Scottsdale Blog - Things to do in Scottsdale, Arizona » Hotel Valley Ho

A Treatment for All Seasons in the Sonoran Desert

Josh Kenzer — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 15:05:23 +0000

With the monsoons officially in season and the rain storms ascending across the desert sky, Agave, The Arizona Spa at The Westin Kierland Resort is featuring the Rain Massage , paying tribute to this precious desert commodity. Utilizing special rain sticks that are hand-carved with good luck symbols and petroglyphs showing the signs of prosperity and strength, a special rowing technique provides warmth from the stick and the sound of falling rain.

As summer turns into fall, The Golden Door Spa at The Boulders Resort will offer a cornucopia of new spa services inspired by the transformative spirit of autumn. The PumpSkin Body Treatment is almost good enough to eat with a pear and green apple scrub followed by a Vichy shower, pumpkin cream body wrap, and pear and green apple massage soufflé.

Reminisce about the days of snuggling up next to a fire with a warm cup of hot cocoa during the holiday season by treating your worn-out toes to a Cocoa-Mint Foot Treatment at Hotel Valley Ho’s VH Spa for Vitality + Health . Cocoa sugar scrub of the calves and feet buffs away dry skin while peppermint oil revives aching muscles. A cocoa mint foot cream completes this treat as it quenches and softens overworked feet from holiday shopping.

Transport yourself to the Sonoran Desert this spring as its beauty is magnified with the flora in bloom. The desert-inspired Jojoba and Prickly Pear Body Polish at the Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North uncovers the skin’s natural glow using the Sonoran Desert jojoba shrub and plant antioxidants. A prickly pear sugar scrub and body wash along with a prickly pear and jojoba body butter will make you feel like you’re one with the desert.

Phoenix Fashion Turns Five

Josh Kenzer — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 15:09:32 +0000

In honor of its 5th Anniversary, the first half of 2009 already boasted major additions to Phoenix Fashion Week. The organization launched its first ever “giving back” holiday initiative working with the local – Helping Hands AZ – to raise money and donate apparel and gift cards to needy families across the Valley for the holidays. The organization has launched the first in a series of Apparel for Success Workshops, a two day seminar featuring industry experts teaching the basics of launching, maintaining and growing a successful apparel business. Phoenix Fashion Week has also contributed to television by offering advice on simple twists on every day fashions, from the style experts of Phoenix Fashion Week on Sonoran Living ABC 15 and previewing 80s comeback style on Fox 10.

by flickr user eschipul

Taking place October 1-3, 2009 Phoenix Fashion Week’s 5th anniversary event will be held at the famed hipster Mecca – Hotel Valley Ho. It will feature 24 established designers including four accessory designers, and 12 emerging designers that will showcase prêt-a-porter, couture, denim and luxury sportswear collections. The event will kick off with the Fashionably Pink opening gala highlighting an all pink celebrity fashion show and benefiting the Phoenix chapter of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. The three day event will also include a style villa with designer sample sales and public and private after parties each night.

Meet the Travelocity Roaming Gnome Monday July 20

Mitchell Tay — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 16:30:05 +0000

After much voting on http://votetravelocity.com Arizona won the contest for the Travelocity Roaming Gnome’s next visit. The Roaming Gnome arrived to Arizona yesterday and will be traveling all around the state until Tuesday.

The Roaming Gnome will be making an appearance at Trader Vic’s at the Hotel Valley Ho on Monday, July 20, from 5:00 – 7:00pm to meet all of you before he goes off to Boston, Philly, or Washington D.C.

Trader Vic’s will be having drink and appetizer specials for this unique event.

So come on out and meet the Travelocity Roaming Gnome! Take a picture and have a drink with him!

Arizona Businesses Asked to Show their Green Side

Melissa Matthews — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 22:24:51 +0000

The Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau is encouraging Arizona companies to show off their green efforts and enter the 2nd Annual Scottsdale Green by Design Awards program to be recognized for their sustainability initiatives.

As part of the Scottsdale bureau’s green programming, the Green by Design Awards recognize companies that exhibit outstanding green practices. Companies can nominate their business or another local company for the efforts they have made to become more environmentally friendly.

