Arizona Biltmore Resort and Spa Phoenix, Arizona

Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous

The Biltmore was Arizona’s first resort and opened in 1929.

Formal gardens accent the Frank Lloyd Wright style architecture at the Arizona Biltmore

It was initially famous for its shocking price tag of $2 million - an astonishing amount for the time period given that it was out in the middle of nowhere.

Such a remote location didn’t detour visitors, however.

From its beginning, the Arizona Biltmore Resort and Spa has been a get away for the rich and famous, including celebrities like Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra andSteven Spielberg.

Every president since Herbert Hoover has stayed here.

At the time of the Arizona Biltmore Resort and Spa’s creation, Phoenix was still a town based on agriculture.

Charles and Warren McArthur, transplanted Chicagoans and owners of the Dodge franchise, saw potential in the area and decided to build a lavish resort in their new hometown.

Who Designed the Arizona Biltmore Resort?

The McArthur brothers gathered wealthy investors including William Wrigley, Jr., the chewing gum magnate, to put up the necessary capital.

They then contracted their architect brother, Albert Chase McArthur, to create the Arizona Biltmore plans.

He, in turn, hired his former mentor, Frank Lloyd Wright - the innovative, controversial and temperamental American architect known for his use of natural elements, clean lines and the angular style of his designs.

Wright consulted on the project for five months but who actually created the Arizona Biltmore Resort and Spa is a matter of speculation.

Which were Wright’s contributions, which were McArthur’s and which man actually designed the resort is a mystery that both architects took to their graves.


The Wright Design

Regardless of who actually did what, Frank Lloyd Wright’s design sensibilities are immediately apparent in the building’s use of native materials, geometric design, floor-to-ceiling windows and open air walkways.

The Biltmore block is distinctive for its stylized palm tree trunk design

The Arizona Biltmore Resort and Spa has a unique and elegant exterior quite unlike any other Arizona resort.

The building itself has a vaguely Mayan temple look and Art Deco style.

Part of its singular appearance comes from the use of the innovative "Biltmore block" that forms the hotel walls.

The face of each block is an abstract representation of a palm tree trunk, designed by the sculptor Emry Kopta.

The Squaw Peak lawn has nice views of its namesake mountain

You can’t see the Arizona Biltmore Resort until you drive down the road and over the Arizona Canal.

Suddenly, there it is in all of its historic Art Deco splendor.

Although the exterior of the Arizona Biltmore Resort and Spa is the epitome of Frank Lloyd Wright’s sense of streamlined elegance, it has the aura of a grand old hotel from a bygone age.

It feels like the kind of place where wealthy bluebloods and robber barons would have stayed.

Before we even set foot in the place, we knew how the other half lives.

Over the years, the Arizona Biltmore has expanded from the original hotel to include additional rooms and hotel wings.

Today, the Arizona Biltmore Resort and Spa has 738 rooms on 39 acres of grounds including 78 private one- and two-bedroom villas. Room sizes begin at 400-square feet.

The grounds are lush with large swathes of lawn, flowers and leafy trees that give a cool, almost tropical feel to the property.

Make time to stop and admire the Arizona Biltmore Resort and Spa’s lobby.

The gold leaf ceiling in the lobby at the Arizona Biltmore Resort and Spa

Two stories and 200-feet long, its crowning glory is the burnished gold leaf ceiling.

Each of the 376,000 four-inch squares of gold was hand applied.

Only the Taj Mahal has more gold leaf than the ceilings at the Biltmore.

The Arizona Biltmore’s lobby is a blend of opposites; simultaneously simple yet sumptuous, warm but with a cool Art Deco elegance that is neither ostentatious nor gaudy.

Mission style furniture complements the overall design theme at the Arizona Biltmore Resort and Spa

Located in the Garden Wing next to the main building, this wing is part of the original Arizona Biltmore Resort and Spa buildings.

Each room's interior design is influenced by both the Wright style and the Art Deco period.

The décor has Mission style furniture, 1930s style lampsand room colors and textiles in desert colors of tan, beige and muted gold.

