GETTING
AWAY
Maricopa Manor
By Rebecca Antioco
Across the northern and southern areas of Arizona,
bed and breakfast and charming inns seem to crop
up like wildflowers in the spring. They are tucked
into remote corners of the state and in urban centers
of small towns. But if you want to get away in
Phoenix, you’re left with either a high-end resort
or modest chain hotel. Or are you?
Hidden away in a historic neighborhood along the
central corridor is Maricopa Manor. Built in 1928
when nearby Camelback Road was but a two-lane dirt
road, the main house was occupied by original owners
B.J. and Naomi Showers and their three sons. In
1970, Mary Ellen and Paul Kelley purchased the
house and the adjoining home, raised their children
and played host to myriad family, foster children
and exchange students. Another guesthouse was built
and the property became a bed and breakfast in
1989. It was, and still is, the only bed and breakfast
licensed and approved by the city of Phoenix. Innkeeper
Jeff Vadheim has owned the property since 2000.
The inn consists of seven suites ranging in size
from 400 to 800 square feet, whose individual décor
varies from Victorian to French art nouveau to
old Mexican style. All feature a full complement
of amenities, including wireless Internet access,
free snacks and bottled water and, of course, breakfast.
The four luxury king suites have gas fireplaces,
whirlpool tubs and carport or garage parking.
Each morning, a hot breakfast is delivered to your
room in a picnic basket at a time you specify between
7 and 9 a.m. During my stay, I was treated to a
selection of fresh fruit, hot tea, a muffin and
a spinach quiche, which I enjoyed on the private
patio of the 800-square-foot Pasadena Suite. The
largest of the inn’s accommodations, the Pasadena
has a homey feel, and features a kitchenette and
a living room with a fireplace.
The enclosed 1.2-acre grounds are bright with bougainvillea,
citrus and shade trees, and feature a swimming
pool and gazebo hot tub. Staying at the inn, you
have a sense of being away from it all. But venture
outside the walls of this retreat, and you’re just
minutes away from downtown attractions and events.
Check out the Maricopa Manor for a serene escape
inside the city limits.
Photo courtesy of Maricopa Manor
If you go:
Maricopa Manor
15 W. Pasadena Ave., Phoenix
800-292-6403; 602-274-6302
maricopamanor.com
Winter Rates:
November 1 to December 20: $149 (deluxe queen suite);
$169 to $179 (deluxe king suite); $189 (luxury
king suite)
December 21 to April 30: $189 (deluxe queen suite);
$219 to $229 (deluxe king suite); $239 (luxury
king suite)
Guests in addition to two people are an additional
$25. Children younger than 13 stay free. All suites
are non-smoking.
