El Rancho Robles Guest Ranch

Traveler

To start - this review is based on the fact the hotel was closing the week after we were there. Something we did not know beforehand. To say this is rustic is an under statement. There are NO, TV's, radio or clocks in the room. The A/C for each room is a portable roll-around floor model that you find at Wal-Mart. And they are noisy. There is, however, good Wi-Fi in the rooms. The grounds are fairly nice - but this is the desert so there are limitations. All this for $140 per night. Ridiculous.

Stephanie Figueroa

We weren’t necessarily looking for paradise, but we found it here at the end of a long driveway. Recent rains helped turn everything green, and the flowers brought tons of butterflies. Meandering paths, lined with wildflowers and mature mesquite trees separate individual casitas. There are over 20 acres to explore, plus a lavender farm within walking distance. If you’re looking for peace and quiet, this place really is an oasis in the Arizona desert. There was no TV in our room, but WiFi was readily accessible. After the first couple minutes, it was actually nice not to rely on the TV for entertainment. We will definitely be back to wander, appreciate, and recharge.

Michelle Cali

This place was once a beautiful getaway. But unfortunately, time and Covid-19 has taken its toll on this place. The pool and sauna are no longer there. The pool is empty and full of dead leaves. And the sauna has been converted into a koi pond. The place has lost its former glory. Even though the staff is absolutely wonderful, there is just not enough white paint to cover the numerous repairs done to the place we stayed in. The desert landscape did little to hide the tired feel of the grounds that at times felt more like a ghost town This is not a place I would take family. Instead, it's where you go if you want to escape humanity, but still want the pleasure of having running water and air conditioning. Think, 'the camp counselor lodge', back in your childhood summer camp days. It's a step up from sleeping in a tent. If I had a few million dollars, I would investment in making this place look like the diamond in the desert that it should be. It's got 'good bones', and the ability to rise back up from the dust. I hope somehow/someday, this aging beauty can be resurrected. In the meantime, if you are a writer needing complete alone time to work, or someone needing to get away and 'find yourself', then I recommend this place. All others, I suggest checking out places closer to humanity, ( and an actual grocery store and hospital).

Jim Bergstrom

This historic guest ranch goes back to the days of visitors from snowy central states who looked for the ideal place to spend their Winter, a place to ride horses, attend sing-alongs at an open pit barbecue, and walk in the desert to observe wildlife. El Ranch has seen it all over the years and has been lovingly restored in the last few years to its former dude ranch glory. This is a large property, maybe 15 acres, and has dozens of fine buildings. The rooms are carefully appointed with fine furniture and comfy beds. Some have their own fireplaces and all have excellent access so you won't be lugging your suitcase across a lawn to get to your room. The guest ranch is particularly adaptable to large groups who rent the whole place for a 3-Day conference, an entire wedding party and ceremony, or a meditation group seeking the peace and quiet of such a gentle space. The buildings are beautiful adobe or wood structures and the main buildings, including one that has a compact underground bar and disco dance floor, have great views into the nicely landscaped commons. You expect to see Cary Grant or Spencer Tracy walking through the front entry gate as they search for that bar and hope to find Greta waiting with a fresh Daiquiri. I've had friends stay here and the management is attentive and caring in every aspect. Its beyond customer service and almost like having a personal valet. The prices, also, are totally reasonable compared to the crowded resorts in Tucson proper or Scottsdale up north. This satisfying guest ranch is in the country, yet right off the highway, so the rest of your explorations in Tucson are only 30 minutes away. Pretty nice, eh?