El Conquistador Tucson, A Hilton Resort

Too much money for a duplex called a “casita” Resort fee for staying down the block from the main hotel building. Dark, dingy, slider look locked but can be pushed open, someone’s blood on the blanket, crawling bugs, flying bugs, bugs caught in the curtains, smashed bugs on the walls, dirty. Dirty carpet. A/C sounded like a big rig starting up all night. Coyotes cackling like they in the duplex with us. Awake all night, then left. Never stayed in a Hilton like this and it seems like Hilton brand has slipped, no longer quality. Too much money for what we got, left there feeling worse than when we arrived. We should’ve been told we would not be staying in the main hotel (with it’s amenities). The only sane thing was the room service!

The Hilton El Conquistador is a gorgeous property, but the staff is what makes this place too-shelf. Kind, welcoming, accommodating and just awesome people. I’ll be back!

It was fine. For a resort, I didn't think it was anything too special. The location is definitely picturesque, and the staff at the hotel were very friendly. My issue was my room. If you have the option, do NOT stay in a casita. My other coworkers were in the rooms connected to the actual hotel and had no issues. I was in a casita and, while the room itself was nice and comfortable, I unfortunately had issues with my AC functioning properly at night. I spoke with Lisa at the front desk (who was more than happy to help me solve my problem), but the hotel was never able to fix the AC so that it would not shut off in the middle of the night during my stay.

I did like the little grab and go café, but I'd recommend skipping the sit down breakfast café. It was a little over priced and the food quality was fairly average.

EL CONQUISTADOR. HIT OR MISS?

WHO AM I?
I was a solo traveler, attending a conference for 2.5 days. I had a double room w/balcony facing the casitas. Rm 1225 near the elevators, stairs, and parking lot.

WHAT IS MY OVERALL IMPRESSION?
I have read mixed reviews on several travel platforms about this property. Which is a quandary. For starters,
the resort is built on a mountain. If your room is outside of the main hotel, there will be walking involved.and possibly huffing and puffing. I'm pretty fit and it was 100° plus outdoors and I had to take an extra breath or so. But I learned well. Don't forget anything in the car.

Perhaps because I was here during a conference I lucked out. I experienced excellent guest relations, restaurant services, and enjoyed the property feverishly. I watched three movies in my room, slept well and was refreshed throughout my stay. The biggest bang for me was that the property is located within an established and well developed community. I had a car so all of the conveniences I have as a San Diego city girl were within 2 miles of this property (Walmart, Sprouts, restaurants, Dollar Tree, CVS, gas). There is even an aquatic center with water slides, pools and fun less than two miles away. Hold up! The Sabino Canyon and Santa Catalina hiking were 4-15 miles. I mean, this was perfect for me and my interests. If I had more days, I might have enjoyed the pool and fire pits. Since I've never been to Tucson and the MOUNTAINS were speaking directly to my soul, I pursued outdoor endeavors.

The resort activities matched the calendar. The piano musician was delightful. I ate here the first night, at the bar which was a chicken poblano quesadilla. The chicken white meat was tough, boiled and bland so I only ate one triangle. But it was big enough for two. Since I had my own transportation it wasn't worth eating at the hotel.

The hotel prides itself on cleanliness and sanitation with fixated stickers on bathroom mirrors. I assure you this may not be communicated to housekeeping. This needs to be improved. The room I stayed in was 3.8/5.

At check-out, I received a lovely! I hope you enjoyed your stay text. Last, you can literally watch the sunrise right from the property. Perhaps your own balcony. Winning!

WHAT WERE THE THUMBS DOWN?
Lighting in the bathroom and the vanity area sucks for makeup application
Hot water was warm
Slow water sink flow
Shower head needs to be replaced, I think a bird would appreciate the shower.
Bath gel empty. I brought my own but I do still check.

HIGH FIVES
Aesthetically inviting property. If your profession is landscape architect, kudos.
Love the hotel lobby and entry doors.
Plenty of small quaint and quiet areas to read, study, chat, convene, or enjoy the scenery.
Linda Vista trail can be accessed from the property. Keep straight past the golf course AND the tennis courts. You'll see a dirt road on the left hand side. Follow that road to the beginning of the trail.

