Rancho Santa Cruz — Hotel in Nogales

I spent six nights here for an artists’ workshop in late October 2020. Five mornings started with a short lecture and we spent a lot of time on the property to paint. They enforced social distancing, required masks, and had breakfast in two shifts to allow more space between patrons. The majority of the activities were outdoors and there were only about a dozen attendees, so I was comfortable with how that was handled.

Rancho Santa Cruz is a lovely bed and breakfast, on an old property a few miles south of Tubac, a popular artists community. They had about a dozen small motel-style rooms that were recently remodeled and very nicely appointed. The beds were comfortable, and the linens were top notch. There was a dining room for meals and an outdoor barbeque area, a large swimming pool, and many chairs and tables scattered around the well-kept grounds. There were also four or five friendly felines patrolling the property.

The staff was great and very helpful. Breakfasts were very good with some version of an egg dish every day paired with additional dishes like French toast, waffles, pancakes, blueberry cake, etc. You can hike to the Santa Cruz river as the de Anza national trail is perhaps a half-mile away. The town of Tubac is a five minute drive and the Tumacácori mission even closer. This is also a popular birding area.

The property is well-covered with wifi but there are no televisions available (which was fine with me). The main negative was that I was there six nights and the room was never serviced, which I did not mind much but my trash can was filling up. It’s also right next to the interstate and some folks were bothered by the traffic noise but it was not an issue for others.

It’s a very relaxing B&B and I would definitely plan to...

I stayed here for a couple of nights in March in order to visit the area's missions - Tumacacori, Guevavi, and Calabazas. These last two can only be accessed with NPS guides in Jan - March.

I spent a little bit of time walking around Rancho Santa Cruz, taking pictures and taking in the serenity. I easily could've spent more time on the grounds and in the common rooms - the place has been immaculately restored to what it must have looked like in the 1920s! The owners were really nice, and I was impressed with how much work, time and love they've put into this place. I kept trying to determine what was original and what was restored - it's pretty difficult to tell. When I was checking out, I found the father working on restoring a door - so they stay busy keeping up the Ranch.

After an onsite hearty breakfast and coffee, I went just behind the Ranch and accessed the Anza Trail to the east of here. That was a pleasant 4-mile hike on a maintained trail that went through shaded mesquite bosques as it paralleled the river. I also visited the Tubac Presidio, village of Tubac, and a couple of nice restaurants that the owners suggested.

I plan to go back this summer when I can swim in the pool and really take in the stars and sounds of the desert night. I also want to explore more of the Ranch and take better photos. I'd really like to know what stories this place could tell, with John Wayne and others staying there, and all of the history in the area in general. This place is a hidden gem in an underappreciated...

We enjoyed our stay last weekend! The ranch has such an interesting history, which we got to learn about as Josh showed us around the property. The king suite is very comfortable; it is fun to have the sitting room attached through a short hallway to the well-appointed bedroom. I only wish we had had more time to lounge around and take advantage of the various spaces that they have available to guests. Josh and Cristina are genuinely friendly and made us feel welcomed, and Cristina makes a mean omelet for breakfast! The work that the Berryman family has put into restoring Rancho Santa Cruz in preparation for opening this charming bed and breakfast has been well worth it. The grounds are attractive, the lounge, cantina, and dining room all charming, and the atmosphere a clean breath of fresh air (literally!). My husband has said that this review sounds too professional, but I’m an English teacher, so can’t really help it. I will say that he is the one that suggested returning with a group of friends to swim, grill, and enjoy a fun break, so I know that we will definitely be back to stay at Rancho Santa Cruz...