We liked the spacious feel of our room and thought the style was in keeping with the overall design of the Arizona Biltmore Resort and Spa.

Though there was no balcony, our room overlooked the Paradise Pool, which is the resort’s main pool as well as its largest.

The bathroom was also spacious with large double sinks and a well-lit granite countertop vanity area.

We must admit to the guilty pleasure of enjoying the excellent, powerful showerhead in the combination bath/shower.

The toilet was in its own room complete with a door and a telephone - a very curious accoutrement to a bathroom.

Having seen phones next to the toilet in a few other resorts, we’ve often wondered how many people actually make calls while using the facilities.

Next time our relatives call during their resort vacation, we won’t be able to help picturing them just so.

Bathrooms include a spacious double sink vanity area

Arizona Biltmore Resort and Spa room amenities included:

• A very large closet with two plush spa robes,
• A very soft bed with a down pillowtop mattress and down pillows.

The bathroom had a clothesline, a large dual-sided makeup mirror, plenty of cotton balls and cotton swabs and the Biltmore’s own line of bath products with a wonderfully refreshing citrus scent.

There was also a scale in the bathroom but who wants to use that during your vacation?

Unfortunately, there was no in-room coffeemaker and only one luggage rack.

Curiously, there were several note pads but no pens.

The Arizona Biltmore rooms seemed to be very well insulated.

Although our floor was fully booked, we never heard a peep from the guests next to us.

Between the quiet and the heavy black-out curtains (a necessary feature to help block out the bright Arizona sunshine), we were able to sleep in as long as we wanted.

The Paradise Pool is the Biltmore Resort's main pool

There are eight pools spread around the grounds. The main one is the Paradise Pool.

This spacious water playground has a 92-foot waterslide, private cabanas and a swim-up bar.

On weekends, the Paradise Pool hosts dive-in movies on a giant screen.

You can float in the pool while watching the movie du jour on an air tube.

There are also poolside spa services during summer weekends and holidays. The half hour sessions include massages, pedicures, manicures, hair braiding and Henna body art.

The Paradise Pool can be quite busy.

So, if you prefer a quieter pool experience, try one of the five other pools.

The most famous of the Biltmore Resort and Spa's pools is the Catalina Pool.

It is nestled among the Biltmore Villas, not far from the Paradise Pool.

This is the Arizona Biltmore Resort and Spa’s original pool.

Back when it was first built, the pool was surrounded by open gardens.

Legend has it that this pool was Marilyn Monroe’s favorite, so we went to see it with great anticipation.

The Catalina Pool is lined with beautiful glazed tiles

It turned out to be a simple rectangular-shaped pool decorated with deep blue and yellow high glazed tiles from Catalina Island.

The Catalina Pool is in a quiet spot, away from the hustle and bustle of the main pool.

The Catalina is a nice pool but very spare and small by most modern resort pool standards.

Who knew that Marilyn’s tastes were so simple?

While at the Arizona Biltmore Resort and Spa, we had plenty of amenities to keep us busy besides swimming.

At check-in, we were given a small pamphlet listing all of the current activities we could do including:

• basketball,
• tennis,
• lawn chess or checkers,
• croquet,
• Bocce ball,
• and an 18-hole putting course designed by Gary Panks and David Graham, which guests can use for free.

The Biltmore property is large and the resort provides a handy jogging and bike map in each room. Bike rentals are available for a daily fee.

For less energetic activities, you can:

• take the free shuttle service to nearby Biltmore Fashion Park Mall,
• attend the salsa demonstration and tasting on Saturday afternoons,
• take the Arizona Biltmore History Tour, held twice weekly,
• make s’mores at the fire pit on Friday and Saturday nights,
• join a wine tasting with the Biltmore’s wine expert in Wright’s restaurant on Fridays.

From October through May, the Biltmore Resort serves a traditional English afternoon tea in the Lobby Tea Court.

The Lobby Tea Court at the Arizona Biltmore Resort and Spa

You can choose from eighteen different teas and dine on classic tea fare such as smoked salmon sandwiches, scones with Devonshire cream and berry tartlets.

