what a wonderful gem the valley ho is. built in the 50's this landmark was a work in progress for several years till it finally reopened in december '05. they say the remodel was 18 months, but i could have sworn this place was downtrodden for years before the remodel. but anyways, the place is hot now.
if the valley ho was in Phoenix i could see myself here often, but being in scottsdale and me being a proud cenpho spokesperson, i don't know how often i will be tempted by the awesome decor and styling of this retro redux boutique hotel.
i took the time to walk around the grounds and check out the architecture and groundskeeping. everything was beautiful. i didn't want to just write a review on an awesome saturday at the pool and gloss over the appearance of the hotel as a whole..this place is spectacular.
so the reason i was at the Valley Ho? well if was a friends birthday and she was throwing a big bash with her friend Luis. sort of a double birthday thing. a couple rooms had been acquired and two cabanas by the pool. we stocked up one of the rooms with drinks and spent the whole day lounging by the pool. which was beautiful. people watching was fun, there was several scottsdale perverts with cameras on hand taking pictures of the younger women in bathing suits, and then there was the flock of women who had been "left" at the valley ho as their rich businessmen husbands were out traveling or doing business...
the cabana next to us had a lovely group of women out from Orange County for their friends bachelorette party. very happy group of people to be next to. and made great neighbors for the day
the pool staff was somewhat attentive, but competent and made sure the cabanas were serviced and people were happy. the pool bar was affordable and busy without too long of a delay on getting drinks.
the rooms of the hotel have a real modern retro feel from the large bathrooms with color changing frosted glass to the cabinetry and furniture. one of the rooms had a spectacular patio view of the pool and i was able to grab a picture of it lit up against the darkness of the night. i sat out on the patio for a good hour just enjoying the night sky and randomly viewable stars in the sky. great experience over all. definitely memorable and i doubt i will forget it any time soon.