Some things just get better with age. The sprawling, fun-in-the-sun Hotel Valley Ho resort has been a Scottsdale, Arizona icon since 1956. Notably, it was the first of its kind: a striking blend of stylish mid-century modern architecture, contemporary amenities, and lush grounds that attracted the Hollywood elite and their families for memorable poolside vacations.
The landmark resort has long been the crown jewel of Old Town Scottsdale, but never more so than now, thanks to an $18 million renovation of its guest rooms — the most significant update since the hotel’s debut nearly 70 years ago. Hotel Valley Ho takes its responsibility seriously as a registered member of the Historic Hotels of America, the official program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation recognizing the finest historic hotels.
The refresh dovetails beautifully with the hotel’s original character. Design firm Mendel + Meyer Design Studio reimagined guest rooms by drawing inspiration from the property’s mid-century aesthetics. They carefully freshened up spaces with new materials, open living floor plans, and modern tech. The designers also were guided by the hotel’s commitment to sustainability, and so reduced waste by reutilizing elements from earlier renovations.
The first thing I noticed when entering our ground-level Cabana King Room (one of the larger new room categories along with the Terrace Suites with separate rooms for four and a private patio to die for) was the serene color palette which echoed the warm tones of Arizona’s desert setting, gently changing hue along with the sunset. Commissioned work by Scottsdale-based artist Damila Fierek decorates the walls. And new custom terrazzo countertops are a nod to the hotel’s beautiful MCM terrazzo lobby — one of the Scottsdale’s nicest surviving examples of MCM handwork.
Closets are handmade from rich walnut, geometric hummingbird patterns decorate custom window sheers that open onto wide balconies and patios that edge manicured lawns in the shadows of palm trees and trickling fountains. Ceramic planters mimic the resort’s original concrete designs by renowned architect Edward L. Varney, an acolyte of Frank Lloyd Wright, whose studio was based in Scottsdale. The ground-level, pool-facing Cabana King Rooms offer extended patios with sun loungers, tables, and chairs.
The most striking modern touch is the bathroom — or more accurately, the surprising open-floor plan featuring a bathtub visible from all corners or the room, including the king-size bed. A curtain provides a sense of privacy, when desired, as does the doored shower and separate toilet room. Other mod cons include illuminated vanity mirrors, double sinks, and a high-tech Lutron system with personalized lighting and temperature controls.
As nice as our room was, I found myself repeatedly inspired to throw open the sliding doors to linger on the spacious patio, well shaded and furnished with padded loungers, chairs and tables. It was the perfect place to chill with a book and a dry martini in the dry heat with nothing but the sound of the sprinklers, distant laughter from the main pool, and the whirr of the occasional hummingbird passing by.
