an outdoor swimming pool. >>>Check Availability

Mid-Range | La Posada Lodge & Casitas, Ascend Hotel Collection

Located in the gorgeous foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains, this fantastic hotel has something all guests can appreciate. Apart from the picturesque mountain views (which are exceptional in their own right), this hotel is close to Saguaro West (about a 49-minute drive away).

Each room is beautifully decorated and comfortable, offering a flatscreen TV with access to cable channels, a private bathroom, and your usual amenities like free WiFi. You’ll have access to additional features, like daily housekeeping, an outdoor pool, a fitness center, and a hot tub. >>>Check Availability

Luxury | Omni Tucson National Resort

This is one of the most opulent and worthwhile resorts near Saguaro National Park. The rooms are a fantastic blend of comfort and a sleek design, with access to free WiFi, toiletries, and more. As you’d expect from luxury accommodation, this hotel offers many activities to help you get your money’s worth. 

Are you feeling more active? Then, you can use the tennis court, bike rentals, or the nearby golf course. Or you can sit back and relax after a long day exploring Saguaro West. Use the on-site spa services or relax by the poolside cabanas. 

Room service is at your disposal, but if that isn’t enough, a few nearby restaurants offer fine dining and comfort food. >>>Check Availability

3. Places to Stay Near Saguaro East 

On the other end, closer to Downtown Tucson, you’ll find these top-notch hotels near Saguaro National Park East. 

Budget | Hampton Inn Suites Tucson Tech Park

Hampton Inn Suites is in Tucson near Saguaro East, about a 32-minute drive away, so it’s one of the best options if you visit that side of the park. Like many others on the list, this is a pet-friendly hotel and is only 16 miles away from the Tucson Convention Center.

Guests at the hotel can choose between Queen, King, smoking, non-smoking, and mobility and hearing-accessible rooms, making it incredibly inclusive and accommodating. The spacious rooms also offer modern decor and comfortable beds, and who wouldn’t want that? 

You’ll get the usual free WiFi, access to the fitness center, and laundry facilities. Plus, a continental breakfast is included for those early-morning cravings. There is an outdoor pool for that hot Arizona weather and a lovely relaxing seating area. >>>Check Availability

Mid-Range | Desert Trails Bed & Breakfast

Want a combination of great value and fun, exciting things to do? Desert Trails Bed & Breakfast is for you. This accommodation is adjacent to the hiking trails in Saguaro National Park East, so you have quick and easy access. But if hiking isn’t on your agenda, the B&B has horse riding available nearby and a golf course, too.

The rustic charm of the decor is already appealing, but add the stunning views of the surrounding area, and you’re golden. Guests have access to a gorgeous garden, an outdoor pool, free WiFi, and some board games for a bit of competitive fun. Don’t forget the indoor fire pit. >>>Check Availability

Luxury | Tanque Verde Guest Ranch

Get ready to embark on a Western experience like no other, only one mile away from Saguaro National Park at the Tanque Verde Guest Ranch. Whether you want to go hiking, horse riding, fishing, or mountain biking, this accommodation has it all.

Kick back and relax in the western-style rooms that give you a unique experience of Arizona. You’ll have access to WiFi, laundry facilities, private bathrooms, and kitchen facilities, all from the comfort of your room. Plus, the views are to die for.

Guests can also enjoy an indoor and outdoor heated pool, a sauna, a hot tub, and the La Sonora Spa for exquisite treatments. If all of that wasn’t enough, you get free breakfast and a restaurant with tasty BBQ and Mexican cuisine to indulge in during your stay. >>>Check Availability

4. Places to Stay in Tucson, Central

If you’re looking for where to stay near Saguaro National Park, hotels centrally located in Tucson are excellent options. So, here are the top choices close to the city center.

Budget | Cozy Queen Hide Away Downtown

For great value and an ideal location in central Tucson, the Cozy Queen Hide Away Downtown is the place to be. It’s an entire apartment for yourself. Sure, you don’t get all the fancy frills that some luxury locations might offer, but this is one of the best locations for those on a budget. 

