Tucson Family Resort: Marriott Tucson Starr

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For Thanksgiving break, we decided to spend a few days in Tucson, Arizona. Tucson is a vibrant city that offers a unique blend of urban attractions, diverse neighborhoods, and stunning natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for families. I was picturing some sunny days hanging out at the pool with a cold drink in my hand. So when I came across the JW Marriott Tucson Starr Resort & Spa, I thought it would be the perfect Tucson family resort to fit my vision. It’s one of the top-rated Arizona resorts with a lazy river

We have been to Arizona lots of times on various Arizona family vacations, but never to Tucson. I was excited to explore while we were there. From the moment we arrived, we experienced a warm welcome and inviting atmosphere that made us feel right at home. We also had a decent amount of downtime to relax at the property. Overall, I feel that this Tucson Starr resort has a lot to offer, but we left feeling a little bit disappointed in some of the amenities.

I used free night rewards from my Marriott Bonvoy credit card to stay 3 nights at this Tucson resort for free. I love my Marriott card for this very reason. Check it out to see if it’s a good fit for you. Or take a look at my other favorite travel credit cards to see if there is a better one for you.

The JW Marriott Tucson Starr Resort & Spa stands out with its beautiful Southwest-inspired architecture and decor, reflecting the cultural influences and natural scenery of the region.

The Tucson Starr Resort Amenities

We chose the JW Marriott Tucson Starr after looking at several resorts in Arizona with the best pools. With a lazy river and a waterslide, we figured this resort pool would be a top contender, and we couldn’t wait to try it out. There were also a handful of other resort amenities that we were excited to check out, like the outdoor lawn games and the arcade. The resort also offers amenities and activities specifically designed for children, such as a dedicated kids’ pool area and supervised programs, making it easier for families to find options that cater to their children’s needs.

Because Tucson gets so hot in the summer, it would definitely be a great family spring break destination

I’ll go over all of the amenities in more detail below, but overall, we didn’t feel like this hotel was as kid friendly in real life as it appeared online, for a variety of reasons. It might have a completely different feel during peak seasons, but we left longing for a bit more.

The Rooms at the Tucson Starr Resort

The rooms at the Marriott Tucson Starr Resort range in size from studio rooms with 1 or 2 beds to luxury suites, with multiple bathrooms and separate living spaces. We just had a regular 2-queen room, and it felt plenty spacious for our family. The bathroom has a shower that is separate from the tub, and there was a large closet in the room.

The resort’s lodging options are designed with families in mind. They offer comfortable and convenient accommodations that make it easy to relax after a day of activities. Our room had a balcony with chairs on it and a mountain view. It was nice to step outside and enjoy the desert landscape.

The Pool, Waterslide and Lazy River

We chose the JW Marriott Tucson Starr resort solely for the pool and kid-friendly amenities. The kids and I absolutely love a lazy river, and the waterslide was an added bonus. The pool was heated to 85 degrees, which felt great in late November. We were a bit disappointed, however, because the waterslide was very intermittent.

The waterslide hours this time of year were 11-5 daily. We checked in at 2pm, but the slide was never turned on that day.

The next day, the slide would be operating as long as there were kids in line. Because the resort seemed fairly empty, there weren’t a ton of kids constantly at the pool. But there were plenty who came and went throughout the day. My kids would go down the slide a couple of times, then go play ping pong or hop in the lazy river. The slide would close each time they left, and then they’d have to wait 15-20 minutes for someone to open it again.

On our last day at the Tucson Starr resort, the kids wanted to have more time going down the slide. We hurried back from Tombstone and were at the pool by 3:45. The slide never opened again, and the kids were tired of asking for the slide because no one ever seemed particularly thrilled to go turn it on.

I don’t foresee this being as issue during peak times at the resort. But it was definitely a bit of a bummer during our stay in the off season. If anything, they should have reduced hours, but at least keep their word for the hours posted.

On-site Dining at the JW Marriott Tucson Family Resort

There were a few different on-site restaurants at this Tucson Starr family resort. That was nice because there weren’t any other restaurants or fast food very close to the resort.

I visited the onsite Starbucks each morning I was there. I enjoyed having that as an easy option. For breakfast, you can grab pastries, breakfast sandwiches, and coffee at Starbucks. Or, check out other breakfast options at The Signature Grill, which offers a family-friendly breakfast menu. We ordered food and drinks at The Plunge the first two days we were there. The Plunge is the patio restaurant by the pool. The food was good, but the drinks definitely added up quickly in price. Cocktails cost between $14-$20 each.

Other restaurants include The Signature Grill, Passaggio and Salud Patio. All of these are listed as casual, but have pretty upscale menus. For dinner, The Signature Grill offers a variety of Southwestern-inspired dishes in a relaxed atmosphere. The Salud Patio is a great spot to enjoy dinner outdoors with fire pits and live music on Saturday night.

