Hotel Valley Ho's lobby when it originally opened. (Photo courtesy of Hotel Valley Ho)
The Valley Ho was the first hotel in Scottsdale to have central air conditioning, and therefore the first to be open year-round. It was also the first to employ Southwestern architecture and to feature a European plan. (Photo courtesy of Hotel Valley Ho)

Hotel Valley Ho in Downtown Scottsdale is celebrating 60 years as a true icon of mid-century modern design. Originally opened on December 20, 1956, it reopened on December 20, 2005 after a major renovation that kept the signature architectural elements intact.

The hotel was designed by local architect Edward L. Varney. Original owners Robert and Evelyn Foehl were the quintessential host and hostess to celebrity guests including Bing Crosby, Janet Leigh, Tony Curtis and Zsa Zsa Gabor.

And in 1957, Robert Wagner and Natalie Wood held their private wedding reception in the hotel’s ballroom. Wagner’s parents were regular guests at the hotel, and thought the pair should be married away from the Hollywood limelight.

A popular Hollywood hideaway in the 1950s and 60s, Hotel Valley Ho is now considered “one of the best-preserved mid-century hotels in the country”, according to architect and author Alan Hess.

When it opened, Hotel Valley Ho featured ten lush acres and 180 rooms of contemporary design centered on a courtyard and pool that were frequently a hub of activity, hosting events from weddings to fashion shows. (Photo courtesy of Hotel Valley Ho)
When it opened, Hotel Valley Ho featured ten lush acres and 180 rooms of contemporary design centered on a courtyard and pool that were frequently a hub of activity, hosting events from weddings to fashion shows. (Photo courtesy of Hotel Valley Ho)

In celebration of this significant milestone, the hotel is offering the 60th Anniversary Special from December 20 through the end of 2017. It includes 10 percent off a room, two welcome drinks, $10 in hotel bucks nightly, an evening arrival amenity and a $10 room upgrade upon arrival (based on availability). Rates vary based on dates of stay. Additionally, every day the special is available, one lucky guest will be upgraded to a suite and enjoy two welcome drinks with the Upgrade A Day promotion.

ZuZu will be serving the 60th Anniversary Dinner Special throughout December. Guests can enjoy dinner for two for $60, plus tax and gratuity. This includes one starter or a bottle of house wine to share, two entrees, and one dessert to share, all selected from a special menu.