You’ll have access to all the necessities, including free WiFi, parking, a fully functioning kitchen, laundry, and BBQ facilities. Pet owners don’t need to worry since the Cozy Queen is pet-friendly, too.

It’s also close to key locations, including the Tucson Convention Center and the Tucson Museum of Art, giving that added convenience for exploring the town. >>>Check Availability

Mid-Range | Hilton Tucson East

The Hilton Tucson East hotel offers everything you could ever ask for and might make you question why it isn’t a lot more expensive than it is. This location is terrific value for money in the city center and has spectacular views of the Rincon and Santa Catalina Mountains. 

After a long day exploring Saguaro National Park, you’ll be able to come back to a warm and inviting space with comfortable rooms and modern decor. Besides the usual amenities like paid parking, WiFi, and an outdoor pool, a highlight of this hotel has to be the dining options.

A continental breakfast is included, as well as access to the Vistas Bar & Grille, which serves gourmet Southwestern cuisine — absolutely mouthwatering. >>>Check Availability

Luxury | Hacienda del Sol Guest Ranch Resort

You know how they say save the best for last? Well, this full-service resort might be just that. This resort offers a luxurious experience for those willing to splurge a little more. It has excellent views of the gardens and lush greenery, including the classic saguaro cacti.

Each room has a large and spacious design, large flatscreen TVs, and private bathrooms. Guests will also have access to no less than three different outdoor pools, a hot tub, and a fitness center.

This accommodation is in a prime location, near the Tucson Convention Center, the Arizona Stadium, and the airport, which is around 13 miles away. So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to get a booking. >>>Check Availability

Which Side of Saguaro National Park Is Better? East vs West

Saguaro National Park is separated into two distinct districts – the Rincon Mountain District (RMD), also known as Saguaro East, and the Tucson Mountain District (TMD), or Saguaro West. But how do you choose which one is better?

Saguaro East is closer to the outskirts of Downtown Tucson, AZ, so it’s best if you’re staying in the city. The Sonoran Desert Museum is also closer to the east side, so this side is best if this attraction is something you’re interested in. Plus, if you’re an avid hiker, Saguaro East is almost three times larger and has many more trails.

On the other hand, Saguaro West is great, too. It’s a bit smaller but overall sees more visitors each year due to the higher volume of saguaro cacti, which is a hallmark feature of the park. This side of the park is good for some nice hiking photography opportunities and scenic walks through dense vegetation. 

The downsides? There are no campgrounds on the west side, so you’ll have to choose accommodation outside the park.

Overall, the best side of the park depends on what you want from your trip. Saguaro East is your go-to for better hiking trails and places to explore. But Saguaro West is best for an elevated nature experience in a more remote area.

FAQs About Hotels Near Saguaro National Park

If you still have some uncertainties, don’t worry. Here are a few answers to frequently asked questions to help ease your mind.

How Many Days Do You Need to See Saguaro National Park? 

Any time spent at Saguaro National Park will be worth your time, but to get the most out of your trip, you’ll want to explore both the RMD and the TMD. It’s recommended to spend at least one day at each district, making two days the minimum. 

What Is the Closest Airport to Saguaro National Park? 

Tucson International Airport is the closest to Saguaro National Park, around 16 miles away, or a 23-minute drive if you use east Valencia and Irvington Roads.

How Far Is Saguaro National Park From Tucson?

Tucson is one of the closest towns to Saguaro National Park. It’s around 13 miles from Saguaro West and 18 miles from Saguaro East.

Wrapping Up Places to Stay in Saguaro National Park

Saguaro National Park is a beautiful place to explore for the whole family, whether hiking along the various trails or simply enjoying nature. These are some of the best hotels and accommodation options, both inside Saguaro National Park and nearby, with something to offer everyone.

What are you waiting for? Get packing and get ready to embark on your next adventure.

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