đ¨A Retro-Chic Stay in the Desert
Hotel Valley Ho, which originally opened on December 20, 1956, beautifully blends mid-century modern design with Southwestern charm. Designed by renowned Valley architect Edward L. Varney, the hotel quickly became a stylish retreat for travelers and Hollywood icons alike. Varney was ahead of his timeâhe even included substructural supports for a future seven-story tower when most of Scottsdale was made up of one- and two-story buildings.
The hotel was lovingly owned and managed by Robert and Evelyn Foehl, who believed that âthe important thing is to make your guest feel wanted.â The name âValley Hoâ was inspired by its sister property, the Westward Ho in Downtown Phoenix, and was selected through a local newspaper contest. Today, it remains a prime spot in downtown Scottsdale, just steps from art galleries, boutiques, and vibrant nightlife.
đď¸ Stylish Stays: Rooms & Suites
We stayed in a stunning two-story Tower Loft at Hotel Valley Hoâan architectural gem that seamlessly blends vintage style with modern luxury. The suite featured four private patios, including a cozy daybed nook perfect for lounging, and a full-sized kitchen with a playful retro-chic design.
The layout was thoughtfully designed, with two bathrooms, including a spacious master bath outfitted with an oversized soaking tub, a glass-walled shower, and double vanities. Conveniences like a walk-in closet, in-suite washer and dryer, and a personal steamer made our stay feel effortless.
Every detail was consideredâfrom the plush VH Spa robes and organic Red Flower bath amenities to the sleek morning bar with complimentary coffee and water. The mini-bar was stocked with gourmet snacks and beverages, adding a luxurious touch to our stay.
đ Poolside Paradise: OH Pool & OHasis Pool
Hotel Valley Ho offers two distinct pool experiences. The OH Pool is a lively weekend hotspot, complete with upbeat music, a poolside bar, and plenty of cabanas to rent. It’s perfect if you’re in the mood for a vibrant social scene.
Since we were in our “parent era” with our baby boy in tow, we opted for the OHasis Poolâa tranquil, more low-key alternative. Tucked away and surrounded by greenery, it’s ideal for quiet relaxation. This smaller pool area is perfect for families, seniors, or anyone craving a peaceful poolside vibe.
đł Brunch Bliss at ZuZu
Now letâs talk about the food! While we didnât choose the hotel specifically for its dining, we were pleasantly surprised by the quality and atmosphere at ZuZu, the hotelâs retro-inspired American restaurant. We started our stay with brunch, and it was fantastic.
I ordered the Fried Chicken + Cheddar Biscuit, topped with Schreinerâs sausage gravy, hot sauce, and chivesâit was comfort food perfection. To drink, I sipped on the Scottsdale G&T, a refreshing cocktail with Zephyr gin, blueberry-lavender honey, lemon, and tonic. It was as pretty as it was delicious.
Other highlights from the brunch menu included the Ho-J (fresh orange juice with vanilla bean ice cream) and the mushroom and cheese omelet. Oh, and they had Brookies for dessertâyes, a brownie-cookie hybrid! We also ordered room service one evening, which made dinnertime with our son a breeze and allowed us to stick to his routine without sacrificing convenience.
đââď¸ Rejuvenation at VH Spa
For Motherâs Day, my husband treated me to a relaxing spa day at VH Spa, and it was everything I needed. The spa itself is intimate and invitingânot overly large, which gives it a cozy boutique feel. The amenities include showers, a steam room, and a peaceful atmosphere.
I chose the Moonflower Massage paired with a dry brush treatment. The dry brushing is a wellness ritual that stimulates the lymphatic system, promotes detoxification, and improves circulation. The full-body massage that followed used Red Flowerâs Icelandic Moonflower Body Oil, which left me feeling renewed, grounded, and blissfully relaxed. It was the perfect Motherâs Day indulgence.
đż Eco-Friendly Initiatives
One of the things that impressed me most during our stay was Hotel Valley Hoâs strong commitment to sustainability. Instead of demolishing the original structure, the hotel was restored in 2005âsaving more than 20,000 tons of waste from ending up in landfills.
Throughout the property, youâll find low-flow fixtures, energy-efficient lighting, dual-pane windows, and cooling towers that conserve energy during cooler months. In-room amenities are organic, landscaping is free from herbicides and pesticides, and many food ingredients are sourced locally. The hotel also offers EV charging stations and recycles everything from paper and glass to cooking oil. Itâs no wonder theyâve earned multiple green awards.
đž Pet-Friendly Perks
Although we didnât bring our pup this time, we noticed how truly pet-friendly Hotel Valley Ho is. Despite the many furry guests, the grounds remained immaculate. The property is beautifully maintained and perfect for peaceful evening strolls with your four-legged companion. Weâre definitely bringing our dog next time!
đşď¸ Exploring Old Town Scottsdale
While we mostly stayed on the property to relax, the hotelâs location makes it an ideal base for exploring Scottsdale. Itâs close to the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, Civic Center Park, and the Desert Botanical Gardenâall just a short drive or walk away if youâre in the mood for a cultural outing or a scenic day trip.
đ Final Thoughts
Spending my first Motherâs Day at Hotel Valley Ho was the perfect staycation experience. From the thoughtful service and stylish design to the incredible spa and delicious dining, every detail felt curated and intentional. I felt relaxed, pampered, and even had time to capture some cute photos to remember it all.
I canât wait to returnâand next time, weâre definitely bringing our dog along for the ride. If youâre looking for more historic stays around the Phoenix area, check out this curated list! â¨
đđž Historic Hotels in Phoenix + Scottsdale
