By Linda & Dr. Dick Buscher

Blending the historic with the modern is always an architectural challenge, but when that challenge is overcome, the results are often very special. And special is the best word to describe the preservation and renovation of the historic midtown hideaway known as the Lodge on the Desert in Tucson.

The genesis of this treasure brings us to the story of Mr. and Mrs. Quinsler of Watertown, Massachusetts in 1930. Mr. Quinsler had just been diagnosed with tuberculosis and was told his best medicine was the dry climate of Arizona.

The Quinslers purchased two acres of desert land four miles east of downtown Tucson. Their adobe home was completed in 1931 and was something special even then; comprised of four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen, a dining room and a family room with a large fireplace. A horse corral and bunkhouse completed the new desert homesite.

Life changed for the Quinslers and in 1936 they sold their desert home to Cornelia and Homer Lininger who saw the beautiful adobe home and surrounding desert as a perfect location to open a lodge. The first guest arrived at the Lodge on the Desert in Nov. 1936.

The dining and living rooms became the main lobby of the new lodge and the large fireplace became a beacon of welcome to lodge guests. The home’s bedrooms and bunkhouse were made into seven guest rooms for rent. A new swimming pool and more rooms were added in 1937. These rooms are available today as rooms #153 and #154.

During WWII, the lodge’s guest rooms were used as a dormitory for young aviators learning to fly at nearby Davis-Monthan Army Air Field (known today as Davis-Monthan Air Force Base).

Through the 1950s, 60s and 70s, the Lodge continued to expand. Thirty-five rooms and suites, scattered across the grounds of what had become a beautiful resort, were now creatively connected to the original Quinsler home by broad sidewalks meandering through lush desert gardens and patio lawns.

The Lodge of the Desert had become a desert oasis in a modern city.

Lore has it that an old guest, one from the other side, began to appear to lodge visitors. Affectionately called Gus, this friendly spirit is believed to be an old cowboy who once enjoyed the lodge’s accommodations and doesn’t want to ever check out!

In 1997, the resort was purchased by entrepreneur Dan Donahoe, famous in the hospitality world through his purchase and restoration of the L’Auberge de Sedona. Under Donahoe’s masterful eye, all 35 rooms were completely restored with the most modern of furniture and conveniences. The old cactus gardens were also rejuvenated and restored to their 1940s charm.

But Donahoe’s vision for the lodge was not yet complete. In 2007, a major expansion project began. Sixty-eight modern guest rooms and suites were constructed to blend with the historic architecture of the lodge.

The newly renovated restaurant features the wonderful culinary offerings of Chef Ryan Clark, well-known for his fresh farm-to-fork meals. And, Cowboy Gus still makes an appearance, most often around the old lodge bar.

When you find yourself in need of a place to stay in Tucson, head straight to the Lodge on the Desert. The historic and modern accommodations, and the people who greet you, are all very special—even old Gus! io

Linda and Dr. Dick Buscher are Arizona educators who have toured, taught and written about the history of Arizona for over 35 years. Contact the Buschers at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .



If You Go
Lodge on the Desert
306 N. Alvernon Way
Tucson

Get There
Take I-17 South to I-10 East toward Tucson. Travel 111 miles to Congress Street/Exit 258. Turn left onto Congress Street through downtown Tucson until it becomes Broadway. Travel 3.9 miles and turn left onto Alvernon Way. The lodge is on the right. The Lodge on the Desert is 138 miles from I-17/Happy Valley Road.

GPS Coordinates
N 32° 13.551’
W 110° 54.544’

Info 520-320-2000; lodgeonthedesert.com