Diamond Resorts Varsity Clubs of America Tucson

Diamond Resorts Varsity Clubs of America Tucson. This is my first time staying in the heart of Tucson so I am looking forward to this trip.

Video by Welcome To Tucson Arizona

Day One Travel & Arrival at Diamond Resorts Varsity Clubs of America Tucson

My trip begins with a flight into the area. Recently, I have been able to book resorts back to back, but not on this trip. I had to go back home to finish up some business before returning to the area for some more travel fun.

I enjoy Arizona a good bit, so I do not mind the flights. I do try to find flights with as few stops and layovers as possible while yet getting a deal on the flight.

I flew into Tucson International Airport which is only a 20-minute drive from the resort in my rental car. The rental car company messed up my rental reservation but they upgraded me and with my credit card features or benefits, I did not need to purchase the extra insurance, so I ended up ahead of the game.

My accommodations were spot on and I booked the 1 bedroom but they also have nice sized 2 bedroom villas available as well.

Villa Amenities

Then the resort itself offers all of these options.

Resort Amenities

Absolutely loved staying here. The staff was unbelievably friendly and professional, except for the receptionist that worked nights, (never spoke to me or looked up from her book as she essentially tossed the fitness center key across the counter to me when asked for it,) but I won’t let one bad apple spoil the bunch. The rest of the staff went above and beyond to create an amazing experience during my stay. The Fitness center was compact but was completely adequate. The hot tub and pool area are amazing, spent loads of time out there. The rooms are wonderful; the king-sized bed was so soft. No complaints, would stay here again and again.

Quiet, clean, and friendly. Maybe I haven’t traveled in a while but checking in at 4 seems late and checkout at 10 seems early. That doesn’t give travelers a lot of time to enjoy the facility or surroundings. Because they are suited, with a full kitchen, it is really better to stay more than one night to really take advantage of the hotel and sightseeing around town.

Great value. Clean with ample space. Full-size fridge and basic kitchen. Nice soaking tub with seemingly endless hot water. Did not use the pool or spa, but they were open and clean. Two gas grills in the rear of the pool area. The staff was friendly and professional. Will try to stay here anytime I have a need for overnight lodging in Tucson. No question. 5 stars!

From the moment I saw it online and when I arrived to check in, I was amazed. Since 2020, I’ve become a frequent visitor. [Thank you varsity] I’m a club member now after back-to-back stays in a three-month period … however the rooms truly will have you making yourself come live to your own apartment. The peace and security of no one being able to enter the building after 10 pm. The pure hospitable service rendered by hotel staff. The swift service of housekeeping. Respectful guests even make it quality as one would receive at a high-end hotel. But the price locked me In, and it’s number one top of my 5-star stay cations.

This place was awesome! Full-size fridge with two burners and all the dishes and pots and pans and silverware you will need. Along with a dishwasher, too. The bathtub is deep enough for two! The amenities are also above and beyond. Pool table, Foosball table, and ping-pong table for everyone to use. Nice pool and jacuzzi that’s open until 10 pm. You will love this place!!!

We were in town for a funeral. We were treated so kindly and all needs and requests were met quickly and w professional respect. Very much enjoyed and appreciated the property and guest services.

The service was phenomenal! Checking in was a breeze, and the receptionist was more than just helpful. The security guard makes sure the grounds were secure, and they even made sure we were okay when we walked across the street to McDonald’s. Both. The receptionist and security guard waited outside the hotel and waited for us to return as we went late at night.

Day Two Caving Time

I chose to go on a classic cave tour with the Colossal Cave which is

Classic Cave Tour

This half-mile-long guided walk takes about 40 minutes to complete. It’s the perfect family-friendly introduction to the Cave. You’ll learn about the Cave’s history, its legends (like train robbers and ghosts), and its unique geology. As you descend approximately six stories deep (363 stair steps) you’ll see some amazing cave formations including stalactites, stalagmites, flowstone, box work, and helictites that were sculpted by millions of years of geological activity. And keep an eye out for the wildlife too!

Tours are given daily on the hour, year-round. No special gear is needed on this tour, just comfortable walking shoes. This is our most popular tour and space is limited, so make your reservation early to ensure your place.

As you can see from the information on the website, this cave journey is a guided tour and about ½ mile in length. The trip through was fairly easy and certainly easier than other options available. This was also the least expensive, at only $22 per person. On a hot day, the cave is much cooler than the outside temperature and that makes it a welcome escape from the heat above ground.

The cave is Southwest of Tucson, so it is not a bad drive from the resort. I would say it was less than 1 hour.

Day Three Biosphere

I wanted to visit Biosphere 2 and look into their research around aquaponics and their study of the ecosystem. I am not one who wants to grow my own food and be self-sufficient, but I am interested in it.

Tickets here are a bargain at only $25 a person and give you full tour access for a guided experience that is certainly unique.

From their website:

The Biosphere 2 Experience app includes never before seen photos and videos that visualize the science and 30-year history. Through science stories and interviews, you’ll have the opportunity to learn more about our amazing, world-class research as you traverse a safe (socially distanced) one-way path around the exterior and through the human habitat and wilderness areas of Biosphere 2!

The Biosphere 2 Experience will take approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes to complete.

Biosphere 2 is open every day (except Thanksgiving and Christmas) from 9 am-4 pm.

My experience was a tad slower just because it was a full mile loop and I was not moving fast the entire time. I would like to go again when more of the site was accessible after the added COVID protocols are removed.

After the tour, I headed to the nearby town of Oracle for lunch at the Orehouse Hilltop Tavern which was a nice place to eat and enjoy a bit of the afternoon. I had a few beers, and some brisket, and I tried some of their pulled pork. You can’t go wrong with pit-cooked pork, but the rest of the Nation still can not touch North Carolina style.

Want to visit and enjoy Tucson, then try this resort as your home base and book through TZort.