Retro Wonder

Every room at Scottsdale’s Hotel Valley Ho provides plenty of space to work, play, and groove. From the wide-open studio guest rooms to the Tower suites with supremely high ceilings, guests enjoy an abundance of room to stretch and flex in this mid-century modern landmark hotel. The original 1956 property was the first in Phoenix to boast central air conditioning and hosted a steady stream of guests on their way to the Grand Canyon. Hollywood’s Robert Wagner and Natalie Wood held their private wedding reception at Hotel Valley Ho in 1957, and celebrities from Cary Grant, Rock Hudson, Janet Leigh, Tony Curtis, Marilyn Monroe, and Betty Grable were regulars. Jimmy Durante would often show up in the lobby at night when he could not sleep and start playing the piano. With an $80 million renovation in 2005, the hotel’s former glory has been updated to include a martini olive-shaped pool, frosted glass walls, plush lounging furniture, and swivel chairs that play homage to modern populuxe architecture. Squint and you can just imagine Frank Sinatra and his Rat Pack breezing through the lobby, frolicking and sipping martini’s poolside — and all of it in ring-a-ding style.

6850 E. Main St.
480-248-2000
www.hotelvalleyho.com

The Wright Stuff

Even though Frank Lloyd Wright isn’t the architect of record for Phoenix’s most famous resort, it’s easy to jump to that conclusion upon seeing his signature imprints throughout the Arizona Biltmore. Wright consulted with credited architect Albert Chase McArthur before the 1929 grand opening, and the lobby is still chockablock with Wright’s special brand of masonry work, called textile block construction. A stained glass window designed by Wright as a Liberty magazine cover was crafted by Taliesin students, then installed during 1973 renovations. Also on the premises are geometric sprite statues by sculptor Alfonso Ianelli, who created the famous works for Wright’s 1915 Chicago Midway Gardens. A member of the prestigious Waldorf=Astoria collection, the resort is still the place to see and be seen in Phoenix. Daily tours include thorough information about nearly every luminary to pass through its fabled doors, from Marilyn Monroe and Muhammad Ali, to Irving Berlin and Steven Spielberg. Be sure to sign up even if you don’t book into this inimitable landmark.

2400 E. Missouri Ave.
602-955-6600
www.arizonabiltmore.com

A Big High

Cool, hip, and contemporary describes The Clarendon, quite possibly Phoenix’s best boutique hotel – with a rooftop hangout touted by locals as well as such upscale publications as Travel & Leisure. Red upholstered seating areas are so comfy, you find yourself perched in place to catch the legendary Arizona sunset. Feeling dry? Indulge in the Oasis pool area, which features a giant swimming hole with underwater speakers and 1,000 illuminated stars at the bottom. Also on tap: scalp and shoulder massage jets in the oversized Jacuzzi (with a capacity for 50), a magnificent Italian mural with tiles made of 24-karat gold, and an in-your-face water wall more than two stories tall. No wonder The Clarendon is a favorite haunt for those who want to sleep in luxury and in the midst of Phoenix’s midtown museum district.

401 W. Clarendon Ave.
602-252-7363
www.theclarendon.net

Luxurious to a Tea

An elaborate English tea, nestled among the thick, plush sofas and winged back chairs adorning the lobby of Scottsdale’s longtime five-star The Phoenician, establishes the elegant tone at this comfortable resort at the foot of Camelback Mountain. Patrons dip Reed and Barton spoons in clotted cream and lemon curd, as the expanding, loyal clientele checks in for an extended stay in this family-oriented property. While the lobby is the natural starting point, the luxury perks don’t end there – take the hotel’s walking art tour, for instance, and receive two free tickets to the Phoenix Art Museum. No wonder the Phoenician is considered a castle in the desert.

6000 E. Camelback Rd.
480-423-2530
www.thephoenician.com

*Confidential Deal: Select “Print” and present for a complimentary Small Plate (choice of signature appetizer) at the Thirsty Camel Lounge upon ordering. Valid through August 2010.