"Add a Little Southwest Flair to Your Life"

The Fabled Hotel Valley Ho

Scottsdale, Arizona

Say “Hotel Valley Ho” seven times fast and you will conjure balmy images of post-war southwest desert chic.  From curtains to carpets, crooners to cocktails, Hotel Valley Ho was all the rage in those golden days and a legend in its own time.  It was the meeting place of Scottsdale’s society, a year-round resort to Hollywood stars, and an oasis for well-heeled visitors from around the country.  The legendary hotel has been thrilling guests since opening in 1956 with regular sightings of Hollywood’s greats.  Bubbling around the courtyard pool, grooving to Jimmy Durante playing piano in the lobby lounge or exchanging nuptials, tinseltown’s A-list called Hotel Valley Ho home.

The revered resort, located within the new urban grid of downtown Scottsdale, is still one of the nation's best-preserved examples of mid-century modern architecture. Built with Frank Lloyd inspired elements, its “southwestern” architecture (bridging modern and western detailing) made the property an instant icon of the area.  Hotel Valley Ho had a contagious energy about it, especially at the courtyard pool that beckoned celebrities from the heat.  It became the backdrop for many star-studded events, from weddings to fashion shows to luncheons. Hotel Valley Ho is the last resort remaining of the postwar boom that expressed the cosmopolitan nature of Scottsdale as a top tourist destination.

Hotel Valley Ho was the place for celeb networking and important society affairs. Many high-profile guests were personal friends of original owners Robert and Evelyn Foehl. In the early 1960s, Hollywood favorites Janet Leigh and Tony Curtis stayed at the hotel for several weeks. Jimmy Durante spent many a night playing the lobby piano. Zsa Zsa Gabor stayed at the hotel with daughter Francesca while filming.

Natalie Wood and Robert Wagner held their private wedding reception at the hotel in 1957. Boston Red Sox Ted Williams was also a buddy of Robert Foehl's and guest of the property. Other famous lodgers include Bing Crosby, Marilyn Monroe, Humphrey Bogart, Betty Grable, Ingrid Bergman, and James Cagney to name a few.

In June 2004, Westroc Hotels & Resorts embarked on an $80-million rehabilitation and expansion of Hotel Valley Ho's 14-acre site after acquiring the property in 2002.  The original structures are in excellent shape and will still convey their historical significance from the fifties while being enhanced by modern technology and innovation.  Hotel Valley Ho opened in December 2005.  The property contains a seven-story tower with five levels of mid-rise condominiums and a new wing for a grand total of 194 deluxe rooms and suites. The updated Hotel Valley Ho carries on tradition with the “Oh Pool,”  the new heartbeat of the hotel.

Hotel Valley Ho also boasts two signature restaurants, Café ZuZu, and the rebirth of the legendary Trader Vic's. Here, guests embark on an exploration of savory dishes inspired by recipes of present and past. At Café ZuZu, classic American fare and warm hospitality add up to a fun dining experience. For a Polynesian twist, the return of Trader Vic's stirs up fond recollections of exotic aromas and flavors, umbrella drinks, and the sheer excitement of being transported to a tropical getaway. At Hotel Valley Ho, a la carte dining, private catering, room service and even poolside fare at the OH Pool Bar will be sure to satisfy every craving.

Westroc Hotels & Resorts, formed in 1999 and based in North Scottsdale, is the innovative developer and manager of the Hotel Valley Ho and the Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain. The company’s mission is to create and/or manage distinctive properties with a strong commitment to personalized service.

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