JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort

The Tucson Mountains provide a scenic backdrop for the resort

If you don’t mind being outside Tucson’s city center, we suggest giving the JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort a try.

Opened in January 2005, this was the first Tucson resort in 18 years.

The massive 8-story Marriott resort is hidden away on the city’s west side.

It is roughly a 20-minute drive from downtown Tucson, but don't let that stop you from visiting.

Set amid scenic, saguaro-filled Tucson Mountain Park, the JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort offers all of the typical resort amenities, such as a luxurious spa, championship golf and fine dining, in an elegant Southwestern atmosphere.

Starr Pass has the largest meeting space in all of Southern Arizona and has proved quite popular as a conference venue.

Although it is often busy with conference goers, Starr Pass’ secluded locale does give you a chance to feel like you’ve gotten away from it all.

Plus, it is worth visiting for its desert views, great spa and gourmet Primo restaurant.

Where does the name Starr Pass come from?

In the 1880s, a local entrepreneur named Richard Starr ran a stagecoach trail through this pass in the rugged Tucson Mountains, giving early Tucsonans a chance to explore the wild west of Tucson.

While it is much easier to get to today, Tucson’s west side is no less rugged and scenic.

Long ago, the community recognized the intrinsic value of the Tucson Mountains area, which has some of the most magnificent saguaro cactus forests in the world.

Much of the range is now part of two desert preserves – Tucson Mountain County Park and Saguaro National Park's Western Unit.

Starr Pass Resort is the only resort in this beautiful area and so is worth visiting just for that.

It’s secluded location and wonderful ambiance makes it a great place to feel like you’re getting away from it all.

Marriott Starr Pass Resort has a design reminiscent of an adobe pueblo

The community near the resort is upscale, with large, new homes set amid lovely Sonoran Desert scenery.

Other than the homes, the golf course and the resort, there’s nothing else out in this area.

Marriott Starr Pass Resort is tucked right up against the southeastern boundary of Tucson Mountain Park.

This 20,000-acre preserve is home to bobcats, roadrunners, hundred-year-old saguaro cactus as well as a wide variety of other desert plants and animals.

Starr Pass Resort & Spa sits on 50 acres high up in an amphitheater ringed by cactus-covered hills.

Views overlook the desert, mountains and golf course.

It really is a beautiful setting and we enjoyed the sense of peaceful seclusion.

The lobby at Starr Pass Resort has a viga and latilla wood beam ceiling

The resort building is huge with 8 stories and several wings.

Its design is meant to resemble the adobe pueblo dwellings of some Southwestern Native American tribes.

Jeff, however, thought it looked more like old Soviet era block architecture. It can’t help but evoke this appearance given its impressive size.

Inside, Starr Pass Resort is definitely Southwestern with pale golden walls, viga and latilla wood beam ceilings, wrought iron chandeliers and Navajo blanket style area rugs.

The common areas are spacious, airy and bright, with plenty of places to sit and enjoy the views.

Enormous floor to ceiling windows let in lots of natural light.

Upon entering the lobby, there’s a large table with complimentary water flavored with large pieces of watermelon or strawberry and iced tea.

A very nice touch, we thought.

Outside the lobby is a large patio that overlooks the pool and valley beyond.

This is a great spot to relax in one of the comfy sofas or chairs and enjoy the views.

At night, the three large fire pits provide a warm, focal point.

This is a popular gathering spot with the cocktail crowd at Happy Hour.

Starr Pass Resort’s patio has fire pits and mountain views

The patio is also the site of the free evening traditional tequila salute to Pancho Villa, the controversial Mexican revolutionary.

While the property is large, much of it is taken up by the resort and conference center.

A large pool complex sits directly behind the resort and the golf course beyond.

Unfortunately, Marriot Star Pass Resort is in the flight path of Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, so expect planes to be flying overhead from time to time.

It is not as bad as it sounds as the air traffic is not as heavy as it is for Tucson International Airport.

Our room at the Marriott Starr Pass Resort

Our first impression was that the room seemed quite spacious for a standard room.

With pale gold walls and tan carpeting, it continued the resort’s Southwestern theme.

The furniture was a dark wood, Spanish Colonial style with wrought iron lamps as accents.

It had all of the basic room furniture of bed, nightstands, table and chairs and an armchair with ottoman.

Other room amenities included:

• pillowtop bed with down comforter and pillows
• coffeemaker
• CD alarm clock
• flat screen TV hidden in a wood armoire
• OnCommand movies and video games
• spa robes
• bath products by Nirvae Botanicals with a wonderful bergamot and tea tree fragrance.

We really liked the large, double door closet which was big enough for us to hide away all of our luggage and packages.