OTHER THING TO CONSIDER
IMO, the outdoor parking lot area to transition from main hotel to casitas and golf course or spa is not physical disability friendly or stroller friendly. The terrain is smooth for sure and maintained but the "incline hillage factor". Ummm. Heck, my suitcase started rolling down the hill. Not even joking.

WILL I RETURN?
On my own dime? I'm not sure because I wonder if the conference was the key to excellence. The reviews across platforms are so varied that it seems the overall Hilton experience here is likely 3/5. Bummer.

“Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there, ' and it will move. Matthew 16: 20.

#juken123
#hilton
#elconquistador
#tucsonresort
#fixtheshowerhead

Rooms had bugs and frogs, two out of 4 of our rooms never cooled off. We had 11 kids and were told we didn't have enough people to keep the slide going.

Wife and I came up for a one night getaway from the kids for a marriage retreat. Staff anticipated this expertly and placed us in a room with two beds so we could have our space from eachother. We hate sleeping in too and the extra thin walls with screaming children next door at 0600 the next morning made us feel right at home. 10/10 would go again. (In all seriousness the staff were wonderful and polite and the overall location was beautiful, I think we just got caught in a series of unfortunate events)

This resort is so beautiful and relaxing I really enjoyed my stay it was such an pleasant amazing experience especially for my birthday! I will most definitely be back to stay soon!

I am commander of an American legion post in Cottonwood Arizona, and was there for an American Legion convention with hundreds of other members at a negotiated room rate of $109 per night, for 3 nights. When I received the bill it had me charged $134 per night, of course plus tax. When I called about the error the reservationist was very friendly and understanding (as were all the staff personnel that I encountered), she got the problem corrected and sent me a new bill with the room rate corrected saving me $85.92, but there was an additional charge for smoking of $250.00 plus $21.50 tax. We never smoked in the room only on the patio with the slider closed. When I confronted the reservationist again and asked her what that was she said that there was smoking only in designated areas, not outside the room but she would try to get the smoking charge dropped. 2 days and I haven't heard a word. The Arizona legion has been meeting there for the last 2 years, these additional charges have never been a problem in the past. I heard from other members that are also going through the same thing. Oh I forgot to mention that I'm also a Hilton honors member. NOT PLEASED, NOT PLEASED AT ALL!

Location is picturesque. Grounds are maintained. Rooms and facilities are dated but maintained. Leave the hotel for dining options as F&B onsite have lost their way and so many restaurant options in Tucson now. Pool area is great for families and adults. Love the hot and cool pools.

Great property with cozy rooms that need upkeep. Carpeted areas were often wet and musty due to weather and constant foot traffic from guests utilizing pool area. Guests' personal trash was commonly seen placed outside in common areas.
Courteous and friendly staff make up for the property's shortfalls.

Google, you think you're so smart at tracking my phone! I pass the hotel, repeatedly, and eat lunch or sit and pray or read in the parking lot of the church at the top of the hill. Yet that little church has not shown up once for me to review. This is how gossip starts!
I took my mom here for the best 4th of July fireworks display. The view is refreshing and so quiet.

Lovely destination or stay-cation resort. The staff is all so helpful. Love the pool, the restaurants, and the special activities that a planned in the summer. Fabulous gift shop too!

Great time with the family, wonderful place for a staycation to beat the heat. Pool worked out perfect for the kids, drinks for Mom. S'mores and movies at night what else can a dad ask for!

We wanted to love this place but it’s incredibly misleading in every manner. The casitas were incredibly filthy. It was disgusting. There was black mold on the vents and on the shower curtain. We found bugs, hair and blood on the sheets as well. There was a horrific musty odor we couldn’t get rid of. Both restaurants were just average and overpriced. They could care less about their guests, when we complained they acted like we were lying. Look at the low ratings and believe them.

Stayed there on a weekend (Friday - Sunday) for a work conference. Definitely would return with family or for work.

Resort was easy to find geographically.

Upon arrival, there was plenty of staff to assist with anything at the entrance. Check in was a breeze. Eliana was very helpful with less known "secrets" about the resort, and with a room upgrade.

The lobby is beautiful. Lots of places for small groups to sit / gather and chat.

I was placed in a large room, which happened to be handicap-capable. The room was clean and tidy, but nothing special.

Two bottles of water were in the room without additional charge. Nice touch.

