My husband, 14 year-old son and I recently stayed at the Arizona Inn. It was our first trip to Tucson and we were ostensibly there to visit an aging relative, but we also wanted to enjoy a brief four-day vacation. We chose the Arizona Inn, based on reviews by other Trip Advisees, and its stellar reputation by friends who had stayed there before. For the most part, I would say that the reviews were accurate. We had a great time, and as the title says, we found that "No" was not an answer from the Inn's kind and responsive staff. Whenever we asked for something: down pillows, extra granola (try their special mix!), skim milk at 6 AM, extra water in the room, it was never a problem and we were never nickel and dimed on our requests. That being said, we were also paying a lot (over $400 night including taxes/in high season) so we hoped to get excellent service.

We stayed in a deluxe double queen room located right in the heart of the resort. It was a lovely room, quite large, quiet and relatively private. We had our own little patio, and although we could see other guests' patios, there was never a problem with privacy or noise. Our room was dark (but this was fine as the temps rose to the mid-90's while we were there) and the decor was unobtrusive---really nothing to write home about but perfectly adequate---not really 5 star quality but old-fashioned in a faded elegance way. The beds were comfortable, the TV was the old box kind, plenty of closet space, and the bathroom was small but clean.

But what made the room special was the little amenities: coffee machine with good Starbucks filter paks, free water (as much as we needed), great turn-down service, and a nice sitting area. We were greeted upon arrival with a wonderful fruit and cheese basket---I am not sure why, perhaps because we were staying five nights. It was appreciated after a long day of travel.

We never ate in the formal dining room, but we did have one meal on the patio/lounge which was delicious (try the sweet potato canneloni and the hamburger was good too) but the service was very, very slow. The kind waiter explained that the kitchen was servicing the dining room and a big function, but that is really no excuse to make other patrons wait so long. But we mellowed into the night, enjoying the warm air and twinkly lights everywhere. We began to relax!

The Inn has a tea everyday from 3:30 to 5 in the winter months which is delicious, but with temps in the 90's, tea wasn't exactly calling to me. But the little sandwiches and scones with clotted cream were great. It is also fun to meet other guests as they tend to gather at that hour.

The Inn has all sorts of activities that one can participate in or not: badminton, tennis, bocce, croquet, swimming, ping pong and we did on occasion. Never a wait, just casual fun. The fitness room is fine. The grounds are gorgeous and its fun to walk slowly around enjoying the cacti and flora.

The pool area was fabulous and we really enjoyed swimming, although after a couple of laps, we were HOT as the water temperature is more like a bathtub. But the pool staff is fantastic. Almost before you have put your towel down on your chaise lounge, there is a cold glass of ice water with lemon waiting on the side table. Plenty of thick towels and never a problem getting a chair or table. Having breakfast poolside was a great experience: relaxed and beautiful. Birds flying around and a warm sun shining through the palm trees. We never had the buffet (too much food to contemplate at that hour) but as mentioned, the granola with fresh berries and yogurt is fantastic.

I don't really have any complaints about the Inn as I really admire the staff, the location, and the simple elegance of the Inn but I do have two cautionary insights: if you have teens, this might not be the place to go. In fact, I had originally thought of entitling this review: "If you want to feel young, go to the Arizona Inn" as the clientele is definitely on the elderly side. I, for one, enjoyed this, as it DID make me feel young and there was none of that competitive demanding sense you get from other guests at other high-end resorts. The other guests seemed kind, laid-back and mellow, to say the least. But my son, gentle, accepting soul that he is, began to feel surrounded by too many grannies and grandads.

The other thought is this: we had really wanted to investigate Tucson as we had never been there, but the Arizona Inn was so beguiling and relaxing, that we curtailed some of our planned activities to just hang out there. Plus, we wanted to get our money's worth...and we did. I am dreaming of the pool as I write this from snowy, cold New England.

If you go to the Arizona Inn, set your mind back another century, and just give into the peaceful, serene and staid surroundings and you will find that the cares and worries of the outside world just melt away.

Recommedations: Family-owned Rosa's Kitchen for authentic Mexican food. Fantastic and inexpensive. Try the marguerita's, avocado enchiladas, and green tamales. Excellent and down-home. Locals eat there. Near the Inn.
Go visit the Saguaro National Park West side and take the long drive through the park. Stop at one of the isolated picnic areas and take in the magnificent landscape. The Desert Museum is enjoyable and its Ocotillo Restaurant is decent. The cilantro pesto that they serve with warm bread is divine.

Avoid: Terra Cotta Restaurant. We found the food inedible, and expensive. Bad service, terrible meal. Yuk.
Tombstone AZ unless you like hundreds of tourists and a dusty, run-down tourist trap. Maybe it was too hot the day we visited and I was cranky but it's not worth the long drive.

Tucson, the little we saw, seems like a great city. We will return.