If Arizona’s Valley of the Sun had a secluded island, I’ve discovered it. Tucked away in affluent Paradise Valley, the Hermosa Inn is an intimate, historic, luxury, boutique hotel that feels worlds away from everything, but in reality, this hidden gem is a short drive to all that Phoenix and Scottsdale have to offer (see distances below).

It’s easy to see why the Hermosa Inn was voted the number one hotel in the west and southwest by Condé Nast Traveler in 2017 and 2018. From the moment you enter the circle drive, you’re greeted by the first of many tranquil fountains and gardens on the property and the warm, personal service from the staff. When you walk along the flower-lined paths, your breathing slows down, stress melts away, and tranquility sets in.

 

The original adobe structure was built in 1936 as the home and art studio of renowned cowboy artist Alonzo “Lon” Megargee. You’ll see many of his western-style paintings throughout this special property, which is ideal for quiet or romantic getaways, small weddings or parties, social or holiday gatherings, or business meetings.

ACCOMODATIONS

The Inn has 43 charming, hacienda-style casitas ranging from 350 to 750 square feet, each with Spanish and Mexican architectural details and appointed with Megargee’s artwork, and every guest room has a distinctly southwestern feel.

DINING

The Hermosa Inn is home to LON’s, one of the area’s top, award-winning restaurants (see accolades here). The various settings of LON’s include an idyllic courtyard with a tiered fountain as its centerpiece beneath a canopy of mesquite, olive, and lysiloma trees, twinkling lights overhead and adobe fireplaces tucked into quiet corners. You’ll also find a rustic wine cellar accommodating 12 guests for private, candle-lit dinners, as well as inviting indoor dining areas. Each venue has a unique ambiance of its own.

LON’s offers all-day dining and both Saturday and Sunday brunch, and if you enjoy a good happy hour, look for a spot near one of the adobe fireplaces at LON’s Last Drop…also located on the patio. Read about my recent brunch at LON’s here.

PROPERTY

You feel as if you are truly in paradise in this exclusive, hidden retreat with landscaping comprised of various cactus plants and brightly colored flowers lining the walkways, tranquil water features situated around the property, and secret sitting areas where you can escape to read, nap, have a quiet conversation, or work…if you must.

ACTIVITIES

While you could do nothing but relax, there are activities to keep you occupied at the Hermosa Inn, such as the swimming pool…perfect for warm Arizona days, jacuzzis, bicycles for loan, self-guided art walks, a fitness room, a giant lawn chess set, or board games in the lobby.

They even offer art classes on property with Carrie Curran Art Studios for every level of artist or wanna-be artist. For foodies, LON’s offers cooking classes, fall and spring harvest dinners, an annual champagne dinner, and more.

 

Whether you’re craving quiet and solitude, a romantic getaway, or searching for an intimate and special-event venue, the charming Hermosa Inn will give you a uniquely Arizona experience…one you’ll certainly never forget!

Part of this stay was gifted.

DISTANCE TO AREA ATTRACTIONS

Mileage and approximate drive time from the Hermosa Inn to local attractions:

Shopping

Biltmore Fashion Park: 2.2 miles / 5 minutes
Scottsdale Fashion Square: 4.5 miles / 8-10 minutes
Fifth Avenue Shopping District: 5.5 miles / 13 minutes
Kierland Commons and Scottsdale Quarter: 12 miles / 22 minutes
The Palmeraie (coming in 2020): 5.4 miles / 11 minutes

Art, Culture, and History

Phoenix Art Museum: 7.7 miles / 18 minutes
Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West: 15.6 miles / 29 minutes
Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art: 6.3 miles / 15 minutes
Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West: 6 miles / 14 minutes
Herberger Theatre Center: 11.4 miles / 17 minutes
The Heard Museum of Native Cultures and Art: 7.4 miles / 17 minutes

Nature

Desert Botanical Gardens: 7.4 miles / 16 minutes
Camelback Mountain: 3.5 miles / 10 minutes
Papago Park: 8.2 miles / 17 minutes
McDowell Sonoran Preserve: 22.8 miles / 29 minutes

Sporting Events

Barrett-Jackson Car Auction: 6.5 miles / 15 minutes
Cactus League: 17.8 miles / 28 minutes
Waste Management Phoenix Open: 19 miles / 30 minutes
Sporting arenas vary