I made the short trip from the airport to downtown Scottsdale’s Hotel Valley Ho in a Toyota Sequoia, courtesy of Uber. When we arrived I realized my mistake. I should have donned chic oversized sunglasses, wrapped a billowy scarf around my hair, and held out for a convertible instead of a pickup truck. Hotel Valley Ho is that kind of place. It oozes with old Hollywood glamour. Robert Wagner and Natalie Wood were married here (the first time), Janet Leigh and Tony Curtis were long-term guests while she filmed Psycho, and Jimmy Durante often played piano in the swanky bar. Now I was here with my cousin for a swanky holiday of our own.
Cool, retro vibes
Hotel Valley Ho opened in 1956 and is considered one of the finest mid-century modern hotels in the country. Edward L. Varney, who studied with Frank Lloyd Wright, designed the property which brims with the eye-catching colors, geometric shapes, neon, and three-dimensional artworks that defined the era. Furnishings are sleek and low profile, allowing the architecture and art to claim the spotlight.
Despite being the only hotel in Scottsdale registered with the Historic Hotels of America, the atmosphere at Hotel Valley Ho is anything but stuffy. In fact, the energy is downright cool. The retro vibes are fun and playful. There’s no need to speak in hushed tones – this is the kind of place where you’re comfortable laughing out loud while chatting with your companions.
An $18 million renovation
Hotel Valley Ho’s recently announced $18 million renovation celebrates the mid-century modern aesthetic in a way that feels current and fresh. In the recently redesigned rooms, sleek, low headboards feature fabric accents and outlets with USB plugs to charge devices. Imagined by Mendil + Meyer Design Studio, terracotta, sage, and powder blue accents contrast with cream walls, conjuring the beauty of the Arizona landscape.
Ceramic planters and artwork by Scottsdale-based artist Djamila Fierek create the illusion you’re not in a hotel but in a beautifully-decorated home (abiet one where someone is nice enough to come in to make the bed and clean your bathroom every day). Custom terrazzo countertops, deep soaking tubs, lighted pill-shaped mirrors, and luxurious Red Flower amenities turn the bathroom into a private oasis. If the pool wasn’t calling, it might be tempting to spend the entire day in your room…