Tucson: Ritz Carlton resort stays with breakfast or daily credit

The Ritz Carlton, Dove Mountain covers 850 desert acres of saguaro cactus in the foothills of the Tortolita Mountains north of Tucson. The resort, which includes a spa and pool area, has some nice packages with breakfast or resort credits to enhance a fall or winter desert getaway.

The deal: The Ritz Carlton’s website features lots of packages and special offers, but these two turned out to be good values when I tested them. The Bed and Breakfast rate serves up daily breakfast for two at the hotel’s CORE Kitchen or by room service for just $10 more than the standard room rate.

The second one I like is the Autumn Break Package, which includes $100 daily resort credit that can be used for dining, spa services, shopping and recreational activities at the resort. When I checked several dates, the package cost about $50 more than the standard rate, which makes the credit worth $50.

When: The Bed and Breakfast rate lasts through Dec. 31; the Autumn Break through Nov. 30.

Tested: I checked availability on a room with one king-sized bed or two queen-sized beds from Oct. 5-7 and here’s how the nightly rates stack up:

--$219 standard rate;

--$229 for the Bed and Breakfast package; and

--$279 for the Autumn Break package.

The rates don’t include tax or the $35 daily resort fee that covers parking, Internet and gym access and other extras. To get the best value, choose a package you know you’ll use -- whether it’s just daily breakfast or the daily credit.

Contact: Ritz Carlton Dove Mountain, (800) 241-3333.