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  • Room One - From the Vargas Historic Collection taken 07/03/2012
    Room Two - from the Vargas Historic Collection taken 07/01/2012
    Room Two - Vargas Historic Documentation Collection
    The Big Blue House Inn 2012
    Enjoy your stay in this beautifully restored Tucson historic gem.
    We finally finished the exact eplica of the original gable decoration on the east site
    Famous architect Henry C Trost, historic documentation photp
    Room Six - Vargas Historic Documentation 7/04/2012
    Being restored to it's original Queen Anne beauty
    Room Seven - Art Deco Suite photo taken 8/12/2012
    Room Five Vargas Collection taken 7/5/2012
    Room Seven Elegant Deco. Private bath large kitchenette. Private entrance
    Room One is done in a soothing asian style. Room one has a fully equipped kitchen
    Room Six - Double bed Option. Kitchenette Private Bath Private entrance
    Room two is decorated in the tradition of Earnest Hemingway "Traveler"
    Take the Trolley downtown or to The University of Arizona
    • Nightly Rate $95 - $170
      ,
    • Reviews 41  
    • Rooms 7
    • Accepts Gift Cards

    • Address 144 East University Blvd.
      Tucson, AZ 85705
      USA
    • Phone+1-520-891-1827
    • Fax+1-480-247-5345
    • EmailContact Innkeeper
    Inn's website

    Featured in February 2013 Arizona Highways Magazine... Stately & beautiful historic Tucson Queen Anne Victorian restored to her original 1899 grandeur. Antique & vintage themed boutique SUITES with all the modern amenities, WiFi, LCD TVs, extra private and the best location in Central Tucson. Spacious studio suites with private entrances and kitchens... Designed by Southwest designer Henry C Trost at the turn of the century & listed on The National Register of Historic Places. The Big Blue House Inn is located directly on the new 'University Bike Boulevard', "Tucson's friendliest biking spot". Park your car and walk only two blocks to "The cultural center of Tucson", Historic 4th Avenue for a great selection of restaurants & shops. Or, use our loaner bikes...

    Reviews

    Score Breakdown based on 41 Reviews

    4.4 out of 5
     
    • Guest room  5
    • Services  4
    • Value  4
    • Cleanliness  5
    • Dining  4

    Explanation of Our Ratings

      Outstanding
      Exceeded my expectations
      Met my expectations
      Okay, but below average
      Unsatisfactory
    2.8 out of 5
     

    pleasant stay in downtown tucson

    September 13, 2011

    The location is good, in downtown Tucson, near the 4th street with shops and restaurants and close enough to the Congress Street & Barrio Historico. The B & B is quiet, the room n. 3 is spacious, equipped with every comfort (TV, DVD, a / c manual, fan, small living room with tv, kitchenette with large fridge, microwave, coffee maker, bathroom with decent shower and hair dryer available). You can get breakfast in your room, alone: shame to ask expressly for milk & the, soon replaced. The room has been rearranged and towels changed only on request. You can park your car for free in front at the Inn.

    4.6 out of 5
     

    Thank you

    August 24, 2011

    My stay was perfect. Lea changed my room reservation due to upgrades being done on the roof. Thank goodness she did. The new room had a kitchen, was much cooler, and was very quiet. I was in town to see my grandma that was sick in the hospital. After spending the night in the hospital the room was a homey and relaxing retreat. The quiet and the kitchen were exactly want I needed to be able to focus on my grandmother. Thank you.

    4.8 out of 5
     

    ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT!!!

    August 22, 2011

    I stayed here from Aug 14-19 and will be staying here any time I visit Tucson! Lea was so nice and gave a great recommendation for dinner. It's close to campus, quiet and such a great palce to stay! They were very reasonable and gave a student discount-other places didn't! The breakfast pastires were amazing, along with all the food and beverages provided!!! Absolutely loved it and will book room 6 again for next year!!!

