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Frequently Asked Questions
You can browse all of our Frequently Asked Questions about staying or having an event at Rincon Creek Ranch, or choose a category below to skip to that section.
General Questions
What is available for rent?
We have four 915 SF one bedroom, one bath casitas, three 1195 SF two bedroom, two bath casitas, a multi-purpose building, and open space including lawns and a barbecue area. For events we have several packages to choose from. Some of the packages include tables and chairs, and some include outdoor hanging mason jar candles. Full descriptions of the packages are on the website.
May I come by for a tour?
Tours are available only by appointment. This is our private residence and we have responsibilities and obligations throughout the day. Appointments must be scheduled to dedicate the attention a visit deserves.
What is there to do?
Rincon Creek Ranch is comprised of 100 acres in the Rincon Valley about 20 minutes southeast of Tucson. The property adjoins Saguaro National Park, and has gated trail access to the Saguaro National Park trail system footsteps from your casita door. Access to The Arizona Trail is approximately three miles away. A 1 ½ mile Nature/jogging Trail surrounds the property, and a Zen Garden is currently under construction. Rincon Creek bisects the property and the extensive riparian habitat is home to many species of birds and other wildlife. Horseback riding, Colossal Cave Mountain Park, Mountain Bike Trails, Golfing, and Jeep tours are less than five minutes away. Thirty minutes away are the thirteen vineyards & wine tasting in Sonoita, the Historic Empire Ranch, and the Cienega Preserve. Just a little farther are Kartchner Caverns, the Amerind Foundation, and the historic towns of Bisbee and Tombstone. Each casita has its own covered porch and seating, with expansive, unspoiled, views of Saguaro National Park and the Rincon Mountains. Combined with luxurious, top tier accommodations, and consummate privacy, Rincon Creek Ranch is the perfect place to relax and retreat.
Do the casitas have WiFi and Cable TV?
Each casita has its own dedicated, private WiFi network. There is a flat screen HDTV and DVD player in each casita, but no cable or TV service. Guests may use the HDMI hookup and their own laptops and streaming services if they wish. A library of approximately 200 DVD's are available in the Luella-Boomer Hall Library. The TV in Luella-Boomer Hall receives DirectTV (cable) and also has its own dedicated WiFi network.
What casita amenities are provided?
Under the "Lodging" tab in the menu bar, click on either One or Two bedroom casitas. All of the casitas are listed. For each listing, clicking the "Learn More" button will bring up a detailed list for that casita.
Is there a swimming pool?
Unfortunately no.
What is the policy on use of the multi-purpose building?
Unless otherwise rented for exclusive use by another group, guests have use of Luella-Boomer Hall to read, borrow Books/DVD's/Games from the library, watch tv, do puzzles, play board games, pool, cards, shuffleboard, etcetera. Guests also have use of the Wi-Fi access and computer in Luella-Boomer Hall. Guests do not have use of the kitchen. If a group of guests (Reunions, Bridal Parties, etcetera) want to have exclusive full use of the building to store materials, work on projects, prepare meals, and gather, then there is a separate rental charge for use of the building.If the building is being used to host a party (catered meals, attendance more than the casita guests), additional charges apply. We offer several different event packages. Details of each package are listed in the website.
Reserving a Casita
How do I reserve a Casita?
You may book a casita online or by calling the Ranch at (520) 760-5557. A credit card is required for all reservations. To book online click on the "Check Availability" button at the top of the Home Page or in any of the web pages under the "Lodging" menu tab.
Reservation Date Changes
Although we cannot guarantee availability on your new date, we will do our best to accommodate your request. If the new date is available, we will simply change the reservation. No additional fee is required.
What are the rates?
At Rincon Creek Ranch we do not charge cleaning fees, service fees, resort fees, etcetera. We believe in being up front and transparent in our costs, so all those charges have been incorporated in our nightly rental rates. Your cost will be your nightly rate times number of nights plus lodging tax. That's it. Rates start at $315 per night for a 1-Br/1-Ba Casita for up to two occupants. Rates start at $425 per night for a 2-Br/2-Ba Casita for up to four occupants. An additional child can be accommodated in The Farmhouse for an additional $40 per night fee. There is a two night minimum rental term required for the one-bedroom casitas and a three night minimum rental term required for the two-bedroom casitas. All rates are subject to an Arizona/Pima County Hotel Tax of 12.05%.
