Hotel Valley Ho

The Hotel Valley Ho is a historic hotel located in Scottsdale, Arizona, which opened in 1956. This futuristically designed hotel has hosted movie stars and athletes among its notable clientele over the years. The building was expanded in 1958 with two additional wings of guest rooms. By 1973, the hotel was purchased by Ramada and was renovated to hide the 1950s design. Over time, the hotel experienced a lack of maintenance and a decline in guests, leading to its closure in 2001 and talks of its demolition. Though no purchase offers were received at the time, the hotel was placed on the Scottsdale Historic Register to save its architecture and history. In 2002, the hotel was purchased by Westroc Hotels and Resorts and again progressed through a renovation that embraced its now retro style and incorporated additional guest rooms and restaurants on the site. To date, it is an exemplary effort in mid-century architectural preservation.

Robert and Evelyn Foehl conceived of the hotel after a history in hospitality. The couple hired architect Edward L. Varney to design the hotel, setting it around a central pool. Unusual for the time, Varney had the foresight to include a parking lot for hotel guests, giving them the freedom to park their cars close to their rooms.

In 1956, the Foels held a contest to name the hotel. The winning name was “Valley Ho,” chosen to emulate the name of the Westward Ho in Phoenix and acknowledge its proximity to Paradise Valley. The term “Ho” refers to the Aboriginal American linguistic term for being welcomed to a friendly place.

The Foehls had numerous ties to the film industry and celebrity guests frequented the hotel. In 1957, Robert Wagner and Natalie Wood held their wedding reception at the hotel. Among the list of celebrity guests who stayed at the Valley Ho over the years includes the likes of Bette Davis, Roy Rogers, Bing Crosby, Humphrey Bogart, Betty Grable, Janet Leigh, Tony Curtis, Zsa Zsa Gabor, Ingrid Bergman, Cary Grant, Marilyn Monroe, and more. On occasion, Jimmy Durante would play the lounge piano, entertaining other guests.

Today, the hotel offers a 90-minute architectural tour, which can be booked by appointment only. The tour includes information about the hotel’s history and its connection to classic Hollywood. The tour also offers attendees the opportunity to view restored rooms, stroll the grounds, and visit the rooftop for breathtaking views.