    3.8 out of 5
     

    5 nights spent at the Big Blue House

    August 03, 2011

    My wife & I stayed at The Big Blue House from July 25 - July 30, 2011. We were watching the USA High Performance Volleyball Champs which were held at the Tucson Convention Centre. Thr Big Blue House is centerally located & a flat 20 minute walk to the CBD/Convention Centre. Restaurants/Cafes are also within an easy 20 minute walk at the University and 4th Avenue. The bus stop to catch a bus to the Tucsan Mall is an easy 5 minute walk. Our room included many interesting pictures & artifacts. The bedroom, bathroom & kitchen were clean. We thoroughly enjoyed the breakfast that was supplied to our room each day, including lovely muffins, pasteries & fruit juices. Thank you Lea for making our stay so enjoyable & for being so accommodating. We have no hesitation is recommending The Big Blue House. Rob & Raewyn Barclay, New Zealand.


    Location

    Innkeeper Information

    Innkeeper(s)

    Lea Ramsey

    Innkeepers Description:

    Hospitality

    The innkeepers speak:

    • English

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  • Rooms & Rates

    • Nightly Rate $95 - $170

    Room One - Zen

    Soothing Asian Decor. Room one features 12' high ceilings, 100 year old original maple woodwork and vintage ceiling fan. The original maple hardwood floors and cove ceilings are special. Decorated in a soothing Asian style. Located at the front of the house w/Private entrance and direct access to the porch, private bath, Fully equipped kitchen, Queen bed.

    • Maximum Capacity: 2
    • Bathroom Private Bath
    • Beds 1 Queen

    Contact for Availability Contact

    Room Two - Safari

    Room two has 12' high ceilings and period ceiling fan and century old original maple floors. This room is decorated in the "Hemmingway World Traveler" theme. Also located at the front of the house w/Private entrance, private bath and direct access to the porch. Kitchenette, Queen bed.

    • Maximum Capacity: 2
    • Bathroom Private Bath
    • Beds 1 Queen

    Contact for Availability Contact

    Room Three-Country Spring

    Room three also with 12' ceilings with all new furnishings. Room three is bright and cheerful w/private entrance located at the 6th Ave, side of the house w/semi private porch area. Fully equipped kitchen, Queen bed and extra large private bath. This is a great Extended Stay room.

    • Maximum Capacity: 3
    • Bathroom Private Bath
    • Beds 1 Queen

    Contact for Availability Contact

    Room Four - Cottage

    Queen Bed, Full Kitchen, Free standing Cottage, private bathroom!

    • Maximum Capacity: 3
    • Bathroom Private Bath
    • Beds 1 Queen

    Contact for Availability Contact

    Room Five- two-room suite

    Located upstairs, Two-room suite with kitchenette Queen bed in main room, full bed in second room. Private Bath! Both bedrooms have LCD televisions. Vintage art deco furnishings that are rich with beautiful wood. Combined with the beautiful wood floors they make the room warm and cozy "Like Grandmas Place". Rate is quoted for up to 4 guests!

    • Maximum Capacity: 4
    • Bathroom Private Bath
    • Beds 1 Queen, 1 Double

    Contact for Availability Contact

    Room Six - Uncle Duke's

    Located Upstairs, two twin beds or converted to one King. Kitchenette, private bath!

    • Maximum Capacity: 2
    • Bathroom Private Bath
    • Beds 2 Twin

    Contact for Availability Contact

    Room Seven - Elegant Deco

    Located Upstairs....Room seven was finished only this week of October 10th. We are really excited about the rich Deco decor of this room. The room is located on the upper floor and has a Queen bed and Private Bath w/shower/tub.

    • Maximum Capacity: 2
    • Bathroom Private Bath
    • Beds 1 Queen

    Contact for Availability Contact

    Policy

    Reservation Policy

    • Check In: 3PM    Check Out: 11AM

    • Minimum Stay: Weekends require 2 day minimum. Call for posssible exceptions

    • Deposit Amount Required: Credit Card guarentee required

    • Cancellations: 7 day cancellation required 30 day cancellation on special events such as Gem Show

