Allison Mitchell Allison Mitchell | April 13, 2021 | Travel & Recreation, Relax and Renew, Hotels For A Weekend Detox Retreat, Stay, Travel,
As Hotel Valley Ho celebrates its 65th anniversary, we take a look back at how far the beloved property has come.
A poolside fashion show at the original Hotel Valley Ho in the late 1950s PHOTOS COURTESY OF HOTEL VALLEY HO
Hotel Valley Ho made its grand entrance Dec. 20, 1956, under the ownership of John B. Mills, Robert Foehl and his wife, Evelyn. Designed by architect Edward Varney, the property was created with its visitors in mind. “The important thing is to make your guest feel wanted” became its admirable mission.
Hollywood royalty flocked to the minimalist and uberchic hotel. Its famous visitors included everyone from Bing Crosby and Tony Curtis to Janet Leigh and Zsa Zsa Gabor, among others. Acting favorites Robert Wagner and Natalie Wood even held their wedding reception at the property in December 1957. Things were going so well for the Valley Ho that in 1958, Varney designed and built two more wings of guest rooms northwest of the original structure.
Upon the death of her husband Robert, in 1973 Evelyn sold the hotel to Ramada, who renamed it Ramada’s Valley Ho Resort. While some of the shine wore off over the next few decades due to its rebranding, the fanfare returned thanks to an $80 million restoration by Westroc Hotels & Resorts, local Scottsdale architectural firm Allen + Philp and interior designer Cole Martinez Curtis. Shuttered in 2003 for the renovation, the reinvigorated resort reopened Dec. 20, 2005, exactly 49 years after its original debut.
Today’s view of the famed destination and its OH Pool. PHOTOS COURTESY OF HOTEL VALLEY HO
With the 2005 comeback came a return to the property’s original name and the addition of signature restaurant and watering hole ZuZu, VH Spa and the OH Pool. Since then, actors Alan Cumming, Jamie Foxx, Diane Keaton, Hugh Jackman and John Travolta; singers Ciara, Drake, Katy Perry and Lenny Kravitz; and even artist Dale Chihuly have been added to its elite client list. Actor Robert Wagner has been known to return from time to time as well.
To toast its latest milestone, the hotel will offer its 65th Anniversary Package through the end of 2021. The booking scores you 65% off prevailing rates every Sunday through Thursday night, complete with welcome drinks and a room upgrade (if available); plus the opportunity to pay 65% of normal pricing on dinner at ZuZu, food and drinks during your sun-kissed time at OH Pool, and logo apparel from Shop VH. Your staycation awaits. 480.376.2600, hotelvalleyho.com
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