by Heather Livingston
Contributing Editor

Summary: The celebrated Camelback Inn in Scottsdale, Ariz., recently began a $45 million renovation in celebration of its 70th anniversary. Designed by architect Edward Loomis Bowes and completed in 1937, the original resort cost $75,000 to build and accommodated 75 guests. Now owned by J. W. Marriott, Camelback Inn is a AAA Five-Diamond luxury hotel and spa that is nestled on 125 acres of Sonoran Desert, offering private grounds for hiking and meditation and abundant indigenous plant life. The remodel was designed by resort architect John Hill, AIA, of Hill Glazier Architects (now HKS Hill Glazier). Plans include opening up the property to the surrounding desert while preserving its history and Southwestern charm.

The 10-month project will update public spaces and guestrooms, and add two new restaurants. One of the renovation goals is to create a more dramatic arrival to the resort. The design accomplishes the goal by providing a tree-lined passageway with water and fire elements that leads to the hacienda-style grand lobby. The main building has been razed and is being rebuilt to expand the facility and re-center it to take advantage of the views of the Camelback and Mummy Mountains. Soaring ceilings and extensive use of glass throughout will further the dramatic effect.

The hotel’s courtyard also will be refashioned to provide a contemplative and calming place while preserving the inn’s selection of native plants and flowers. The courtyard will include a formal “garden of serenity” that can be accessed through sliding glass doors off the lobby and main restaurant. Two new restaurants will showcase sunset views, contemporary décor, outdoor seating among organic gardens and fireplaces, and a new on-site herb garden. The casual setting will preserve the rich history of the site through the use of original adobe walls, reclaimed wood floors, beamed ceilings, and stone and copper throughout.

A new grand ballroom will blend flexibility, style, and functionality. Measuring 20,000 square feet with 24-foot ceilings, the ballroom will provide full production capabilities and indoor and outdoor capacities. Hill Glazier designed the space to divide into 14 sections that can accommodate meetings of 20 to 2,000 participants. An additional 5,000 square feet of foyer space with two registration desks will also host large receptions and exhibits.

Camelback Inn is known for its distinctive casita-style guestrooms, each with a private entrance and garden patio or balcony. The guestrooms and bathrooms will be refurnished and renovated to provide a more luxurious guest experience. The inn, which recently received its 31st consecutive AAA Five Diamond Award, also features 36 holes of championship golf, six tennis courts, three swimming pools, and seven restaurants and lounges.