Awards will be presented in three categories:

Green: For the creation of green projects, programs or campaigns
Greener: For the improvement of pre-existing green projects, programs or campaigns
Greenest: For businesses that have both green business practices and offer green products or services

In all categories, entrants must demonstrate their effort to help preserve the environment or reduce their carbon footprint. This may include, but is not limited to: waste reduction, energy efficiency, water conservation, green meetings, or a green product or service for consumers.

“The Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau is challenging local companies to do their part and utilize sustainable practices,” said Rachel Sacco, president and CEO at the Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau. “We want to recognize those who are dedicated to maintaining the vibrancy of our destination, which is critical to our future.”

Visit www.ScottsdaleGreenbyDesign.com to download a nomination form (on the Green Community Resources page). Applications are due Sept. 1 and awards will be presented during a Scottsdale bureau event in the fall.

Winners of the Scottsdale Green by Design Awards will receive special public recognition by the Scottsdale bureau commemorating their efforts, as well as recognition on the Scottsdale Green by Design Web site, in a Scottsdale bureau quarterly e-mail blast to 100,000 leisure visitors, and in the bureau’s monthly “Spotlight on Scottsdale” tourism section in The Arizona Republic.

Last year’s awards were given to Hotel Valley Ho in the Green category, Fairmont Scottsdale in the Greener category and Edwards Design Group in the Greenest category.

Along with its Green by Design Awards, the Scottsdale bureau’s green efforts include working to promote the city’s sustainable offerings at the Green Build International Conference and Expo in November. To correlate with the conference, the bureau, along with the City of Scottsdale and the Scottsdale Downtown Group, is working on a special Green Street Scottsdale event to showcase sustainable ventures and provide conference attendees an opportunity to experience downtown Scottsdale. The event will include the weekly Scottsdale ArtWalk, live music, artist demonstrations and exhibitions.

Scottsdale Travel News: May 2009

Josh Kenzer — Tue, 05 May 2009 14:59:35 +0000

Best Western Debuts As Newest Hotel in Scottsdale

On April 6, 2009, The Best Western Sundial Resort opened in downtown Scottsdale. This boutique hotel features 54 contemporary guestrooms, including 12 suites that are Zodiac-themed rooms with astrological artwork. All rooms feature flat-screen TVs, glass shower doors and high-speed Internet access plus many of the guest rooms have a whirlpool tub and bar with balcony views of the signature Camelback Mountain and McDowell Mountains. Guests also enjoy complimentary breakfast each day. The Best Western Sundial Resort is owned by Allan Henderson, a hotelier who owns two Best Western properties in Alberta, Canada, and whose grandparents owned and operated The Hacienda Inn, which was a well-known 22-room bungalow style resort at one time and located on the exact site as the new Best Western Sundial Resort.

Resort Programs Give Visitors an Up-Close Look at Sonoran Desert

The Boulders Resort, The Waldorf Astoria Collection, formerly The Boulders Resort & Golden Door Spa, offers three learning programs to enrich guests knowledge of Scottsdale’s Sonoran Desert.

The Desert Photo Safari is a guided nature walk where participants capture the stunning flora and fauna with the help of expert photographer, Linda Covey. Held at sunrise and sunset, the two-hour exploration surveys the desert’s most pristine scenic areas with the morning tour kicking off 30 minutes before sunrise. The evening tour begins 30 minutes prior to sunset and ends with a complimentary glass of wine where attendees can discuss their best shots with the group. Cost is $85 per person.

The resort’s onsite art gallery, created by the Trail of The Painted Ponies, an organization dedicated to promoting artistic excellence through exhibitions of original fine arts, workshops, demonstrations and signings, is a living gallery featuring the works of the American West’s most established and emerging artists. The selections are displayed throughout the property and further enriching the program for visitors are art workshops, special exhibits, private artists consultations, and an Artist-in-Residence program.

