I’m heading to Tucson, AZ in May for business purposes but I plan on getting some training in while I am there. If anyone can give some recommendations on Tucson hotels, I would appreciate it. I don’t really care about the price aspect of it… I’m just looking for a hotel that would be perfect for getting some good training in. Some of the things I am looking for is a good lap pool w/o a bunch of kids in it, a nice fitness center with a cold dip pool, and maybe some running trails around the property or easy access to running trails in the area.
Also, I saw the “Athletic Minded Traveler” book on amazon. I looked for it at my local Barnes and Noble but they didn’t carry it. I don’t have time to get it before this trip, but have others find this book useful? Let me know what those of you out there think of it. If it is recommended, I will have to pick up a copy for use on my future trips.
Since price is not an issue, I definitely recommend the Westin La Paloma. There is a 25 yard lap pool, though I do not know the schedule. You can run all over the place around there, though it is somewhat hilly.
Another nice hotel is the Arizona Inn, which is quite historic, centrally located and not far from Hillenbrand Aquatics, where you can find a masters team that swims at 6 AM, 12 PM or 6:30 PM Mon-Fri.
If you want trail running, neither hotel has trails, but you can drive to Sabino Canyon (about 15’) and run on Phoneline trail, or go to Starr Pass and run there. If you do not mind running on pavement, then you’ll be fine starting at the hotel.
Ventana canyon is also a nice hotel. There is a new Marriott that is located right in the Tucson Mountains - lots of trails to run right out the door of the hotel. I’m not sure about the pools at either of these hotels though.
Another great place for trail running is the Broadway Trails at the east end of Broadway; the trails are well marked.
I’ll second the AZ Inn or the new Marriott. The new Marriott sits right next to some of the best trail running in Tucson. Also if you bring your bike, road or mtn, it sits on some of the best riding in tucson.
AZ Inn is good as well. Lots of running including through campus which has nice scenery. Close to masters and right on a main bike path to get out of town. PM me for specifics on running as I had a loop that ran right past AZ Inn, and can give you some trails to run at the marriott. Tucker (mtuck) can help as well as he still lives there.
If your there T or TH there is a group that meets at Reid park on the dirt 800m track. I think 6p or 6:30, can’t remember. Everything from an olympian now and then to someone who runs 15min/mile
Thanks for the replies guys. I looked at the different hotels mentioned and decided that being close to a bunch of good running trails would be cool. I booked a room at the new Marriott at Star Pass. I’ll be there for almost a week in May.
Brian, if you could tell me which trails are the best ones to run, I would appreciate that. Also, I don’t think I’ll be bring my bike with me. Any good places to rent a mountian or road bike? I’m from New Orleans and they only thing we have close to a hill to ride on is going up and down bridges. So I would love to get in a ride or two while I am there.