Staying at Hotel Valley Ho in Scottsdale, Arizona


There are very few hotels in the world that have completely blown me away during my travels. Rarely does style, food, comfort and staff come together perfectly. But staying at Hotel Valley Ho–this midcentury modern, Mad Men-esque, boutique hotel–did just that. 

The last time I went to Phoenix was very briefly on a road trip to the Grand Canyon. It was Memorial Day Weekend so the city was pracically a ghost town. It wasn’t a great first impression of Phoenix and I was hesitant to come back to this desert city.

But this experience was different. Much different.

Staying at Hotel Valley Ho was both current and retro all at the same time. Beautiful bright colors and up-to-date amenities, hip pool party scene, but retro decor and old-school hospitality. If you find yourself passing through Scottsdale, Arizona, you’ll find yourself wanting to stay an additional night at Hotel Valley Ho.

The Property

Hotel Valley Ho is a famed hotel in Downtown Scottsdale with an impressive and colorful history. Opened in 1956, the architect created the hotel with a minimalist style which it still exhibits to this day.

Since the 50’s, several Hollywood celebrities would escape the paparazzi and flee to this gorgeous hotel. These stars included Bing Crosby, Tony Curtis, Janet Leigh, Zsa Zsa Gabor, and man more. But after several decades, the hotel was taken over and lost some of it’s old charm.

But local company Westroc Hospitality saved the property in 2005 by resoring the mid-century mondern style in a way that makes you feel like you stepped back in time. It’s named as “one of the best-preserved mid-century hotels in the country” by author and architect Alan Hess, and is perfect for parties, business retreats and romantic getaways.

Amenities

I knew we were in for an amazing, midcentury adventure. But believe me when I say that pictures do not do this property (or experience) justice.

We arrived to a cheery and colorful valet that really set the tone for the color scheme of this property. Once we entered our suite, our mouths dropped. Our room opened up to a bright yellow kitchenette with everything anyone could possibly need for a longterm stay.

The 1,350 sq. foot room included a living room and studio style bedroom with a connecting bedroom and bathroom. The entertainment area had a television swivel to make TV watching accessible from both the living room and main bedroom. Did I mention there were two, colorfully-tiled balconies totaling 225 sq. feet?

Our beautiful, two-bedroom tower suite included the following amenities:

  • Main suite with 1 king bed, adjoining room with 1 king bed or 2 double beds
  • Glass walls opening onto two private balconies*
  • Private bar and mini-refrigerator with gourmet snacks + beverages*
  • Morning bar with complimentary coffee*
  • Plush VH Spa robes
  • Full-wall credenza with vanity and pull-out desk*
  • Complimentary basic internet (fee for premium)*
  • 49″ + 55″ flat screen HD TVs*
  • Docking station to plug in DVD, iPod or computer
  • Laptop-size safe*
  • High gloss kitchen cabinets with service for 8
  • 30-inch cooktop and oven by Dacor
  • Sub-Zero refrigerator + freezer
  • Terrazzo-tile bathrooms with translucent walls*
  • Oversized bathtub and separate showers*
  • Luxurious red flower bath amenities*
  • Iron and ironing board*
  • Modern lighting fixtures and stainless steel hardware throughout
  • Axxis stackable full-size washer and dryer by Bosch
  • Walk-in closets with shelving and drawers
  • No daily resort fees*

*=Available in all room styles

Things to Do

There are plenty of things to do in the city of Scottsdale. In fact, Hotel Valley Ho has a list of things to see and do around the area. But if you’re digging this vintage style as much as we are, you’re going to want to spend as much time here as possible.

Fitness and wellness are major components at this hotel. Hotel Valley Ho has a fantastic gym, yoga program, bike rental, personal training program and even guided hikes around the area! But if you’re looking for something more relaxing, the VH spa has a variety of beauty, skincare and massage packages.

One of the highlights of Hotel Valley Ho is Zuzu, the retro-chic restaurant & lounge serving American comfort food plated in modern and gorgeous styles.

In true clumsy traveler fashion, something awkward came up. Right as we sat down for dinner, I became incredibly sick. Angie and I had concluded that a trip to the hot and windy Southwest had made me incredibly dehydrated. So while I couldn’t completely enjoy dinner, Angie returned with a full tummy and plenty of stories 2.5 hours later. Pretty safe to say she had a great time! 

But one of the best experiences was the OH Pool, the hotel’s premier pool lounge with chairs, cabanas and a bar. We visited the hotel during its off season but you knew that this was the spot to be in the summer!

Staff

It was the colorful tile and retro furniture that gained my attention at first. But it was the service that made a lasting impression. From valet to dinner to poolside, the staff at Hotel Valley Ho were efficient, friendly and welcoming. 

Hotel Valley Ho pulled out all of the stops: a wonderful welcome gift with snacks, a stocked poolside cabana with attentive service and an amazing meal featuring the front and back of the house.

Dinner was where the hotel really shined. We were greeted with a warm smile and prompt service by the hostess. Our server greeted us quickly and even the manager came over to give us a brief and pleasant hello! Prior to my getting sick, chef Russell Lacasce joined us for some wonderful conversation. 

There was not a single moment where we did not feel like royalty. Staying at Hotel Valley Ho would be the main reason for my returning to Scottsdale!

Planning on Staying at Hotel Valley Ho? Click here to book a reservation!

Thank you to the Hotel Valley Ho for hosting me during my stay in Phoenix. As always, the content and opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
*Some featured photos here were taken and edited by fellow blogger, The Lovely Escapist

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