On our recent journey, we had the pleasure of staying at the iconic, pet-friendly Valley Ho Hotel in Scottsdale, Arizona.
The hotel’s exceptional service, combined with its historic charm and modern conveniences, ensures a stay that is as relaxing as it is inspiring. In a city known for lush and luxurious tropical resorts, the Valley Ho Hotel seems to offer that while also having a one of a kind vintage aesthetic unlike any other.
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What to Expect at the Valley Ho Hotel
The moment we stepped in, we were transported back to the vibrant era of mid-century modern design. The hotel exuded a unique vibe, harking back to the 1950s and 60s, with its clean lines, bold colors, and intricate geometric patterns.
From the vintage-style furniture in the lobby to the retro-inspired rooms, every corner of the hotel celebrated the timeless charm of this design era.
The Valley Ho Hotel stands as a brilliant example of classic mid-century architecture, preserving its historical aesthetic while blending it with modern comforts and amenities. It is more than just a place to stay; it’s an immersive experience into a bygone era, a true design lover’s paradise.
If you’re looking to travel with a furry companion, the Valley Ho Hotel is not only pet-friendly, but pets stay for free (not including any damages).
A Little Hotel History
The Valley Ho Hotel has a rich history of celebrity connections that adds to its appeal. From the moment it opened its doors in 1956, it became a beacon for Hollywood’s elite, drawn by its privacy and modern charm.
The hotel’s guest list reads like a who’s who of mid-century Hollywood. Bing Crosby, Tony Curtis, and Janet Leigh are just a few of the notable names known to have graced its halls.
Perhaps most famously, it played host to the secret wedding of silver screen icons Robert Wagner and Natalie Wood in 1957. The hotel’s discreet staff, mid-century style, and luxurious amenities continue to attract celebrities to this day, making it a hotspot of Scottsdale’s social scene.
The Rooms at the Valley Ho Hotel
Each room exudes a unique charm that reflects the hotel’s design ethos.
The rooms, spacious and airy, are adorned with retro-inspired furnishings, from sleek Eames-style chairs to artfully crafted light fixtures. The floor-to-ceiling windows let in an abundance of natural light, further enhancing the rooms’ inviting atmosphere.
Despite feeling like you’ve stepped back in time, each room comes equipped with modern amenities. These include high-speed Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and plush bedding, striking a perfect balance between vintage charm and contemporary luxury.
We ended up enjoying a Tower Suite with all the amenities of a condo! A full-size kitchen with a microwave, stove, and full fridge meant we could dine in when we wanted. Although, we did eat out everyday because the Scottsdale food is unmatched. Read more about it here.
We might have been the most excited about the full washer and dryer. After days exploring Scottsdale and a dusty ATV ride, the convenience of doing laundry was so nice!
In addition to the room, the Valley Ho Hotel even offers a record rental program! We loved dancing the night away to the Beatles and other classics in the privacy of our suite!
The Pool
The hotel’s pool area, OH Pool, is surrounded by lush palm trees, vintage-style loungers, and mountains in the background. The poolside cabanas add some additional privacy for those seeking a peaceful spot out of the Arizona sun.
The lively pool bar serves refreshing cocktails and light bites, making the pool area the heart of the hotel. It’s the ideal spot for both relaxation and socializing!
We almost missed the second pool tucked amongst the fruit trees and winding paths of the other, secluded, side of the resort. This lap style pool and small fountain was a quiet spot that ended up being a timeless solace.
The On-Site Restaurant: ZuZu
Among the many delights of the Valley Ho Hotel is its in-house restaurant, ZuZu. Serving a variety of dishes inspired by classic American cuisine, the restaurant offers a memorable dining experience in a stylish, mid-century modern setting.
The menu, created by renowned chefs, showcases local and seasonal ingredients. For brunch, we enjoyed an indulgent spread of juicy fried chicken and waffles, breakfast fried rice, steak grits with eggs, and a cinnamon roll bread pudding.
A trip to ZuZu would be amiss without mentioning their award-winning milkshakes, with a different themed creations every month.
Rich, creamy, and adorned with an array of delightful toppings — from frosted donuts to full slices of cake — these milkshakes are not just a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes!
We indulged in the month’s special — a chocolate decadence milkshake. It was quite literally a tower of chocolate goodies stacked on a base of velvety, cold, chocolate milkshake. It was the perfect combination of sweetness, texture, and temperature, making for an unforgettable, decadent dessert experience.
The milkshake was not merely a dessert but a culinary adventure, making ZuZu’s milkshakes a must-try when at the Valley Ho Hotel. Plus, $1 from each milkshake goes to charity!
Things to Do Near the Valley Ho Hotel
The Valley Ho Hotel is conveniently located near Old Town Scottsdale, making it an ideal base for exploring the area’s local art galleries, boutiques, and renowned dining scene. Yet, you still have the pleasure of seeing Camelback Mountain at sunset.
Be sure to check out our complete list of our favorite date ideas and things to do in Scottsdale for additional inspiration!
The Valley Ho Hotel: Final Thoughts
The Valley Ho Hotel, with its unique mid-century modern vibe, offers a stay that is beyond the ordinary. It masterfully combines historical aesthetics with modern comforts to create a space that is not only visually stunning, but also comfortable.
The top-notch service, pool area, stylish, pet-friendly rooms, and excellent cuisine make it the perfect choice for your next trip to Scottsdale!
Check out more of our Scottsdale content below and start planning your next Arizona getaway today!
- Best Restaurants in Scottsdale
- Romantic Date Ideas & Things to Do in Scottsdale
- How to Spend a Weekend in Scottsdale
- Things to Do in the Winter in Scottsdale
Last Updated 4 months ago by Jessica Serna | Published: December 3, 2023
