Where to Stay in Tucson: Casino del Sol Resort
Casino del Sol Resort - Overview
While there is a concentration of resorts in north and northeastern Tucson near the Catalina Mountains, a unique resort experience can be found in the southwestern part of Tucson, south of the downtown area. As of this writing (November 2014) Casino del Sol Resort is the only casino/resort combination in Tucson.
Casino del Sol (translated, means casino of the sun) is a tribal enterprise, built and operated by the Pascua Yaqui Tribe and located on their land.
It was designed and succeeds as a destination for upscale lodging, entertainment, relaxation and dining. It’s proximity to Tucson International Airport, University of Arizona and many Tucson area attractions makes it a preferred location for business travel, hosting conferences as well as for leisure travel.
The resort design incorporates as much a nod to Mediterranean style as it does to native accents. Unlike a few other Arizona resorts and hotels established by local Native American tribes, this place does not at all overwhelm with native influences. No fry bread burgers or lobby domes adorned with tribal art or symbols here. Actually, the only place where a focus on tribal art and customs can be found is in the conference center, where the hallways outside the ballrooms display a local artist’s work.
The resort has a total of 215 guest rooms and suites. The rooms are spacious and offer premium bedding, a refrigerator, self-brewing coffee system and a comfortable workstation. Suites are more than twice as large with a balcony, living room, a wet bar and a Jacuzzi tub.
Casino del Sol tidbit: The entrance to the resort is separate from the casino entrance, so you don’t have to walk through the casino (unless you want to!) to get to your room.
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Page 1: Casino del Sol - Overview
Page 2: Resort Amenities and Golf
Page 3: The Casino and the Amphitheater
Page 4: My Take
Page 5: Location, Contact and What’s Nearby
Casino del Sol Resort - Resort Pool, Spa, Dining and Golf
Yes, of course there’s a casino. More about that later! Even if casino gambling is not a big draw for you, you’ll find much to enjoy about a relaxing stay at Casino del Sol.
First of all, there’s the Oasis Pool. It’s heated, so you can lounge there all year long. There are very comfortable lounge chairs and cabanas available to rent. Food and beverage are close by; service hours vary seasonally. While there is no lazy river or waterslide here, I loved this pool.
I always wanted a pool that had a six-inch depth perimeter where I could sit in the water comfortably and read or just lie back. This pool has it! The center of the pool maxes out at about four feet deep, so there’s no diving here. There is a zero-depth entry at one end. So easy! Adjacent to the Oasis Pool is a lovely pop-jet fountain. Usually associated with toddler usage, you adults can enjoy it, too. C’mon, you know you want to….
I did not partake in any spa experiences here, but it is clear that the Hiapsi Spa is the place for renewal of both body and spirit. Here you will find some Native American influences in the products as well as the therapies. Individuals and couples may arrange treatments. Your hair and nails can also get refreshed. The adjacent resort fitness center is open 24 hours for resort guests.
Sewailo Golf Club is located immediately adjacent to the resort. Sewailo is phonetically pronounced suh-whale-oh or say-wahl-oh, depending on whom you ask! Former PGA professional and TV golf commentator Notah Begay III (Navajo/Pueblo) designed the course.
As a Troon property, you’d expect a high quality golf experience, and you will not be disappointed here. The carts have built in GPS systems. There are five tee boxes to accommodate every level of golfer. You will find enough trouble, both water and bunkers, to make this a challenging course, but an accurate (not necessarily long) hitter can leave with the same number of balls with which he/she came. I guess that’s true on every course, no?!? Be prepared for a desert golf experience. If your ball ends up in the desert shrubbery, I wouldn’t stick my hand in there to retrieve it!
