Hotel Valley Ho in Scottsdale, Arizona, is a celebrated icon of mid‑century modern design, originally opened on December 20, 1956. Designed by Edward L. Varney—an associate of Frank Lloyd Wright—it was the town’s first motor resort, featuring central air-conditioning, parking adjacent to guest rooms, and a soaring lobby that blended indoor-outdoor living. Within its first year, the hotel's stylish flair attracted Hollywood celebrities—from Natalie Wood and Robert Wagner, who held their wedding reception there, to icons like Marilyn Monroe and Humphrey Bogart—catalyzing its reputation as a “Jetsons‑in‑the‑desert” hideaway.

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By the 1970s it fell on to hard times losing much of its original charm amid neglect, even facing demolition. Saved by local preservationists, the property was listed on the Scottsdale Historic Register and underwent an $80 million restoration, reopening in 2005. The renovation honored Varney’s vision by restoring signature earth‑toned precast concrete panels, expansive glass walls, and the bold butterfly rooflines, while adding a seven‑story tower—initially proposed in the 1950s—with modern amenities.

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Today, the Valley Ho stands out for its authentic preservation of era‑defining design, boutique scale, and its curated balance of retro charm and modern comfort. Uniquely beloved among Scottsdale resorts, it’s the retro‑chic alternative that says, “Don Draper would approve.”

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