Desert heat: best romantic hotels in Tucson for Valentines Day and beyond

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.

The Lodge on the Desert is one of the most unique boutique stays in midtown Tucson. The southwestern-styled hotel features meandering trails, brightly colored walls and saltillo tile floors. Larger suites are quite roomy and feature charming southwest decor and quality linens. There is also a fine dining restaurant on-site, The Lodge Restaurant. Although there is not an on-site spa, the hotel works with a local off-site spa to offer hair, nails, massage and skincare treatment to hotel guests. The hotel is located near the city center, so it's convenient to shopping and major attractions like the University of Arizona, Reid Park Zoo and the Tucson Botanical Gardens.

This stunning hotel resort is a popular retreat for visitors seeking to luxuriate in the warmth and peace of the desert. Rooms are designed to reflect the earth tones of the surrounding desert while providing guests with a range of in-room amenities for a comfortable and luxurious stay. Canyon Ranch Hotel is a popular destination for those seeking spa retreats, nutritional counseling, and new spiritual paths. Hiking trails, star gazing and fitness classes give guests the opportunity to unwind and enjoy the desert. Canyon Ranch caters to guests seeking rest, rejuvenation and renewal. But even casual business travelers will appreciate the serene setting, luxury accommodations and excellent amenities.

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.

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.

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.

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 and 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. Guest rooms feature a private viewing balcony, oversized tub and amazing views of the desert mountains and night sky.

Situated in the heart of downtown Tucson, the Royal Elizabeth Bed and Breakfast Inn offers a luxurious sanctuary in the middle of the city. It's a great option if you're looking for a comfortable, intimate stay. The bed and breakfast is located near all the downtown Tucson attractions and is only one mile away from the historic Main Gate area of the University of Arizona. There are five rooms to choose from, ranging in size between 450 and 650 square feet. Each one is uniquely decorated with antique furnishings, wallpaper, artwork, draperies and Victorian colors. You won't find frilly Victorian decor, but you will be greeted with creature comforts like high-quality bedding.

The Ritz-Carlton arrival on the Tucson resort scene has made a huge splash. High above the Sonoran desert, Dove Mountain welcomes lucky guests to its world-class Tortolita Mountain environment, where they find a destination spa, adventure programs like hiking, and a Jack Nicklaus signature golf course. Dining options are as sublime as the resort, with six eclectic dining rooms and bars to choose from, including a latin kitchen and sushi bar. Guest rooms and suites are elegant and spacious. For even more privacy, book one of the casitas, which feature fireplaces and panoramic views of Wild Burro Canyon. There's nothing not to love at the Dove.

The Arizona Inn is Tucson's premier historic, luxury boutique hotel situated on 14 beautifully landscaped acres right in the heart of Tucson's midtown. Although only a short distance from the University of Arizona campus, Arizona Inn guests will feel a world away from the grit and noise of the city. Casita-style guest rooms are sumptuously decorated to reflect the Inn's rich history. On-site dining is some of the best in the city. The Inn maintains a AAA four-diamond status for both the hotel and dining room. The lobby offers a nice spot for mix and mingling with fellow guests. In the evening, guests will usually find someone tickling the ivories on the piano inside the beautiful lobby.