Sitting in the sun-baked state of Arizona, just 60 miles from the border between the USA and Mexico, Tucson is a relaxed, progressive, multicultural gem of a city. But the real jewel of Tuscon is the AC Hotel – the first new hotel built in the downtown area in over 40 years – which is the perfect place to call home while you’re there.
Design/Room **** 4/5
Being the first new city in the city’s downtown area in 40 years, the AC has gone for an ultra-modern feel. Now whether this gives it an edge is entirely down to your own personal sensibilities. The minimalist design prevents the rooms from being cosy, but that’s absolutely no impediment to them being incredibly comfortable.
I sank into the bed each night, and it was only the thought of the pancakes at the neighboring Cup Café that got me out each morning. The rainfall shower felt like I was being pummeled each morning and every day when I stepped out of my room, I really felt ready to take on the day.
The hotel is one of the tallest buildings in the downtown area, and the rooms don’t start until the sixth floor. This means that every room in the AC offers some pretty special views of Tucson. Take a glass of wine from and sit by the window and watch the sunset. Or, better still, do that from the rooftop pool…
Service and amenities ***** 5/5
What gives the AC the edge over its neighbors is, without a doubt, it’s rooftop heated pool and patio. The space is just spectacular. It’s the perfect place to start or end the day. Or you can simply lounge away a couple of hours during the height of the Tucson sun (if you do this, please use sunscreen, average temperatures in June and July are 38℃). There’s a bar by the pool, serving up a range of drinks, including the hotel’s signature cocktail, the Cattle Drive.
That aside, there’s a modest but well-stocked gym, as well as in-hotel parking which, at $16 per-day, is pretty cheap by US standards. While you won’t need the car to explore the immediate local area – and I’d encourage you to cycle too – you’ll absolutely need one to explore the wonders just outside the city limits…
Location ***** 5/5
First thing’s first: Tucson is one of those rare breed cities in the US that’s eminently walkable. It’s also eminently bikeable. You’ll need a car to get to the attractions in the greater Tucson area, but you could easily forget about it for a couple of days and explore the delights of the downtown area just a few strides from the hotel door.
There’s a wealth of exceptional restaurants in the streets immediately surrounding the hotel – such as the Downtown Kitchen, who offer an incredible menu based on locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. There’s also Charro Steak, which does the sort of steak a cow would be proud to give up its life for, and Cup Café, which does the sort of pancakes you’d be proud to give up your waistline for.
The hotel’s also a short stroll from North 4th Avenue. Here you’ll find a host of cute independent bookshops, clothes stores, bars and eateries – all of which are definitely LGBTI-friendly. In the same neighborhood is Tucson Bike Tours, and I’d wholeheartedly recommend doing the two-hour tour with the incredible Jim as a way of getting your bearings in the city.
LGBTI life ***** 5/5
Tucson isn’t a huge city; a little over half a million people call it home. So, as you’d expect, the city’s scene equally isn’t huge. That’s not a problem though, as the city is incredibly diverse and progressive. The University of Arizona has a huge campus just outside of downtown (which you absolutely must see while you’re there) and it attracts students from across the globe.
All of which makes Tucson a tolerant, liberal place where it’s absolutely safe to be openly LGBTI. That being said, there are a handful of LGBTI bars and other spaces, including bar/club IBT’s, which is about 15 minutes’ walk from the AC. But I felt safe in everywhere I popped my head into in Tucson, so the choice really is yours.
Overall: ***** 5/5
With an unbeatable location and a contemporary edge, this newly renovated hotel is the shining jewel of hotels in the Tuscon area.
A standard suite at the AC starts at $249- $279 per night, based on two people sharing. Guests have complimentary access to the pool and gym. Find out more and book your stay here.
See also:
Why the deserts of Arizona are surprisingly great for a gay USA road trip