Tucson - American Southwest - page 351

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These attractions often have uneven footing, so be sure to bring a good pair of walking
shoes.

FAST FACTS
For a doctor referral, ask at your hotel or call Northwest Medical Center ( & 866/694-
9355 ). For a dentist referral, call the Arizona Dental Association ( & 800/866-2732 ).
Local hospitals are the Tucson Medical Center, at 5301 E. Grant Rd. ( & 520/327-
5461 ), and the University Medical Center, at 1501 N. Campbell Ave. ( & 520/694-
0111 ).
In addition to the 5.6% sales tax levied by the state, Tucson levies a 2% city sales tax.
Car-rental taxes, surcharges, and fees add up to around 30%. The hotel tax in the Tucson
area is approximately 12%.

3 WHERE TO STAY

Although Phoenix still holds the title of Resort Capital of Arizona, Tucson is not far
behind, and this city's resorts boast much more spectacular settings than most compa-
rable properties in Phoenix and Scottsdale. As far as nonresort accommodations go,
Tucson has a wider variety than Phoenix—partly because there are numerous bed-and-
breakfast inns both in historic neighborhoods and in the desert on the outskirts of the
city. The presence of two guest ranches within a 20-minute drive of Tucson also adds to
the city's diversity of accommodations. Business and budget travelers are well served with
all-suite and conference hotels, as well as plenty of budget chain motels.
At the more expensive hotels and resorts, summer rates, usually in effect from May to
September, are often less than half what they are in winter. Surprisingly, temperatures
usually aren't unbearable in May or September, which makes these good times to visit if
you're looking to save money. When making late-spring or early-fall reservations, always
be sure to ask when rates are scheduled to go up or down. If you aren't coming to Tucson
specifically for the winter gem and mineral shows, then you'll save quite a bit if you avoid
the last week in January and the first 2 weeks in February, when hotels around town
generally charge exorbitant rates.
Most hotels offer special packages, weekend rates, various discounts (such as for AARP
or AAA members), and free accommodations for children, so it helps to ask when you
reserve. Nearly all hotels have smoke-free and wheelchair-accessible rooms.
BED & BREAKFASTS If you're looking to stay in a B&B, several agencies can help.
The Arizona Association of Bed & Breakfast Inns (www.arizona-bed-breakfast.com)
has several members in Tucson. Mi Casa Su Casa ( & 800/456-0682 or 480/990-0682;
www.azres.com) can book you into one of its many B&Bs and homestays in the Tucson
area or elsewhere in the state, as will Arizona Trails Travel Services ( & 888/799-4284
or 480/837-4284; www.arizonatrails.com), which also books tour and hotel reserva-
tions.

12

DOWNTOWN & THE UNIVERSITY AREA
Very Expensive
Arizona Inn Kids With its pink-stucco buildings and immaculately tended
flower gardens, the Arizona Inn is an oasis of tranquility. Gracious and welcoming, it's an
unforgettable place to spend a vacation. Opened in 1930 by Isabella Greenway, Arizona's