Guests of The Boulders Resort also can turn their attention to the desert sky and experience the onsite stargazing program led by Astronomer Richard Allen. Depending on the time of year, attendees participating in the one- and two-hour sessions can locate Jupiter, Saturn, the Orion Nebula, Mars and other stellar sights using state-of-the-art telescopes and star charts as they listen to Allen’s awe-inspiring stories about the night sky. The experience is complimentary for resort guests.

Reach Your Full Wellness Potential With Resort Spa Programs

Travelers find their own path to nirvana with the Satori Wellness Retreat at the Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa. Named after the Japanese word for enlightenment, the program helps attendees find their way to a healthier lifestyle. During the three- or four-day journey, each guest meets with a certified trainer who introduces them to a personalized health and fitness program. The wellness retreat runs $3,034 per person for three nights or $3,879 for four nights and includes accommodations in a mountain vista casita, three daily meals, two daily fitness courses, one 60-minute spa treatment and one salon service.

Give your body the care it deserves at The Phoenician’s Centre for Well-Being. The Well-Being Retreat costs $360 per person and gives you all the tools needed for making lasting lifestyle choices, as well as preventative care. The package includes a consultation with the spa’s naturopathic physician and fitness revival program that includes a body composition analysis, personalized cardio and muscle conditioning, and personalized stretching program.

Joya Spa at the InterContinental Montelucia Resort makes personal well-being a top priority with its free health seminars. The Wednesday night workshops, held from 6 to 7 p.m., focus on various areas of health such as heart, skeletal and arthritic care. The programs are led by local doctors who offer expert advice on prevention and treatment. Classes supplement Joya’s pro-wellness emphasis, and will eventually lead to a full menu of lifestyle offerings, including guest speakers, weekend- and week-long workshops slated to begin later this year.

Faint-Hearted Need Not Apply: High-Octane Outdoor Adventure Activities

Canyoneering might be a new word for your vocabulary but 360 Adventures guarantees that just one experience will have you hooked. The journey takes visitors to the Roosevelt lake area on hiking, wading, swimming, scrambling and rappelling excursions through one of geology’s most impressive feats, a canyon. Professional guides navigate guests through spectacular chasms as they encounter the stunning elements. The full-day trip is $400 for the first person and $200 for each additional participant and includes all safety gear, snacks, water and lunch.

Come to where the mountains meet the desert and adventure meets escape, and enjoy one of Arizona’s most natural beauties, the Upper Salt River Canyon. Guests on a guided river trip with AAM’s Mild to Wild Rafting brave the rapids of the state’s 2,000-foot deep “other Grand Canyon” as they make their way through the Sonoran Desert scenery. The day-long excursion runs $115 per person and includes a grilled lunch. Or, guests can opt for the multi-day trip that runs $375 to $750 per person and includes a catered, deluxe river camp setup.

Westwind Air Service offers scenic air tours to some of the most spectacular locations in the Western United States, including the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Lake Powell and Sedona. Tours range from one-hour sunset flights above the Valley for $199 per person to the Grand Canyon South Rim Air Tour where guests pay $349 per person and enjoy the birds-eye view of the Tonto National Forest, Red Rock formations of Sedona and unforgettable San Francisco Peaks as they make their way through the Painted Desert and Navajo Indian Reservation before arriving at the Grand Canyon.

History Collides With Modernism at Scottsdale’s Two Historic Properites

Scottsdale is a contemporary town boasting the finest in accommodations, amenities and activities but the city also is home to a rich Western heritage that is still at the base of its character. In fact, the city is home to two historic properties that add a dose of culture and intrigue to its renowned travel offerings.

Revel in Scottsdale’s Southwestern history at The Hermosa Inn. This 35-room boutique hotel was once the home and studio of cowboy artist Alonzo “Lon” Megargee whose rugged abode was created using old beams and wood from an abandoned mine. To supplement his income as an artist, Megargee rented his home out as a guest ranch. Now known as The Hermosa Inn, the hotel has been modernized with a wine cellar, an organic garden and the award-winning LON’s restaurant but still prides itself in its Western heritage with prints and Megargee’s original artwork decorating the property grounds.

