La Paloma Resort and Spa

This luxury resort, part of the Westin hotel chain, sits on a ridge in north Tucson's "foothills" - the city’s upscale side.

La Paloma is perched up here above the sprawling valley below and surrounded by upscale homes tucked into the desert.

Although this Tucson resort has a country club setting, the atmosphere is casual.

Spacious guest rooms, a top-rated golf course and the award-winning Janos Restaurant make the La Paloma Resort popular with business travelers.

The Santa Catalina Mountains provide a scenic backdrop to the La Paloma Resort

Low summer rates - sometimes as low as $99/night! - draw local families looking for a vacation getaway close to home, especially on weekends.

If you stay at La Paloma, you have the added bonus of playing the 27-hole, Jack Nicklaus designed-links at Tucson’s leading private club, the La Paloma Golf Course.

Families like La Paloma because it is a kid friendly resort that offers children's activities, a children's lounge with day care services and great pools with a waterslide.

Kids twelve and under even get to eat free every day of the year.

If you're planning a stay at La Paloma, you should know that it is very popular with business travelers and hosts many conferences.

In addition, members of the La Paloma Country Club and those living in the La Paloma residential community have access to the pools and facilities. As a result, this resort can be very busy.

We stayed during the weekend and La Paloma was quite crowded, making it practically impossible to get a space at the pool. We recommend staying during the week.

Overall, the Westin La Paloma is a pleasant resort and a good choice for families. It’s also good for those who want to play the beautiful La Paloma courses.

The La Paloma Resort grounds have a residential atmosphere

The La Paloma residential community, which includes apartments, condos and homes, surrounds the resort.

Even so, the sprawling property has retained a desert feel along its edges.

Portions of the La Paloma grounds are native desert, so you’ll have a good chance of seeing wildlife.

Graceful mesquite trees, agaves and colorful flowers provide food and shelter for a variety of animals such as Costa’s hummingbirds, desert cottontail rabbits, lizards and quail.

Although La Paloma Resort has a very elegant look, we found that it doesn’t have a stuffy or snobbish feel.

The lobby has an almost palatial air with grand staircases, high ceilings and soaring windows that look out to the mountains.

La Paloma's dusty rose-colored buildings have a vaguely Spanish Mission style with terracotta roofs and wide archways.

La Paloma Resort’s large, multilevel lobby

Instead of one large hotel building, La Paloma’s rooms are split up into 27 smaller, one- to three-story buildings scattered around the property, creating the feeling of a small village.

This layout gives a more spacious feeling to La Paloma, more like a residential community than a hotel.

Note that if you have mobility issues, you may want to request a room near the main building.

Rooms at the farther edges of the property require a short walk to the lobby, restaurants and pool area.

Many of the rooms have views of the mountains, the city and the La Paloma golf course. Others just look out onto the pathways and landscaping. Be sure to ask for a view room when booking, if a view is important to you.

What does "La Paloma" mean?

Our room at the La Paloma Resort

Located near the tennis courts, our room was just far enough away from the pool to avoid the bustle and noise of that extremely popular area.

At 475-square feet, we found the room to be quite spacious. As a matter of fact, La Paloma claims that they have the largest resort guestroom in Tucson.

Unlike other Tucson resorts, the Westin La Paloma Resort’s rooms do not have a Southwestern style. Instead, they opt for a more elegant look.

The room colors were a warm honey tone with pale tan accents. Mission style furniture with cherry finishes complemented the simple yet tasteful décor.

The entry had a tiled foyer and hallway with a large closet.

We loved that the closet had plenty of space to store our luggage, a feature that many standard hotel rooms lack.

The bedroom area had an armoire, which held the television, a writing desk, an armchair and nightstands.

A small alcove held the minibar and a coffee maker stocked with Starbucks coffees and Tazo teas.

La Paloma Resort’s rooms have the Westin’s Signature Heavenly Bed® with pillowtop mattresses, down comforters and pillows.

To be honest, we couldn’t tell if it was a better bed than those at any other resort we’ve stayed at.

