I spent one night at a celebrity-loved hotel in Arizona. My $730 room felt like a house.
Joey Hadden
- The Hermosa Inn is a historic boutique hotel in Paradise Valley, Arizona.
- The hotel, with just 43 casitas, was named the best in Arizona by Travel + Leisure in 2023.
The historic Hermosa Inn in Paradise Valley, Arizona, is a popular resort choice among high-profile visitors.
Whitney Houston, David Spade, and Tyrese Gibson have all walked the grounds.
Paradise Valley has long been a celebrity hot spot, hence its nickname, "the Beverly Hills of Arizona." The wealthy suburb between Phoenix and Scottsdale is a luxury desert oasis known for its high-end travel offerings. And the Hermosa Inn, which has been around for nearly a century, was named the best hotel in Arizona by Travel + Leisure in 2023.
I spent one night at the Hermosa Inn in April and thought it was easy to see why celebrities love it. My room was unique to any other hotel I've stayed in. Take a look inside the Southwestern casita.
As soon as I entered the property, I knew I was about to have a unique experience.
As I approached Hermosa Inn, I spotted sprawling estates lining Paradise Valley. It was a stark contrast to the small boutique hotel nestled onto six acres among them.
According to the company's website, the Hermosa Inn was built in 1936 as a cowboy's home and art studio. It comprises small adobe structures with turquoise trimmings that look traditionally Southwestern.
The small property was decorated with garden pathways leading from the lobby to rooms and amenities.
The Hermosa Inn had a spa, a restaurant and bar, a fitness center, and 43 guest casitas — each in its own building.
After checking in, I got a metal key for my room, a stand-alone building.
Having a metal key rather than a typical hotel key card made me feel like I was staying in a house — especially since my room was in a private building.
Toward the back of the property, my room was a deluxe casita.
The Hermosa Inn has four tiers of rooms with starting prices ranging from $600 to $800 during the peak season, a representative of the Hermosa Inn told Business Insider.
I booked a deluxe casita for my stay, the third tier. It has a starting price of $730 a night during the peak season, though BI received a media rate for the one-night stay.
The casita's location at the back of the property felt private and secluded. It was situated next to hidden exits, so I immediately saw the appeal for celebrity guests.
Inside the 600-square-foot space, I had a king-sized bed, sitting area, walk-in closet, and bathroom.
My casita was the biggest hotel room I've ever booked. It had a studio layout — just one room and a bathroom.
I felt like I was in an old Western movie with Southwestern rugs and artwork, rustic leather furniture, and wooden marquetry.
The casita had basic amenities like a mini-fridge, a coffee maker, and a safe.
I especially appreciated the beehive fireplace across from two oversize leather chairs I sunk into.
Sitting by the fire was especially relaxing because it ignited with the touch of a button.
The tall wooden bed posts made me feel like royalty.
The king-sized frame with tall posts looked so traditionally luxurious, and with soft Egyptian linens on top, I certainly didn't want to get up in the morning.
There was also a flat-screen TV near the bed, although I didn't use it.
I was impressed by the size of the bathroom.
The bathroom was large enough to fit a spacious shower with two shower heads, a double sink and vanity, and an oversized tub.
It had an antique, claw-foot tub that didn't feel cramped to me, although I'm only 5-foot-3.
Two plush bathrobes hung on the door next to the tub.
Inside the walk-in closet, I found hangers, extra sheets, and a full-length mirror on the door.
I appreciated the mirror's jumbo size more than I thought I would while getting ready in the morning.
My favorite part of the accommodation was the patio.
The patio out front was larger than your typical hotel room balcony. It had a side table between two lounge chairs and two normal chairs next to a larger table. And even with all that furniture, the space didn't feel cramped.
When I left my room to check out in the morning, I found a copy of a newspaper on my doorstep — something I'd never experienced in a hotel before.
This final detail made me realize that the Hermosa Inn truly gives visitors a taste of the past from check-in to check-out.
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