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 Trip to Tucson, Arizona

By Cindy Thomas

We traveled to Tucson, Arizona in February 2000 for a family get together.  In planning for the trip, our goal was to find lodging with a handicapped pool lift and a roll-in shower.  I had polio as a child and use an electric wheelchair.  Access to water exercise is essential for me — to maintain what strength I have, to keep my blood circulating properly and to maintain a positive mental attitude. Yet, getting out of a pool is quite an ordeal without a lift.  The roll-in shower is a “luxury” that I’m become more and more accustomed to — after years of  “making do” with  inaccessible bathtubs, the roll-in shower has literally transformed my travel experience.

We searched without success for a pool lift.  Since I had heard that Comfort Inns frequently install pool lifts, I called the Comfort Inn Suites on Auto Mall Drive in Tucson.  They did not have one, but after several weeks of dialogue with a friendly sales manager with some initiative, this particular motel decided to install a pool lift.  They also had a room with a roll-in shower so we were set.  

This particular Comfort Inn is well situated — near Tucson Mall and a number of restaurants. It  is clean and newly built. The pool is heated — a necessity since the air temperature was only in the 70's.  We highly recommend this establishment as a handicapped-friendly, moderately priced place to stay.  Their willingness to add the pool lift  is indicative of their cooperative attitude.

Tucson itself seemed very accessible — a must-see is a tour of Sabino Canyon.  A lift-equipped trolley is available and transports visitors on a scenic, hour-long tour through the Canyon. [Call ahead to reserve the lift-equipped trolley.] We also visited the Old Tucson Movie Studio and also found it to be accessible.  I am told there is a new cave in the area which is also accessible to wheelchairs, but we did not check it out.

Other travel tips: We flew into Phoenix since we prefer direct flights [less wear and tear on the wheelchair].  Also, the accessible mini van rental company is located in Phoenix.  There is a huge drop-off fee if they have to meet you in Tucson.  Wheelchair Van Rental of Az can be reached at 1- 480-990-9741 or 1-800-422-7382. They met us at the airport with a brand new minivan with a lift — the price was roughly $100 a day [depending upon the length of the rental with unlimited mileage.]