Bathrooms at Marriott Starr Pass Resort have separate tubs and showers

The bathroom was one of the largest that we’ve ever seen for a standard room.

A sliding wood door opened to an elegant room with honey-colored marble tile and gray-speckled granite counters.

One side of the bathroom had a separate tub and the other held a glass-enclosed shower with a massage showerhead.

Other features that we liked were the well lit vanity area and large mirrors.

Given that the JW Marriott Star Pass Resort is out on the west side of Tucson, you should know that there are limited city views.

Walking around the building, we could see that most rooms look out onto Tucson Mountain Park or the golf course.

Our room didn’t really have what we would call a view.

While we could see the nearby hills of Tucson Mountain Park, our room also looked down on part of the conference center wing and the hotel’s valet parking area.

Not all rooms at Starr Pass Resort have full balconies

Our only real complaint about the room was that it did not have a true balcony.

Instead, it only had a small "Juliet" balcony, which essentially is a small strip of a landing barely a few inches wide with a large railing.

This type of balcony barely has enough room to step out on.

When we asked our bellhop about this, he confirmed that only some rooms have full balconies.

The rooms with full balconies are smaller than the one we were staying in.

So there is a trade off in the standard guest rooms between room size and balcony size.

Curiously, none of the resort’s promotional materials mention that only some of the rooms have full balconies large enough to sit out on.

The pool area at Marriott Starr Pass Resort

This is the Starr Pass Resort Tucson's water playground of pools, a river ride, water slide and dancing springs.

For a calmer swimming experience, there is an adults-only lap pool at Hashani Spa that is reserved for spa guests.

The two main pools are side by side on a very large, broad terrace.

They are freeform and have a split level design so that the top one is an infinity edge pool.

The main pools at Marriot Star Pass Resort have plenty of lounge chairs

There are also two large whirlpools, one at either end of the terrace, a children’s splash pad and plenty of lounge chairs and umbrella-topped tables.

The waterslide and river ride are tucked away on the north side of the resort.

The terraces look out on the hills and golf course.

At night, you can see the twinkling lights of Tucson glowing in the distance.

Lucky for us, the pools are open until 10:00 p.m. as we love an evening swim.

In spite of a large number of conference goers, we pretty much had the pools to ourselves at night.

Be aware, however, that Starr Pass Resort’s staff may have to close the pools early during the summer monsoon thunderstorm season.

The reason? Risk of possible lightning strikes from fast-moving storms.

The river ride area at JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort

That is exactly what happened one evening during our stay.

As it turned out, this monsoon storm was a major one that resulted in widespread flooding and the 10th wettest day in Tucson’s recorded history.

The nearby Santa Cruz River’s depth climbed more than 11 feet in just 5 hours!

Starr Pass Resort has two fitness centers, one of which is right off the lobby.

It is small but guests can work out for free, 24 hours per day, on cardio and strength training equipment.

The other fitness center is in Hashani Spa. It, however, is only available to those visiting the spa.

You may also sign up for wellness and fitness classes including yoga, Pilates and meditation through the spa.

Not far from the resort entrance is the start of the Bowen Trail.

This 1.3-mile trail follows a small, cactus-filled valley back into the hills of Tucson Mountain Park.

Along the way, keep your eyes peeled for desert spiny lizards sunning on rocks and turkey vultures gliding overhead.

Starr Pass Resort & Spa also has bikes available for rental.

Several running and cycling paths surround the resort.

A hike on the Bowen Trail follows a small desert valley into the Tucson Mountains

Nearby Activities

You can play tennis at the nearby Starr Pass Golf Club which is just down the hill.

Starr Pass Resort’s concierge can also arrange horseback riding trips from local stables.

This full-service children’s recreation program is open daily for kids 4-12.

Their program focuses on Starr Pass’ desert locale with an emphasis on wildlife, weather and Tucson history.

The Starr Pass Spa pool

This lovely, full service spa has a serene atmosphere and Southwestern ambiance.

This is one of our favorite Tucson spas.

Be sure to try the hot stone therapy massage – the ancient Native American art of using hot, smooth basalt stones to massage the entire body.

It's an amazingly relaxing and soothing experience. Muscle tension melts away under the soothing strokes of the warm stones.

With Sonoran Desert-inspired treatments, luxurious lounges and locker rooms, a private lap pool and a spa cafe, you could spend an entire day here.

The Roadrunner Course begins right outside Starr Pass Resort

The three Arnold Palmer-designed courses have a combined 27 holes and offer true desert style golf.

Each course has beautiful desert, mountain or city views.

The three nines have five sets of tee boxes, allowing golfers of all abilities a fair test of their skills.