As part of the nightly resort fee at the Tucson Starr resort, you get a $10 food credit,. But it can only be used at Passaggio and The Signature Grill. I really wish it could have been used at Salud. Sitting outdoors with an appetizer and glass of wine would have been perfect each evening because all my kids wanted to do was play the lawn games or a game of football in the grassy open areas.

If you are one who really loves a fine dining selection, I don’t think you will be disappointed with the food options here. But as far as super kid-friendly options, The Plunge is your best bet. Just know that it’s only open for lunch each day.

The Tucson Family Resort Activities

There is ping pong and cornhole set up just outside of the pool area. We spent a lot of time enjoying those lawn games. At night, however, it is completely dark. And even though these areas are open, the only lights are walkway lights, and they’re not bright enough to play the games.

Even the pool area is very dark, except for the pool lights. Even though there were jacuzzis and the pool area was open until 10, the darkness around the pool didn’t make it feel very inviting.

On our last night at the Tucson Starr resort, we headed to the arcade. It was very small and had as many broken games as it did working games. The kids had fun though, but we only spent about 20 minutes in there at most.

Ranch Experiences at the Tucson Starr Resort

One of the highlights for the entire family is the chance to explore the Sonoran landscape on horseback. Guided rides wind through scenic trails bordering Saguaro National Park, where you’ll be treated to sweeping views of the iconic Rincon Mountains and towering saguaro cacti. It’s a fantastic way for kids and adults alike to connect with nature and experience the wild side of Tucson, Arizona.

The ranch-inspired experiences don’t stop there. The resort regularly hosts cowboy cookouts, where guests can gather under the stars for hearty meals, live music, and a taste of Arizona’s cowboy history. These evenings are a favorite for families, creating forever memories as everyone enjoys the warmth of a campfire and the sounds of local musicians. During peak seasons, the resort comes alive with even more family friendly activities, from line dancing to outdoor games, ensuring there’s always something fun for guests of all ages.

Wellness Activities at the Starr

The resort also offers yoga sessions as a relaxing activity for guests seeking wellness and rejuvenation. So for those looking to relax and recharge, the resort’s spa treatments are a true treat. Indulge in soothing massages, rejuvenating facials, or join a sunrise yoga session on a private patio overlooking the desert. The tranquil setting and exceptional service make it easy to unwind after a day of adventure.

Golf enthusiasts will appreciate the resort’s championship golf course. It offers challenging play and breathtaking views of the surrounding Sonoran Desert. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or just looking to try something new, the course is an added bonus for your trip.

And, as part of the resort fee, you get driving range access for two guests.

The Tucson Starr Resort Location

Right outside of the hotel, you will have access to miles and miles of hiking trails. We simply crossed the street and found an assortment of trails to explore.

Anytime we left to go to a grocery store or go out to eat outside of the property, we had to drive quite a ways, as the resort is set back away in a pretty remote location. There’s a ton to see and do in Tucson, though, and we wanted to explore a bit more than just the resort.

Nearby, Tanque Verde Ranch is a premier, all-inclusive dude ranch. It’s known for its family-friendly activities, horseback riding, and beautiful desert setting near Saguaro National Park. It’s one of the best all-inclusive dude ranches in the U.S. Another great option in Tucson is the historic Hacienda del Sol Guest Ranch Resort. It offers luxury accommodations, scenic views, and a unique blend of history and charm.

Things to Do in the Area

This Tucson family resort is located about 25 minutes outside of the Saguaro National Park, where you will find thousands of miles of hiking trails and lots of cool petroglyphs. You can drive through and enjoy the scenery, or get out and explore the hiking trails. We didn’t spend a ton of time here, but we did venture to the petroglyphs and enjoyed a beautiful desert sunset.

Tucson is also a popular destination for weddings, with many resorts and venues offering beautiful settings for ceremonies and celebrations.

There was no way we were going to visit Tucson without making a trip over to visit Tombstone, AZ as well. It was about an hour and fifteen minutes from the resort to Tombstone. We really enjoyed spending some time there and seeing some reenactments.

Final Thoughts About the Tucson Starr Resort

If you’re searching for a Tucson family resort that blends luxury with authentic Southwestern adventure, the JW Marriott Tucson Starr Resort & Spa is a standout destination. Its location in the heart of the Sonoran Desert offers the perfect backdrop for families to experience the desert beauty and rich local culture of southern Arizona.

Overall we enjoyed our time visiting the resort and exploring the area. Even in the off-season, we found plenty to do and enjoyed some beautiful hikes and sunsets.

Whether you’re hiking, fishing, golfing, or simply soaking in the desert sunsets, the JW Marriott Tucson Starr Resort & Spa offers a welcoming atmosphere and a wealth of activities for travelers of all ages. Absolutely loved by guests, this Tucson resort is a true gem.

It’s ideal for families, couples, and anyone looking to discover the magic of the Sonoran Desert. Be sure to check the resort’s website for the latest packages and specials. And get ready to make your next family adventure in Tucson, Arizona, even more memorable.

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