Since opening in 1956, the Hotel Valley Ho has been thrilling guests with regular sightings of Hollywood stars. Once a hideaway for past celebrities like Zsa Zsa Gabor and Marilyn Monroe, the property was built with Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired elements and now mixes modern and mid-century design with Western detailing. After an $80 million rehabilitation and expansion in 2004, Hotel Valley Ho continues to pamper guests and celebrities like Nick Lachey and Jamie Foxx with the VH Spa, Arizona’s only Trader Vic’s and the popular Café ZuZu, serving American comfort food and moonlighting as a bar and lounge in the evenings.

Hotel Valley Ho Spa Offers Its First Mother’s Day Party at OH Pool

Josh Kenzer — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 16:40:58 +0000

Mother’s Day is just a month away, and what better way to treat Mom, than to a spa day, specifically, a spa
day at a beautiful resort pool! VH Spa at Hotel Valley Ho is offering its first Mother’s Day Spa Pool Party at OH Pool on May 10.

The details:

Experience a palette of mini-treatments in our pool cabanas compliments of BeingTRUE, red flower, OLA Hawai’i, Ojon, Zents and Butter London.
Receive incredible chair massages from VH Spa’s Tibetan Yoginic Massage therapist Lobsang Dhargya.
De-stress with mood lifting Quantum Stress Buster mini-sessions.
Take away a gift bag stuffed with spa goodies to enjoy at home.
Relax poolside to the tunes of DJ Grial.
Enjoy a 60-minute service of their choice in the spa (gratuity included).
Pay only $100 per person for all of this (all treatments and gratuities included).

In addition, accommodations can be added to the spa pool party event for a discounted rate of $159/night over the dates of May 9 & 10. To add accommodations visit http://reservations.ihotelier.com/istay.cfm?hotelid=6263&rateplanid=495192

To book the Mother’s Day Pool Party call (480) 421-7777 or visit www.vhspa.com.

A Scottsdale Staycation Without the Kids

Josh Kenzer — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 14:56:59 +0000

Mondrian Scottsdale: Mondrian Scottsdale is offering its Play Package for $145 per night, which includes accommodations and a summer amenity upon arrival. Guests also enjoy a $25 food and beverage credit at the BLUE Pool Bar & Grill and 20 percent off treatments at Agua Spa. Valid May 28 – Aug. 30. And Arizona residents can enjoy a special rate of $95 per night from May 18 thru Aug. 30 by showing a valid state license.
CopperWynd Resort and Club: The Spas and Dazs package starts at $399 and includes one night’s accommodations, two 60-minute spa treatments at The Spa and breakfast for two at Alchemy. Plus, guests can cool off and satisfy their sweet tooth with a pint of Haagen Dazs ice cream and toppings served in-room. Valid June 1 – Sept. 3.
Hotel Valley Ho: This hip, urban downtown hotel is offering its So Summer special, which starts at $149 per night and includes a toast to the season with a free celebratory drink upon arrival, 10 percent off the first VH Spa visit, 20 percent off dinner at Trader Vic’s and a Westcor shopping book with more than $700 in discounts in addition to VIP line passes to area nightclubs. And the property’s Days of Summer calendar is sure to keep guests entertained with special events like live music and dive-in movies throughout the week. Valid May 25 – Sept. 7.
The Boulders Resort & Golden Door Spa: Regular summer rates at the desert oasis begin at just $129 per night. The Golf & Spa package is an ideal escape for couples and starts at $339 per night. It includes luxurious casita accommodations, a daily choice of one round of golf or $100 spa credit, $50 dining credit and complimentary access to the Golden Door Spa. Valid thru Sept. 30.
W Scottsdale Hotel & Residences: Make a splash at the W Scottsdale Hotel where rates begin at $189 per night. Booking a summer vacation package gives guests reserved seating at the beach-inspired rooftop WET pool, complimentary breakfast, two complimentary cocktails, tanning lotion, a pair of flip flops and one night’s accommodations. Valid thru Sept. 13.

