JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass for Families

One of Arizona’s premier resorts, JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa puts the fun back in winter, especially for families looking to escape snow and cold. Guests enjoy daily hikes, swimming, a kids’ club, teen fun and plenty of sunshine.

The Property

Located just 20 minutes from downtown Tucson, the resort overlooks the city from its perch in Tucson Mountain Park. A basic room with two queen beds starts at just more than $210 per night (plus resort fee), but families have several package options, including breakfast for two adults and two children for $285 per night (plus resort fee). Want a little more space? Suites (from $500 per night) offer separate living and sleeping areas.

Plan to arrive early enough to catch The Legend of Arriba Abajo, held on the patio every evening at 5:30 p.m. Although your kids won’t be able to partake in the traditional tequila toast, they can sip soda and watch the city lights twinkle before heading to dinner. The resort has seven restaurants, including upscale Primo, but when dining with kids, make a reservation at Signature Grill or Catalina Barbecue Co. Not only do both serve delicious food but kids 12 and under eat dinner for free.

Fun for Kids

JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass has plenty of activities for the whole family. Start the day at 6:30 a.m. with a guided hike into Tucson Mountain Park. (If you can’t wake up that early, book a guided hike later in the day with Southwest Trekking. Then participate in the traditional Native American morning ritual of Mitakuye Oyasin (Mee-tah-kay Awe-sin), which includes burning sage and an eagle feather blessing.

Lazy River. Photo: JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa

After breakfast, take advantage of the sun at the swimming pool, lazy river, waterslide and splash pad. Cabanas are available for rent starting at $100. The resort works hard to maintain a family-friendly environment, limiting the pool’s use to guests and not allowing coolers, radios or foul language. Pool toys and swim diapers are available.

Even More Fun

Active families can also attend kid-friendly yoga classes, rent mountain bikes or golf at Starr Pass Golf Course where kids 15 and under can take one-hour lessons for $50 (or free with a paying adult lesson) or even play a round for free after 3 p.m. with a full-paying adult. Need some downtime? The concierge has a small library where kids can check out age-appropriate books.

Depending on availability, younger kids can check into the Rising Star Kids Club for crafts, games and fun activities while teens can play videogames and foosball at Blur, the teen lounge. Call ahead to see if the kids’ club and teen lounge will be open during your planned stay.