Hotel Valley Ho

In 2004, Westroc Hotels & Resorts saved this old motor inn from the wrecking ball, and today the vibe is Rat Pack for the 21st century. The owners preserved the 1956 architecture (designed by Edward L. Varney, a protégé of Frank Lloyd Wright, and hailed as an example of mid-century-meets-western-style architecture), but updated the place with warm salmons and browns and sparkling tile to create a contemporary feel. (Some rooms even have Philippe Starck-designed bathtubs.) The hotel’s restaurant, ZuZu, serves its take on comfort food; the burger with warm blue cheese fondue and homemade potato chips hits the mark. Hang poolside with some piped-in Sinatra and the bar’s superb Cosmo, or take a historic walking tour of the property (arranged by the hotel). Plus, the spa offers everything from traditional massages to belly dancing classes.

Tip: A block or so away, at the tip of the property, is the Scottsdale Trader Vic’s, another totally revamped and repackaged old favorite. (In this case, in a new location; the original closed more than a decade ago, and the hotel opened its own franchise.) Sip a vintage-style Polynesian drink and a nibble at a pu pu platter (updated as Cosmo Tidbits for Two). Now everything here is polished—even the rattan.

Room to Book: The two-bedroom tower suites. Each features 1950’s-designed chairs, stainless-steel hardware, and a fully equipped kitchen, plus a balcony overlooking Camelback Mountain or the hotel pool.