After a day of golf and lounging by the pool, dinner at PY Steakhouse, the premier dining destination at the resort, seemed like a logical agenda item! (PY refers to Pascua Yaqui.) The dining room at PY is intimate and well-lit, with nice spacing between tables. This upscale restaurant is frequently listed as a top recommendation by national rating organizations and is recognized for the superior wine list. I found the cocktails to be very well crafted, and reasonably priced. The chairs are comfy, the environment sophisticated but not stuffy. As is typical of most casino restaurants you’d be dressed appropriately in either special occasion/business attire, or more casual casino attire. Be prepared to spend $100 per person here for a three course meal. Everything we tried was good, with the standouts being the Seafood Sampler Appetizer (serves four), the escargots appetizer, the Filet Mignon -- and the desserts! Check online for specials, like Prime Rib night.
We also had occasion to try the Festa Buffet (yes, that’s Festa, not Fiesta) and it happened to be a Thursday evening. Everyone in Tucson seems to know that Thursday is Seafood Buffet Night at Festa! All-you-can-eat crab legs, shrimp, mussels, clams and more. There are plenty of items for the person who doesn’t really love seafood, as well. Yes, people will line up half an hour before opening to get in, and if you miss that first seating you’ll have to wait for about an hour until all those first seat-ers leave. My advice: either get there at 3:30 p.m. and get on the line or wait until after 7 p.m. I understand that Sunday Brunch is also popular here.
For a weekday breakfast, the only options are Moby’s or one of the two Starbuck’s onsite locations. We tried Moby’s one day. It has a rather limited menu, but you can get a basic egg or pancake breakfast there. Think Denny’s. The next day we opted for breakfast sandwiches at Starbucks, and took our food out to the Oasis Poolside Bar area to enjoy the lovely morning air.
Other sit-down dining options at Casino del Sol Resort include a sushi bar and a Mexican restaurant. The Bingo deli is the spot for a sandwich, and I can recommend the Prema Lobby Lounge for cozy spot, out of the casino lights and noise, to enjoy a relaxing adult beverage in the evening.
Casino del Sol tidbit: Sewailo means “flower world” in the Pascua Yaqui language.
- - - - - -
Page 1: Casino del Sol - Overview
Page 2: Resort Amenities and Golf
Page 3: The Casino and the Amphitheater
Page 4: My Take
Page 5: Location, Contact and What’s Nearby
Casino del Sol Resort - The Casino and the Amphitheater
Gaming is obviously an attraction at Casino del Sol Resort. Select your favorites of more than 1,300 slot machines, more than 20 table games (some in Spanish) with blackjack, and several poker varieties, and a 600-person bingo hall. Club Sol is the casino resort’s gaming loyalty program, offering five levels of membership: Copper, Opal, Jade, Ruby and Onyx.
The casino is huge, and broken up into several areas, with very high ceilings (aids in the air filtration, I’m sure) and a Mediterranean motif with arches and columns.
I enjoyed the design; each area was a less noisy than at some other casinos I have visited, where all the gaming is in one, huge gymnasium-like room.
One of the truly distinctive features of this resort is the fact that they have their own large-scale entertainment venue. The outdoor AVA Amphitheater seats about 5,000 people in a combination of reserved and lawn seating. Check the schedule to see nationally known bands, performers, shows and festivals are scheduled. All shows are rain or shine.
Casino del Sol tidbit: The resort has an ongoing program to attract and retain Pascua Yaqui Tribe members as employees at all levels, including management.
- - - - - -
Page 1: Casino del Sol - Overview
Page 2: Resort Amenities and Golf
Page 3: The Casino and the Amphitheater
Page 4: My Take
Page 5: Location, Contact and What’s Nearby
There are few perfect hotels or resorts. I like to call attention to specific items that I notice on my visits. These might be things that I believe could be improved, or they just might be practices or features that readers might want to know about before making a reservation. They might be important to you and they might not!
Things to Know Before You Go
- - - - - -
Page 1: Casino del Sol - Overview
Page 2: Resort Amenities and Golf
Page 3: The Casino and the Amphitheater
Page 4: My Take
Page 5: Location, Contact and What’s Nearby
Casino del Sol Resort
Read reviews and check rates at TripAdvisor.
Address:
5655 W. Valencia Road
Tucson, AZ 85757
Take I-10 to I-19 South and exit at Valencia Road. Turn right and follow Valencia for about six miles to resort entrance, on your left.