Are there really NO Cleaning, Service, Destination, or Resort Fees?
In a word, Absolutely! We all know why these fees have suddenly become so prevalent: Like everything else, the costs of operating a hospitality establishment have risen, especially labor and supplies. Establishment owners don't want to appear to have raised prices, so they keep their Nightly Rental Rates low in order to appear as a better deal than the competition, but in order to make up the difference, they tack on everything you can imagine. We are amazed at all the new fees that keep getting created. A "Destination Fee" - Really? What's even more humorous is the grandiose language and pretentious adjectives used to describe and defend these fees. We can imagine if this suddenly becomes vogue in the restaurant business: A $9.99 Filet Mignon, but add in the "Seating Fee", "Preparation Fee", "Table Delivery Fee, Service Fee, etcetera, and well, the bargain suddenly isn't a bargain anymore. There is no escape from taxes either, as the Department of Revenue considers all universally applied fees applicable to providing lodging (service, cleaning, resort, etc.) as subject to the same Transient Lodging tax as the Nightly Rental rate. We certainly understand charging extra for items or special services that may only desired by some guests and not others. Its not fair to charge everybody for things requested by only a few. We're old enough to remember this added fee trend infecting other industries, and how irritating and maddening it was for the consumer. So, even though we may lose some business if a guest doesn't compare apples-to-apples, we would rather operate as transparently as possible and give our guests the honesty and respect they deserve.
Casita Rental Policies
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Check-in is from 3:00 PM-6:00 PM. Check-out is 11:00 AM. If possible, and depending on work load, an earlier check-in may be granted for a charge of $40. Check-ins earlier than 1:00 PM are not possible. Check-ins later than 6:00 PM, but earlier than 7:30 PM can be accommodated for a $25 charge. Check-ins later than 7:30 PM must be arranged in advance, and will incur a minimum charge of $50. Check-outs later than 11:00 AM are just not possible. Please notify us to arrange alternate times, if required.
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All Individual Booking reservations must be guaranteed with a valid credit card with expiration date, CVV, and full billing address. Cancellations or Reservation Changes must be requested and confirmed in writing or email. Cancellations/Changes for Individual Bookings (2 casitas or less) made fourteen to three days in advance of reserved arrival date will be charged a fee of $50 per casita. Cancellations/Changes must be received by 3:00 PM MST at least 72 hours before reserved arrival date, or a charge equal to fifty percent of the full reservation fee will be assessed. All no shows will be charged for their full reservation fee. Stays shortened or canceled on the arrival date or during reservation period will be charged for all nights reserved. Guests are urged to obtain trip/event insurance to cover cancellation fees.
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Block Bookings (three or more units) during February, March, and Holiday Seasons: Deposit of one-half total is required to reserve, payable by check only. Deposits paid are not refundable. Stays canceled during reservation period will be charged for all nights reserved. Guests are urged to obtain trip/event insurance to cover cancellation fees.
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Block Bookings (three or more units) during Non-Peak Seasons: Deposit of one-half total is required to reserve, payable by check only. Deposits paid are not refundable if canceled within 30 days of reserved arrival date. Fees paid may be applied to alternate date(s) within 180 days of original arrival date, subject to availability. Fees paid for reservations canceled more than 30 days in advance of reserved arrival date are refundable less a $250 cancellation fee. Stays canceled during reservation period will be charged for all nights reserved. Trip/Event insurance is recommended.
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Maximum Occupancy - All 1Br1Ba Casitas: 2 People & 1 child under 3; Ranchito and Cottage 2Br2Ba Casitas: 4 People; Farmhouse 2Br2Ba Casita 4 People & Additional child with an extra nightly charge for the additional child. All Children must stay with an adult.
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Guests are responsible for any damages they, their children, or visitors (including vendors) incur.
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All Units are non-smoking/non-vaping. Violators will incur a $250 professional cleaning fee.
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Sorry, we are unable to accommodate pets. Boarding services nearby. Violators will incur a $250 professional cleaning fee, and animal will be removed from the casita.
