The Azure Gate Bed and Breakfast

Stayed here over the weekend with my boyfriend, and though we have both been to Tucson many times — we were able to enjoy a different, much more scenic and peaceful side of the city by staying with Dennis and Christine.
You are minutes away from numerous hiking trails and wildlife, 20 minutes from Downtown, and surrounded by a number of cool bars and restaurants. We hiked Sabino Canyon and went Downtown for Halloween night.
As far as the actual B&B goes, our experience was absolutely lovely. Our bed was very comfortable, the home was welcoming and cutely decorated, and the breakfast was out of this world delicious. Even though we were staying in the company of strangers (as you do at most B&Bs) — we were totally relaxed for the duration of our stay.
We couldn’t thank Dennis and Christine for their hospitality and attention to details. Aside from being great hosts, they are simply awesome and interesting people. Definitely put this place on your list of places to stay!

There is little to add the other reviews. We stayed in the Catalina guest house, set somewhat apart from the other rooms and so superbly private. The three javalina who greeted us as we returned one evening attest to the abundance of wildlife on the remarkable grounds. The breakfasts were most excellent. Thanks, Dennis, for carefully accommodating my wife’s allergies.

Amazing place. Dennis and Christine have created a wonder in the desert and it should be your go-​to place if you are staying in Tucson. Wonderfully appointed, quiet location, fantastic full breakfast concocted by Dennis every morning. I stayed in the Catalina House which has a lovely downstairs sitting room, desk, half-​kitchen and full bath. The bed is upstairs in a loft — amazingly comfortable bed, great sleeping weather at night (of course, it was April and lovely). The only hit on this house, and for me it wasn’t a huge issue, is that the bed is up a bit of a dicey set of spiral stairs. If you are unsteady or have huge suitcases to move, go with the other house or rooms. Not a knock for me, just FYI. Great, great place.

We decided in late November that we needed a trip out of town and when we found The Azure Gate B&B we knew where we wanted to say. We both felt so fortunate to have been able to stay there at such short notice and right before the December holidays. We stayed in the Sabino room and what a nice room and a great price. Having stayed at many, many B&B’s both in the US and overseas Dennis and Christine run one of the best. Nothing is too much trouble, from finding you a great place to eat, help plan your day (with detailed driving directions) or finding some pain medication in the house. Breakfast is very good, a real treat and is an opportunity to chat with your hosts. They are both so modest you would never know about the great photography or children’s books without getting into a lengthy conversation. A great stay that not even the cooler temperatures or rain could spoil.

The Azure Gate B&B is a desert delight. The facilities blend into the desert surroundings. The rooms, library, kitchen, dinning room and patios are places you just want to sit and enjoy. We enjoyed them all at our happy hours, glasses and ice are all available in the kitchen. Dennis and Christine are outstanding hosts. They have catalogs of places to see in Southern Arizona with complete, easy-​to-​follow directions. The breakfasts – be sure to arrive early to watch Dennis prepare a truly gourmet meal, everything from scratch and mostly local ingredients. As the food is served he gives a full description of all ingredients and how they are prepared. The food and presentation alone made the whole trip worth the visit. We will be back!

My two nights were not enough to take advantage of their hospitality, as i was very comfortable in their company and on their property. The size of the estate is impressive and birds are varied and constant. Some of the best coffee I had in AZ. Dennis is an attentive chef and Christine is warm and friendly. The library of films was appreciated and there are many places to simply sit and enjoy the silence. My one negative comment is that the Sabino Room is adjacent to the kitchen and dining area in the main house so that I could hear meal preparation and conversations rather loudly. the coming and going of the other room’s guests were also distracting. So for a quiet time, the guest houses are recommended.
One of the most economical yet luxurious inns in Tucson. The city is so small that any restaurant or site is easily reached.

This is more like a 6 star. Dennis and Christine quickly became like family to my fiancée and I. I have had some medical issues, and whether sight seeing in the area, or just wanting a place to hang out and relax, when I am in Southern AZ you won’t find me anyplace but Azure Gate. A++++++++ you guys are the best and made our weekend. SO SERENE AND SPECIAL! Romantic and the scenery and area attractions are incredible. Not to mention the breakfast is 5 star quality, with an at your aunts house feel. NOTHING BUT PRAISES. THANKS AGAIN GUYS!

After a business trip to Tucson I took a few extra days and stayed with my wife at the Azure Gate. Can only say, no way you will be disappointed. While there is something to see in every nook and cranny, breakfast is the best, and the stars are phenominal, it is the hosts that make it what it is. Simply a charming place that is the place I will stay on my return.
Well organized as to things to do. The attention to detail and the desire to do the best job possible just sets things apart at AG.