The resort is about 9-1/2 miles from Tucson International Airport. From the airport, head north to Valencia and take Valencia Road all the way west to the resort.
Mapping Coordinates:
32.130999,-111.086923
Phone:
1-855-765-7829
Online:
http://www.casinodelsolresort.com/
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/cdsresort
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/casinodelsol
What's Nearby
The following attractions are all located within about 15 miles of the Casino del Sol Resort.
If you are interested in crossing the border to Mexico at Nogales, AZ into Nogales, Sonora, Mexico, it is about a one hour drive from the resort. You would need a passport or passport card to cross the border.
- - - - - -
Page 1: Casino del Sol - Overview
Page 2: Resort Amenities and Golf
Page 3: The Casino and the Amphitheater
Page 4: My Take
Page 5: Location, Contact and What’s Nearby
As is common in the industry, the writer was provided with a complimentary stay for review purposes. While it has not influenced this review, About.com believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest. For more information, see our ethics policy. All prices and offerings mentioned herein are subject to change without notice. October 2014.
While there is a concentration of resorts in north and northeastern Tucson near the Catalina Mountains, a unique resort experience can be found in the southwestern part of Tucson, south of the downtown area. As of this writing (November 2014) Casino del Sol Resort is the only casino/resort combination in Tucson.
Casino del Sol (translated, means casino of the sun) is a tribal enterprise, built and operated by the Pascua Yaqui Tribe and located on their land.
It was designed and succeeds as a destination for upscale lodging, entertainment, relaxation and dining. It’s proximity to Tucson International Airport, University of Arizona and many Tucson area attractions makes it a preferred location for business travel, hosting conferences as well as for leisure travel.
The resort design incorporates as much a nod to Mediterranean style as it does to native accents. Unlike a few other Arizona resorts and hotels established by local Native American tribes, this place does not at all overwhelm with native influences. No fry bread burgers or lobby domes adorned with tribal art or symbols here. Actually, the only place where a focus on tribal art and customs can be found is in the conference center, where the hallways outside the ballrooms display a local artist’s work.
The resort has a total of 215 guest rooms and suites. The rooms are spacious and offer premium bedding, a refrigerator, self-brewing coffee system and a comfortable workstation. Suites are more than twice as large with a balcony, living room, a wet bar and a Jacuzzi tub.
Casino del Sol tidbit: The entrance to the resort is separate from the casino entrance, so you don’t have to walk through the casino (unless you want to!) to get to your room.
- - - - - -
Page 1: Casino del Sol - Overview
Page 2: Resort Amenities and Golf
Page 3: The Casino and the Amphitheater
Page 4: My Take
Page 5: Location, Contact and What’s Nearby
Casino del Sol Resort - Resort Pool, Spa, Dining and Golf
Yes, of course there’s a casino. More about that later! Even if casino gambling is not a big draw for you, you’ll find much to enjoy about a relaxing stay at Casino del Sol.
First of all, there’s the Oasis Pool. It’s heated, so you can lounge there all year long. There are very comfortable lounge chairs and cabanas available to rent. Food and beverage are close by; service hours vary seasonally. While there is no lazy river or waterslide here, I loved this pool.
I always wanted a pool that had a six-inch depth perimeter where I could sit in the water comfortably and read or just lie back. This pool has it! The center of the pool maxes out at about four feet deep, so there’s no diving here. There is a zero-depth entry at one end. So easy! Adjacent to the Oasis Pool is a lovely pop-jet fountain. Usually associated with toddler usage, you adults can enjoy it, too. C’mon, you know you want to….
I did not partake in any spa experiences here, but it is clear that the Hiapsi Spa is the place for renewal of both body and spirit. Here you will find some Native American influences in the products as well as the therapies. Individuals and couples may arrange treatments. Your hair and nails can also get refreshed. The adjacent resort fitness center is open 24 hours for resort guests.
Sewailo Golf Club is located immediately adjacent to the resort. Sewailo is phonetically pronounced suh-whale-oh or say-wahl-oh, depending on whom you ask! Former PGA professional and TV golf commentator Notah Begay III (Navajo/Pueblo) designed the course.
