Sonoran Desert Inn and Conference Center - Ajo, Arizona

EILEEN K

This facility is amazing! The rooms are comfortable and airy--- perfect temperature even on a warm day. We had a king bed with the kitchenette and it was really handy as there are limited dining options in the area. Staff was available without being intrusive. It is quiet and the courtyard and garden/mini orchard within are lovely and peaceful. You can easily walk to the town centre. This is the place to stay if you are in Ajo!

Tony H

What a great discovery this was for us. We were in charming little Ajo for the night before launching onto a daylong adventure drive on the remote (and epic) Camino del Diablo road. We were surprised at how well this historic former elementary school, in a former mining town, had been transformed into a lovely lodging with authentic character. The central courtyard is reminiscent of those one encounters in many old Mexican homes and accommodations. The large, high-ceiling room was modern, clean, and well-appointed. The gift shop had many items reflective of the region's heritage. The staff was friendly, cheerful, and helpful when we asked to have the permits for the next-day's drive printed. Lucia, the operations manager, even fulfilled her promise to send us detailed personal insider tips for a safe visit to northern Mexico! We definitely will be back.

Rob

Great example how to repurpose an old facility. Rooms are modern and the place is well maintained. Note that everything is done online and there may not be a person at the “lobby” if you check in late. Also… your phone unlocks the room door. Don’t leave it in the room or you might be locked out.

Would recommend this to anyone who wants a unique experience in an out of the way location

walter s

This was my 6th stay. The room was very clean and in good condition. The Inn is very quiet and peaceful. It's about a 8-10 walk to a restaurant but check opening times as restaurants in Ajo close early. The Inn has had frozen Mexican dishes for sale that can be warmed up in the room microwave. Or as this last time, a lady was making a dinner for take-out in the Inn kitchen. Was excellent. Just remember to bring your beverage of choice to the hotel prior to check-in and you won't have to go out again. The grounds are beautifully landscaped which invite strolling. I will definitely stay again.

Christina D

Large room with comfortable bed. Modern and unpretentious, we were surprised to discover kitchenette. The grounds are nicely done with several areas to sit and lounge. We drove in behind rain and the gardens smelled wonderful. Nice gift had many treasures for purchase from local artists.

Craig C

Went to a two day retreat at the Sonoran desert inn. It’s a converted school not a fancy hotel. More clean and basic than glitzy and luxurious. But it has large, comfortable rooms, good meeting facilities, attentive staff and really excellent food. It served our retreat well - better than a fancier resort would have done - and i’d be happy to stay there again. The manager also organised a tour of Ajo, the former copper mining town where it’s located. Much more interesting than i expected.

Mary Jo H

We visited Ajo to see Organ Pipe National Monument. We really liked the people we met and the goals of this conference center. As a hotel they fell far short of our expectations. Our room was nice. The first day we had no hot water. On the second day coffee was promised at 7AM but the office was closed until after 8AM. There are no coffee pots in the rooms.|We appreciate what these people are trying to do, but this place needs more effort.

Tina A.

Thanks to the great article in the Arizona Highways about the Sonoran Desert Inn, we book three nights just before Thanksgiving and were in complete agreement with the magazine that this place is a treasure! The room had everything we needed, accept for a door mat, since we're experts at dragging in gravel and dirt. It was comfortable, roomy, and quiet. The courtyard was amazing, the restoration of the historic building and surrounding buildings in Ajo, was heartwarming, the proximity to Organ Pipe National Monument was perfect for us to hike in during the day and the Inn was central, so we could stroll the streets in the late afternoons and evenings to delight in all of the creative and beautiful murals scattered throughout the downtown area. However, the best part of the stay was the staff. Everyone was very friendly and accommodating. Case in point, we purchased 4 bags of the famous Curly Coffee to take home with us as gifts and promptly left the bag in the gift shop. I was able to email the staff, who responded immediately, and mailed the bag to us. I was thrilled and they couldn't have been nicer. We have already recommended this place to several of our friends and plan on returning next winter. Great job!