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Nestled in the heart of Paradise Valley, Arizona—an exclusive Phoenix enclave that’s just minutes from bustling Scottsdale—lies a AAA Four Diamond boutique hideaway called Hermosa Inn. Originally the residence and studio of iconic cowboy artist Alonzo “Lon” Megargee, this one-of-a-kind boutique resort is the quintessential blend of modern luxury and authentic southwestern charm. Here you’ll revel in world-class amenities amid a peaceful desert ambiance that’s punctuated by striking panoramic views of the neighboring Camelback Mountain.

Courtesy The Hermosa Inn

With just forty-three casitas, The Hermosa Inn is ostensibly the most intimate of the region’s luxury resorts, which translates to highly personalized service that’s genuine and familial in feel. Having completed a $5.5 million renovation earlier this year, The Hermosa Inn unveiled ten new deluxe suite casitas and twelve completely renovated historic old-style rancho casitas. Each is designed to accommodate every type of guest, from hardened business travelers to honeymooners. With cozy in-room beehive fireplaces, open-air patios, a lively bar and communal seating areas, on-site painting classes, free-use beach cruisers, seasonal poolside yoga, hot tub facilities, a business suite, and dining to-die-for, The Hermosa Inn is an ideal locale for small group getaways, from weddings, intimate family vacations, and bachelorette weekends to golf outings, board meetings, and executive retreats.

Perhaps the most notable of The Hermosa Inn’s amenities is the AAA Four-Diamond LON’s restaurant. The newly-expanded eatery features an authentic farm-to-table tasting menu, complete with top-rated signature cocktails and an awe-inspiring subterranean wine cellar. Lauded as one of the valley’s very best, the outdoor garden patio area is amply sized and replete with wood burning fireplaces, plush couches, and gorgeous fauna and flora that all surround a large tricking water fountain as the focal point. It’s truly the perfect gathering place for any occasion, as is the adjacent LON’s Last Drop bar—a cowboy-chic “watering hole” that’s part of the indoor section of the award-winning restaurant. Interestingly, this bar was named after Megargee’s most famous painting:  “Last Drop From His Stetson,”  which  was  commissioned by  the  Stetson  Hat Company  in  the 1920’s,  and  to  this  day  still  appears  on  the  inside  of  every  top-of-the-line Stetson hat.

Having dined at LON’s, I can attest that the fare is worth the trip, alone. “We describe our food as globally inspired Arizona fare,” said Melanie Volkers, Director of Sales and Marketing for The Hermosa Inn. “It’s globally inspired because of the various techniques and influences our chefs use, and it’s Arizona fare because we source local ingredients whenever possible.  Our Executive Chef is a ninth generation Arizonan who grew up on his family farm just north of Tucson.   For him, farm to table is not just the latest culinary trend, this is truly his lifestyle.  Menus are ingredient driven and will change frequently based on what is available from the local farms.”

Understandably, art abounds at The Hermosa Inn. Many original pieces of Megargee’s artwork are on display in the lobby as well as the restaurant.  Additionally, copies of many of his works are in the guestrooms as well. Rich in history and culture and oriented toward luxury-level guest service, The Hermosa Inn is the antidote to the assembly line of bland chain hotels or even “one size fits all” resort properties where quantity trumps quality. The property also boasts many events that promote fun and frivolity among guest, who are given various ways to commiserate while they vacay. For example, they have a vibrant arts and culinary program of events throughout the year, and also offer painting instruction with a pro, wine dinners, artist demonstration brunches, cooking classes, and more. These are among the many reasons the property was recently named a Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards winner as the #1 Hotel in the West/Southwest and the #9 Hotel in the U.S. An amazing accomplishment by any measure.

Speaking of art, during my own stay I participated in a lovely garden painting class with Carrie Curran, which involved an afternoon of entertaining and engaging art instruction while sipping champagne and nibbling on cheese and charcuterie.  Carrie is regularly available at the property to provide guidance for an artistic journey perfectly suited for enthusiastic beginners to emerging professionals. Carrie teaches, inspires and guides participants as they use acrylic on canvas to create their very own keepsake masterpiece. Various themes and programs are available with Carrie on-site, at the resort all throughout the year. It’s a relaxing and highly worthwhile way to spend a few hours of your vacation day.

But ultimately, at the heart of The Hermosa Inn is authenticity. Although the resort offers modern amenities like WiFi, high-definition TVs, and a refrigerator and Keurig in every suite, this cactus and flower-filled hacienda is overflowing with old-world charm. “We have not turned to technology to replace human interaction,” said Volkers. “In fact, we don’t even use electronic key cards: we still issue real keys at check-in.” I can attest that there is a decidedly residential feel to the property. It feels like a neighborhood. In fact, the property is duly tucked away in an actual suburban neighborhood that does promote a more relaxed sensibility than the more conspicuous resorts.

For my part, from the moment I arrived, I felt transported and inspired, and by the time I left I was rejuvenated and ready to book a return visit. This all very much by design, but not driven by a numbers-hungry marketing engine. Volkers points out, “Our approach to hospitality is simple–we strive to create memories and exceed guests’ expectations every time so they return time and time again…it’s our people that truly make a difference.”

***Some or all of the accommodations(s), experience(s), item(s) and/or service(s) detailed above may have been provided at no cost and/or arranged to accommodate this review, but all opinions expressed are entirely those of Merilee Kern and have not been influenced in any way as per the disclosure policy on our “Legal” page***