As a Troon property, you’d expect a high quality golf experience, and you will not be disappointed here. The carts have built in GPS systems. There are five tee boxes to accommodate every level of golfer. You will find enough trouble, both water and bunkers, to make this a challenging course, but an accurate (not necessarily long) hitter can leave with the same number of balls with which he/she came. I guess that’s true on every course, no?!? Be prepared for a desert golf experience. If your ball ends up in the desert shrubbery, I wouldn’t stick my hand in there to retrieve it!
After a day of golf and lounging by the pool, dinner at PY Steakhouse, the premier dining destination at the resort, seemed like a logical agenda item! (PY refers to Pascua Yaqui.) The dining room at PY is intimate and well-lit, with nice spacing between tables. This upscale restaurant is frequently listed as a top recommendation by national rating organizations and is recognized for the superior wine list. I found the cocktails to be very well crafted, and reasonably priced. The chairs are comfy, the environment sophisticated but not stuffy. As is typical of most casino restaurants you’d be dressed appropriately in either special occasion/business attire, or more casual casino attire. Be prepared to spend $100 per person here for a three course meal. Everything we tried was good, with the standouts being the Seafood Sampler Appetizer (serves four), the escargots appetizer, the Filet Mignon -- and the desserts! Check online for specials, like Prime Rib night.
We also had occasion to try the Festa Buffet (yes, that’s Festa, not Fiesta) and it happened to be a Thursday evening. Everyone in Tucson seems to know that Thursday is Seafood Buffet Night at Festa! All-you-can-eat crab legs, shrimp, mussels, clams and more. There are plenty of items for the person who doesn’t really love seafood, as well. Yes, people will line up half an hour before opening to get in, and if you miss that first seating you’ll have to wait for about an hour until all those first seat-ers leave. My advice: either get there at 3:30 p.m. and get on the line or wait until after 7 p.m. I understand that Sunday Brunch is also popular here.
For a weekday breakfast, the only options are Moby’s or one of the two Starbuck’s onsite locations. We tried Moby’s one day. It has a rather limited menu, but you can get a basic egg or pancake breakfast there. Think Denny’s. The next day we opted for breakfast sandwiches at Starbucks, and took our food out to the Oasis Poolside Bar area to enjoy the lovely morning air.
Other sit-down dining options at Casino del Sol Resort include a sushi bar and a Mexican restaurant. The Bingo deli is the spot for a sandwich, and I can recommend the Prema Lobby Lounge for cozy spot, out of the casino lights and noise, to enjoy a relaxing adult beverage in the evening.
Casino del Sol tidbit: Sewailo means “flower world” in the Pascua Yaqui language.
- - - - - -
Page 1: Casino del Sol - Overview
Page 2: Resort Amenities and Golf
Page 3: The Casino and the Amphitheater
Page 4: My Take
Page 5: Location, Contact and What’s Nearby
Casino del Sol Resort - The Casino and the Amphitheater
Gaming is obviously an attraction at Casino del Sol Resort. Select your favorites of more than 1,300 slot machines, more than 20 table games (some in Spanish) with blackjack, and several poker varieties, and a 600-person bingo hall. Club Sol is the casino resort’s gaming loyalty program, offering five levels of membership: Copper, Opal, Jade, Ruby and Onyx.
The casino is huge, and broken up into several areas, with very high ceilings (aids in the air filtration, I’m sure) and a Mediterranean motif with arches and columns.
I enjoyed the design; each area was a less noisy than at some other casinos I have visited, where all the gaming is in one, huge gymnasium-like room.
One of the truly distinctive features of this resort is the fact that they have their own large-scale entertainment venue. The outdoor AVA Amphitheater seats about 5,000 people in a combination of reserved and lawn seating. Check the schedule to see nationally known bands, performers, shows and festivals are scheduled. All shows are rain or shine.
Casino del Sol tidbit: The resort has an ongoing program to attract and retain Pascua Yaqui Tribe members as employees at all levels, including management.
