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The Grill Entrance and Outer Courtyard - Hacienda Del Sol Guest Ranch Resort
Our History

A Historic Sonoran Treasure in Tucson

In 1929, John and Helen Murphey embarked on a journey, birthing a desert retreat named Hacienda del Sol. Inspired by Moorish architecture, they infused personal flair into its design. Initially, a haven for society's elite daughters, its halls echoed with names like Vanderbilt, Pillsbury, Maxwell, Campbell, and Westinghouse. Through the years, it has endured renovations and bred revelations. And today, the legacy lives on. 

As a treasured guest of the resort, we offer a history tour on Tuesdays and Fridays if you want to learn even more about our past!

History of Hacienda Del Sol Guest Ranch Resort

In the late 1930's, renowned architect Josias Joesler was commissioned to rebuild and redesign sections of the ranch, adding his notable signature to many architectural details.

In 1944, Hacienda del Sol was converted into a guest ranch that immediately attracted the Silver Screen's most popular stars. Legend has it that the Hacienda's Casita Grande was a favorite romantic hideaway of Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn. Leading men John Wayne and Clark Gable both signed their names to the hotel's illustrious guestbook. Howard Hughes, who owned a filming studio in Tucson at the time, found comfort and privacy within the walls of the Hacienda.

Rooms at Hacienda Del Sol Guest Ranch Resort-Tucson

The guest ranch was forgotten for some time… until 1995 when fate landed the secluded property into the loving hands of a group of Tucson investors. With the vision of returning the ranch to its original glory, the owners have continually renovated and renewed Hacienda del Sol with special care. In 1997, The Grill restaurant was opened, and continues to be one of Arizona's finest dining venues. In 1999, a major restoration of the hotel was completed, retaining and enhancing the original integrity of the architecture and landscape.

In late 2015, the resort added 32 luxurious new guest rooms with stunning views, a negative-edge swimming pool and spa and a beautiful event space called Casa Luna that can host up to 250 people for special events. And in 2021, we expanded our resort with 40 more guest rooms, a new lap pool and upgraded fitness center.

The Grill Exterior of Hacienda Del Sol Guest Ranch Resort-Tucson

Today, the story continues, with simple pleasures, understated elegance, and charming hospitality at this classic Arizona inn. "The Soul of Tucson in the Heart of the Foothills" bespeaks the desire of its Tucson owners to nurture the beauty and authenticity of this special property.

Hacienda del Sol is included in the National Registry of Historic Places in Arizona and is pleased to be a member of Historic Hotels of America®. Hacienda del Sol is also a member of Historic Hotels Worldwide®, which is dedicated to promoting heritage and cultural travel to prestigious historic treasures.

Katharine Hepburn
Katharine Hepburn has a lot of history here at Hacienda del Sol. Most notably known for her relationship with Spencer Tracy and the Casita we named after them, she was so much more than that. For one, the brownies she made were famous and we couldn't help but make them ourselves! Next time you dine at The Grill, you'll be able to try these delicious treats and we even have the recipe card for you to make them on your own.
John Wayne
Marion Robert Morrison, or as we all know him, John Wayne, often came to Hacienda del Sol. When he was starring in the numerous westerns at Old Tucson Studios such as Rio Bravo (1959), McLintock! (1963) and Rio Lobo (1970), he would stay here, along with some of his co-stars. He was the reason Old Tucson received so much attention from producers in the 1960's. In honor of Mr. Wayne, we've crafted a cocktail called 'Stoic Cowboy', a must-try next time you visit Terraza Garden Patio & Lounge!
Howard Hughes
Howard Hughes is among the long list of celebrities who have stayed here. While most were students or movie stars, Hughes was a director, but did so much more than that. He filmed the most expensive movie in the 1930's called Hell's Angels, but soon after filming this, his love for aviation and flying took him to new heights. Hughes was single-handedly responsible for the variety of airlines we have today, including the style of them! One of the largest facilities in Tucson is Raytheon and it exists today because of Hughes' passion and ingenuity.