The Downtown Clifton, Tucson PLACE SETTING LOCAL HOTEL OWNERS CREATE SPECIAL SPACES INFUSED WITH ARIZONA CHARACTER Throughout the state, memorable lodging experiences are brought to life by Arizona locals. These accommodations offer more than just a room to sleep and stash belongings; they imbue the experience of Arizona into each thoughtful detail, from the design to the cuisine. Flanked by palm trees and cacti, the rainbow-arched entrance adorned with the phrase “Tucson is magic” is a fitting welcome to Hotel McCoy . The vintage motor-lodge first opened its doors in 1978 as part of the E-Z 8 Motels chain. Today, the completely renovated property beams with new energy. Colorful murals and artwork created by local artists adorn the exterior and interior walls. Brightly colored Adirondack chairs line the heated saltwater pool and mid-century modern touches nod to the hotel’s earlier days. “There’s a story behind everything old, and we’re really drawn to that in this very digital world we live in,” says Nicole Dahl, the hotel’s vice president of brand and creative. “We really try to consider if we’re doing the 30 Hotel McCoy, Tucson building and the story an honor by changing it or keeping it.” The hotel not only draws inspiration from the Arizona community — offering locally created beer, wine, coffee and music — but it seeks to foster a sense of community for travelers, too. The common areas and amenities invite exploration and appreciation of the surrounding area and culture. Rent a bike (for free) to hop on the nearby Also in Tucson, The Downtown Clifton curates a seldom-seen sense of kinship among travelers and nearby residents. Owner Moniqua Lane describes it VISITARIZONA.COM TOP TO BOTTOM: CHRIS MOONEY; @TGEIST23 El Paso and Southwestern Greenway multi-use path and pedal up to Barrio Viejo, Tucson’s historic neighborhood dotted with classic adobe homes and Mexican cantinas. Pick up your next read at the on-site Barrio Books, a bilingual and Latinx-owned independent bookstore curating a broad range of BIPOC titles. Strike up a conversation with fellow guests over a game of foosball, cornhole, ping pong or pinball. “We really designed the space to be somewhere where anyone could feel welcome and you could exchange conversation with other people that were drawn to the same place as you,” says Dahl. “We’ve had so many friendships develop at the hotel between the travelers.”
Arizona Official State Travel Guide Arizona 2023-24: Page 30