- - - - - -
Page 1: Casino del Sol - Overview
Page 2: Resort Amenities and Golf
Page 3: The Casino and the Amphitheater
Page 4: My Take
Page 5: Location, Contact and What’s Nearby
There are few perfect hotels or resorts. I like to call attention to specific items that I notice on my visits. These might be things that I believe could be improved, or they just might be practices or features that readers might want to know about before making a reservation. They might be important to you and they might not!
Things to Know Before You Go
- Make sure you sign up for the Club Sol loyalty program before you do anything else at the resort, even if you don't gamble. Joining is free, and you might get a free dinner, or discounts in the gift shop, at restaurants and even golf. At the Festa Buffet, premium Club Sol members get seating preference.
- As with all golf courses in the Tucson and Phoenix deserts, the season for overseeding the golf courses is usually mid-September through October. Check with the pro shop for the schedule. After overseeding, the course will be available for cart path only play, and this is a long course to walk.
- The hotel and the restaurants at Casino del Sol are non-smoking, but that’s about it. There are no non-smoking areas in the casino, and smoking is permitted at the pool and on the lawn at the amphitheater.
- While there are subtle nods here and there, there are no Native American art or culture tours here. With the exception of the hallways in the ballroom corridor (where Native American art is not at all subtle) you might not even notice that this is a Native American enterprise.
- The pool is lovely, but not large. There is only one. That means that if there is a convention at the resort, it might get rather crowded there. If there is a special event, party or wedding poolside, it might be closed to other resort guests altogether.
- How about the kids? Honestly, this resort is about the adult experience. Children are certainly permitted to accompany adults to dine at the resort’s restaurants, and attend performances at the AVA Amphitheater (check ticket details to make sure there are no age restrictions). The Oasis Pool and pop-jet fountain are available to the younger set. There’s not much else for kids to do here. No kids clubs, video games, laser tag, waterslides. No tennis, shuffleboard, dive-in movies or hiking trails. The golf course is a short walk from the resort, so I suppose they could go to the driving range and hit some balls. Bottom line, unless your children are very young, or they are old enough to drive to get around to local attractions, this might not be the right resort to bring the family.
- Beginning in 2014 a resort surcharge is added to the bill. It is based on a percentage of the room rate, but it was not clear to me what, if any, amenities it covers.
- - - - - -
Page 1: Casino del Sol - Overview
Page 2: Resort Amenities and Golf
Page 3: The Casino and the Amphitheater
Page 4: My Take
Page 5: Location, Contact and What’s Nearby
Casino del Sol Resort
Read reviews and check rates at TripAdvisor.
Address:
5655 W. Valencia Road
Tucson, AZ 85757
Take I-10 to I-19 South and exit at Valencia Road. Turn right and follow Valencia for about six miles to resort entrance, on your left.
The resort is about 9-1/2 miles from Tucson International Airport. From the airport, head north to Valencia and take Valencia Road all the way west to the resort.
Mapping Coordinates:
32.130999,-111.086923
Phone:
1-855-765-7829
Online:
http://www.casinodelsolresort.com/
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/cdsresort
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/casinodelsol
What's Nearby
The following attractions are all located within about 15 miles of the Casino del Sol Resort.
- University of Arizona
- Saguaro National Park
- International Wildlife Museum
- Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
- Mission San Xavier del Bac
- Arizona Aerospace Foundation (Pima Air Museum)
- Reid Park Zoo
- Starr Pass Golf Club
- 4th Avenue (bars, restaurants)
If you are interested in crossing the border to Mexico at Nogales, AZ into Nogales, Sonora, Mexico, it is about a one hour drive from the resort. You would need a passport or passport card to cross the border.
- - - - - -
Page 1: Casino del Sol - Overview
Page 2: Resort Amenities and Golf
Page 3: The Casino and the Amphitheater
Page 4: My Take
Page 5: Location, Contact and What’s Nearby
As is common in the industry, the writer was provided with a complimentary stay for review purposes. While it has not influenced this review, About.com believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest. For more information, see our ethics policy. All prices and offerings mentioned herein are subject to change without notice. October 2014.
