Surrounded by the 50,000 acre Tucson Mountain Park, the JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort and Spa offers a relaxing desert experience and now provides a smoke-free environment - all guest rooms are now non-smoking.

The area known as Starr Pass is where Tucson first began, and this new addition to the JW Marriott family of luxury resorts incorporates much of the architectural designs of the Native Americans, Spanish, and Mexican people who first lived in this area - natural stone, tile, and adobe done in colors to complement the Sonoran Desert all around it, but with a subtle touch that is both elegant and relaxing at the same time.  With a prime hillside location that offers spectacular views of the Tucson valley, the JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort is close to the Tucson International Airport, downtown Tucson, and many local attractions.

In addition to their 100% non-smoking policy in all guestrooms, a really nice feature of the rooms at the JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa is their in-room laptop safe - I don't know why every resort doesn't have one!  As a person who travels for business and carries a laptop computer myself I think it's a wonderful thing.  Having a laptop stolen from a hotel room is exceedingly rare, even moreso at an upscale luxury resort, but the peace of mind that this little touch provides goes a long way to ensuring a relaxing experience.

In addition to the nifty laptop safe, all guestrooms at the Marriott Starr Pass are equipped with ultra-comfortable beds with upscale linens, down comfortors and duvets, and loads of pillows, high-speed internet access, a flat screen TV with OnCommand movies and video games, CD alarm clocks, a coffee maker, a refridgerator with a mini-bar, a hair dryer, iron and ironing board, oversize bathtubs and separate shower stalls, and a dual-line cordless telephone with voicemail.

Choose from their Deluxe Guestroom, a Luxury Suite, an Executive Suite, a Presidential Suite, or a Hospitality Suite.

The JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort boasts an impressive 20,000 square-foot oasis of pampering, the Hashani Spa.   Hashani is the Native American word for Saguaro, which is the majestic cactus that flourishes across the plains of the american southwest, and the Hashani Spa has incorporated many of the natural ingredients found in the desert into its blend of ancient healing traditions and modern beauty technology to provide a sublime experience that will rejuvenate your body and skin while it relaxes your soul.  Click on this link for a JW Marriott Starr Pass Spa Brochure, which gives descriptions for all of the Spa Treatments available.  (Note that this is a .pdf file that will either open in a new browser window or download to your computer based on your personal browser settings.)

In addition to its 23 treatment rooms, the Hashani Spa also houses a comprehensive fitness center, whirlpool, steam room and sauna, as well as a Pilates studio and a movement studio that features a large outdoor terrace, perfect for yoga or tai chi overlooking the desert.   Outdoors, guests can enjoy the spa's private pool and al fresco dining at the spa's cafe, Blossom.

The JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa also boasts a newly redesigned 27-hole Arnold Palmer Signature Golf Facility, the Starr Pass Golf Club, with challenging play and scenic views along with great year-round weather.  The Golf Club features a 20,000-square-foot, Santa Fe-style clubhouse, with luxurious locker rooms for men and women as well as casual, elegant or private dining options.

In addition, the JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort also features two swimming pools, one for adults only and another that accommodates kids with a children's splash area, along with two jacuzzi hot tubs, and two tennis courts.

Kids 4 thu 12 will enjoy the JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort's "Rising Starr Kids Club", which is a supervised daily program, offering interactive games and fun activities in either a half-day or full-day format.

• Accommodations for desired number of nights
• Taxes

In addition there are a number special packages to choose from, which include some meals, and your choice of spa treatments, tennis, or golf.  Please ask me about available packages if you are interested in enjoying the full Starr Pass Tucson experience.

The JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort and Spa boasts seven unique and varied dining choices, offering creative and delicious cuisine, as well as 24-hour room service.

With James Beard Award winning Chef Melissa Kelly at the helm, Primo will delight you with imaginative dishes inspired by the cuisine of Italy, Spain and France, an exceptional wine list and tempting desserts, and the fact that Chef Kelly prepares her menu with fresh produce and herbs from local growers and from organic gardens on-site.  Dine in the elegant restaurant on their patio which offers stunning views of the Tucson lights.

For a great meal in a more relaxed, casual environment, there's Primo Piatti, featuring small tastes of Primo cuisine, an eclectic array of salads, and true Italian pizzas.  There is a a communal table for those dining alone or in small groups who are interested in meeting others and making new friends.

Catalina Steakhouse offers spectacular views and a menu to match, featuring all-American fare with a Southwestern touch, including grilled-to-perfection steaks and seafood. Open for dinner only, this is the perfect place to stop after a rewarding day of golf. Inside, enjoy elegant dining in an inviting setting surrounded by lush, desert fairways and towering mountains. Or, relax on our expansive outdoor patio, perfect for Arizona's welcoming weather.

For an authentic taste of Tucson, try the Signature Grill, with its artful blend of dishes inspired by both Native American and Mexican traditions.  Serving robust, cowboy-inspired cooking with mouth-watering steaks, chops and seafood.  Delight in the plentiful breakfast buffet or relax on the patio for a lunch under the sun.  For dinner, enjoy spectacular dishes that capture the essence of the region.

Surrounded by the sparkling pool, two whirlpools and a children's splash area, Plunge serves up freshly grilled burgers, sandwiches and salads, along with an assortment of frozen tropical drinks and other ice-cold beverages.  Fast, fresh and fun fare, combined with magnificent views, make Plunge the perfect place to catch some rays or relax with a beautiful sunset.

Enjoy delicious American cuisine while overlooking the 9th hole of the Coyote Course at our comfortably casual Terrace Café & Bar.  Located at Starr Pass Country Club, their menu features your favorite breakfast, lunch and early evening comfort foods.  Relax and take in the views on their expansive outdoor patio or settle inside and enjoy a sports event on their flat screen television.

For drinks and appetizers, there's Salud - with its breathtaking views, extensive menu of tequilas and creative margaritas made from freshly squeezed juices, there is no better place to toast in Tucson than Salud. Inspired by the vast varieties of regionally produced tequilas, Salud features a south-of-the-border appeal with menu items capturing rich flavors unique to the Southwest.

And for a quick cup of coffee (including cappuccinos and teas) and a pastry, there's an on-site Starbucks Cafe.