With summer just around the corner, the Arizona Inn is unveiling poolside renovations and enhancements, along with a number of ways for visitors to the Old Pueblo to “check in and chill out.”

Since 1930, the glamorous resort-style hotel has long been a favorite desert oasis tucked into the heart of Tucson, where guests are invited to relax and escape the heat. Now, it offers a tried and true setting for a relaxing summertime escape amidst understated luxury.

Make a Splash
One of the Arizona Inn’s most popular spots to unwind is its stunning swimming pool, a centerpiece within the hotel’s sprawling 14 acres of grounds and gardens. The Inn has enhanced the setting with a renovated pergola, providing shade and respite from the sun for its north-facing chaise lounges. Guests can soak up the sunshine, cool off with a dip, or savor excellent food and cocktails from the poolside bar. A new indoor pool lounge has been decorated and appointed with comfortable couches, offering a casual space to read a good book or enjoy a game of cards with friends.

Scream for Ice Cream
Summer in Tucson wouldn’t be summer without the Arizona Inn’s home-made ice cream, traditionally a memorable highlight for young guests. Parents can relax as kids are kept cool with a complimentary ice cream sundae bar, set and served poolside April through October. Guests of all ages can create their own ice cream sundaes featuring fun and classic flavors and toppings.

Sip a Cold One
After a friendly game of tennis or a stroll through the historic Blenman-Elm neighborhood, chill out with one of the hotel’s famously refreshing cocktails in the Audubon Bar. The Inn’s signature margaritas offer four variations on the perfect Southwestern summertime drink. For the purist, the Arizona Inn Margarita is made with Jose Cuervo Silver Tequila, Triple Sec, Lime Juice and Agave, while the Catalina Margarita comes together with Patron Silver Tequila and Grand Marnier. The hands-down favorite, however, goes to the tasty Prickly Pear Margarita, featuring prickly pear syrup from the region’s distinctive cactus fruit. The bar menu also features summery sips like a minty mojito and a Moscow mule, and when the sun goes down, its outdoor patio overlooking the gardens offers a beautiful, balmy setting to wind down the day.

Celebrating 85 years in 2016, the Arizona Inn is inviting those friends and guests who have partaken in its history to share their most memorable stories and photos from the Inn via Facebook. The Inn will select one winning entry in December to receive a grand prize two-night stay, including meals.

Rates for the 2016 summer season start at $129. For reservations and more information, visit arizonainn.com.