Why book?
A boutique retreat that feels more like a hidden hacienda than a hotel, the intimate Hermosa Inn is the perfect pick for a romantic getaway with its lushly landscaped grounds, stone fountains, and individual casitas with fireplaces and private patios.
Set the scene
In Scottsdale, Arizona, chock-full of sprawling resorts, golf clubs, and glitzy going-out options, the Hermosa Inn stands out by leaning into its authentic Southwestern charm, adobe architecture, and dynamic history as a former artist’s estate. Then there’s the quiet, interrupted only by swaying branches of mature olive and palm trees, chirping birds, and bubbling fountains. Most guests I spotted during my stay were, not surprisingly, couples there to relax, whether on their patios, on a lounge chair around the serene pool, or over a cocktail at the inn’s cowboy-cool bar.
The backstory
Built in the 1930s as the home and studio of fabled cowboy artist Lon Megargee, the property was originally dubbed Casa Hermosa. During his time there, Megargee became well-known in the art world, completing 15 murals commissioned by the Arizona State Capitol and work for the Stetson Hat Company. His iconic painting, Last Drop From His Stetson, still appears on the inside of many special-edition Stetson hats. Megargee sold the property in the 1940s, and it was converted into an inn, operating under various owners for more than four decades. After a fire in 1987, it was purchased by local residents who restored the site, including giving it a $2 million renovation, before eventually selling it to Allred Capital, a father-and-son outfit with boutique hotel across Arizona. Since acquiring the property, the Allreds have expanded and upgraded the inn, adding a collection of new casitas and transforming it into a more upscale property.
The rooms
Hermosa Inn’s adobe-style casitas showcase authentic Southwestern design infused with modern elements. Most are done up with hardwood floors, colorful woven rugs, wrought-iron accents, and hand-carved wood furnishings. The white-tiled bathrooms are equipped with claw-foot tubs and large, glass-enclosed showers. My larger deluxe casita also featured a skylight, fireplace, walk-in closet, and French doors leading to a dreamy private patio set up with chaise lounge seating and a dining table for two.
Food and drink
Restaurant Lon’s oozes historical charm with its white plaster walls, adobe bricks, Mexican tile, beehive fireplaces, and original works from Megargee. The menu offers a spin on Southwestern cuisine, with an emphasis on meatier entrées—like braised short ribs with a Calabrian chimichurri sauce, and a pork porterhouse alongside a butternut squash casserole—as well as some fun veggie plates, like maitake tempura. The centerpiece of the restaurant, and perhaps the whole property, is Lon’s stunning, sprawling patio, situated beneath massive old trees and flanked by bistro lights, giant fireplaces, and major mountain views. During my September visit, I discovered the patio was closed for summer, though it was such a perfect evening I’d really hoped the crew could pivot and allow outdoor dining that weekend. Alas, it’s a good excuse for a return visit. The patio is typically open Memorial Day through mid-September, and amps up the atmosphere with live music on weekends.
Pro tip: You can get anything from Lon’s menus delivered to your room for dining on your own patio, which I did for brunch on my last morning—it was lovely. Also, be sure to stop in for a cocktail at the adjacent Lon’s Last Drop. Not only are the drinks fabulous (try the vodka-based Lavender Haze, with rosemary and butterfly pea flower), but the room has a cowboy vibe with its dark wood bar, leather armchairs, and glowy lighting. A Friday evening was bustling with locals there for a social happy hour and bar food like Wagyu sliders, shrimp tacos, and a little gem Caesar.
The neighborhood/area
Located in the ritzy residential neighborhood of Paradise Valley, you’ll want to borrow one of the hotel’s bikes to cruise around the area and gawk at the fabulous homes. The property is adjacent to the 12-mile trail along the Arizona Canal, which is closed to motorized vehicles, making it an excellent option for a bike ride, walk, or run. You can take your pick from the bevy of nearby hikes, and, of course, Downtown Scottsdale is about a 15-minute drive away.
The service
Staffers here are warm and eager to add personal touches to your stay. The couple staying in the casita next to me was surprised with a bottle of bubbly for their anniversary, for example, and there’s always someone at the lobby’s front desk to help with plans, whether for activities or off-site dining recs. Muffins are put out in the morning, homemade cookies in the afternoon, and coffee is served all day. I found the bar staff especially knowledgeable. My bartender was happy to create a custom cocktail, discuss the tequila selection, and, most important, remember what I’d ordered the day before.
Accessibility
Two ADA-compliant rooms are available.
5532 N Palo Cristi Road, Paradise Valley, Arizona 85253
United States
https://azhideawaycollection.com/hermosa-inn/
(602) 955-8614