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Interim housekeeping provided once a week for extended stays only.
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Access to our property is via a rural, unimproved dirt road with a creek crossing. At times, the road is rough, but passable with a two wheel drive car. Higher clearance vehicles are recommended. In very rare circumstances, flooding may make the creek crossing impassable in your vehicle, and you will be directed in by alternate route.
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Casita kitchens are for the occupants use only, and shall not be used to cater an event for more than four guests plus occupants.
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Sometimes repairs require casita assignment changes.
Reserving an Event
What will be available for rent?
We offer several different event packages. Suitability of each package is dependent on the type, size, and time of your event. Details of each package are listed in the website.
How do I reserve the property?
Begin by filling out an Event Inquiry. Click on the "Event Inquiries" button on the web pages under the "Special Events" menu tab. We will review the information and contact you. If the date of your event is available on our calendar, and your event is approved, you may book the property by signing a contract and providing a deposit of one half of the total rental fee plus any Security/Cleaning/Services deposits. A credit card must be placed on file, however, deposits may be made by cash or check at the time of signing, credit card payments accepted with a 3.5% additional service fee. No reservation will be held without receipt of a paid deposit. Not all events are appropriate for our property, and we reserve the right to refuse rental and service to anyone.
Does Rincon Creek Ranch provide anything besides the rental space?
RCR is primarily a lodging and venue rental facility and does not provide additional services such as catering, decorations, flowers, table linens, photography, music, et cetera. Tables and chairs are provided in some packages, but not all. If included, RCR will supply (but not light) the mason jar votive candles for the Diamond Package. Guests will need to hire their own caterers and vendors for these other amenities. We happily offer a list of approved caterers and suggested vendors that have participated in successful private events here at the ranch.
Event Requirements
Alcohol
If alcohol is going to be served at your event, we do REQUIRE that you use the services of a licensed, bonded, and insured bartending service. The bartending service must have at least $1 million Liquor Liability coverage and $1 million General Liability coverage. The service must provide a certificate naming Rincon Creek Ranch, et al as an additional named insured party, and provide that certificate within one week of the planned event. We have a list of licensed, bonded, and insured bartending services that have successfully catered events at the ranch.
Catering
We require catering to be provided by one of the approved caterers on our recommended vendor list. Presently, that includes Feast Catering, A-La-Carte Catering, and Sapphire Catering.
Insurance
We require the event host to purchase "Wedding Insurance" or "Event Insurance". the insurance is available from EventHelper, WedSafe, and other major carriers and is very economical. RCR and its owners must be listed as named insured, the policy should include a Waiver of Subrogation, $2 million General Aggregate Liability and $1 million per occurrence. Additionally, all vendors providing services at the Ranch must carry Liability Insurance and provide RCR additional named insured certificates and endorsements.
Event Planning
Rincon Creek Ranch does not plan or coordinate your event. It is your responsibility to identify and provide contact information for your planner/coordinator. We can assist by answering questions, considering requests, and advising you of successful plans/amenities/vendors used in prior events.
Cleanup / Breakdown
The event host is responsible for cleaning up and removing all food from all outdoor spaces, and for disposing of all garbage into the on-site dumpster at the conclusion of the event. The event host is also responsible for breaking down and removing any flat structure, such as a dance floor or platform, from the lawn at the conclusion of the event.Under no circumstances shall food, garbage, or said structures be permitted to stay on the lawn overnight.
What if I need to cancel or change my event reservation dates and have already paid the deposit?
The Facilities and Amenities fee, taxes and applicable service charges are NON-REFUNDABLE. Event Dates are not held open, and are subject to cancellation or other bookings, until initial payment is received. If event is canceled, only the Refundable Deposit will be returned. An alternate Event Date will be granted within 60 days of the original Event Date with a $250 re-scheduling fee, if RCR is available, and no other reservations of Rincon Creek Ranch Casitas, or Venue Areas, has been booked for that date.
When is the Full Payment Balance Due?
The balance of the Full Payment is generally due no later than thirty (30) days before your event date. At this time, payment can be made by check, cash, or credit card. Credit card payments incur a 3.5% service fee.
Facilities
Who is my contact person?