Afternoon tea is a formal affair, so no shorts and tee shirts. This is a highly popular activity, so you’ll need to make reservations in advance.

Be sure to stop by the History Hallway outside the Biltmore Grill off the lobby.

It is lined with black and white photos of Hollywood celebrities like Frank Sinatra, Ava Gardner and Clark Gable, famous athletes and each of the U.S. presidents that have stayed at the Biltmore.

Behind the lobby is a cool, shaded breezeway lined with the Biltmore Terrace Shops, which include:

• The Biltmore Gift Shop which sells Biltmore logo items, the Biltmore bath products as well as Arizona and Southwestern souvenirs, magazines, newspapers and sundries,
• Pink Saguaro, Arizona’s only Lily Pulitzer signature women’s apparel store,
• The Paradise Pool Shop has all your pool-going needs such as sunscreen, sunglasses, flip-flops, pool toys, swimsuits and more,
• The Wright Home Store featuring Frank Lloyd Wright replicas including furniture, lamps, pottery, jewelry, art glass and bronze sculpture.

We thought that the stores had some interesting items, however, prices were on the high side.

If you would like to have an Arizona desert hiking experience, Piestewa Peak and Camelback Mountain are both within easy driving distance of the Arizona Biltmore hotel.

There is a special game room for kids with ping-pong, air hockey, foosball and bumper pool.

The Kids Korral offers arts, crafts and sports for children ages 5 – 12.

Activities range from bike rides and story time to snow cone socials and movies. Children can stay for half a day or all day (weekends only; fee based).

The Kids Korral Playground is open every day and is located next to the Tennis Center.

This full-service spa offers a variety of treatments and healing therapies from cultures around the world.

The diverse range of massages, facials and wraps include some exotic treatments including their signature Native American Dreamcatcher Aromatherapy Massage.

The 22,000-square foot facility features separate steam rooms, dry saunas, Jacuzzis and locker rooms for men and women.

As an Arizona Biltmore Resort and Spa guest, you can book tee times at either of the Biltmore Golf Club’s two courses: the Adobe or the Links.

The park style courses at the Arizona Biltmore Country Club have mountain views

These are 18-hole traditional, relatively level courses with good views of nearby Camelback Mountain and Piestewa (formerly Squaw) Peak.

The park style Adobe Course was designed in 1928 and is the flatter of the two.

The Links Course, opened in 1979, is said to be more interesting to play, with a shorter course, undulating fairways and some lovely lagoons and canals.

Wright’s Restaurant at the Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa Phoenix

Wright’s is the Arizona Biltmore's gourmet venue, located at the far end of the lobby.

The interior echoes the Frank Lloyd Wright design with Biltmore block and floor-to-ceiling windows that look out onto the gardens and patio.

The menu offers American Lodge cuisine, characterized by using fresh, local ingredients that are hearty yet simple and elegant.

The menu changes weekly to reflect what is in season and many dishes include herbs grown in the Chef's Garden right outside the restaurant.

Frank & Albert's, is the more casual dining choice at the Arizona Biltmore.

The dining room has an airy feel with many windows that look out onto the hotel’s entrance and lawns.

The outdoor patio features a wood-burning fireplace and views of the gardens.

The menu has a range of American and Southwestern style dishes including pizza, mole, pasta and salads.

Frank & Albert's serves breakfast, lunch and a breakfast buffet, too.

There is also The Café located among the Arizona Biltmore shops behind the main building.

It is open for breakfast and lunch and has indoor and outdoor seating.

It’s very casual with deli-style ordering though a server does bring your food out to your table.

Menu items include bagels and cream cheese, breakfast pastries, quiche, soups and salads as well as a variety of Starbucks coffees and teas, juices, smoothies, snacks and ice cream.

We ate breakfast here one morning.

Jeff had the smoked ham and sweet onion quiche ($9.50) and Paula had the house-cured smoked salmon with toasted bagel and cream cheese ($12.75).

The food was good and quickly prepared. However, for about the same price, we could have had a full breakfast at the Biltmore Grill.