A Perfect Fit for Meeting Groups of All Sizes

Josh Kenzer — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 22:53:07 +0000

Scottsdale’s resorts house plenty of large meeting rooms for big events and groups, but they also boast more intimate venues for a shorter attendee list, too.

Groups seeking a relaxed setting for their next function can unwind in seclusion at Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain’s Casa Montana estate. This private, 3,500-square-foot mountainside retreat is complete with all the comforts of home like spacious bedrooms, six full baths, and a billiard room with a bar area for entertaining attendees. The retreat also features a flat-screen TV, Wi-Fi internet, and business services in an Old World Spanish atmosphere. For more information, visit www.sanctuaryaz.com.

Add a touch of intrigue to your next gathering by taking your group underground at Lon’s at the Hermosa Inn. The underground tunnel, which now stores the restaurant’s large selection of wine, is said to have housed secretive, cowboy celebrations during prohibition. But now, groups can hold intimate gatherings in this historic space which is crafted out of stone and centered around a heavy wooden table. For more information, visit www.lons.com.

Hold your next function atop the city at the Penthouses located at Hotel Valley Ho. Situated on the seventh floor of the Valley Ho’s Tower, the building offer views of downtown Scottsdale and legendary Camelback Mountain. These private modern digs also boast floor to ceiling glass walls, small break out rooms, on-site bathrooms and kitchen space. For more information, visit www.HotelValleyHo.com.

SCOTTSDALE COMPANIES RECEIVE AWARDS

Melissa Matthews — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 18:02:37 +0000

Congratulations to our members who recently received awards.

Hotel Valley Ho’s Executive Chef Charles Wiley was named “Outstanding Manager of the Year for 2008” by the Arizona Hotel & Lodging Association.

GolfWorld Magazine recognized several Scottsdale golf courses on its lists of “Top 50 Public Courses” and “Top 50 Resort Courses” in the country:

Public Courses: Grayhawk Golf Club (No. 21), SunRidge Canyon Golf Course (No. 26) and Eagle Mountain Golf Club (No. 43)
Resort Courses: We-Ko-Pa Golf Club (No. 31), Boulders Golf Club (No. 40) and Ocotillo Golf Resort (No. 49)

Golfweek magazine honored local golf courses on its best resort and casino courses list:

Resort Courses: We-Ko-Pa Golf Club’s Saguaro Course (No. 16) and Cholla (No. 38), Boulders Golf Club’s North Course (No. 54) and South Course (No. 80) and Longbow Golf Club (No. 89)
Casino Course: We-Ko-Pa Golf Club’s Saguaro (No. 3) and Cholla (No. 8)

The 2009 Mobil Five-Star Awards were recently announced and several Scottsdale businesses were recognized:

The Phoenician and Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North both received four-star ratings for the resorts category.
Talavera at the Four Seasons was honored with the four-star designation in the restaurants category.
In the spas category, Fairmont Scottsdale, Four Seasons, The Phoenician, Royal Palms Resort and Spa, and Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain all were honored with four-star ratings.

Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Gainey Ranch was honored by Smart Meetings magazine with the “2008 Platinum Choice Award”, and with MeetingNews’ “2008 Planners’ Choice Award.” The resort also was named one of the best resorts for family trips in the Southwest region by Travel + Leisure Golf.

Hotel Valley Ho was honored with Spa Week’s Luxe Award for “Best $50 Treatment” for its hot shells massage treatment.

“Stars of the Industry” Award goes to Hotel Valley Ho’s Executive Chef Charles Wiley

Mitchell Tay — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 16:13:37 +0000

Hotel Valley Ho’s executive chef, Charles Wiley, was recently honored with the Arizona Hotel & Lodging Association “Stars of the Industry” Award for Outstanding Manager of the Year for 2008. Chef Wiley was awarded for his outstanding leadership qualities, dedicated work ethic, and continual support to his employees in the category for medium sized properties (101-300 rooms). This awards program was created over 40 years ago to recognize superb accomplishments in various categories in the lodging industry.

Chef Wiley, a culinary expert for over 35 years, oversees Cafe ZuZu, Trader Vic’s, OH Pool Bar and in-room dining on the Hotel Valley Ho property.