My wife and I found the Royal Elizabeth Bed & Breakfast Inn in Tucson, about three years ago. We were looking for an historic dwelling close to or in the down-town section of Tucson, and had tried others. Once we found the Royal Elizabeth, we continued to use it exclusively, and have done so on 12 separate occasions.
B & Bs are not for everyone. Often they are not in the best of neighborhoods. The quarters are old, and because they are usually old, the furniture in them isn't new (they're ANTIQUES!). But the trade-off is that you usually are in for a unique experience in an historic old place.
The Royal Elizabeth's proprietors have done an outstanding job in offering an authentic B & B experience in an historic home, with the best of 21st century amenities. The residence has been lovingly and beautifully restored, without compromizing its historic character.
From the outside, the Royal Elizabeth deceives the eye, because it appears much smaller than it really is (its a one story building), but once you step into the pillered, front portico of the porch, you are immediately struck with how massive the building is. It was built in stages starting in 1878, of two foot thick adobe. Upon entering, the central Zaguan (much like the central hall of an antebellum mansion) is spacious, with 16 foot high ceilings, large fireplace, rich paneling, pillers and other woodworking shipped by wagon from San Francisco before a railroad came to Tucson. There are two magnificant skylights in the Zaguan, done in Tiffany glass. The Zaguan is divided into a front entry way, parlor, and dining room (again - VERY spacious)
The bedrooms open up off the Zaguan. They very in size, and we have stayed in all of them, except the largest (which has an indoor jacuzzi). We found every room to have its own unique charm, and delightful just to sit in and absorb the atnosphere. Even the smallest rooms are capacious by modern standards. The largest are simply huge, and often have extra sitting rooms. Several have fireplaces, and all have wonderful, very luxurious bathrooms.
And outside? The Royal Elizabety offers a delightful enclosed garden and private pool and hot tub. I cannot tell you how many times my wife and I have ended a hot Tucson day in that delightful spot.
The kitchen in the back has all the modern amenities, though it blends well with the antique feel of the house. Guests usually congregate around the central island to chat before breakfast, and in the evening (over a glass of wine). The owners also keep a well-stocked bar back there.
There is an entertainment lounge off the kitchen. Because the proprietors are semi-techno junkies, they have this room well outfitted with flat screen TV, laptop, printer, books, games, and a very comfortable leather couch ensenble that you really can feel comfortable putting your feet up on.
WIFI is offered at no extra charge, and reception is quite good throughout the property. The phones (in each room) are Voice over IP technology and the quality good (and free). I have held conference calls from my laptop in my room with great results. Need I say more?
I've said nothing about the breakfasts yet. I can only say that the proprietors are artists, and have never repeated a menu while we have been there (they actually keep track of such things), UNLESS we ask them to do a dish we really liked, from an earlier stay. The food has ALWAYS been excellent.
There have been times when we have had to eat early. When that has happened, the proprietors have been great about providing a special meal for us, up to their usual, high standards.
Now on top of all this, you have two outstanding proprietors, Chuck and Jeff. These gentlemen seem to know everything about the cuisine and night life of greater Tucson, and they are well acquainted with the wonderful sites throughout Southern Ariizona. They can usually get you tickets, or reservations, at the best restaurants, festivals, museums and theatres, and for the best prices. Chuck and Jeff are warm and friendly, and treat their guests like family, but they are also sensitive to their guests needs for privacy. So you can be as involved or uninvolved in the doings of the Royal Elizabeth, as you like.
Besides Chuck and Jeff, my wife and I have made many friends with guests hailing from all over the world. The Royal Elizabeth remains our top choice among B & Bs (and our experience stretches world-wide).