    • Open All Year Round: Yes


    General Policies

    • Smoking Allowed: Limited

    • Guest Pets Allowed: Limited

    • Drinking Allowed: Yes

    • Drinks Available: No

    • Children Allowed: Fragil Historic Property

    • Suitable For Children: No

    • Childcare Provided: No


    Discount Type

    • Weekly stay for 7 days +
      Percent Off: 35% Days Required: 7

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  • Reviews

    Score Breakdown based on 41 Reviews

    4.4 out of 5
     
    • Guest room  5
    • Services  5
    • Value  5
    • Cleanliness  5
    • Dining  5

    Explanation of Our Ratings

      Outstanding
      Exceeded my expectations
      Met my expectations
      Okay, but below average
      Unsatisfactory
    2.8 out of 5
     

    pleasant stay in downtown tucson

    September 13, 2011

    The location is good, in downtown Tucson, near the 4th street with shops and restaurants and close enough to the Congress Street & Barrio Historico. The B & B is quiet, the room n. 3 is spacious, equipped with every comfort (TV, DVD, a / c manual, fan, small living room with tv, kitchenette with large fridge, microwave, coffee maker, bathroom with decent shower and hair dryer available). You can get breakfast in your room, alone: shame to ask expressly for milk & the, soon replaced. The room has been rearranged and towels changed only on request. You can park your car for free in front at the Inn.

    4.6 out of 5
     

    Thank you

    August 24, 2011

    My stay was perfect. Lea changed my room reservation due to upgrades being done on the roof. Thank goodness she did. The new room had a kitchen, was much cooler, and was very quiet. I was in town to see my grandma that was sick in the hospital. After spending the night in the hospital the room was a homey and relaxing retreat. The quiet and the kitchen were exactly want I needed to be able to focus on my grandmother. Thank you.

    4.8 out of 5
     

    ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT!!!

    August 22, 2011

    I stayed here from Aug 14-19 and will be staying here any time I visit Tucson! Lea was so nice and gave a great recommendation for dinner. It's close to campus, quiet and such a great palce to stay! They were very reasonable and gave a student discount-other places didn't! The breakfast pastires were amazing, along with all the food and beverages provided!!! Absolutely loved it and will book room 6 again for next year!!!

    3.8 out of 5
     

    5 nights spent at the Big Blue House

    August 03, 2011

    My wife & I stayed at The Big Blue House from July 25 - July 30, 2011. We were watching the USA High Performance Volleyball Champs which were held at the Tucson Convention Centre. Thr Big Blue House is centerally located & a flat 20 minute walk to the CBD/Convention Centre. Restaurants/Cafes are also within an easy 20 minute walk at the University and 4th Avenue. The bus stop to catch a bus to the Tucsan Mall is an easy 5 minute walk. Our room included many interesting pictures & artifacts. The bedroom, bathroom & kitchen were clean. We thoroughly enjoyed the breakfast that was supplied to our room each day, including lovely muffins, pasteries & fruit juices. Thank you Lea for making our stay so enjoyable & for being so accommodating. We have no hesitation is recommending The Big Blue House. Rob & Raewyn Barclay, New Zealand.

    4.6 out of 5
     

    Big Blue House is a great place!

    July 17, 2011

    Recently, I stayed at the Big Blue House for a week. I needed a a place that is close to the University of Arizona because I was doing some research at the main library. Originally, I had picked room 6 but I was upgraded to room 3. I appreciated it because I had the use of a kitchen. The room was very clean, and nicely decorated. The refridgerator was stocked with juice and yogurt plus there are a wide variety of cereals provided for guests. The owners are very friendly and live on site. I loved being able to sit on the porch every morning and evening. The property is two blocks away from 4th Avenue which is a fun area of Tucson for dining, shopping, and/or people watching. As a woman traveling solo, I always felt very safe at the BBH. Thank you Lea!

    4.8 out of 5
     

    Fantastic

    July 11, 2011

    We stayed here for a week prior to moving into our new house. The cottage was clean and pleasant. We had cats with us and the owners were wonderful about that. I would highly recommend the Big Blue House to anyone looking to stay near the University, 4th St., and downtown.

