Tucson has a wide variety of chain hotels in all price ranges. There are also several one-ofa- kind, Tucson-only places to stay. If you are budget-minded, cruise along the I-10 frontage road just west of downtown, where you’ll find a row of chains, a few of them a bit shabby; however, if the annual Gem and Mineral Show is in session (Jan. 26–Feb. 11), this stretch is choked with displays and getting a room will be impossible. Plan on paying more for a room anywhere in the city during the Gem Show. It’s a good idea to make reservations most times during the year, though in the summer you’re likely to find vacancies galore and prices cheaper than during the cooler, busier months.

$50–100

Roadrunner Hostel and Inn

(346 E. 12th St., 520/628-4709, cell 520/940-7280, roadrunr@dakotacom.net, $24 for dorm, $48 for private room)

The only hostel in Tucson is the Roadrunner Hostel and Inn, which offers free linens and blankets, showers, laundry, and a large kitchen for guests to use.

Motel 6

(960 S. Freeway, 520/628-1339, www.motel6 .com, $37–59 day)

Motel 6  is the old standby of budget travelers the world over; this one has a heated pool.

Roadway Inn

(1248 N. Stone Ave. 520/622-6446, $65–95 day)

Roadway Inn is an inexpensive but clean chain located close to downtown and the University of Arizona; it features a complimentary breakfast, cable, and a pool.

The Hotel Congress

(311 E. Congress St., 800/722-8848, reservations@hotelcongress. com, $49–109 day),

The Hotel Congress, known to locals and history buffs as the hotel where members of John Dillinger’s gang were arrested (Dillinger was captured at a nearby home), is a historic downtown hotel that offers charm and atmosphere. Built in 1919 and remodeled only slightly since then, it’s listed on the National Historic Register. Beware the noise most nights coming from the Club Congress downstairs (it’s not too bad, but there is a thumping that comes through the walls). The club is a venue for alternative bands and alt-country bands from across the nation, and the Tap Room bar will make you feel like a cowboy on his day off. The Cup Café off the beautiful old lobby has an eclectic mix of gourmet and Southwestern-style food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

The Doubletree Hotel

(445 S. Alvernon Way, 520/881-4200, $79–289 day)

The Doubletree Hotel at Reid Park is right across the street from the sprawling urban park, near golf courses, the zoo, and pretty much everything else in midtown. The hotel has a heated pool, exercise room, tennis courts, high-speed Internet, and two restaurants.

Lodge on the Desert

(306 N. Alvernon Way, 520/325-3366, www.lodgeonthedesert .com, $94–309 day)

Another historic Old Pueblo hotel is the Lodge on the Desert, built on what in 1936 was still the desert but is now midtown. Beautiful grounds, a pool and spa, and top-notch dining among a historic atmosphere make the lodge a memorable place to stay. In the summer of 2008, the lodge was undergoing a major expansion project, adding 65 rooms. Construction is expected to be complete by early 2009.

Windmill Suites at St. Phillips Plaza

(4250 N. Campbell Ave., 520/577-0007, www.wind millinns.com, $79–189 day)

Not as quaint and memorable but still quite comfortable is the Windmill Suites at St. Phillips Plaza, located in an upscale shopping plaza with art galleries and a day spa; the hotel offers free coffee and continental breakfast, a heated pool, whirlpool, bike rentals, a lending library, and wireless Internet.

Over $100

Embassy Suites Williams Center

(5335 E. Broadway, 520/573-0700 or 800/362-2779, www.hilton.com, $99–249 day)

If you are looking for a relatively affordable urban compound, Embassy Suites Williams Center offers rooms with kitchenettes and refrigerators, a pool and spa, free happy hour and breakfast, exercise room, and high-speed Internet, located in midtown close to everything.

The Arizona Inn

(2200 E. Elm St., 520/325-1541 or 800/933-1093, www.arizona inn.com, $149–300 day)

The Arizona Inn is a true Tucson landmark. Founded in 1930 by Isabella Greenway, Arizona’s first female member of Congress, the inn has 86 rooms on 14 acres of gardens and beautifully landscaped grounds in the heart of the city. All rooms have writing desks, refrigerators, televisions, DVD players, high-speed Internet, bathrobes, and much more. Rooms range from standard suites to deluxe suites. A stay at this elegant hideaway in the middle of town includes complimentary afternoon tea, ice cream by the pool, nightly music in the Audubon Bar, free use of a well-stocked library, a 60-foot heated outdoor pool, and clay tennis courts.

El Presidio Inn Bed & Breakfast

(297 N. Main Ave., 520/623-6151 or 800/349-6151, $120–150 day)

The beautiful El Presidio Inn Bed & Breakfast, in the Julius Kruttschnitt House, built in 1886 and remodeled over the years with various architectural styles, is one of the city’s best small inns, with a cool garden courtyard setting in the historic heart of town.

Royal Elizabeth Bed and Breakfast Inn

(204 S. Scott, 877/670-9022, www.royalelizabeth.com)

The Royal Elizabeth Bed and Breakfast Inn is in a beautiful home known as the Blenman House, built in 1878 in Tucson’s El Presidio District. It’s now on the National Register of Historic Places. There are six large rooms to choose from, all elegantly decorated in an old-world style, with big sweeping beds and footed standalone bathtubs. There’s also a heated pool and spa and immaculate grounds. Rates run $155–285 a night, with a two-night minimum on weekends.

Sam Hughes Inn

(2020 E. 7th St., 520/861-2191, www.samhughesinn .com, $105–130 day)

The Sam Hughes Inn is nestled in the historic residential neighborhood that gives it its name. The home was built in 1931 in the Spanish style so popular around Tucson, and offers four rooms, each uniquely decorated. Sam Hughes is centrally located just a few blocks from the University of Arizona.

The Catalina Park B&B

(309 E. 1st St., 520/792-4541 or 800/792-4885, www.catalinaparkinn.com, $106–166 day)

The Catalina Park B&B in the West University Historic District was built in 1927 and has beautiful mixed gardens with many native plants. There are six rooms, two of which are detached from the main house. This inn is close to the UA, downtown, and midtown. Wireless Internet throughout the property makes it a great place for combining business and pleasure. The inn is closed in July and August.