Be aware that the USB port on the bedside lamp turns OFF when you turn off the light. Found that surprising.

The bed was comfortable. Linen was clean.

It was very surprising to me that the room was not "turned over", cleaned, or trash emptied on Saturday.

Beware that the coffee maker is under the TV, hidden in a "drawer". There is also a small fridge under the TV behind a door.

Internet is SOLID throughout the hotel, as it should be.

The gym was spartan, but workable.

The large conference room was ok. I did not like the acoustics of the room - way too much echo due to the reflective / hard walls, making listening to presentations difficult.

For mass-produced food, the meeting lunches and dinners were nicely done.

The outdoor pool is a major attraction for kids and adults. There is a bar next to the pool.

This is a resort that is family friendly and amenable for small to medium-sized meetings.

Given the chance, I would definitely return for another meeting or with family.

Loved it here. Nice clean room, friendly staff, enjoyed the pool and food. Was pleasantly surprised with this location. Will be back regularly.

I have really mixed feelings on this “resort”, because we did have a fun trip and the hotel does have some good amenities. However, the quality of the casitas were mediocre at best.

The hotel itself is attractive from the outside, and is very big with plenty of rooms in both the main building and the casitas. We opted for a casita, which on the website looked beautiful and promised a lot. The casitas range from close to the hotel to very far away on a steep hill. Ours was decently close to the main lobby, but you still have to walk up a steep parking lot to get to the restaurants/amenities.

However, when you arrive, the hotel rooms do not match the pictures at all. The casitas are very dated, run-down and dirty. Our first casita had a super strong odor of mold. At first, we thought it was just a musty or closed odor, until I noticed one of the vents was CAKED in black mold. We are very sensitive to mold and already started feeling the respiratory symptoms after a few hours.

We also may have felt sick due to the overall condition of the casita. The carpet was incredibly filthy and had an odor itself. It had black stains everywhere and a white film of dust behind all of the beds and furniture. The TV stands also had a coating of dust, the deck had fallen roof tiles, and there were multiple hairs and a black bug (alive) in the sheets.

After two days, we started feeling pretty awful, so we asked for a room replacement. The man at the front desk was beyond rude when we brought it up. He had no empathy and basically told us that this is typical for the hotel. Which is advertised as a “luxury hotel” online.

Our room replacement was not much better, whatsoever. It had less of an odor, but one of the bathrooms had a similar stench of mold, which we actually figured out was due to the shower curtain, which had active black mold growth (see pictures). The wallpaper was peeling due to water damage, there was a blood stain on one of the beds, and the dust issue was just as bad (see photo of top of the refrigerator). We didn’t sit on the couch at all because it was tattered and stained, obviously decades old. Multiple TV’s did not work during our stay.

The hotel’s other amenities were mostly good. We didn’t try the pool, but we tried both restaurants along with the coffee shop on the grounds. The lobby has a musty smell and multiple roof leaks. There is a gift shop that is very overpriced. Sundance Cafe, the breakfast restaurant, was good but not great. Epazote, the dinner restaurant, was a great ambience but had lackluster service and food. We ordered room service and the food was also decent but nothing extraordinary.

When we went to check out, the girl at the desk said the manager would call us. He did call us and offered us about $1,000 off, we paid around $3,000 so it was about a 1/3rd of a full refund. He was apologetic but I assume this is something he gets all of the time, even though he acted like it wasn’t. The only nice people we dealt with was the manager and the bellboys were very friendly.

By the way, check for any extra charges. We got double charged and had to deal with the credit card company to dispute it.

First, the front desk checked me into and occupied room. Contacted front desk immediately asking for a key to another room. They said that a bellman would bring me the key in a few minutes, but 30 minutes went by and I never received the keys. I had to call again, and explain the whole situation to another front desk agent to be able to get a key to another room.
After I get to the room, I found bad bugs in one of the beds. I decided to sleep on the other bed and not deal with all the issues with moving rooms again in the middle of the night.
Next day, I walk to the front desk to communicate all problems I had, and all I hear is an “I’m sorry, we will note your complaint”.
At this point, I don’t even know if someone read or care about the guest’s reviews.

A fancy place that does not have cognac glasses at its bar? REALLY? Two years ago they still had 3!