By
Kelly Vaughn

Some things age well, like wine, cheese and Sean Connery. Buildings can be tricky, though. Sometimes, they wither and wrinkle over time. But Prescott’s Hotel Vendome is a testament to good genes. And maybe a few friendly ghosts to look after things.

Now more than 100 years old — the property celebrated its centennial in 2017 — the Vendome features 20 guest rooms with private bathrooms, many of which include vintage claw-foot tubs. And while modern amenities have been installed over the years (think Wi-Fi, televisions, air conditioning and heat), much of the hotel’s original charm remains. 

A sunny front porch, complete with rocking chairs, welcomes visitors into the brick building, which sits on the National Register of Historic Places. Inside, Bar Vendome serves a selection of wine and beer between 2 and 8 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays (until 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays), and features plenty of seating in front of airy windows. Come morning, that same bar serves delicious coffee and espresso drinks. 

Rooms are classically lovely, too, with rich curtains, plush bedding and careful attention to detail. Indeed, where some boutique hotels overstuff their rooms with overthought décor, the Vendome keeps things clean, tasteful and time-honored. 

Owner Nikhil Patel became involved with the hotel in 2015, then took full operating control in 2017. With a passion for real estate and historic buildings, he had an immediate appreciation for the property.

“We’ve made a series of small improvements over the last couple of years, but we’re currently in the process of planning larger-scale improvements to the entire hotel that are focused around good design and community,” Patel says. “It’s a fun and creative challenge to update the hotel in a manner that maintains the building’s character. Another exciting thing on the horizon is the relocation and expansion of Bar Vendome. We had the opportunity to take the space next door to the hotel. It’s a charming 1872 house, and it makes the perfect sidecar to the Vendome. In the mornings, we’ll focus on specialty coffee and pastries, and then, as the day progresses, we’ll shift the attention to delicious wines and craft beers.”

For additional options, the hotel is within walking distance of Whiskey Row and is right next door to the Barley Hound, a modern bistro that specializes in everything from duck-fat fries to banh mi. And even though rumor has it that the hotel is haunted, there’s no real need to get spooked.

 “Yes, we allegedly have a few friendly spirits wandering the hallways of the Vendome,” Patel says. “If you experience their presence, consider yourself special. Most people aren’t so lucky. Nothing to be afraid of.”

Business Information

230 S. Cortez Street
Prescott, AZ
United States