Staying Power
You don’t have to be in Hollywood to live like a star. Take a tour of some of the Valley’s most luxe resorts—all of which have hosted the biggest names in music, movies, sports and politics—and their most over-the-top accommodations.
Andalusian Presidential Suite at Montelucia Resort & Spa
During a stop in Scottsdale in 2009, President Barack Obama decided to throw tradition out the door and called Montelucia Resort & Spa his home away from home. (Every president since Herbert Hoover checked in at Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa during Valley visits.) Specifically, Mr. President got cozy in the resort’s beyond-blissful Andalusian Presidential Suite, which boasts its own private pool and spa and sprawling indoor and outdoor spaces (more than 2,800 square feet, in fact). www.montelucia.com.
The Presidential Suite at The Westin Kierland Resort
The Westin Kierland has hosted such A-listers as Tom Brady and Gisele Bündchen, and when you get a load of the resort’s most high-end room offerings, it is easy to see why. For example, the Presidential Suite’s master bedroom comes equipped with Westin’s signature Heavenly bed and a Roman-style bathtub for spalike soaking while a full caterer’s kitchen and massive dining table provide a perfect opportunity for entertaining. Speaking of entertaining, Food Network personalities Giada De Laurentiis, Rachael Ray and Emeril Lagasse have all made themselves at home at the Westin. www.kierlandresort.com.
The Tower Loft Suite at Hotel Valley Ho
In the 1950’s, the Hotel Valley Ho was a hot spot for Hollywood heavy hitters like Bing Crosby and Tony Curtis. (Robert Wagner and Natalie Wood even celebrated their wedding reception at the Scottsdale hotel.) Nowadays, the likes of Hugh Jackman, Jamie Foxx and Ryan Reynolds have all made the Valley Ho their hideaway while visiting. The hotel’s most deluxe accommodations can be found at the year-old Tower Loft Suite, which offers guests two levels of luxury spaces (ZuZu’s chef Charles Wiley will even cook in the suite’s sleek kitchen) with a fun retro aesthetic. www.hotelvalleyho.com.
Extreme Wow Suite at W Scottsdale
Local celebs like Charles Barkley and Jordin Sparks, among many other famous faces, have recently made their way to the hip W Scottsdale. The Downtown Scottsdale resort’s most opulent offering is its Extreme Wow Suite, outfitted with fashion-forward furnishings (think whimsical artwork and a white-and-metallic rug) and a 1,300-sq.-ft. patio. Plus, floor-to- ceiling windows allow pretty panoramas of Camelback Mountain, the McDowell Mountains and the hotel’s see-and-be-seen pool deck. www.wscottsdalehotel.com.
The Villa Retreat at The Boulders Resort
When she was in town last year, Lady Gaga got comfy at The Boulders Resort’s over-the-top—much like the singer herself—Villa Retreat. The jaw-dropping digs span 5,000 square feet and feature two homes that are connected by a stunning negative-edge pool and vibrant landscaping. Like the rest of the resort, the suite’s design hones in on the warm, natural beauty of the Sonoran Desert. Butler service, private helicopter access and an optional chef round out the Villa Retreat’s A-list amenities. www.theboulders.com.
Casa Ten at Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain
When they’re not dominating the world of music, Beyoncé and Jay-Z have been known to check in the most plush resort rooms on the planet—an example of which being Casa Ten, one of Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain’s majestic Mountainside Estates. The couple got cozy in Casa Ten during their honeymoon, undoubtedly taking in views courtesy of the floor-to-ceiling windows. For the ultimate in unwinding, the suite comes equipped with a hot tub on the deck (where guests can enjoy even more picture-ready scenes), an indoor/outdoor shower and a billiards room. www.sanctuaryaz.com.
The Sedona Suite at Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North
When Oprah checked in at the Sedona Suite at Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North, her favorite amenity was probably the room’s private plunge pool. Maybe it was the alfresco garden shower. Or perhaps it was the Kiva fireplace where guests are invited to sit, unwind and stargaze. On the other hand, there is probably too much goodness in the more than 2,000- sq.-ft., two-bedroom space to choose just one favorite feature. www.fourseasons.com/scottsdale.
