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The Inns at El Rancho Merlita

The Inns at El Rancho Merlita

1924 N. Corte El Rancho Merlita
Tucson, AZ 85715
United States of America

(520) 495-0071
(888) 218-8418

 

Circa 1954. Originally the Southern Arizona brick ranch home of cosmetics founder Merle Norman, this restored award-winning retreat boasts a New West style with Old West hospitality and views of the Catalina Mountains. Sit on shaded porches, swim in the pool or soak in the spa. Play table tennis or pitch horseshoes. For total relaxation, yoga and massage sessions are available in the private studio and there are desert meditation gardens. Stay in a professionally decorated luxury guest room or a whirlpool suite with steam shower and patio. Generous upscale amenities are included. Freshly ground and brewed signature coffee from locally roasted beans starts each day. The creative gourmet breakfast offers a variety of menu options and many ingredients come from the Tucson Farmer's Market. Plan to explore the nearby Saguaro National Park East.

For more information visit their website:
The Inns at El Rancho Merlita



Customer Reviews

Overall
5 hearts

5 based on

4
 reviews

Service
Condition
Cleanliness
Room Comfort
Location

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Rates

$89 to $295

Payment types accepted include Master Card, American Express, Discover, Travelers Checks and Visa.

Meals Included in Rates:

  • Afternoon Tea
  • Breakfast
  • Snacks/Refreshments

Events Hosted

  • Romantic Getaways
  • Honeymoons
  • Reunions
  • Meetings
  • Seminars

Available Food Service

  • Afternoon Tea
  • Early Coffee/Tea
  • Full Breakfast
  • Full Gourmet Breakfast
  • Snacks/Refreshments
  • Vegetarian Breakfast

Other Activities

  • Museums
  • Live Theater
  • Horseback Riding
  • Hiking
  • Golf
  • Bicycling
  • Art Galleries
  • Antiquing
  • Parks
  • Shopping (Local Crafts)
  • Sports Events, Major College
  • Wineries

On-Site Spa Services

  • Yoga/Meditation
  • Private Trainer
  • Massages
  • Fitness Center

Innkeeper(s)

Pattie Bell

Rooms

This property has 8 total guest accommodations with private bath, 1 with fireplace, 3 with whirlpools, 1 two-bedroom suite. The types of beds available include Queen and King.

Amenities In Room

  • Central Air
  • Television
  • Air Conditioning
  • Bath Amenities
  • Stereo
  • Reading Lamps
  • Hair Dryer
  • DVD
  • Data Ports
  • Clock Radio
  • Cable TV
  • CD Player
  • Bathrobes
  • Refrigerator
  • Iron/Ironing Board
  • Fireplace
  • Desk
  • Wireless Internet Access

Amenities On Site

  • PC
  • Limited Handicap Access
  • Computers
  • Hot Tub/Spa
  • Handicap Access
  • Copy Machine
  • Gift Shop
  • DVD
  • Swimming
  • Phone
  • Parlor Games
  • Library
  • Fireplace
  • Fax
  • Television

Business Traveler Amenities

  • Desk
  • FAX On-site
  • Flexible Cancellation
  • Gym Nearby
  • Hair Dryer
  • Internet Access
  • Iron/Ironing Board
  • Off-site Dry Cleaning Services
  • Television
  • Wireless Internet Access

Visit Website

The Inns at El Rancho Merlita

Map

Location: City/Urban.


Romantic Interest

Historic, rustic, western ambiance. Very peaceful surroundings including a pool with a hot tub and a master suite with steam shower, whirlpool tub, and private patio.

Historic Interest

Built in 1954 by cosmetics mogul Merle Norman. Hand built double wide brick building with old-world brick details, masonry fireplaces, and ceiling beams.

Weather

Policies

Cancellation:14 days advance notice needed for a cancellation. $25 fee for all cancellations.
Smoking:Smoke Free Property.

Guest Reviews   |   write a review

At A Glance

100% would stay again
Last reviewed on7/28/2010
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5 of 5 hearts  4 reviews
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Relaxed attention to detail

The Inns at El Rancho Merlita

5 of 5 hearts
Fred M
Bisbee, AZ
7/28/2010

We stayed for only one night...our mistake, book for 2 or more. The ranch has been restored with loving care and many small thoughtful touches. Pattie, the innkeeper, was knowledgable about the history of the former Merle Norman-owned hideout, and a wonderful host. Amenities, from a great movie selection and free wi-fi, to the secluded hot tub by the pool and the tasty breakfast indicate the concern for guests enjoyment. We own an Inn in Bisbee and know how difficult it is to provide the level of guest services that El Rancho offers. We have stayed in most of the larger resorts and several of the smaller places, this one is the best.