We found it to be very spacious and comfortable. Its pale golden colors created a soothing, elegant ambience.

The bathrooms at the La Paloma Resort have separate showers and bathtubs

The bathroom was also spacious with a separate tub and shower.

Nice amenities included granite-topped countertops, dual sinks, makeup mirror, hair dryer and spa robes.

Each room has a private patio or balcony.

We were on the bottom floor and found that patios at ground level are not enclosed, so be careful about leaving items out or the sliding glass door unlocked as anyone could walk right up to your room.

Our only complaints about the room are that the carpet was in bad need of a deep cleaning.

Given that we could walk right out the patio and onto the resort grounds, this is no surprise.

Also, the patio’s screen door didn’t open and close properly, a maintenance problem easily fixed and an oversight we wouldn’t expect at such a high end property.

However, these items are minor. Overall, we enjoyed our room.

La Paloma Resort’s pool area

There were points during the weekend that it looked like all of Tucson was in the La Paloma pools!

The pools are in a lovely flower-filled garden setting, right outside the lobby, with views of the Santa Catalina Mountains.

La Paloma has five swimming pools, which include a cool plunge pool, a pool with a cascading waterfall and three separate Jacuzzis scattered around the complex.

The largest is a freeform pool with a swim-up bar.

Lap swimmers, take note: this pool has a large water volleyball net right through its center making lap swimming impossible.

The 177-foot Sidewinder waterslide plunges into its own splash pool.

The other pools are a small kid’s pool and an "adults only" pool.

However, we found that these designations were generally ignored as everyone regardless of age seemed to be in every pool.

Summer weekends can be quite busy at the La Paloma Resort as this is a popular destination with both Tucsonans and visitors from Phoenix.

The La Paloma Country Club

Also members of the La Paloma Country Club and the surrounding La Paloma homeowners’ community have use of the pools.

The pool area seems rather small considering that it is serving the resort and the community.

When it’s filled with lots of people, the space feels cramped.

We found that the pools were very busy, from early in the morning until dark.

There were lots of children as well as teenagers and 20-somethings, making us suspect that students from the University of Arizona may have "crashed" the pool.

So if you’re staying during the weekend, we recommend staking out your lounge chairs very early in the morning.

As a La Paloma, you have access to the private La Paloma Country Club Tennis and Health Center located at the west end of the resort.

The Center’s central feature is the 10 championship tennis courts.

One of the tennis courts at the La Paloma Country Club

Four of these courts have Georgia clay surfaces and the other 6 are hard courts. Eight of the courts are lighted for nighttime play, a desirable option during Tucson’s hot summer.

In addition the Tennis and Health Center has:

• indoor racquetball
• the WestinWORKOUT facility with cardio and strength training equipment
• fitness classes
• steam rooms and men’s and women’s locker rooms.

Nearby, there are plenty of opportunities for horseback riding, hiking or mountain biking.

The closest trailhead to the resort is for the Pontatoc/Finger Rock Trails, which clims up through beautiful canyons into the Pusch Ridge Wilderness of the Coronado National Forest in the Santa Catalinas.

If you want to do some shopping, there is the upscale La Encantada Shopping Center, about a mile west of the resort.

Tucson’s newest shopping destination is a two story, open air center with an Old World, Spanish courtyard design.

La Encantada has large chain stores such as Pottery Barn, Crate and Barrel and Talbot’s.

Smaller boutiques include a mix of designer stores and local shops including Anthropologie, Tommy Bahama, Spirit of Santa Fe, Seasons of Tucson and Muttropolis Dog and Cat Boutique.

La Encantada also has several restaurants, which offer a change from La Paloma's dining options:

• Bluepoint Kitchen and Bar offers fresh seafood, steaks, a raw seafood bar and has great views of the Tucson valley,
• Firebirds Rocky Mountain Grill has American and Southwestern cuisine in a Colorado ski lodge setting,
• North – this locally-owned restaurant has an extensive wine list, wood-fired pizzas, pasta and grilled foods set in an urban loft atmosphere,
• RA Sushi Bar is a hip spot with pumping music, a creative sushi menu and a fusion of Pacific Rim cuisine.