All of the courses take advantage of the varied terrain, incorporating hills and natural desert washes into the play.

The Rattler Course, the longest of the three, has views of Tucson and the surrounding mountains.

The Roadrunner Course begins right outside the resort and has good views too.

This course will test players of all levels with its dramatic elevation changes and swirling winds created by the Tucson Mountains.

Starr Pass Golf Course offers desert style golf with great desert views

Quiet and serene, the Coyote Course is where you have the best chance of seeing the local wildlife.

Golfers here often cross paths with jackrabbits, javelinas, Gambel’s quail and deer.

Starr Pass Golf Club’s 20,000-square foot Santa Fe style clubhouse has two restaurants and a pro shop.

Primo Restaurant’s wood bar

Primo is Starr Pass Resort’s fine dining venue.

Marriott has continued the current hospitality industry trend of bringing acclaimed chefs to resorts to create gourmet dining experiences.

James Beard Award-winning Executive Chef Melissa Kelly is no exception.

Kelly graduated with top honors from the Culinary Institute of America and worked for Larry Forgione and Alice Waters.

She then went on to open her own restaurant, Primo in Rockland, Maine, with partner/Pastry Chef Price Kushner.

Primo has become famous for its flavorful, rustic food offered in a casual homestyle atmosphere complete with a flower- and herb-filled vegetable garden behind the 110-year old, renovated country home.

At Primo Tucson, Melissa Kelly has brought that same vision.

Her menu features Mediterranean dishes using local produce, herbs and vegetables, many of which are grown in the resort’s own organic garden.

Diners can sit inside or out on the patio with views of Tucson’s city lights.

Primo’s menu changes daily.

Recent selections included:

• pan roasted halibut with Jonah crab and shrimp risotto and spring vegetables in a buttery asparagus broth ($32)
• herbed pappardelle Bolognese with Niman Ranch pork and beef, haricot verts and roasted tomatoes ($25)
• dry aged Colman Farms NY Strip steak with gorgonzola and Peruvian potato cake, baby vegetables, Swiss chard and red onion marmellata ($38).

Primo Piatti is the more casual, relaxed cousin to Primo.

Signature Grill’s dining room looks out to Tucson Mountain Park

Here, you can enjoy drinks from a broad offering of cocktails, imported beers and wines.

Small dishes include popular trattoria fare such as wood-fired pizzas, antipasti of shellfish and vegetables, cheese and desserts ($6 - $25).

Its centerpiece is a large communal table, perfect for gatherings of family and friends.

Signature Grill, while more casual than Primo, offers a great dining experience too.

The menu combines regional influences – Native American, Mexican and cowboy – to create an American Western cuisine.

Both the dining room and outdoor patio have lovely views of the valley and mountains.

We ate both breakfast and dinner here. The food was great and the service exemplary.

Don’t miss their delicious vegetable and goat cheese quesadillas ($8).

If you’re having breakfast at the Signature Grill, try the lavish breakfast buffet ($17.95).

Among the many offerings, you can get omelets made to order and create your own breakfast burrito.

Other dining options:

Salud Bar

• Salud is a bar with an extensive menu of tequilas and margaritas in addition to Southwestern appetizers.
• Plunge, the poolside eatery, serves up burgers, salads, appetizers and frozen drinks.
• Starbucks – just like the one in your neighborhood with all of the cappuccinos, frappaccinos and pastries you could desire. Located in the lower level lobby.
• Catalina Barbeque Co. & Sports Bar – serves competition-style barbeque with special house-made sauces and rubs. Other dishes include smoked meats, Southwestern specialties, appetizers, sandwiches and salads plus daily specials. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Happy Hour daily from 4pm - 6pm.
• Terrace Café and Bar on the 9th hole of the Coyote Course at the Starr Pass Golf Club. Serves American food at breakfast, lunch and early evening dinner in a casual atmosphere. Outdoor patio and indoor dining featuring a flat screen TV.

Other than that, we experienced good service at Marriott Starr Pass Resort even though the resort was very busy with conference goers.

The valets and bellhops were particularly friendly and helpful.

Birds such as this curve-billed thrasher are commonly seen on the resort's grounds

• The biggest drawback that Starr Pass Resort might pose for some visitors is its out-of-the-way locale. The resort is about a 20-minute drive to downtown Tucson and about a 40-minute drive to the Santa Catalina foothills. You have to drive into town or over the mountains for popular attractions such as Old Tucson Studios, Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum or Sabino Canyon.
• There are no shops or restaurants in the area other than those at the resort and golf club.
• This Tucson resort is out in the middle of the desert. So there is the possibility of seeing desert animals such as lizards, snakes, tarantulas, bats, rabbits, rodents and even the occasional coyote, on the property.

