Hotel Congress $

311 E. Congress St., Tucson
800/722-8848
www.hotelcongress.com [1]

COST: Under $150 per night

Hotel Congress ($79–99 d, about $10 less in summer beginning at the end of May,) built in 1919, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Though the rooms are a bit creaky, the beds are comfortable and the historic atmosphere more than makes up for the lack of sumptuous amenities (plus, it’s the best value in town if you seek personality in your sleeping quarters).

There is noise some nights coming from the Club Congress [2] downstairs—it’s not too bad, but there is a slight thumping that comes through the walls. The club is a venue for alternative bands and alt-country bands from across the nation, and the Tap Room bar [3] will make you feel like a cowboy on his day off.

The Cup Café [4] off the beautiful old lobby has an eclectic mix of gourmet and Southwestern-style food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.