The Vibe

Set in the former home and studio of cowboy artist Lon Megargee, the Hermosa Inn is a boutique retreat with oodles of southwest charm. The six-acre property consists of low, adobe buildings – some of which date back to the 1930s – spread between pretty pathways lined with bougainvillea, cacti and palm trees. Megargee’s paintings, which capture the Arizona desert during its cowboy prime, are found here-and-there throughout the property, further enhancing its romantic, nostalgic vibe.

With just 43 rooms, the inn is one of the smallest properties in the Scottsdale area. It’s a pleasant alternative to the big golf and spa resorts for travellers looking for a more low-key, intimate ambiance.

The Rooms

Handsome (and huge) private casitas are each uniquely decorated, but you can expect them all to feature Arizona-inspired decor like leather chairs, Native American rugs and beehive fireplaces. Some come with vaulted retractable skylights, and most have lovely private porches – perfect spots for sitting outside and breathing in the floral-scented desert air.

Coffeemakers, mini-fridges and comfy beds with Egyptian cotton sheets are all standard. Bathrooms are large and beautiful, with walk-in showers and double sinks. Some bathrooms also have separate antique pedestal tubs.

The Features

The inn’s popular restaurant, LON’s, offers crowd-pleasing, farm-to-table cuisine, with many dishes incorporating ingredients grown in the property’s gardens. The menu is split into a seasonal tasting menu and a more permanent menu of “classic” dishes – the latter includes the restaurant’s signature dishes like the Himalayan salt seared ahi tuna, which comes served on a sizzling block of salt.

The restaurant’s impressive wine list is regularly recognized by Wine Spectator magazine and features over 700 labels. Adjacent to the restaurant, Last Drop Bar has an expansive patio with cushy sofas and great views of Camelback Mountain and a cozy interior sitting area. There’s also a small but pretty pool and hot tub area, a basic fitness center, free bike rentals and a regular calendar of on-site events like art classes.

The Location

The Hermosa Inn is located in Paradise Valley, a small, peaceful residential community set midway between Phoenix and Scottsdale (it’s about a 20-minute drive to Phoenix and 15 minutes to Scottsdale).

While there are tons of dining options and attractions within easy driving distance, you’ll need to have your own car (or rely on Ubers and taxis) to make the most of everything to see and do in the area. Popular hiking destinations like Piestewa Peak and Camelback Mountain are less than a 10-minute drive away, and it’s a 15-minute drive to Phoenix International Airport.

Rooms start at $289 per night

5532 N Palo Cristi Rd, Paradise Valley, AZ, USA, hermosainn.com