economie

I spent one night at a celebrity-loved hotel in Arizona. My $730 room felt like a house.

July 30, 20240
The lobby building at the Hermosa Inn.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

As I approached Hermosa Inn, I spotted sprawling estates lining Paradise Valley. It was a stark contrast to the small boutique hotel nestled onto six acres among them.

According to the company’s website, the Hermosa Inn was built in 1936 as a cowboy’s home and art studio. It comprises small adobe structures with turquoise trimmings that look traditionally Southwestern.

The small property was decorated with garden pathways leading from the lobby to rooms and amenities.
The author’s room key and a map of the property provided by the hotel.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Having a metal key rather than a typical hotel key card made me feel like I was staying in a house — especially since my room was in a private building.

Toward the back of the property, my room was a deluxe casita.
Inside the author’s casita.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

My casita was the biggest hotel room I’ve ever booked. It had a studio layout — just one room and a bathroom.

I felt like I was in an old Western movie with Southwestern rugs and artwork, rustic leather furniture, and wooden marquetry.

The casita had basic amenities like a mini-fridge, a coffee maker, and a safe.

I especially appreciated the beehive fireplace across from two oversize leather chairs I sunk into.
The accommodation’s king-sized bed.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

The king-sized frame with tall posts looked so traditionally luxurious, and with soft Egyptian linens on top, I certainly didn’t want to get up in the morning.

There was also a flat-screen TV near the bed, although I didn’t use it.

I was impressed by the size of the bathroom.
The antique tub in the bathroom.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Two plush bathrobes hung on the door next to the tub.

Inside the walk-in closet, I found hangers, extra sheets, and a full-length mirror on the door.
The author enjoys the patio.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

The patio out front was larger than your typical hotel room balcony. It had a side table between two lounge chairs and two normal chairs next to a larger table. And even with all that furniture, the space didn’t feel cramped.

When I left my room to check out in the morning, I found a copy of a newspaper on my doorstep — something I’d never experienced in a hotel before.
A copy of USA Today on the patio.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

This final detail made me realize that the Hermosa Inn truly gives visitors a taste of the past from check-in to check-out.