Either Bill or Gretchen will be your initial contact. Two hours of coordination time is included in the rental price to answer any questions and handle requests. If the host requires the venue owners/management to attend planning meetings or provide additional coordination time in excess of the included two hours, an additional fee of $45 per hour will be due with the final Balance Due payment. The host is generally responsible for coordinating their event, meeting with vendors and caterers, receiving and setting up all amenities and decorations, and cleaning up and restoring the grounds to their pre-event state.
What is included in the Rental Facility price?
Please review the individual event packages on the website for details of what is included. and
Kitchen Use
The use of the Luella-Boomer Hall (LBH) Kitchen, including all appliances is available to rent only to groups such as Family Reunions, that have lodging reservations for ten or more persons, for three or more days. It is not included in any of the Venue Event Packages. Use of the appliances, cookware, tableware, dishware, and glassware is NOT PERMITTED unless rented by separate agreement. Appliance power is shut off and the refrigerator is locked unless specifically rented. If the event package selected includes the use of Luella-Boomer Hall (LBH), then use of the LBH kitchen space is permitted. Use of the appliances, cookware, tableware, dishware, and glassware is NOT PERMITTED unless rented by separate agreement. Caterers may use the LBH kitchen space to prep, but no cooking or flame is allowed indoors. Casita kitchens are for the occupants use only, and shall not be used to cater an event for more than four guests plus occupants.
Where can my guests park?
We have 28 parking spaces, including 3 handicapped spaces, adjacent to, and designated for, the guest Casitas and Multi-Purpose Building. We have parking in the pasture, and have successfully parked sixty cars at that location. Pasture parking is lighted, and signed with separate entrance and exit. Weather must be considered if using pasture parking, as it is composed of silty dirt, and becomes very mucky after rains. All parking must be coordinated and agreed upon prior to your event.
What is the lighting like outside?
We have string lights in most of the mesquite trees surrounding the lawn area. Additionally, the barbecue area adjacent to the lawn is lit by a canopy of small, strung, globe lights. The concrete apron for DJ/Band use adjacent to the lawn is lit with colored flood laps. The dance floor ramada is lit with a canopy of vintage bulbs and iron chandeliers. The remaining adjacent out buildings have various outdoor lighting fixtures. The porch lighting on all of the casitas and Luella-Boomer Hall comes on automatically a few minutes after sunset. The casita drive and parking areas are lit along their perimeter approximately every twenty feet with solar ground lights.We strongly recommend you plan on a night visit to assess the available lighting and determine its adequacy for your event. You are welcome to rent additional lighting, but you must coordinate it with us to verify adequate available power.
Am I allowed to decorate the rental space(s)?
Most common decorations such as lanterns, flowers, or additional lighting are allowed. As long as nothing is permanent, damaging to the property, or offensive in nature, we are generally able to allow it on our property. If you have a specific request, it will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Where are the restrooms located?
All of the casitas have bathrooms. If your package includes the use of Luella-Boomer Hall, a men’s and women’s restroom are available. If your event takes place on the open grounds (Lawns, Pasture, etc.), we allow the use of two restrooms within the Ranch House. If the event exceeds 56 people, then you will have to provide portable restrooms for your event. Generally one unit for every 50 people is recommended with a minimum of two units required.
What happens if it rains?
Rincon Creek Ranch is typically a “fair weather” venue. Monitoring of the local 5-day weather forecast leading up to the day of an event is crucial. A single, light, ten minute rain is usually of no consequence. The backup location in the event of rain is Luella-Boomer Hall, provided that your guest count does not exceed the capacity limit of 56 persons for the Multi-Purpose Building Great Room. For additional space we suggest you rent tents to extend off of the Multi-Purpose Building porch. You must be prepared to direct guests from the ranch grounds to the Hall, if you choose to utilize this as a back-up. Also, additional tables and chairs may be required. Large tents suitable for the open grounds (Lawns, Pasture, etc.), are available from local vendors and can be reserved on a standby basis. However, erection of a large tent generally requires at least a day of advance notice, and significant coordination with the venue owners/management, and an additional fee. Generally pasture parking is still viable if subject to only light intermittent rain; however, a heavy down pour renders it a muddy mess.
Are candles allowed?
