Only about 500,000 people live within the Tucson
city limits, so when 4,500 dealers and 50,000 shoppers converge on our
small city, hotel rooms fill up quickly. Many regular show attendees book
their hotel rooms months in advance, and we recommend that policy! If
you cannot find a room during the gem shows, we recommend checking with
the Tucson Convention and Visitors
Bureau (800) 638-8350 as they keep an up-to-date list of hotels with
available rooms.
Hotels are not exactly visitor-friendly during the gem shows —
most hike their room rates by 200% or more. Expect to pay about $90 a
night even for a budget Super 8-style motel room. The hotels and motels
on this page range from budget to luxurious, but they all have something
going for them: be it price, location, amenities or just a really nice
swimming pool.
These are travel tips only and we accept no responsibility if you don't
like your accomodations. Book at your own risk, but we think these are
okay places to hang your cowboy hat. |
Downtown, show area
InnSuites
Saint Mary's
475 North Granada (near I-10)
(520) 622-3000
This is one of the top show hotels, and the lower rooms are all taken
over by dealers. Guest rooms are available in the tower, but it is very
popular because of its excellent location, lovely lawns under shady orange
trees, swimming pool, bar, restaurant and patio, so book early.
Motel
6 (Congress Street)
960 South Freeway
(520) 628-1339
If you want to be right in the heart of the action, this is the place.
A budget motel walking distance from all the shows on the Freeway "strip"
and a couple of restaurants. Near the highway and a little noisy, but
who's here to sleep? |
Central
Clarion
Hotel Randolph Park
102 North Alvernon
(520) 795-0330
Some years ago, this comfortable hotel, well situated just north of East
Broadway was a gem show venue. Now it just caters to shoppers and visitors.
Right next to the famous Old Pueblo Grille restaurant, and within easy
walking distance of shops and fast food joints. Decent pool and comfortable
room. |
North
Red
Roof Inn Tucson North
4940 West Ina Road (at I-10 exit 244)
(520) 744-8199
This handy motel is right on the Interstate and about a 15-minute drive
to downtown shows. Clean, inexpensive, nothing fancy, but close to numerous
restaurants and shops.
Country
Inn & Suites by Carlson
7411 North Oracle Road
(520) 575-9255
Very close to the chic Westward Look Mineral Show, this roomy, modern
hotel has a lovely pool and hot tub area, surrounded by deck chairs and
shaded by palm trees. On the Oracle Road, about fifteen minutes north
of central Tucson. One of our favorites.
La
Posada Lodge and Casitas
5900 N Oracle Rd
(520) 887-4800
This elegant hotel is done up in a modern adobe style, and houses one
of Tucson's best restaurants — Miguel's. Lovely pool, views, and
casitas. It's not cheap, but if you want to stay in style, give it a look.
Inn
Suites Tucson Catalina Foothills
6201 North Oracle Road
(520) 297-8111
Just a few miles north of central Tucson, this quiet hotel is on the Oracle
Road. With free continental breakfast, proximity to many shops and restaurants,
and only fifteen minutes from the main shows, it's a good choice for the
gem show visitor who likes to stay a little off the beaten track. The
executive suites with full bar are particularly nice. The pool is small,
but there's a nice elevated deck, and the whole place has a nice vibe. |
