Travel and tourism have been big industries in the Phoenix area for decades.
A group called the Arizona Development Board estimated tourism accounted for $160 million to the state in 1954 — that’s nearly $2 billion in today’s dollars. More recently, the Arizona Office of Tourism reports the travel industry brought more than $28 billion in direct spending to the state.
A number of early spots have since been closed and torn down — but not all of them. Many still in operation have been hosting travelers for many years.
In Last Resorts, The Show is looking at the history and future of resorts, and the Valley as a resort community. Travel from Paradise Valley to Litchfield Park, and visit some of the Valley’s oldest and newest resorts. Hear how they’ve impacted the region from art and architecture, to how people all over the world view the West..
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Getty ImagesIn the series Last Resorts, The Show is looking at the history and future of resorts, and the Valley as a resort community. Visit some of the Valley’s oldest and newest resorts. Hear how they’ve impacted the region — from art and architecture, to how people all over the world view the West. -
Sativa Peterson/KJZZStep back into the 20th century, when a stretch of Van Buren Street was the place to stay. At its peak, my next guest says there were up to 200 hotels and motels, mostly clustered between 16th and 40th streets — although they could go as far east as 52nd Street and as far west as about 11th Avenue. -
Mark Brodie/KJZZAce Bailey is president of Ultimate Art and Cultural Tours and a part-time concierge at the Hotel Valley Ho. The Show's Mark Brodie joined her on a recent tour to see the midcentury modern resort and learn more about its history. -
Susan Arreola Postcard Collection/Phoenix Public LibraryIt's time to visit the Hermosa Inn in Paradise. Specifically, a room that looks like a library, filled with the paintings of Lon Megargee. If his first name sounds familiar — he’s the Lon for whom the resort’s restaurant is named.
