Top Hotel Sale in Tucson History, JW Marriott Starr Pass Sells for $112 Million

TUCSON, Arizona, April 14, 2022 – The JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa at 3800 West Star Pass Boulevard in Tucson sold recently for $112 million ($195,000 per room), that included an unknown amount for personal property, the highest hotel sale in Tucson’s history.

Built in 2005, the 928,511 square feet of buildings sit on 306 acres. Starr Pass features 575 spacious guest rooms, including 35 deluxe suites; a 20,000-square-foot full-service spa with 23 treatment rooms; seven dining venues; a 27-hole Arnold Palmer Signature Golf Course; and more than 88,000 square feet of flexible meeting space.

The seller, Fortress Investment Group of Dallas sold the property to Southwest Value Partners of San Diego. The resort will continue to be managed by Marriott International.

After winding along a scenic, mile-long road, guests arrive at Starr Pass, located beside Tucson Mountain Park. Dramatic three-story windows in the resort lobby offer stunning views of the Tucson Valley. From natural stone flooring to ceilings created from the spine of Saguaro cacti, the resort’s decor draws on the Mexican, Spanish, and Native American heritage of the Tucson region and captures the beauty of the natural surroundings.

Outside, the Sonoran Desert and its majestic Saguaro cacti invite adventures in mountain biking, horseback riding, and hiking with trailheads conveniently located on the property. Inside, guests enjoy luxurious touches such as elegant baths and fixtures, oversized bath towels, deluxe bedding, and furnishings created from the rich jewel-toned palette of desert colors.

Rooms were renovated in 2019
Each of the guest rooms and suites features a private balcony or patio — many with seating — to take advantage of the views, as well as a spacious work desk, high-speed internet access, two-line telephones, iron and ironing board, hair dryer, in-room coffee, refreshment bar and safe. In addition, guests can enjoy a host of on-property amenities, including three swimming pools, outdoor chimeneas, concierge service, a children’s activity center, a Starbucks Café, and 24-hour room service.

Newly Redesigned Arnold Palmer Signature Golf Course
At Starr Pass, golfers can experience championship golf in lush, Sonoran Desert terrain, on a course that traverses canyons, ravines, and desert washes. Built in 1986, the Starr Pass Golf Club has long been a favorite of challenge-seeking golfers and played host to the PGA tour’s Tucson Open from 1986 to 1996. It is consistently ranked among the top 10 Arizona courses and in the nation’s top 100. Palmer Course Design Company recently completed a renovation of the current 18 holes and added nine holes, making it a 27-hole Arnold Palmer Signature Golf Facility. Starr Pass offers state-of-the-art teaching facilities and a modern practice area with a putting green, chipping area, and driving range.

Desert-Influenced Treatments at Hashani Spa
Inspired by the healing properties of the Sonoran Desert and named for its revered Saguaro cacti (hashani is the Native American word for Saguaro), Hashani Spa at Starr Pass features treatments incorporating elements of the spa’s surroundings and combines the latest beauty and health technologies with ancient healing techniques. The interior reflects the desert, with soothing Southwestern colors, fabrics, and design. A dramatic stone reception area and spiral staircase set the stage for the spa’s signature three-story Saguaro Cactus sculpture rising from the ground floor pool below. The facility includes a comprehensive fitness center, whirlpool, steam room, and sauna, as well as a movement studio that features a large outdoor terrace, perfect for yoga or tai chi overlooking the desert. Outdoors, guests can enjoy the spa’s private pool and al fresco dining at the spa’s cafe, Blossom.

The Largest Meetings Resort in Southern Arizona
For corporate meetings and groups, Starr Pass offers the most complete conference facility of any hotel or resort in Tucson, including the largest ballroom, at 20,000 square feet, as well as a second ballroom of 15,000 square feet. Expansive foyers, 22-foot ceilings, and outdoor catering patios with spectacular city and mountain views are among the facility’s features. In keeping with JW Marriott’s renowned service, the resort will feature state-of-the-art technology, including wireless internet access, and a business center located steps from the meeting rooms.

The sale occurred on April 7, 2023.

To learn more, see RED Comp #10611.