Hotel Valley Ho Review, Scottsdale

Step back into the 1950’s at Scottsdale’s Hotel Valley Ho. Located on the west end of Old Town Scottsdale, the hotel is close to everything you want to explore. It is walking distance to the area’s restaurants, galleries, and wine tasting rooms. You can explore the area on foot, or hop aboard the free downtown shuttle. Walking is the best way to enjoy this side of Scottsdale. The street art installations are stunning, some beckoning you to step right up and touch. My Hotel Valley Ho Review will take you in and around the hotel and Old Town.

Note: Some information in this piece was obtained during a sponsored press trip, but all recommendations are my own.

Hotel Valley Ho History

Originally opened on December 20, 1956, Hotel Valley Ho has classically cool roots and stands as a modernist icon in Downtown Scottsdale. Owned by John B. Mills, along with Robert Foehl and his wife Evelyn, it was built on the belief that “the important thing is to make your guest feel wanted.

According to Historic Hotels of America, “Among the first celebrities to stay at the Hotel Valley Ho were Natalie Wood and Robert Wagner, who held their wedding reception inside the building in 1957. Tony Curtis and his wife, Janet Leigh, also made the hotel their home while they filmed parts of Psycho nearby. Jimmy Durante even performed on the piano within the hotel’s stunning lounge on many occasions. Other stars to grace the Hotel Valley Ho with their presence included Clark Gable, Carey Grant, Bing Crosby, Humphrey Bogart, Bette Davis, Marylin Monroe, and Zsa Zsa Gabor.” Additionally they note that “baseball icons like Bob Feller, Leo Durocher, and Ted Williams had all stayed inside the Hotel Valley Ho at one point or another.”

The Rooms

The mid-century modern vibe doesn’t end with the exterior architecture. When you enter your suite, it is an oasis of mod. The colors, the style, and the amenities immediately transport you back in time to the Rat Pack heyday. The cool retro style feels like you should hear Jimmy Durante singing in the background, with a parting “Good Night, Mrs. Calabash.” The huge rooms are beautifully decorated and spacious yet cozy.

Well stocked pantry and honor bar make you feel like you are at your very best home away from home. And the floor to ceiling glass doors to your private patio let the outside brighten the inside. I did stay in a suite while I was visiting and it was quite luxurious. There are more other rooms the are more modest, perfect for a getaway stay.

The Pool

Sip on something adult and tropical at the OH Pool while catching some Arizona sunshine. The lively main pool area is the place to see and be seen. It sports a kick back atmosphere where fun in the sun is the only item on your checklist.

The OHasis Pool is where you want to be cat napping in a chaise lounge under swaying palms. No need to rush off, you can spend the afternoon snoozing away getting ready to hit the hot spots in Old Town Scottsdale.

The VH Spa

Facials, hot stone massages, chromotherapy, and saunas allow you to sink into the relaxing vibe of Scottsdale’s vacation mode. Excellent hotel spa facilities are something to consider for a girls getaway stay.

Their famous Jet Setter Menu including treatments representing Hawai’i, Istanbul, Reykjavik, and Amsterdam will take your spirit on a spa journey around the world.

The Staff

The front desk staff was wonderful to deal with. Every question was answered with a warm smile and great service. The Hotel Valley Ho is a busy place and the staff keeps everything moving smoothly along.

The Fitness Center

There is a 24-hour, high-tech fitness center and movement studio just down the hall from VH Spa, overlooking the OH Pool. There are also men’s and women’s locker rooms and saunas. The fitness center and saunas are complementary to hotel guests.

Pets

Full trained pets are free guests at Hotel Valley Ho. Scottsdale is a pet friendly city and you will love having your fur baby along with you on your vacation getaway. You will find water bowls strategically placed across the city.

ZuZu Restaurant

Be sure to grab a bite at ZuZu Restaurant adjacent to the lobby. Whether you are in search of a cocktail at the bar before heading out to Old Town Scottsdale, or a delicious meal, ZuZu Restaurant will fit the bill.

Stop by for one of their famous “Show Stopper” Shakes created with over-the-top delightful ingredients. The chef’s creative imagination is only limited by the house-made treats decorating the sweet concoction.

Downtown Scottsdale

Trendy hotel bars make great meeting spaces to gather with friends and family. I was fortunate enough to visit many of these Scottsdale Gems on a recent visit. You can read about them in an article I wrote for Travel Awaits — 8 Trendy Hotel Bars To Visit In Scottsdale And Their Signature Cocktails.

Nearby Restaurants

There are so many restaurants to try in Old Town Scottsdale, you won’t leave hungry. Besides enjoying an amazing dining experience at ZuZu, try some of these other wonderful establishments

The Mission

One of my favorite restaurants is The Mission where they elevate classic Latin cuisine for your dining pleasure. The Mission is known for their iconic signature tacos and you will love the authentic ambiance and cuisine.

Bootleggers Modern American Smokehouse

Another great take is Bootleggers Modern American Smokehouse. Their amazing smoked meat was featured on Diners, Drivin-ins, and Dives so you know they are putting out amazing food.

AZ88

The uber modern AZ88 is an upscale saloon style eatery where guests sip on crafted cocktails and dine on local cuisine with a cheffy twist.

Gelato Cimmino

For a mid-day sweet treat head over to Gelato Cimmino for a scoop of creamy Italian delight.

LDV Winery Tasting Room

At the LDV Winery Tasting Room you can sip a yummy glass of local wine, or two, while enjoying people watching from your front porch perch.

If you want to sample some great wine shipped to your door, I recommend joining nakedwines.com. You select when you order, what you order, and how much you order. The options are wonderful and you can taste test lots of different small vineyards.

Virtu Honest Craft

Vacation date night should start in the elegant, European inspired courtyard at the Bespoke Inn, Sharing the courtyard is Virtu Honest Craft the home of James Beard–award nominee Chef Gio Osso.

piccolo virtu

Chef Osso’s recently opened, new concept restaurant is piccolo virtu. Try the i dolci a flourless chocolate cake, chile chocolate gelato, salted bourbon caramel, and toasted almond panna cotta with a marcona crumble. Amazing!

Hotel Valley Ho Review

I have had the pleasure of visiting Scottsdale several times and one of my favorite spots is the Hotel Valley Ho. Of course I am drawn to mid-century modern architecture and decor, so the hotel is special to me. I hope you get a chance to visit, or even snowbird in Scottsdale and my Hotel Valley Ho review will entice you to jump on a plane to Phoenix Sky Harbor Intl. Airport.

Happy Travels

Sandi

PS:

Don’t you just hate it when your phone battery is in the dreaded red zone? I always carry Fuel Rods with me. They give me a battery boost, they are rechargeable, and they work with iphones and androids. 

Travel health insurance when you are heading out of the country is an important consideration. Many policies don’t fully cover you outside of the US. I use Safety Wing for my international travels. I use the one-time coverage option for individual trips – luckily I haven’t had to use it, but it’s comforting to know I have it in place. 

If you know me, you know I love a glass of wine (or two). My favorite mail order wine company is Naked Wines. I order a case every month or so – no judgment please. I love that they work with small independent winemakers and I get to choose what wine I want and when I want it delivered. 

Don’t forget to download my free packing list! It’s the perfect jumping off point to get your adventure started.