Staycation: Hotel Valley Ho
There's something magical about staying at a hotel...the immediate release of all household responsibilities. This brief glimpse into an affluent life where things like washing towels, making your bed and cooking for yourself are simply memories. If it's been too long since your last vacation, then it's probably time for a "staycation."
Just before Erik and I left town for a whirlwind trip to New York for Fashion Week followed immediately by multiple shoots in Los Angeles, Scottsdale's Hotel Valley Ho treated us to the ultimate staycation. Can we start with the room? Make sure to request a Tower Suite with western exposure. OMG! It was a mid-century fantasy...full kitchen...gorgeous walls of glass and even a washer and dryer. Seriously, I was ready to move in. PLUS THEY LET US BRING OUR FUR BABIES, who were greeted with their own special welcome gifts!
As we made ourselves right at home, each enjoying our own welcome gifts, we leisurely got ready for play time by the pool. You see, Hotel Valley Ho has two pools; one that's reserved for serenity and relaxation and another that is a pool party straight out of a movie. Since it was Labor Day weekend we opted for the latter, complete with a DJ blasting epic 90s music, strong drinks and a legion of good looking people in bathing suits. We called up some of our closest friends and had them meet us at the hotel to splash around in the pool while having a NOTORIOUS B.I.G. singalong. After which, we invited everyone up to the suite to enjoy a quintessential Arizona sunset from the massive balcony.
After which, we evicted our friends from our fabulous room and prepped ourselves for our highly anticipated romantic dinner at the hotel's restaurant: ZUZU. Three of our favorite steakhouse indulgences are scallops, filet mignons (medium obviously) and craft cocktails made with whiskey...to our delight the restaurant's manager, Heather Bryan, pulled out all the stops and made the night unforgettable. Her knowledge of mixology, the menu and her impeccable customer service completely surpassed our expectations. Heather... if you're reading this. THANK YOU! WE LOVE YOU!
Before we left dinner, Heather treated us to a limoncello-infused whiskey...I know it sounds quite peculiar, but HOLY LORD was it the most mind-blowing perfect way to cleanse our palates after such an incredible meal. But the night didn't end there, we ran upstairs for a quick wardrobe change and due to the hotel's central location we got in an UBER, were dropped off and inside BS West (one of Scottsdale's few gay clubs) within 15 minutes. The club was packed, probably because Saturday is their biggest night - music was great and we had so much fun dancing together. Note to all you couples out there: NEVER stop dating your spouse. We did have to end our night a bit early...not because of our "old age," but rather because our fur babies can get a little loud when they get lonely and we didn't want them to disrupt anyone's evening. It turned out to be for the best as we took advantage of some serious on-demand and snuggled the night away!
While our morning was by no means short of a hangover, the hotel was beyond prepared with bottomless mimosas and a Bloody Mary Bar! However, we chose not to indulge as we were focused on coffee and carbs. Needless to say as with the rest of our stay breakfast did NOT disappoint. I mean... LOOK AT THESE WAFFLES. Order them. You're welcome!
Overall our trip was short, but it was an incredible experience. I do however have one FINAL recommendation: schedule spa services as soon as you book your reservation. The VH Spa is in in such high demand from hotel guests and locals alike that appointments are very limited. Needless to say we would love to come back for another staycation where we can experience the VH Spa.