AJ’s Fine Foods at La Encantada

If you’re looking to quickly pick up a picnic lunch for an outdoor outing, we recommend stopping by A. J.’s Fine Foods on La Encantada’s west corner.

This gourmet grocery store has a wonderful deli with sandwiches, hot foods, a large salad bar and desserts, all at reasonable prices.

They even have great breakfast offerings such as pancakes, scrambled eggs and home fries.

La Paloma Resort’s lobby overlooks the pools and the mountains

During our stay, we saw lots of families with children.

In addition to the pools, which kids seem to adore, there is the Kactus Kids Club.

Located in the Tennis and Health Center facility, it’s open for children six months to 12 years old.

Their Children’s Lounge provides:

• games
• music
• books
• puzzles
• toys
• TV
• arts and crafts
• ping pong
• Nintendo.

There’s also an outside play area.

When your family arrives at La Paloma Resort, kids receive a complimentary Westin Kids Club gift bag full of goodies to keep them entertained.

Parents will also be happy to hear that children 12 years and under eat free 365 days per year (with some restrictions).

Also, there are no room charges for children 18 years and younger occupying the same room as their parents.

The La Paloma Spa is an outpost of the Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa chain

This chain spa is similar to its siblings found in resorts, hotels and upscale malls throughout the United States.

The Red Door Spa offers a varied menu of treatments, from the classic to the more exotic, including:

• Thai yoga body work
• Ceramide anti-aging facial
• aqua therapy treatments
• microdermabrasion.

We didn’t enjoy this spa as much as others we've visited. The atmosphere had a department store cosmetics counter feel.

Service was lackluster and the spa was short on in-house amenities.

However, if we were staying at the La Paloma again, we would give the Red Door Spa another try to see if that visit was just a fluke.

Native desert and mountain views surround the La Paloma Golf Course

The La Paloma Golf Course, which is part of the private La Paloma Country Club, ranks as one of the best courses in the United States.

It’s also known as one of the most women-friendly golf courses in the country.

La Paloma golf courses take advantage of their beautiful desert setting, giving golfers amazing views of the desert washes, saguaro-covered hillsides and the towering Santa Catalina Mountains.

Desert scrub lines most of the fairways and many of the approaches are native desert as well.

Don’t be surprised to see desert wildlife – coyotes, bobcats or roadrunners – crossing the greens.

The La Paloma golf course is typical of a Jack Nicklaus design – all 27 holes have bunkers. Try to avoid them as they are deep.

In spite of that, players like the courses as there are few blind shots.

There are also mounds along the outer edge of the fairways, giving some of the holes a bowl effect that sends wayward shots back onto the fairway.

You have the option of playing three different nines – the Ridge, the Canyon or the Hill.

The Canyon Course is the most difficult of the three with its elevated tee boxes.

For instance, the 7th hole has a tee box with an elevation of 100 feet. Many of the holes have views of the mountains and city.

The Hill Course also has challenging holes but the scoring is a bit easier.

Many golfers consider the Ridge Course to have the most scenic holes in the area.

The elevated tees here offer great views of the hillsides and the city of Tucson below.

La Paloma Country Club is also known for its perfectly conditioned greens and friendly and efficient customer service.

Both are the creation of Chef Janos Wilder, a recipient of the prestigious James Beard Award for Best Chef of the Year in 2000.

Janos Restaurant at the Westin La Paloma

Janos Restaurant is a longtime favorite with Tucsonans.

Originally located downtown in the Tucson Museum of Art complex, Chef Wilde’s move up to La Paloma allowed him to expand his culinary offerings to include the J Bar - a more casual dining experience than the elegant Janos.

What makes both restaurants so special?

Janos Wilder’s memorable meals combine Southwestern and Latin American cuisine with classic French techniques and beautiful presentations.

