My little brother graduated from University of Arizona in May 2025 and so our family returned to Loews Ventana Canyon Resort (after staying for vacation in 2005) to celebrate with him. We had three rooms through the AMEX Fine Hotels and Resorts Program. Overall, I would say we enjoyed our time here and would recommend the resort to other travelers who are seeking a relaxing resort vibe. There are some enhancements management could take to make this a 4.5 star resort. Details below:
What's Wired (Highlights)
1. The setting is absolutely iconic and serene. You look out to the sprawling Tucson urban area while looking up to some of the most beautiful mountain landscapes we've seen. The natural elements (plants, trees, flora, fauna, wildlife) make it feel special and secluded.
2. If you're an architecture buff like me, you'll love this place. It gives Frank Lloyd Wright vibes. There are so many areas to explore from the observation tower to the second floor lobby area.
3. The rooms and suites (as well as hallways and other public areas) were recently renovated in 2024 and everything feels fresh and modern (compared to our 2005 stay which was very dated).
4. The AMEX Fine Hotels and Resorts provided a 12PM check-in, breakfast for two ($60-80 every morning I believe which gives you endless options), a $100 property credit, a complimentary upgrade, and guaranteed late checkout 4PM. We enjoyed these perks. We were offered an even better suite upgrade for a nominal upgrade fee per night (I would highly recommend asking!). We also received a welcome amenity of a bottle of red wine and designer chocolates.
5. Suite 4201 with connecting bedroom 4203 was absolutely perfect and charming. It had a spacious living room with pull-out couch, a dining table for six, marble wetbar, and no adjoining walls, so we were able to gather as a family without worrying about bothering other guests. There suite also featured two entrances, two full bathrooms, two balconies with jaw dropping top-floor views of the pool and picturesque mountains -- we spent many mornings and evenings with coffee or dinner just enjoying the vantage point, just WOW.
6. Many of the staff offered genuine hospitality. Specifically, Cooper at the Front Desk made us feel welcomed like family and was more than happy to accommodate my numerous requests and questions. Taylor at Bill's Cafe offered personalized drink and food recommendations and ensured we were well taken care of at the pool.
7. We rented a cabana at the pool to celebrate my brother's graduation and it was great: private, covered living room with couch, fans/cooling machine, and stocked fridge, shaded and reserved lounge chairs, and consistent food and beverage service. The pool generally was crowded so we enjoyed this respite. I highly recommend checking out the pool and hot tub after dark!
8. Self-parking was included with the resort fee and you're able to park near your room for ultimate convenience.
9. We really enjoyed our complimentary breakfasts at the Canyon Cafe's outdoor seating area, especially the omelette with a side of avocado slices.
10. The sheets and towels in the suite are Garnier-Thiebaut and they are surprisingly high end. Soft, fluffy, and full. Impressive! We enjoyed the mattresses and slept so comfortable on the bed.
11. Some rooms have gigantic bath tubs or just a large modern standalone shower so make sure to request what you want.
12. You can't miss visiting the hotel-made waterfall and waterfall hike. It was beautiful.
What's Tired (Improvement Opportunities)
1. Loews Hotels is trying to go upmarket which I appreciate, but it's time to ensure the amenities match the star rating. The Julien Farrel bath amenities unfortunately have a thin consistency and a drugstore smell. There was no steamer provided in the suite and the iron was old and worn. The in-suite coffee maker was cheap and generic, please add Nespresso machines and pods!
2. I wish there was sunscreen, aloe vera, iced cucumber spa water, cooled face towels, branded sunglasses, etc. at the pool next to the towel station.
3. There was a resort gift shop but it had no Lowes Ventana Canyon branded items at all, just generic Tucson items which you could get cheaper at the airport. I suggest adding hats, apparel, resort building memorabilia, etc. to bring the stay home with you.
4. The outdoor hallways and elevators that are not in the main hallway feel old, dingy, and somewhat treacherous.
5. The non-suite rooms our family members had doors with large gaps under them which let in disturbing hallway noise and commotion.
6. We were originally in Suite 3343 and all of the toxic cooking fryer oil exhaust fumes came into the room all day long. It was horrible. We had to move.
7. No loyalty program, mobile key, or really any technology for the millennial.
8. Most customer service is at a call center and not on property, even when you call from the suite phone.
9. I had a billing issue which despite me going through the Guest Service Finance Team was not resolved until I emailed the property GM. It shouldn't have been that difficult to rectify.
Overall, we greatly enjoyed our time at the Loews and would gladly be back. There is great potential for this property to be a 4.5-5 star resort!
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