    Innkeeper Response
    We have only one pet-friendly room "The Cottage" and are thrilled that it worked for you and your critters

    3.6 out of 5
     

    Good Value for an Historic B&B

    June 24, 2011

    It was a good value. Having stayed in Historic boutique hotels in different places in the past, it was fine. What I didn't expect was no common rooms, breakfast was pastries & beverages left in the room (though tasty!). The bath in our room had a glass shelf over the small sink that made it hard to use the sink to brush teeth, shave, wash face, etc. Other than that, it was pleasant and a nice experience. We may try it again, but we may also try out another in the area when we return.

    4.2 out of 5
     

    Lovely historic B&B

    June 23, 2011

    This was my first stay at a B&B. I was very pleased with the hospitality and friendliness of the Innkeepers. After the hectic days we were having on our trip, it was a joy to come "home" and relax, whether it was in the room or sitting on the porch. I would not recommend it for families with small children. But for the older couples looking for romance I would highly recommend a stay!


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  • Location Type

    • "Tucson's friendliest biking spot"

    • Downtown - Six beautiful walking blocks

    • Historic 4th Ave. - 2 blocks

    • S.W. Corner of University Blvd. & 6th Ave.

    • University of Arizona - 8 blocks

    • University of Arizona District

    • Downtown

    City - Oro Valley

    • Distance to city: 15 miles

    • Directions to property:
      Exit Speedway Blvd. off freeway and go east 6 blocks. Right on Stone Blvd. Go 3 blocks. Left on University Blvd then two blocks to 6th Ave. Located on the SW corner of University Blvd. and 6th Ave. Tucson, AZ.

    Airport

    • Tucson, AZ (TUS) 5 miles

    • Directions to property:
      North on Tucson Blvd to I-10 Freeway. Go west on freeway to Speedway Exit. Exit Speedway Blvd. off freeway and go east 6 blocks. Right on Stone Blvd. Go 3 blocks. Left on University Blvd then two blocks to 6th Ave. Located on the SW corner of University Blvd. and 6th Ave. Tucson, AZ.


    Area Attractions

    • Amusement Park

    • Antique Shopping

    • Art Galleries

    • Casino

    • Concert venue

    • Gourmet/Fine Dining

    • Historical interests

    • Live Music

    • Movie Theater

    • Museum

    • National/State parks

    • Nature area

    • Ocean

    • Kitt Peak National Observatory

    • Arizona Sonora Desert Museum

    • Old Tucson Movie Studios

    • San Xavier Mission

    • Tucson University Blvd. Streetcar

    • Bisophere II

    • Outlet Stores

    • Performing Theater

    • Picnic area

    • Religious Services

    • River

    • Rodeo

    • Ruins

    • Ski area

    • Zoo

    • University of Arizona Ball Games and activities

    • Take the Trolley to Downtown Tucson only 6 blocks

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  • Amenities

    Type:

    • Urban Inn

    • Bed and Breakfast

    • Historic Inn

    • Boutique Hotel

    Property highlights

    • Extended Stay Facilities w/kitchens

    • Green policies

    • Located where you can walk everywhere

    • Upscale Furnishings

    • Antiques/decor

    • Business travel

    • Family Travel

    • Gay / Lesbian Travel

    • Luxury

    • Peaceful getaway

    • Romantic escape

    On-site

    • BBQ grill

    • CD player

    • Copier

    • Fax Machine

    • Telephone

    • VCR

    • Videos

    • Washer/dryer

    Guest room(s)

    • Air conditioning

    • Alarm clock

    • Amenities Basket

    • Ceiling fans

    • Coffee/Tea facilities

    • DVD Player

    • Desk

    • Fridge

    • Hairdryer

    • Internet Service

    • Ironing Board

    • Microwave

    • Private entrance

    • Satellite/Cable TV

    • TV

    • Wi-Fi

    Other

    • Room Ozone Air Purfiers in each room. Sterilizes

    • Coffee & Tea in rooms

    • Bottled purified water hot/cold dispenser in room

    • Private Exterior Entrances

    • Fully equipped kitchens or kitchenette

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  • Breakfast

    • Type: Full

    • Time Served: 8 AM

    • Serving Location: Breakfast served in the Breakfast Cottage,Coffee maker and tea in all rooms,Breakfast Room

    Special meal options

    • Vegetarian

    Additional food services

    • All rooms have a kitchen

    • Coffee and Tea in all rooms

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