News

People Pleaser: Judy Kabler

By Amy Silverman 

In the concierge business, you're only as good as your Rolodex — and Judy Kabler's the best. As the pleaser in charge for the Valley Ho, Kabler is charged with keeping well-to-do scenesters snug as bugs in rugs — or, rather, snug in their mod-with-a-nod-to-vintage rooms at the '50s-era hotel. Ever since the Ho opened again after a major overhaul, it's been the trendy boutique hang in town, and Kabler's got her hands full with a different clientele from what she was accustomed to at the more staid Scottsdale Plaza, where she worked for many years. But after living in the Valley for more than 35 years, this lady knows where all the bodies are buried — and how to get into the hottest VIP rooms and the swankiest restaurants. She can also book you a private jet in the middle of the night, if that's what your little heart desires.

I arrived in Phoenix on November 19, 1971. I got married at Brotherhood of Man Desert Chapel and had my wedding reception at Ye Olde Lantern Restaurant, which is now Don & Charlie's in Scottsdale.

When I’m stuck in traffic, I call friends or family.

I never forget to TiVo Without a Trace.

One thing my mother doesn’t know about me is I have two wonderful grandchildren, Tommy and Lily. (My parents are deceased.)

On Saturday night, you can find me at home with my husband, Tom.

My favorite thing about summer in Phoenix is getting a good parking place at the mall since I am the "Shopping Queen."

If I could redo my first kiss, I’d kiss a frog, which would turn into a prince — specifically, Prince William.

The one dessert I refuse to eat is coconut cream pie.

If I was mayor of Phoenix, I’d try to do the same good job as our current mayor, Phil Gordon.

In high school, I was the kid who was voted "most likely to succeed."

In another life, I was a dog, especially a Shih Tzu. Our dogs are treated like royalty.

The one place in Phoenix I don’t want anyone to know about is Giuseppe's Italian Kitchen, at the southwest corner of Scottsdale and Thunderbird. It is a BYOB restaurant, very casual with great inexpensive homemade Italian food.

On my nightstand, you’ll find any magazine about Arizona.

The fictional character I’m most like is Wonder Woman.

One thing I want to do before I die is travel to Spain.

The best thing about Phoenix is just about everything, especially the climate.