![Hotel Valley Ho, Scottsdale](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/11/hotel-valley-hotel-interiors-arizona_dezeen_hero-852x479.jpg)
Hotel Valley Ho receives interior refresh to complement its modernist architecture
An iconic mid-century hotel in Scottsdale, Arizona, has been brought up-to-date while retaining its original modernist features by architect Edward L Varney.
Hotel Valley Ho resort and spa is a short walk from Downtown Scottsdale, a city that forms part of the Phoenix metropolitan area – known as the Valley of the Sun.
![Hotel Valley Ho](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/11/hotel-valley-hotel-interiors-arizona_dezeen_2364_hero2-852x479.jpg)
The hotel was first opened in 1956, in a two-storey complex designed by Varney, by owners Robert and Evelyn Foehl.
"In the years prior to opening the hotel, and in keeping with a summertime tradition of leaving the hot Arizona summer, the Foehls managed Lake Arrowhead resort in Southern California, where they befriended many celebrities," said a statement from the hotel. "Their gracious hospitality, coupled with their California visits, created the Hollywood connection at Hotel Valley Ho that still exists today."
![Hotel Valley Ho](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/11/hotel-valley-hotel-interiors-arizona_dezeen_2364_col_8-852x566.jpg)
By the 1990s, the glamorous reputation had faded and the resort was eventually put up for auction. The highest bidders planned to demolish the property, so it was sold to second-in-line Westroc Hospitality, which promised to return it to its former glory.
The complex then underwent a major renovation, headed by Scottsdale-based Allen + Philp Architects. During the overhaul, some the building's signature earth-toned concrete panels and columns – which combine the modularity of modernism with motifs typical of the American Southwest – were recast and replaced.
![Hotel Valley Ho](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/11/hotel-valley-hotel-interiors-arizona_dezeen_2364_col_17-852x566.jpg)
Guest rooms of various layouts and sizes were also redesigned, before the hotel reopened in 2005.
Expansion plans also involved building a tower over the main entrance to provide 50 more rooms and suites.
![Hotel Valley Ho](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/11/hotel-valley-hotel-interiors-arizona_dezeen_2364_col_3-852x566.jpg)
Planning consent for this had already been approved as part of the original design, and Varney had already built foundations and lift-shaft bases to accommodate a high-rise, so a seven-storey block was added in 2008.
Known as The Tower, the block contains several two-storey suites with views of Downtown Scottsdale or nearby Camelback Mountain.
![Hotel Valley Ho](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/11/hotel-valley-hotel-interiors-arizona_dezeen_2364_col_1-852x569.jpg)
More recently, the interiors of the hotel's 241 rooms and suites were renovated by local designer Anissa Mendil – who spent part of her education at nearby Taliesin West, home to the architecture school founded by Frank Lloyd Wright.
Mendil, a director at architecture and interiors firm 3rd Story, aimed to retain the mid-century atmosphere but mix older styles with contemporary furniture.
![Hotel Valley Ho](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/11/hotel-valley-hotel-interiors-arizona_dezeen_2364_col_0-852x569.jpg)
In the suites, glossy yellow was chosen for kitchen cabinets and other storage units. Wood panelling, terrazzo floors and exposed concrete run throughout, with levels connected by open-riser stairs with glass balustrades.
Other guest rooms feature colourful upholstery and patterned carpets, with some including freestanding tubs in the middle. Furniture including sofas from B&B Italia and lounge chairs from Knoll was reupholstered in similarly bold tones.
![Hotel Valley Ho](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/11/hotel-valley-hotel-interiors-arizona_dezeen_2364_col_9-852x568.jpg)
The renovation of mid-century hotels and motels has become a major trend across the US over the past few years. Run-down buildings from New York's Catskill mountains to California's Malibu beach have been overhauled to provide high-end accommodation.