The menus for both restaurants are constantly changing, continually giving diners something new and original.

Janos is one of Arizona’s highest-rated restaurants.

It has an elegant yet comfortable Southwestern style interior.

If the weather is nice, dine outside to better enjoy the beautiful sunsets and the view of Tucson's twinkling city lights.

Janos dishes are equally elegant and can be paired with the suggested complimentary wine.

The menu emphasizes local and seasonal ingredients, including creations such as:

• pistachio-crusted Scottish salmon, apricot wild rice and mole amarillo ($19.95)
• lamb from the heart of Mexico with a chipotle reado and Native Seeds/SEARCH mole ($41)
• heirloom tomatoes, spring mushrooms and risotto in manchego-scented tomato broth ($28).

In summer, Janos offers lower-priced sampler menus, which include a three course summer tasting menu for $34.50.

Where Janos is sedate, J Bar is energetic.

This restaurant’s lively bar and open kitchen give it a casual atmosphere, making it very popular with the locals.

J Bar at the La Paloma Resort

Colors are bright in vivid yellow, blue and crimson that lend a festive air to the dining room.

The handcrafted tin- and mirrored-bar reflect the area’s Hispanic heritage.

Though the cost is lower, J Bar’s food is every bit as inventive and delicious as Janos’.

The food is still Southwestern but with Caribbean and South American influences thrown in.

Dishes include:

• shrimp mojo de ajo with garlic fries, cilantro chili slaw and salsa fresca ($18)
• Brazilian port-marinated bistro filet with feijoada black beans, orange-aji-amarillo vinaigrette and crunchy jicama and orange salad ($17)
• Yucatan style plantain-crusted chicken with green coconut milk curry, roasted corn vinaigrette, pineapple rice and cilantro chili slaw ($15.50).

J Bar also has a Summer Sampler Menu, which includes a salad and a choice of one of three main courses for $12.95.

Their Summer Tasting Menu gives you a choice of one of three appetizers, one of the summer sampler main courses and a choice of dessert for $25.

We ate at J Bar and opted for the Summer Tasting Menu.

Our meal began with a cool and refreshing romaine and avocado salad.

For entrées Jeff tried the grilled half chicken marinated with lemon and garlic and served with a chorizo and corn spoonbread.

I opted for the catfish in a posole broth topped with a citrus salsa.

Both dishes were very flavorful although the catfish was a bit dry as it was coated in a thick cornmeal crust.

We ordered two desserts: the chocolate-covered orange-almond cake accompanied by an almond gelato and candied citrus and the chocolate, caramel and peanut frozen bombe served with a small Kahlua milkshake.

Each dessert was delicious, especially the luscious bombe.

La Paloma Resort’s Desert Garden Bistro is just off to one side of the multi-tiered lobby.

Just one of the food tables at the Desert Garden Bistro’s Sunday brunch

It is in an elegant space with an Italian marble staircase and 30-foot arched windows that give jaw-dropping views of the Santa Catalina Mountains.

The atmosphere is casual and you can sit inside or outside on the patio.

They offer elegant dishes and bistro style foods including salads, pasta, meats and seafood.

There is a daily menu as well as a tasting menu at dinner.

Desert Garden Bistro also has a lavish Sunday brunch.

At $40 per person, the cost may sound high but it is such a sumptuous spread that its worth it.

This massive feast has to been seen to be believed. The amount of food is astonishing.

Several tables spread out over the restaurant include all the typical breakfast specialties plus:

• salmon, roast turkey and hot roast baron of beef au jus
• a pasta station
• an omelet station
• a Belgian waffle area
• a sushi table
• several tables of cakes, mousses, petit fours, parfaits and pastries.

For even more casual dining, The Courtside Deli, at the Tennis and Health Center, has sandwiches, salads, fruit plates and softserve yogurt.

Sabino’s is the swim-up bar and grill next to the pools.

Yes, you can swim right up to the bar and sit on an underwater stool while sipping one of their specialty drinks.

They also offer hot dogs, hamburgers, deli sandwiches, salads, ice cream and softserve yogurt.