  • My ratings for this property
    • 5 of 5 heartsLocation
    • 5 of 5 heartsComfort
    • 5 of 5 heartsCondition
    • 5 of 5 heartsCleanliness
    • 5 of 5 heartsService
BOTTOM LINE: I would stay here again.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes (0 votes)
InnSide Tip - read email confirmation!
The main gate is controlled by a keypad, make sure you have the gate code and the directions to El Rancho, received through your confirmation email, when you go. Don't rely on Mapquest it is wrong!
This review is the subjective opinion of an iLoveInns.com user and not of iLoveInns.com or American Historic Inns, Inc.
Pre-Honeymoon Night

The Inns at El Rancho Merlita

5 of 5 hearts
Monika H
7/7/2010

My husband and I stayed here the night before our honeymoon. The Merle Norman suite was incredibly romantic and secluded! It had a real wood fireplace ready to go, gourmet chocolate, a private walk-in closet, bathroom with a jacuzzi tub and even a private porch. The breakfast was amazing too. I only wish we could have stayed longer, but we'll be back!

  • My ratings for this property
    • 5 of 5 heartsLocation
    • 5 of 5 heartsComfort
    • 5 of 5 heartsCondition
    • 5 of 5 heartsCleanliness
    • 5 of 5 heartsService
BOTTOM LINE: I would stay here again.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes (0 votes)
This review is the subjective opinion of an iLoveInns.com user and not of iLoveInns.com or American Historic Inns, Inc.
THE place to stay in Tucson.

The Inns at El Rancho Merlita

5 of 5 hearts
Michele C
Bear Valley Springs, CA
7/4/2010

My husband and I just returned from our stay in Tucson at El Rancho Merlita. We loved the beautifully comfortable ranch house, the peaceful atmosphere, and the quiet and restful nights. Everything was luxurious. We were delighted by Pattie's fantastic breakfasts and afternoon refreshments. We were in Tucson during the summer heat so we had our breakfasts inside at the window, watching the abundant wildlife activity outside. We appreciated all the help Pattie gave in planning day trips and recommendations. We look forward to a return stay.

  • My ratings for this property
    • 5 of 5 heartsLocation
    • 5 of 5 heartsComfort
    • 5 of 5 heartsCondition
    • 5 of 5 heartsCleanliness
    • 5 of 5 heartsService
BOTTOM LINE: I would stay here again.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes (0 votes)
This review is the subjective opinion of an iLoveInns.com user and not of iLoveInns.com or American Historic Inns, Inc.
Magical place!

The Inns at El Rancho Merlita

5 of 5 hearts
V C
6/27/2010

My best friend, of 18 years, and I have tried to get away for years, for a 'girl's get-away'. This weeked we did. The Inn did not disappoint. It was wonderful beyond expectation! It was the most beautiful home I have ever been in. Every detail was above and beyond what is standard, anywhere. Food was wonderful, massages were terrific and Patti (our Inn Keeper) took time to answer all our questions about the property and it's history. The pool was to die for! Salt water is the answer! We are going back again, you can bet on that! We will also tell everyone we know how terrific this stay was.

  • My ratings for this property
    • 5 of 5 heartsLocation
    • 5 of 5 heartsComfort
    • 5 of 5 heartsCondition
    • 5 of 5 heartsCleanliness
    • 5 of 5 heartsService
BOTTOM LINE: I would stay here again.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes (0 votes)
This review is the subjective opinion of an iLoveInns.com user and not of iLoveInns.com or American Historic Inns, Inc.

Publicity and Press Reviews

Arizona Daily Star
October 18, 2007
One Final Makeover

Arizona Daily Star
Foothills - March 5, 2009
(Show) House Party

Tucson Home Magazine
Spring, 2009
Designer Showhouse 2009

Arizona Daily Star
East – August 8, 2009
Hospitality at Rancho Merlita

Arizona Daily Star
June 1, 2010
Ranch House with a story discovers niche as a B&B, KSAZ FOX 10 -- Phoenix
March 3, 2009
Cool House

KMSB Fox 11 -- Tucson
February 2010
Tucson Treasures.

Other Ratings: 3 AAA Diamonds, iLoveInns Guests

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