Valley Ho Hotel Scottsdale: Stunning Art Deco Hotel

JoanEisenstodt — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 00:05:17 +0100

Tourism Safety Meeting held 11.21.08 for hospitality providers, law enforcement (local, state and federal) and tourism officials.

What a treat! My first impression was that this was a funky and stunning hotel and when I read their web site to learn more and found out is on the list of historic hotels, I was so impressed. Think "Catch Me If You Can" and more.

Just about 20 minutes from PHX, the cab ride (and my driver) were great. (He had just achieved US citizenship so we had a great conversation.) Pulling up to the Hotel, both a doorman and a bellman greeted me and asked to help. I didn't need help but it was sure nice to see them.

The lobby is bright and open, and opens into one of the lounges and a restaurant.

Guest Rooms: The rooms are large and very comfortable. Although it says the renovation was not that recent, they feel like they were recently redone. There is a frosted glass enclosed bathroom with both a soaking tub and sep. stall shower, a cool raised sink, good lighting, and even a mood light over the tub. My room was a double-double with platform beds with a table between with good lighting by which to read.

Along one wall is a counter under which are drawers, a minibar (see addl. note), and seating: a desk chair at one end and a stool at the other. One of the neatest features is a round table that rolls and can go under the counter or can be pulled out for dining .. w/o having to use the workspace. Flat panel TV, good makeup mirror, and all furnishings go w/ the retro/deco theme.

There is wi-fi at no charge and the signal is strong. The air conditioning works well and the room is immaculate. These all made me very happy.

Minibar: Some usual stuff, and: a jar of salsa w/ a small bowl in which to pour it, what look like good tri-color corn chips, I love Lucy Predic-a-Mints in a fun tin, and a cool "littler umbrella with case" (as it is written.)

One caveat: The room to which I was originally assigned is up some steps and I asked for one that wasn't. Mine was on the ground level and opened to the outside from the front door and to a private enclosed patio. I heard minimal noise from outside and felt safe. (That also comes from knowing the Dir of Security, Terry Bauer.) I would have been even happier if the door had a chain or bar in addition to the double lock.

Room service: SUPERB chicken noodle soup with real chicken see my blog Crying Fowl and a great burger with Tillamook Cheddar and an option of many sides chips, slaw, fruit, sliced tomatoes (which I chose.) The menu is a good one comfort foods, healthy foods, and a nice variety with reasonable (for room service) prices.

Meeting space/Meeting/Banquet F&B: The meeting space is in a few places throughout the hotel, all convenient to the guest rooms and lobby. Ours was off the lobby and off a lovely enclosed courtyard where a continental breakfast was served. In the space we used (a divided smaller ballroom) are floor to ceiling windows that have room darkening shades if needed. The AV dept. was superb handling all the needs easily. Restrooms were right off the courtyard which made them convenient for the meeting and would be for social events held in the courtyard.

Generally group food & beverage were very good. The lunch, in particular (creamy risotto, broccolini, and a stuffed chicken breast), was prepared very well and served beautifully. (See above about the chicken soup they use real chicken breasts on the plated meals too not the ones w/ the pre-stamped grill marks!) I would like them to find a better bagel distributor these were a bit too “white bread" for me. They serve passion fruit iced tea another nice treat.

Decor of the meeting rooms was also great reflecting the hotel's decor. Even the banquet chairs had round seats and backs to go with the other circles.

Had dinner in ZuZus, one of the restaurants (along with Trader Vic's) and again had the chicken soup which was excellent. Also had fish tacos (that night's blue plate special) that could have used a bit more seasoning but were very good and not heavy.

Improvements? See above. Even check out at 4:15 a.m. was seamless and they have a car service that serves as taxis from the hotel back to the airport.

Valley Ho Hotel Scottsdale - Meetings Collaborative - By and for Meeting Professionals

Valley Ho Hotel Scottsdale: Stunning Art Deco Hotel