What's Hot In Hotels: Hotel Valley Ho

It’s not a stretch to imagine yourself as Don or Betty Draper when you pull up to the Hotel Valley Ho. In all likelihood, you’ll probably find yourself sipping on a Smokin’ Hot Fuzz (one of their in-house cocktails) and using phrases like “you razz my berries” as soon as you arrive. The mid-century modern design, the warm staff, and southwestern details lure you in and plop you into a scene straight out of a movie. In fact, the Scottsdale, Arizona resort, managed by Westroc Hospitality, used to be a hideaway for celebs during the 1950’s and still pays homage to the heyday of the era. Guests can even book a 90-minute walking tour of the grounds and learn about architect Edward L. Varney’s original vision and about the hotel’s Hollywood connection and past.

Tower Loft Suite Living Room + Kitchen. Photo courtesy of Hotel Valley Ho.

Design enthusiasts will find this hotel an absolute gem, as it is one of the best preserved mid-century modern hotels in the country. And while it’s easy to appreciate the vintage elements of the grounds, the hotel is by no means stuck in the past. In 2005 the hotel underwent an $80 million dollar renovation that not only paid tribute to its roots but kept the future in mind by focusing on sustainability. The restoration of the hotel was the first step in that process. By not tearing the hotel down and starting from scratch, they were able to save 20,000 tons of landfill waste. Conservation is usually key for desert dwellers and in a place like Scottsdale, where temps can climb into the hundreds, keeping cool is a must. During the renovations, they installed dual-pane glass to reduce the energy needed for heating and cooling, low-flow faucets, cooling towers, and energy efficient lighting throughout the hotel.

The lobby. Photo courtesy of Hotel Valley Ho.

The resort’s green initiatives don’t start and end with conserving resources. There are several ways in which the hotel gives back to the community, as well. One such example is through the Adopt-A-Road program, where employees volunteer to pick up trash between Camelback and Indian School roads. They also donate their gently used linens to a local domestic abuse center and more heavily worn linens go to a local animal shelter. Most significantly, the hotel participates in the Clean The World program, which collects and recycles amenities for use in domestic homeless shelters.

A guest room at the Hotel Valley Ho. Photo courtesy of Hotel Valley Ho.

Guests can rest their heads knowing that the efforts the hotel have implemented are contributing to a better world. When you aren’t peacefully sleeping in one of the 241 suites and guest rooms, enjoy a meal in-house restaurant, ZuZu. You’ll want to don your best vintage-looking attire and prepare for a meal for the ages. The dining experience plays off the hotel’s 1950’s vibe with recipes passed down through the generations. Chef Russell Lacasce sources many of his seasonally based meals from local purveyors in the area and from the hotel’s herb garden. Even the seafood dishes come from certified sustainable fisheries. Try the buttery Hokkaido Scallops or the savory Yellowtail Hamachi Crudo if you’re in the mood for surf, and grass-fed, hormone-free Filet of Beef if you’d prefer some turf! Vegetarians have their pick of salads and small plates as well.

The interior of ZuZu restaurant. Photo courtesy of Hotel Valley Ho.

After a night on the town, a proper pampering is a nice way to unwind. Visit VH Spa for a variety of treatments or lie by the OH Pool in a chaise lounge or cabana. Prefer a bit of a work-out? Take advantage of the hotel’s gym or hop on a LimeBike, Scottsdale’s community bike-share program.

OH Pool Bar + Cabanas. Photo courtesy of Hotel Valley Ho.

Scottsdale is a haven for the arts, outdoor activities, and culture in Arizona. Visitors can enjoy a host of activities ranging from museum hopping to off-roading in the desert. Whatever brings you to the area, Hotel Valley Ho can be your oasis after a day of adventure.