The Inns at El Rancho Merlita

Welcome to The Inns at El Rancho Merlita in Tucson! Go back in time as you enter the historic 1950's Tucson Ranch House Inn at the estate built by Merle Norman. Carved wood beams overhead in every room, rope trim, and hand-hewn local rock fireplaces make this Tucson Bed & Breakfast a vintage western experience. Relax under deep shaded porches or enjoy breakfast in the spacious breezeway beneath a long mission tile roof with views of the Catalina Mountains. Stroll the paths to the large swimming pool directly from your room or soak in the whirlpool as you watch the moon rise. Additional room snow available in the original guest house, now our Arroyo House Inn. This Tucson Bed and Breakfast offers luxury defined by Arizona's rich western heritage.

Greet the day with a private or group yoga session, a short stroll away through our desert meditation gardens. A soothing massage melts away tension after a bike ride up the Catalina Scenic Byway in our private massage therapy studio. Grab a book or a movie from our extensive Western collection. Cuddle up in our soft Egyptian cotton sheets and luxurious Museum of New Mexico Collection bedding couture. Make sure you check out this Tucson Gem's many complimentary in-room amenities.

In-Room Complimentary Amenities

Luxury linens, robes & slippers ~ Specialty bath products ~ Private bathroom
Direct access to outside patios ~ In-Room Refrigerator ~ In-Room Safe
Hair dryer, iron, ironing board ~ Hi-Speed Wi-Fi internet on secured server
 DVD player ~ HDLCD television with premium cable programming ~ CD/ radio alarm

Begin your day at El Rancho Merlita Ranch House B&B with a piping hot mug of coffee or a pot of your favorite tea. Our Ranch House Coffee Beans are locally roasted, ground fresh daily, and robustly brewed! A trip to one of Tucson's farmer's markets might be the inspiration for a Frittata of Roasted Chiles and Harvest Vegetables seasoned with Southwestern Herbs from our garden. Indulge in a heart-healthy Arizona Citrus Pistachio Muffin or a slice of Pattie's Pumpkin Gingerbread. Perhaps your morning's menu will offer Blue Corn Blueberry Pancakes with Mesquite Syrup and Sizzling Turkey Apple Sausages.

In the afternoon, return from your day of exploring Southern Arizona's many treasures to the aroma of house baked Chipotle Cinnamon Brownies, Arizona Pecan Bars or one of our other scrumptious Ranch House Treats. Pour a tall icy glass of Prickly Pear Lemonade and head for a refreshing dip in the pool. Or snuggle up in front of the fireplace with a mug of steaming Spiced Cider from one of our area's apple growers.

The Inns at El Rancho Merlita Bed and Breakfast menus are designed to offer a bounty of options to please the varying palettes of our guests. We are proud to share the abundance of handcrafted specialty food products and locally grown produce that Southern Arizona has to offer. Your special dietary needs will be accommodated whenever possible.

From desert floor to alpine forest in 60 minutes, from fine dining at Maynards Kitchen while watching the Southern Pacific trains roll by to a cowboy steak at Pinnacle Peak Restaurant in Trail Dust Town, you can create amazing adventures in a single day from Rancho Merlita! Tucson ranks in the top 10 for clean air, best town for trail runners, best cycling city, best city for triathlete training, accommodations and visitor destinations in North America. Our in-house Certified Tourism Ambassador Innkeeper will help you with choices and reservations.

Meet The Innkeeper

Pattie Bell brings 35 years of hospitality experience to El Rancho Merlita, twenty of them managing Bed and Breakfast Inns in Arizona. Her freshly prepared breakfasts and afternoon treats will knock your boots off, with special needs graciously accommodated. Take advantage of her designation as a Certified Tourism Ambassador when planning your itinerary. Allow her to recommend a favorite trail in Saguaro National Park East, where to eat after visiting the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum, check the tram schedule for your day exploring Sabino Canyon and Mt. Lemmon, or map out a road trip tasting Arizona Wines, such as those from Callaghan Vineyards. Whether you are seeking a rejuvenating respite or enthusiastically indulging in all of the activities Tucson and Southern Arizona have to offer, Pattie will ensure your travel aspirations are met.

From the Airport - Head north on Tucson Blvd., right on Valencia, left on Kolb, right on Broadway, left on Pantano, right on Wrightstown Road. Drive 1 mile, then turn right on Corte Tomasin into El Rancho Merlita. Once inside the main gate, turn left on Corte El Rancho Merlita and continue straight to the iron gates at the end of the cul-de-sac.

From the Interstate - Head east on Ina (becomes Sunrise), right on Kolb (becomes Sabino Canyon), left on Tanque Verde, merge right onto Wrightstown Road. Drive 1.3 miles, then turn right on Corte Tomasin into El Rancho Merlita. Once inside the main gate, turn left on Corte El Rancho Merlita and continue straight to the iron gates at the end of the cul-de-sac.

From Central Tucson - Head east on Speedway, left on Pantano, right on Wrightstown Road. Drive 1 mile, then turn right on Corte Tomasin into El Rancho Merlita. Once inside the main gate, turn left on Corte El Rancho Merlita and continue straitght to the iron gates at the end of the cul-de-sac.