The Kennedy Hotel

The Kennedy, its name a nod to Camelot, opened at the end of 2024 after an extensive renovation of its 98 guest rooms and several common areas. The latter include an arcade, a fitness center, a playground and a picturesque outdoor pool that’s popular among summer travelers. Throughout the renovation process, care was taken to preserve and enhance the hotel’s retro elements while adding modern amenities for guests.

That’s evident in the guest rooms, which saw a dramatic transformation that included all-new, locally curated furnishings and luxurious bedding. In addition to the beds (either one king or two queens), each room features a kitchenette with a full-size refrigerator, a smart TV, hardwood flooring and fast Wi-Fi. And if guests need anything else, the front desk is staffed 24/7. “We want to make it a genuine and welcoming boutique experience,” Sanudo says of the hotel, which is family owned but operates as part of Best Western’s SureStay Collection.

That welcoming experience is already drawing travelers, but the hotel’s location, just off Interstate 10 on the south side of Tucson, has also played a role. Sanudo says many guests are on their way between Texas and California. (For those traveling with pets, the property’s fully fenced dog park is an additional draw.)

Other guests are doing business at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, visiting the University of Arizona for family weekends or alumni events, or looking to explore either district of Saguaro National Park. And numerous other destinations, from Mission San Xavier del Bac to the arts and culture of downtown Tucson, are a short drive or bike ride away.

With less than a year in business under its belt, The Kennedy still qualifies as a hidden gem, but Sanudo anticipates it becoming a regular stop for those traveling to and through Tucson. “We want people to leave and already be planning their next stay,” she says.