10 Best Family-Friendly Hotels in Tucson: Stays Your Kids Will Love

After a four million dollar renovation, no less, the Sheraton Hotel & Suites Tucson has transformed itself into a chic cross between boutique hotel and urban retreat. Crisp sheets, updated furnishings, and flat screen TVs await you in your guestroom. Outdoors, watch the desert stars rise over Tucson while making s'mores or enjoying live entertainment around one of the outdoor fire pits. The pool and cabanas are a popular spot for families enjoying the perennially sunny weather. There's a sports-themed bar and lounge where kids and their families can play board games, snack on treats, or just kick back and watch TV.

Hotel Tucson City Center is a good budget hotel with easy access to downtown Tucson, Interstate 10 and the Interstate 19. It's within walking distance to the Tucson Convention Center and downtown government offices, and a short drive to the University of Arizona campus. Amenities include an Olympic sized heated pool and spa, fitness center sand volleyball pits and ballroom and meeting space. The hotel is pet friendly and offers free shuttle transportation to the airport. Most rooms are basic no-frill doubles, but you can upgrade to larger presidential or family suite. Upgraded bath amenities and free hot breakfast buffet make this Hotel Tucson City Center a good value.

This business-class hotel is located in the Main Gate shopping district near the historic main entrance to the University of Arizona. With nine floors and over 200 rooms, this is a popular hotel destination for University-bound travelers and conference attendees. Business services include a business center, meeting facilities with expert catering and audio visual services. The rooms are comfortable and spacious, with many offering great views of the Santa Catalina Mountains to the north. The location is ideal if you want to be in a pedestrian-friendly area close to downtown and the university district. There are more than 30 restaurants, shopping and four museums within walking distance.

Built in the early 1900s, this is one of Tucson's oldest hotel resorts. Despite its well-established pedigree, the Westward Look is also on the cutting edge, recently earning its certification as a green resort. The resort is located on 80 scenic acres at the base of the Santa Catalina Mountains. The rugged beauty of the resort is ideal for families looking to find recreational fun in the surrounding desert. Hiking, horse-back riding, or stargazing are popular activities here. Of course, kids will love lounging by the pool. Rooms are comfortable and luxurious, with many offering views of the surrounding mountains and desert.

Ventana means "window" in Spanish, which is appropriate because this stunning resort offers a window to the soul of the Sonoran Desert. The resort is nestled at the foothills of Tucson's Catalina Mountains, ensuring you and your family will be surrounded by the scenic views during your stay. Amenities at this luxury resort include the Lakeside Spa & Tennis Center, canyon hiking trails, professional stargazing guides, and two Tom Fazio-designed PGA golf courses and lighted tennis courts. Kids of all ages will love the two swimming pools and the nearby riding trails. Each of the 398 guest rooms features a private viewing balcony, oversized tub, and amazing views of the desert mountains and night sky.

This four-diamond resort is tucked away in a quiet and scenic part of west Tucson. The resort is known for its award-winning spa and golf course, and it's a popular destination for golfers, couples, girls trips and families. The hotel has every amenity to ensure a comfortable and fun family stay, including a fire pit patio, restaurants and shops. Three golf courses offer a lovely green contrast from the surrounding desert. There are nature trails laced throughout the property for hiking and biking. During the warm spring and summer months, kids will love the multi-level swimming pools, waterslides, dancing fountains and lazy river.

The DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Tucson — Reid Park is a premier hotel located in the heart of midtown Tucson. Kids will love staying within walking distance to Reid Park and the Reid Park Zoo. Guests receive a warm chocolate chip cookie as a welcome gift at check-in. The hotel is located a short drive away from downtown and the city's top attractions. Guests enjoy access to a complimentary shuttle to attractions within a three-mile radius of the hotel. Kids will love exploring the 14 acres of lushly landscaped grounds, which features recreational and relaxation facilities, including a heated outdoor pool and whirlpool in a citrus tree-lined courtyard, a 24-hour fitness center, three tennis courts, therapy rooms and a gift shop. There are two restaurants on-site, the Cactus Rose Steakhouse on the patio, or enjoy tasty contemporary Southwestern cuisine at Javelina Cantina.

A former girls school from 1928, the historic and charming Hacienda del Sol Guest Ranch lets guests book their own private casita. Hot tubs make a big hit with couples, as does the property overall, which offers verdant serenity in the city. Beautiful views and world-class service are other hallmarks of this popular and romantic lodging choice. Although the setting may appear rustic at first glance, the hacienda's accommodations are deluxe all the way. Spacious and private casita suites offer all the creature comforts of a deluxe getaway, including TV, Wi-Fi and high quality bedding. Gourmet meals are also prepared daily.

The Westin La Paloma Resort and Spa offers stunning views of the towering Santa Catalina Mountains. Families will love the long list of amenities, including golf courses, tennis courts and pools. The children's pool not only features a wading area for smaller tots, but a large water slide that will keep tweens and teens busy during your stay. The resort also offers an on-site kids' club, where young children can participate in crafts, movies, and scavenger hunts. Need a date night out with your significant other? The hotel is happy to arrange for babysitters. Plus, cribs and rollaway beds are available in almost every room.

Pack your family's boots and jeans: this is a bonafide dude ranch that also offers tennis, mountain biking, watercolor workshops, bird watching, gem presentations and other programs. Wildly popular with outdoors lovers, Tanque Verde has eliminated TVs in the rooms so be forewarned. There are coordinated horse rides twice a day. A tennis pro is also on staff. The Santa Fe style adobe guest rooms are tastefully decorated to reflect Southwestern tradition. The rustic Old West decor is complemented by the modern amenities, like gourmet meals and an on-site spa. Kids will love the full schedule of recreational and arts and crafts activities.