Candles must be enclosed in some kind of windproof, tip-resistant enclosure designed for that purpose, and that catches and contains any dripped wax.
Where is Smoking / Vaping permitted?
Smoking/vaping is only permitted outdoors, 20 ft. away from any entrance. Cigarette butts must be disposed of properly. Smoking/vaping is not permitted in the casitas, and cigarette butts shall not be disposed of in the indoor casita trash receptacles. Ashtrays and cigarette butt disposal cans are located at strategic locations outdoors.
When can my event occur?
Event times are dictated by the event package selected. Generally your event can begin at 10:00 AM and end no later than 11:00pm, unless otherwise restricted by the venue rental package selected. Everyone and everything, other than overnight guests staying in the casitas, must be off the premises by 11:00pm.
When can I set-up my event?
Generally, you may set-up any time after 10:00 AM. You are responsible for your rented items and belongings. You must have someone on site to meet with suppliers/vendors and direct storage and set-up, and collection. It is advised that someone remain with your set-up items at all times.
May I bring pets to an event?
Pets are not allowed on the premises. We love animals and have many on the ranch. Unfortunately, past experience has made this policy absolutely necessary.
Vendors
What kind of caterer can I use?
We require catering to be provided by one of the approved caterers on our recommended vendor list. Presently, that includes Feast Catering, Carte Blance Catering, Sapphire Catering, Blue House Catering, and The Tasteful Kitchen.
Can I serve alcohol?
If alcohol is going to be served at your event, we do REQUIRE that you use the services of a licensed, bonded, and insured bartending service. The bartending service must have at least $1 million Liquor Liability coverage and $1 million General Liability coverage. The service must provide a certificate naming Rincon Creek Ranch, and its owners as an additional named insured party, and provide that certificate within ten (10) days of the planned event. We have a list of licensed, bonded, and insured bartending services that have successfully catered events at the Ranch.
Can I hire a band or DJ?
Yes, you may hire both, although sound restrictions for outdoor areas apply in the evening. In consideration of our neighbors, amplified sound must be discontinued at 10:30PM. Also, the general provisions of Pima County’s Sound Ordinance apply at all times.
Do you have a list of preferred vendors?
Yes, we can provide you a list of preferred vendors.
Event Cleanup / Setup / Breakdown
Who cleans up after my event?
Cleaning is your (the host’s) responsibility and typically your caterer’s staff can assist you with this. Events taking place outdoors must have all food completely cleaned up and removed from the outdoor space, and all garbage disposed of in the on-site dumpster at the conclusion of the event.
How do I get my damage / cleaning / services deposit back?
Deposits are fully refundable, so long as the facilities are returned to their original, clean and undamaged state after your event, and no services were provided by the venue owners/management. Large spills and other leftover materials must be cleaned and removed by the end of your event. Trash bags must be brought to the dumpster. It is highly recommended that you provide personnel to review the grounds and clear anything remaining from the previous night. Daylight is required to identify and remove remaining trash and unclaimed items. The refundable amount due from deposits will be returned by check, and mailed to the event host no later than ten (10) days after the day of the event. Any deposit charges will be itemized and included with the returned funds.
Can I store my items before or after my event?
Storage of items is dictated by the event package selected. Items for events taking place on the lawns must be loaded in and loaded out the same day as your event. In particular, any flat structure, such as a dance floor or platform, must be completely broken down and removed from the lawn at the conclusion of the event.
Rentals & Vendors
When can my rental/vending company deliver and pick up rentals/equipment?
Generally, rental items can be delivered any time after 10:00 AM on the day of your event. All rentals must be removed at the end of your event, on the same night of your event unless prior approval is given in writing. You must have someone on site to meet with suppliers/vendors and direct storage, set-up, and collection of rental items. If the venue owners/management have to meet a vendor and direct unloading, or collection, there will be a $100 charge for each meeting. Typically caterers provide these services.
Can I rent tables or chairs from Rincon Creek Ranch?
Yes, we have tables and chairs for you to rent. Please ask for details. We do not have linens, glasses, dishes, tableware, etcetera. Rental of Rincon Creek Ranch’s tables and chairs includes set-up, break-down, and storage.
Prices, Terms, and Policies subject to change without notice.