There is also the La Paloma Country Club North Patio, which overlooks the Hill course's 9th hole and the Santa Catalinas.

During our stay, we found the staff at the La Paloma Resort to be friendly and helpful.

Favorite Features:   Spacious, comfortable rooms, nice grounds, lovely views.

What We Didn’t Like:   Large crowds at the pool area made it feel cramped and uninviting. Room carpets needed a deep cleaning. Patio screen door didn’t work properly.

Nearby Amenities and Attractions:   La Encantada shopping center, outdoor recreation in the Santa Catalinas and Sabino Canyon, a desert oasis about a 15-minute drive from the resort.

Good for Kids: Yes. Kids will like the pools and the Kactus Kids Club.

Pet Friendly: Small pets only.

Location: North Tucson in the Santa Catalina foothills, about 20 miles from Tucson International Airport.

Address: 3800 East Sunrise Drive, Tucson AZ 85718

Management: Starwood Hotels and Resorts.

Style: Elegant Spanish mission style.

Room Types: 487 standard guest rooms and suites.

Book a room at The Westin Resort and Spa

Cost:
In Season: $$$-$$$$
Summer Rates: $-$$
Go to Cost Key

Extra Fees:   The La Paloma Resort has a daily resort fee of $11. The fee includes:

• use of the health center and aerobic classes
• access fees for toll-free and credit card calls
• Monday through Saturday newspaper delivery
• in-room tea and coffee
• first two pages of incoming faxes.

La Paloma Resort Spa: there is an 18% Service Charge automatically added to your spa charge.

See parking charges below.
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Room Service: 24 hour room service with 19% service charge and $3 delivery charge.

Check In / Check Out:    4:00 pm / 12 Noon.

Views/Setting: Mountain, desert, city and golf course views.

Pools: 5 pools plus waterslide and 3 Jacuzzis.

Restaurants: 5 restaurants
Janos: owned by the James Beard Award-winning Chef Janos Wilder. Serves Southwestern cuisine with French preparations in a fine dining setting. Indoor and patio seating. Entrées start around $19.95.
Hours: Monday – Thursday 5:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Friday – Saturday 5:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Closed Sunday.

J Bar: also owned by Janos Wilder and right next door to Janos, J Bar is the casual venue with Southwestern and Latin American specialties in a lively atmosphere. Entrées start at $14.50.
Hours: Monday – Thursday 5:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Friday – Saturday 5:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Closed Sunday.

Desert Garden Bistro: This is the La Paloma Resort’s restaurant located in the lobby area. Serves a variety of bistro and grill food such as pasta, seafood, sandwiches and salads. Also has a lavish Sunday brunch. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Casual atmosphere.
Hours: Open seven days a week from 6:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. – 9:00p.m.

Courtside Deli: This café is at the Health and Tennis Center and serves sandwiches, salads and softserve frozen yogurt. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Sabino’s: The swim up bar in the freeform pool. Offers hamburgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, ice cream, snacks and drinks. Open daily; hours are seasonal.

Spa: La Paloma Resort has a branch of the Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa. Their extensive menu of treatments includes facials, massages, body wraps and hydrotherapy. Prices range from $26 for a Classic Manicure to $215 for the 110-minute Signature Spa Ritual.

Golf: La Paloma Resort guests have access to the 27-hole Jack Nicklaus-designed La Paloma Golf Course, part of the private La Paloma Country Club. Includes driving range, putting green and proshop. Managed by Troon Golf.

Activities: Swimming, golf, tennis, fitness center, racquetball, volleyball, jogging and hiking paths.

Parking: Complimentary self parking in two level garage. Valet parking for $12 per 24 hour period excluding tip. Note: most rooms are not near the parking area. However, you can call the bell hops at any time for a ride.

Accommodations Cost Key (based on a standard guest room, double occupancy):
$: $50 - $100
$$: $100 - $150
$$$: $150- $200
$$$$: $200 - $300
$$$$$: Above $300
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