Parking

• Since it opened, Starr Pass has added a self parking in a garage next to the resort. Note that it is a bit of a walk from the garage to the main part of the hotel through the conference area.
• If you are using the valet parking, call at least 15 minutes ahead before you’re ready to leave your room to give the valets time to bring your car around.

Choosing a Room

Starr Pass Tucson's main pool

• Starr Pass Resort’s website and brochures advertise that each room has a private patio or balcony. However, not all balconies are large enough to sit out on. Some are merely "Juliet" balconies. So, if you’d like a large balcony be sure to request it at the time of booking.
• The views from the guest rooms vary. Some look out to the Tucson Mountains and some have limited city views. Others look down on the conference area and garage. Be sure to inquire about the view when booking your room.
• Starr Pass Resort is a popular conference hotel. Be sure to make reservations well in advance of your stay to avoid sold-out rooms.

Dining

• Becasue there are no other restaurants in the area, we strongly advise that you make dining reservations at the resort's restaurants well in advance.
• There is a restaurant at the golf club if you are not able to get a reservation at the hotel.

• The nearest non-resort restaurants are in downtown Tucson.

Favorite Features: Hashani Spa; desert locale; pool area; Signature Grill restaurant

What We Didn’t Like: "Juliet" balcony on our room was too small to use; conference goers crowded outdoor patio at the cocktail hour; fee for self-parking.

Nearby Amenities and Attractions: Tucson west side attractions include Old Tucson Studios, Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Tucson Mountain Park, Saguaro National Park’s Western Unit and Mission San Xavier del Bac.

Good for Kids: Yes. Kids will enjoy the pools and splash pad, and the Rising Starr Kids Club. However, they may not be enough out here to keep teenagers entertained.

Pet Friendly: Pets are not allowed.

Location: West side of Tucson, 6 miles west of downtown.

Address: 3800 W. Starr Pass Boulevard, Tucson, AZ 85745

Management: Marriott Resorts

Style: Elegant Southwestern

Room Types: 575 rooms including 35 suites: 4 1,500-square-foot Hospitality Suites, 14 Luxury Suites, 15 Executive Suites and 2 Presidential Suites.

Click here to book a room at JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort and Spa.

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

Extra Fees:

• $18/day valet parking fee per 24-hour period.
• $9/day self parking charge
• Hashani Spa charges an automatic 18% service charge for all spa treatments in place of the customary optional gratuity.
• To use Hashani’s full spa facilities, you must have a minimum amount of $110 worth of services per day. Otherwise, a $25/day Facility Fee applies (includes a personal locker and the use of all spa facilities).
• Internet access is fee-based.

Check In / Check Out:    4 pm / 11 am

Room Service:   24 hour room service.

Views/Setting: Sonoran Desert setting with views of mountains and golf course. Limited city views.

Pools: Three: two main pools and one lap pool at Hashani Spa, which is for spa guests’ use only.

Restaurants: Starr Pass Resort has 7 dining options.
Primo: Fine dining. Mediterranean cuisine. Indoor and outdoor patio. Open for dinner only. Entrées start at $24.

Primo Piatti: Casual, communal atmosphere. Serving drinks and small plates like pizza and antipasti ($9 – $25). Open for dinner only.

Signature Grill: Serves American Western cuisine in a casual yet elegant Southwestern atmosphere. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Dinner entrées start at $19.

Salud: Indoor/outdoor bar with an extensive menu of tequilas and margaritas in addition to Southwestern appetizers ($8 - $10).

Plunge: Poolside eatery serving burgers, salads, appetizers and frozen drinks ($7-$12).

Starbucks: An outlet of the national chain serving coffees, teas and pastries.

Terrace Café and Bar: Located at the Starr Pass Golf Club. Casual. Serves American food at breakfast, lunch and early evening dinner ($5 - $9.75).

Catalina Barbecue Co. & Sports Bar: barbecue and Southwestern specialties Open daily for lunch and dinner plus Happy Hour.

Spa: Hashani Spa is a full service spa and salon with variety of treatments including massages, wraps, scrubs and facials. Prices for spa treatments start at $115.

Golf: 27-hole Arnold Palmer-designed desert style golf courses at Starr Pass Golf Club. 20,000-square foot adobe style clubhouse. Practice areas with putting and chipping greens, a double-loaded driving range and a variety of golf instruction classes.

Daily Public Fee (includes golf car):
December 20 – April 30: $190
May 1 – May 30: $150
June 1 – September 30: $105
Greens fees includes 18 holes of golf, unlimited use of practice facility, golf car, two towels.

Activities: Swimming, hiking, biking, fitness center, tennis at nearby Starr Pass Golf Club.

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