Big and stylish, Starr Pass is close to the city and the desert

You get to choose from just two views for your room at Tucson’s new Starr Pass Resort & Spa: glittering city lights or towering saguaro cactus in 20,000-acre Tucson Mountain Park.

There’s no parking-lot vista because cars are parked underground. With its infrastructure invisible, Starr Pass ―Tucson’s first new resort in 18 years―is embraced by its Sonoran Desert setting. Hiking trails begin just feet from the lobby.

After mountain biking, horseback riding, or 18 holes on the Arnold Palmer-designed golf course, unwind in the 20,000-square-foot spa, then order a made-from-scratch margarita in the Signature Grill ($$$). Each room has wireless Internet access, along with a private balcony or patio to bring your view selection inside.

Get away

The JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa (from $199; 3800 W. Starr Pass Blvd.; www.jwmarriottstarrpass.com or 888/236-2427) has 575 rooms and 35 suites. Low-season rates begin in June (from $159).

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