Westward Look Resort (Tucson, Oracle: appointed, hotels, house)

[Chowhound]

Hello All,

I was wondering if anyone had any thoughts about the Westward Look Resort. I was planning a trip out to Tucson this summer to take a look around and check out the city. I started checking for flights via Expedia and it suggested a couple of different hotels. I went to thier website and it looks nice in the pictures. How's the surrounding area?

Thanks in advance for the responses.

[triskele]

Originally Posted by Chowhound

Hello All,

I was wondering if anyone had any thoughts about the Westward Look Resort. I was planning a trip out to Tucson this summer to take a look around and check out the city. I started checking for flights via Expedia and it suggested a couple of different hotels. I went to thier website and it looks nice in the pictures. How's the surrounding area?

Hi there -

Westward Look is fine; no worries with the surrounds, so far as safety/neighborhood. Definitely has an 'upscale' feel. I happen to prefer this place, personally:

Hacienda del Sol Guest Ranch Resort - Tucson, Arizona

More of a true SW feel, IMHO, but still sophisticated; fairly out of the way location. Now, mind you, I went to these places to go to their fine restaurants when I lived in Tucson, I've not stayed at either, so I can only vouch for the food and overall 'ambiance'.

Have fun.

[MarymovingtoRioRico]

Hi - I can help you with this...

I stayed there ( Westward Look) twice and coincidently I just wrote to the manager there to find out the best time to visit this summer. Summer rates are super. I find the place to be very "non hotel like" which I love. If you get the right room, the entrance is wonderful and beautiful, the interior is cozy and home-like and very unpretentious and unique. The rooms are very large with a sizable sitting area. The bathroom is huge and very Mexican - authentic talavera tiles. They also have a spa. Brunch is wonderful and the service all over the resort is fantastic. Oh - and they have a casual bar/restaurant as well. Do check and see if they are doing renovations because I know they are planning to do some this year. I've asked the manager this question as well.

Definitely get a "city view" room rather than a dessert view room. The views are great but make sure you ask for one with an unobstructed view.

There are two pools... One down the steps from the restaurants and another off the beaten bath which is usually quieter and right next to an herb garden for the restaurants. You can actually get in your suit at 1 or 2am and as long as you don't make lots of noise - you can float around in the pool. We always did a midnight swim. Very romantic.

One of my favorite restaurants of all time is there and is called The Gold Room (which is closed Sunday night). Views of the city are breathtaking. The food is exceptional and fun!!! My favorite is an offering of three items per category of appetizer, separated into Soups, Intermezzo, Raw, Wrapped and Sticks and Stones.

The Raw - is perfect cubes of Tuna Tartar with Tortilla and Avocado served in a “Spoon” and House Smoked Salmon wrapped around a “Fork” with Papaya Jicama Slaw and a shot glass of Vanilla Sky Vodka. The third is Scallop Ceviche with Chile and Yellow Tomato and Fennel Water served in a somewhat larger version of the “Shot” glass holding the vodka. Amazing. That's what I like - food that makes you excited both visually and taste wise.

"The Wrapped" is a Lobster Spring Roll with a Sweet & Spicy Dipping Sauce, a Crab Dumpling with Sesame Seaweed Salad and a Mushroom Ravioli, Tomato, Garlic Parmesan & Basil dressing. Then you can cleanse your palate with a “Small Plate Style” of the Intermezzo, three red-white-orange mounts of sorbet (red = prickly pear, white = lemon, orange = mango) decorated with a sprig of fresh mint. There is even a 3 selection of desserts. Yum.

Sticks and Stones is another appetizer selection.. Chicken with a Cider Bourbon Glaze. Beef Tenderloin on a stick which you can "heat" on a slab of super heated rock and Chile Rubbed Ahi Tuna

Soups are three wonderful soups in little cups on a square tray... Very delicious.

Entrees that I tried.. coffee and mesquite-smoked lamb chops, Beef Tenderloin, with “Blue Spinach”, Green Chili Tater Tots and Ancho Demi-Glasse

Romantic, eclectic and fun.

I've eaten at the other place recommended here and the food was not memorable at all. The rooms look nice - I've seen the website but it is out of the way. If you stay there - do yourself a favor and try the Gold Room for dinner - you won't be disappointed. I'm a food snob ;-) Big time so you can trust me...

[MarymovingtoRioRico]

Oh - forgot your other question.

First - it is easy to find - right on Ina Road off I 10 from the airport....through a few lights and you are there. It is close to Oracle (a major road there) and in a super upscale neighborhood. Close to some great restaurants and Malls. It is up a nice long driveway so you feel you are off the beaten path and the grounds are creatively designed with desert growth.

You are close to many major golf courses as well.

[Chowhound]

Thanks for the replies lots of good info