Scottsdale Sleeps: Three Retro Inspired Hotels To Check Into For Baseball’s Spring Training in Arizona

Located in the Sonoran Desert, wedged in between Phoenix to the west and the McDowell Mountains to the east, Scottsdale, Arizona tends to sleep quietly off of most tourists’ radars throughout the year. However, once spring rolls around, baseball fanatics flock to Scottsdale to take in some spring training games for Major League Baseball’s Cactus League. If you are headed down to the Valley of the Sun and this tiny Wild West spirited settlement this spring, here are a few retro-inspired sleeps for you to check into for a trip back into the area’s past.

The Saguaro Scottsdale: While technically a newer hotel in the area, the Saguaro has a distinctively retro appearance. Located in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale, the hotel features a bold color palate throughout its public and private spaces. Architects Peter Stamberg and Paul Aferiat decided to use the inspiration of the bright colors of indigenous flowers throughout the hotel. Each room’s exterior is accented by a different bold hue, creating a visual spectrum throughout the grounds. Complemented with authentic, traditional Mexican furniture, guests can seemingly step back into another bold era, especially while lounging poolside.

Hotel Valley Ho: Perhaps taking the cake in terms of retro inspired sleeps in Scottsdale, the Hotel Valley Ho offers an authentic look into the community in the 1950s and 1960s. Located in downtown Scottsdale, the landmark has stood in this spot since 1956. While fully restored now, the Hotel Valley Ho hasn’t forgotten its roots. Mid-century modern designs and furnishings are featured throughout the property, coupled with today’s most modern amenities. A stay at the hotel follows in the footsteps of Hollywood’s greats. Celebrities like Tony Curtis, Bing Crosby, Janet Leigh, Robert Wagner and Natalie Wood all flocked to the Hotel Valley Ho. If you can’t stay on site, you can at least grab a drink and some traditional American fare at the restaurant on site, ZuZu, for a taste of mid-century dining. The retro inspired pool with bar is also not to be missed for a trip back in time.

The Phoenician: While largely constructed in 1988, the Phoenician houses one of Scottsdale’s oldest structures. The Starwood Hotel Luxury Collection member features all of the luxuries for a 5-star time in Scottsdale. However, it is appreciated in town for being the site of one of Scottsdale’s earliest hotels. The Jokake Inn still stands on site as a backdrop for outdoor banquets and weddings. Built in 1926, the unique adobe house served as a place of hospitality for those passing through the Southwest.

Photo: Tilton Lane