Atira Hotels Adds Lodge on the Desert Resort to its Portfolio for $16 Million

TUCSON, ARIZONA, October 6, 2022 — Atira Hotels has added the Lodge on the Desert Resort at 306 N Alvernon Way in Tucson to its hospitality portfolio. Purchased for $16 million ($157,000 per room) the transaction closed on September 29, 2022.

Atira Hotels c/o Sanjeev Misra is one of the hotel industry’s top hotel management, hotel investment and hotel development companies based out of Chicago, Illinois. The principals have been involved in the development and operation of hotels from over 20 franchise brands in ten states across the United States and have managed and asset managed hotel properties across the United States and Canada. This is Atira’s first property in Tucson.

Lodge on the Desert was built in 1937 and was sold by Lodge Partners c/o Robert Nahom of Paradise Valley, AZ. There has only been three owners of the property since it was built. Nahom purchased the property out of bankruptcy six year ago, and brought it back to life with $3 million in improvements.

“We learned to empower our people during the pandemic,” Nahom told us. “During the pandemic, it was important to keep all of our employees together, with occupancy dropping from 85% to 7% in the first month of the pandemic, we didn’t lay anyone off and used our PPE funds to keep employees working. This paid off in the end when competitors couldn’t find people to reopen, we were fully staffed with housekeeping, restaurant and pool all open for business.”

The employees were also included when the Lodge sold. Each employee was given a “participation bonus” to stay on and assist in the transition for new management and as a thank you for having stuck it out during difficult times.

A boutique hotel, the 102-room Lodge On The Desert is an authentic Old Pueblo experience and a Southern Arizona landmark, designed for leisure and business travelers alike. Situated on five acres in Midtown Tucson, set against the majestic backdrop of the Santa Catalina Mountains, its charming hacienda-style accommodations, lush grounds, and historic charm make it Tucson’s urban oasis and an Old Pueblo masterpiece.

Whether looking for a romantic night out or a casual happy-hour meet-up, locals and visitors to Tucson both enjoy the contemporary cuisine and relaxed vibe of Cielos. Guests can dine on Southwestern-inspired dishes and cool down with award-winning margaritas on one of the patios.

Bill Murney with Cushman & Wakefield (Phoenix) handled the sale for the seller.

For more information, Murney can be reached at 602.732.4777.

To learn more, see RED Comp #10212.