We took relaxing strolls around the property every morning and listened to the birds sing. Read the paper, had some great coffee and a wonderful breakfast each day.
They are very conscientious of special diet concerns and let me tell you they go out of their way everyone has a fabulous meal each morning whether you are a Non vegetarian, vegetarian, vegan or even have gluten allergies.
We stayed in the Santa Ana Cottage and loved it! Bright open air feeling with high huge windows and cozy décor. Although, the next time we visit we will pick a room without a loft — Getting up and down the narrow stairway to and from the room was a little scary in the dark of the night. I’m a wimp though and in my younger years would have enjoyed it. The cottage was stocked with drinks in the refrigerator, nibbles and candies on the coffee table. We could have stayed a month!
We highly recommend Azure Gate!

Wow, what an amazing place. My wife and I have stayed at the Azure Gate a bunch of times now and it is our favorite place to stay in all of Arizona. We have visited many BNBs and fine hotels over the years so that is saying a lot. The rooms are so comfortable and beautiful. The Azure Gate is located in East Tucson at the road leading up to Mount Lemmon. It is surrounded by beautiful landscapes and mountains. The rooms are very private and if you feel like looking around you can go into the main guest house. They have lovely places to sit and relax, with music, a book/​music/​video library, play a nice game of chess, etc. Dennis and Christine are the most amazing people and make you feel right at home… and if you are a foodie prepare to be IMPRESSED. Their breakfast could not be surpassed at the finest gourmet hot spot. Just outside the main house is a beautiful oasis with swimming pool and lounge chairs to catch in the sun. Surrounded by plants and animals you feel a deep tranquil feeling. The guest houses are amazing as well… everything is very modern/​clean/​beautiful. Tucson offers great shopping /​dinning and entertainment. Some of the old town galleries on Tanque Verde are a great time and our favorite dinner spot is called the dish (wine bar with great food). You are also right by Mount Lemon. By itself it is a scenic drive and you can go up to Summer Heaven for a fun day trip. There are a ton of trails and hikes as well. Sabino Canyon is nearby and is another great day trip during your stay at the Azure. We live in Phoenix and taking the drive is also part of the fun. We take 60 Towards Globe and then catch 79 South through Florence. It takes about the same amount of time and is very pretty. You may also want to catch Biosphere 2 or catch one of the huge caves in Southern AZ. Take our word for it, this place is the best gift you could possibly give yourself. Have fun!

Once or twice a year, I visit the Azure Gate to rest and recharge. Christine and Dennis are the perfect stewards of this magical oasis, which is home to myriad birds and wildlife, and resplendent with desert flora. Whether you’re lounging in your room (or one of the two guest houses), enjoying a scrumptious breakfast on the patio or strolling about the grounds, there’s always something beautiful to catch your eye. Nearby you’ll find Sabino Canyon, Saguaro National Park, Mt. Lemmon, and more … and Dennis and Christine are always glad to share their recommendations for hiking, dining, shopping, and other local interests. It’s close to Tucson proper, U of A and the Centro, but far enough from the bustle to feel like a real respite. Because I always find it hard to leave, I reserve my next stay when I check out! Truly a little bit of heaven on earth.

Paradise in a desert oasis with a 5-​star chef.
My husband and I have just returned from a long weekend in Tucson and we stayed in the Catalina Guest house at The Azure Gate Bed and Breakfast. It is beyond sublime; so peaceful and beautiful. First, I have to talk about the breakfasts. Oh my, what a treat! We were served pool-​side by Dennis and Christine, the owners, who are the nicest, most accommodating people. Our first breakfast it was just the two of us and our first course was a fresh strawberry and blueberry compote in a slightly orange-​flavored sauce which was followed by a thin, wild mushroom omelet with mascapone cheese, sweet onion and roasted red peppers, home-​made hash browns and thick slices of bacon, cooked perfectly. Fresh brewed coffee and juice choices of mango-​lime (my daily favorite), fresh orange or mango, pineapple guava were a daily staple. The next day we met the newlywed couple who had their small ceremony there the day before and were treated to a breakfast of: poached pear with homemade berry sauce and cream, toasted bagel piled with a smattering of mascapone, thinly sliced cucumber, a very, very fresh pan roasted salmon fillet with a mango/​chipolte glaze, sunny side up egg, herbed Bearnaise sauce and fresh chives. The side dish was roasted broccolini with pine nuts and roasted red pepper. Sadly, our last day, was an incredible breakfast beginning with a crêpe filled with mascapone cheese and fresh blueberries with a fresh blueberry sauce and an incredible rack of lamb, 2 each with bones frenched, and perfectly cooked to medium rare with a medley of cannelini beans, fresh fennel, onions, and cauliflower on the side and to make it «breakfast» a sliced hard-​boiled egg. Well, these breakfasts ruined any other meal of the day, because nothing we had the whole time could come close to how delicious these meals were. Not only that, the atmosphere and peacefulness of the surroundings enhanced the whole experience. Desert bird life serenaded us while we ate… hummingbirds, finches, desert morning doves, red cardinals all came by for their breakfasts from bird feeders about the yard.
The grounds and buildings are remarkable and every touch is artistic and pleasing to the eye. I am just at a loss for words to describe the ambiance. …we cannot wait to return.
If you ever need a retreat, a peaceful place to go and be among the beautiful desert and all it has to give you, the Azure Gate Bed and Breakfast must be your destination.