There's something special about this place that I can't capture in words. I've stayed at quite a few local resorts and each one is unique in it's own way but The Hermosa Inn has a small town charm. It has an attention to detail that is off the charts, rooms that are homey and large with high ceilings and the customer service is always on a first name basis. Somehow they always know what you need before you even knew you needed it. Yeah, it's that kind of dream.
"Once the private, turn-of-the-century escape of painter Lon Megargee, the intimate and luxurious Hermosa Inn retains all the magic that inspired Arizona’s “dean of cowboy artists.” Today, this secluded AAA Four-Diamond boutique hotel nestled in the foothills of Camelback Mountain casts its spell on art lovers and adventurers who appreciate flawless service and the finest amenities."
Just a couple weekends ago I was walking down the paved pathway, through some flowering plants, past a gurgling fountain and a few bunnies feeding on the grass to my light blue door. I turned the key (they use old time keys, you know, the kind that you use on your home and honestly, I couldn't imagine it being any other way) and opened my door to the familiar Southwestern casita. A large four post bed, two comfy chairs, a tv on the wall, a desk to do some writing at and a bathroom large enough to host a claw foot tub, huge shower and toilet, of course. The entire room equipped with all the amenities you need but it wasn't long before there was a knock on my door and a tray full of goodies made mostly in house arrived. Everything I didn't know I needed but ate all of during my stay, from pork rinds with Cutino Sauce, house made jerky, two house made cocktails, nuts and olives.
I tapped away at my computer keys while I snacked and then headed over to the pool for a quick dip. The pool is surrounded by a few cabanas that you can rent, each one comes with a drink and a food option, I opted for the meat and cheese board. You can never have enough meat and cheese and bread! I floated around the pool in peace because since there aren't a ton of rooms on property, there aren't a ton of people crowding the pool, even on a weekend.
Back at the room, I changed quickly and headed over to Lon's for dinner, where Executive Chef Jeremy Pacheco is all about farm to table . We started with quite a few items, the sizzling Himalayan salt seared ahi tuna, “fritto misto” and ricotta gnudi are all necessary. If you only pick one, do the ahi tuna, not only is it the perfect cut of fish but the presentation is always so much fun. It comes out on the table sizzling and searing for you to pull off of the Himalayan salt, when it's cooked to your desire. For my entree, I had the most amazing foie and marscapone tortellini. I do apologize, it was a special for the night but I will never apologize for how amazing it was. This is another example of where I knew I wanted pasta that night but didn't know that it was going to be foie pasta but I needed it and they provided. We also had the lobster tail, creamy truffle mac ‘n’ cheese and broccolini. For dessert the s’mores bar and coconut panna cotta did the trick and we were ready to hit the hay.
When we got back to the room there was a little note pointing to the fridge and saying that there were drinks and desserts waiting for us. What a beautiful surprise to find glittery donuts, churros and chai tea drinks. The perfect way to end the evening and also start the following morning.
First off to the pool with the kids in tow, so that we didn't disturb any guests with two crazy kids in the pool! We spent a couple hours there before I headed off to brunch at Lon's with a friend. Let me tell you about brunch, they have this iced coffee, LON’s “wake up”, that will knock your socks off and wake you up. I wish I could order those on the regular. Another necessary order is the fresh baked “monkey” bread and the sizzling bacon. The sizzling bacon has another fun presentation, as well as being great tasting slices of thick bacon. As an avid salmon lover, I couldn't pass up on the house smoked salmon with the crispy potato cake. I also ordered the huevos rancheros, which is probably one of my favorite items from their main dish menu, the fry bread and toppings, made for a real treat. They also sent out one of their souffle pancakes, which is not on the menu yet but will be soon and oh my, this was a favorite too! Ok, that's basically all we ate...it's a lot huh but I do it so that I can see what I suggest. I guess I basically suggest everything.
So there you have it, it was a sad time to have to turn the keys back in and walk back through the flowering gardens and fountains and get into my car.
Who should stay here: For me, this is a place that I want to stay when I'm with my significant other. It feels private, it feels personal and it feels romantic.
If you're looking for one last getaway with your fav person, here are a few specials you should snag before they're long gone and tell them that Arizona Foodie sent you!
SUMMER IN PARADISE
With rates starting at $149/night plus tax and resort fee, the Summer in Paradise Getaway is our best value of the year! Available for stays between May 20 and September 30, Summer in Paradise includes:
Overnight accommodations
Two welcome cocktails upon arrival
$25 daily Food & Beverage credit
Daily poolside treats
Upgrade upon arrival (based on availability)
Early check-in/late check-out (based on availability)