Issue:
May
2008

by Barbara Penny Angelakis

5532 North Palo Cristi Road
Scottsdale AZ 85253
Tel: (602) 955-8614
(800) 241-1210
Fax: (602) 955-8299
http://www.hermosainn.com
Member of the Historic Hotels of America

 
In Paradise Valley, an exclusive residential suburb of Phoenix, you will find the charming Hermosa Inn; a historic boutique hotel set back from the street with only a small sign to announce its location. More readably apparent is the signage for the highly acclaimed restaurant “LON’s at the hermosa” in the architecturally authentic hacienda that was the hand-built home and studio of cowboy artist Lon Megargee. Known for his ability to capture the life and times of the southwestern cowboy, one of Megargee’s most famous pictures decorates the inside of every Stetson Hat. A copy of the original painting hangs over the fireplace in the bar area that was part of the original ranch house he called home. An authentic old Stetson is on display with the famous image still visible along with artifacts from Megargee’s various and sundry other careers as “cowpuncher, bronco buster, exhibition roper, poker dealer, fireman, captain of the night police, and of course accomplished artist”.

The entrance to the Inn is as low keyed as its signage. You follow the Reception sign from the parking lot down a path bordered on both sides by brightly colored flowers, to a half hidden rustic building with a lobby area hardly large enough to hold the registration desk, your party and your luggage. That is where registration takes place, the rest of the building is occupied by the restaurant. After registration, a member of the amiable staff hands you a property map and keys to your room attached to a small flashlight, a devise that will prove to be essential once the sun goes down. The original Casa Hermosa (handsome house) has grown into a six-acre garden with a series of low adobe ranch-style buildings, tastefully clustered around manicured pathways and flower beds, olive and citrus trees as well as cactus gardens and tall palms, hence the need for the property map on your first go-round.

Our white washed adobe casita opened into the bedroom/sitting area furnished with cozy leather armchairs flanking a gas fireplace for those cool desert evenings. High ceilings and exposed wood beams gave the room a rustic touch but no detail of comfort or technology was missing including a California King sized bed, flat screen TV, complementary wireless high speed internet, CD playing clock-radio, iPod base station… the works. The dressing area and bath were colorfully fitted with Spanish designed tiles and contained all the necessities; iron and ironing board, hair dryer, full-length mirror, in-room safe and plenty of clothes hangers. Our room led out to a patio with a table and chairs facing Camelback Mountain with its wind-sculptured peeks whose angles and crevasses seemed to change with the hour and the transiting sun. It provided a lovely spot to enjoy breakfast, tea, or cocktails, or simply to sit and unwind while watching the light change on Camelback. Our patio was a few steps from a semiprivate Jacuzzi, artfully gated for security, and a few steps further from the meticulously maintained enclosed pool area.

This charming and romantic hotel with its award-winning restaurant, stunning mountain views and perfect southwestern hospitality is an ideal venue for weddings and celebrations as well as corporate events. Its located 10 minutes from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport for those out-of-state or out-of-country guests, and within a short drive of Phoenix/Scottsdale’s famous shopping, entertainment and sports activities, world-class museums, and culinary delights.

The Hermosa Inn is an intimate hideaway with a spectacular restaurant (see the Restaurants section for LON’s at the hermosa, and the Cook’s Corner for a Chocolate Pot Au Crème recipe) and striking views. Staying here requires that you go elsewhere for your activities. Therefore, if you are looking for a retreat and the inclusive resorts that Arizona has developed such a reputation for, The Hermosa Inn is not your cup of tea. However, for those preferring a home away from home ambience, great food, and interest in exploring the area, The Hermosa Inn is the perfect getaway.

© January 2007 LuxuryWeb Magazine. All rights reserved.