Hermosa Inn

After a four-year break, we came back to this beautiful boutique property for a long weekend. We’ve been visiting Phoenix once or twice each January or February for over a dozen years, trying all kinds of luxury places. This year’s mild, sunny 75-degree weather helped, but I may be done roaming around. Our three-night stay in room 150 was superb. We still love the spacious room, huge shower, gas fireplace, and big, comfortable leather chairs. I’m pleased there’s now ample bedside power, which I’d mentioned in my previous review. Sadly, the shower head is still crummy. The grounds are lush and colorful, and it’s an oasis of tranquility. The on-site restaurant is fantastic and draws a big crowd most nights. I called ahead to say my wife would arrive early, and they somehow arranged early check-in, which really helped. Thanks, Deanne! The Hermosa will be at the top of my list when we plan our visit for next January.

The food was very tasty, but every dish we ordered from the restaurant during our three-day stay had something wrong or missing. The wait staff were polite, though awkward at times. The rooms are charming and well appointed, although, as others have said, the bed linens could use an upgrade. There’s a lot here that should make The Hermosa Inn a wonderful place to visit, but the execution just isn’t there. Service fell well below expectations right from check-in. At this price, I expect more nuance and a lot more courtesy.

The setting is beautiful, but I’ll never eat here again. I used to come three or four times a year. For a regular dinner or a meal in the bar, the food and drinks are good but overpriced. You’re really paying for the atmosphere. I attended a private event with a $275 ticket to see Esteban, which included dinner. The event was set up well, but the servers seemed unsure what they were doing. When I asked for butter, someone brought cream cheese. I also got food poisoning. My companion ate a different dish and didn’t get sick. I left several messages for food and beverage manager John Dills and asked respectfully for compensation for the dinner. He called back once and left a voicemail, but hasn’t returned my calls since. Not getting a return call only adds to the poor service from the Food and Beverage Department.

I’ve been coming here for years, though it had been a while since my last visit. They’ve moved the outdoor seating, and the views just aren’t the same. The food was decent, and the waitress was okay, but I didn’t feel comfortable with her. The whole vibe felt different.