If you’re in a real hurry, The Café is a good option. Otherwise, you might as well eat at The Grill.

You can also eat at the Cabana Club, the poolside grill at the Paradise Pool.

Looking down on the Paradise Pool at the Arizona Biltmore Resort and Spa

As we pulled up under the awning in front of the Biltmore, a team of valets promptly snapped to attention, ready to whisk away our vehicle and luggage.

Overhead misters cooled the hot desert air around us.

Everyone from the bell hops to the pool attendants exhibited consummate professionalism and genuine friendliness.

Our check-in process was very efficient and professional.

The front desk clerk was very articulate, thorough and very helpful, with a demeanor that one would expect at a world class hotel.

It was immediately apparent that we were being helped by someone who had excellent customer service skills.

He consistently addressed us by name, thoroughly explained the resort map and amenities, took the time to describe each of the restaurants and their hours and asked if there was anything else we required.

Our bellhop was just as professional and courteous. He showed us to our room all the while explaining the resort and its amenities in great detail.

Favorite Features: Great atmosphere, spacious rooms, good service, great variety of amenities.

What we didn’t like: Daily self parking fee seems excessive, especially because the parking is not close to the rooms; high daily resort fee.

Good for kids: Very; there are lots of free outdoor activities, a game room, Kids Korral Playground, Kids Korral Activity Center (fee based) and plenty of pools.

Location: North Phoenix

Address: 2400 East Missouri Avenue, Phoenix AZ 85016

Google Map Directions: Click on "+" and "-" signs on Map Controls in upper left hand corner to zoom in and out on the location.

Style: Frank Lloyd Wright / Art Deco

Management: Waldorf-Astoria Collection

Room types: 738 classic, deluxe, resort and premier guest rooms including 78 one- and two-bedroom villa suites and 3 presidential suites.

Check rates at the Arizona Biltmore

Cost: In-Season: $$$$ - $$$$$
Off Season: $$ - $$$
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Extra Fees:   As is the case with many resorts, the Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa charges a $28 Daily Incidental Services Fee in addition to the room charge. The fee includes:

• internet access
• access to the spa and fitness center
• unlimited local telephone calls and long distance access
• unlimited use of the 18-hole putting course
• Biltmore Fashion Park shuttle service
• daily newspaper.

See Parking section below for costs.

Views/Setting: Garden and park like setting; rooms have views of the gardens, swimming pools or nearby mountains.

Pools: Eight pools spread throughout the property. Paradise Pool is the largest with a 92-foot waterslide, 15 cabanas, swim up bar and Cabana Club poolside restaurant; water balloon launch and dive-in movies on weekends.

Restaurants: The Arizona Biltmore Resort and Spa has four restaurants.

Spa: Arizona Biltmore Spa is a full service facility offering massages, wraps, scrubs and facials Services are available separately or as packages (treatments start at $95).

Golf: Two 18-hole PGA courses next door at the Arizona Biltmore Country Club. The Adobe and Links courses are traditional park style with relatively level greens, water features and nice mountain views. Rates include green fees and carts.

Activities: Swimming, tennis, basketball, putting course, lawn chess & checkers, croquet, bocce ball, guided tours and walks, hiking and mountain biking, fitness center, wine tasting, salsa demonstration and tasting, on-site Arizona Biltmore shops and free shuttle service to nearby Biltmore Fashion Park Mall.

Parking: Valet parking is free until 9:00 p.m. After that, there is a $27 charge for leaving your vehicle overnight. Self-parking costs $12 per day.

There are two self-parking areas: an outdoor parking area behind the Villas on the east end of the hotel and covered parking in a multi-story garage west of the conference center and ballrooms. The garage is about a 5-minute walk from the main hotel entrance.

Note: This information was accurate at the time of publication. All contact information, availability, access, directions and prices should be confirmed directly with the resort, golf course, restaurant or spa before making reservations and/or travel plans.

Accommodations Cost Key (based on a standard guest room, double occupancy):
$: $50 - $100
$$: $100 - $150
$$$: $150- $200
$$$$: $200 - $300
$$$$$: Above $300
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