Often referred to as the “Jewel of the Desert,” Arizona Biltmore is a luxury resort nestled in the Phoenix Mountain Preserve, a real showstopper that’s rich in history dating back to 1929.
Never Pass Up a Chance to Stay at the Arizona Biltmore
We learned a valuable travel lesson about a decade ago. We declined an invite to a destination wedding at the Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix. When photos of the wedding and the resort were posted by friends on social media, our fear of missing out turned into regret. The Arizona Biltmore is extra special, formerly a Waldorf Astoria property, the hotel is now part of the LXR Hotel & Resorts brand owned by the Hilton chain, so we decided to use some Hilton points. We stayed for three action-packed days, explored the huge property, and fell in love with this historic desert icon.
Not Just Another Resort located in the Desert
The Arizona Biltmore offers such a unique look and feel that it stands out among other local hotels. Nestled in the heart of Phoenix with the Camelback Mountains as a backdrop, the Arizona Biltmore is a peaceful desert oasis spanning 39 acres of picturesque scenery. The resort is less than 20 minutes (eight miles) from the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Don’t bother renting a vehicle. Once you arrive at the resort, you will not want to leave. However, if you do want to venture out and do some Arizona sightseeing and see local attractions, the resort is a short, 20 minute ride to Downtown Phoenix and Old Town Scottsdale.
Legendary 1920s Biltmore, a Favorite Among the Rich and Famous
Recognized as a legendary Arizona landmark featuring Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired architecture and design, Arizona Biltmore blends historic charm with upscale style, sparking my deep love for history. Since it was built in 1929, the Arizona Biltmore has hosted Presidents, celebrities, and the rich and famous, no doubt a luxurious retreat for wealthy travelers. Although historic and nearly 100 years old, the hotel experienced a $150 million renovation in 2020. We learned all about the renovation during the Legendary History Tour of the Arizona Biltmore property. I suggest you take the historian guided 90-minute walking tour of the resort.
Speaking of history, The Wrigley Mansion, a 1931 estate built by chewing gum magnate William Wrigley Jr., is set above the Biltmore. You can dine there with stunning views or take the historic haunted tour of this magnificent manor.
Huge, Beautiful Property For Soaking Up the Arizona Sunshine
From the moment we stepped onto the meticulously maintained grounds, the breathtaking landscaping, seven pools, outdoor gathering spaces, fountains, and desert surroundings set the stage for a special, picturesque weekend. The lush gardens, the tallest palm trees, and a serene atmosphere made me feel like we were attending a much-needed peaceful retreat. In fact, the 19 Solemn Sprite statues on the Biltmore grounds tie into Greek mythology and secret guardianship of the earth.
The resort is a huge 39-acre property and Camelback Mountain provides a stunning natural backdrop. We enjoyed simply wandering through the resort and taking it all in. Whether we wanted to simply relax and unwind by a pool, or go on long walks around the beautifully landscaped grounds, our stay at the Arizona Biltmore was memorable. In the evening, the glowing fire pits and resort lighting adds to the ambiance of the beautiful property.
Fancy Architecture and Design Continues Indoors
Designed with inspiration from Frank Lloyd Wright means the indoor and outdoor areas of the resort feature lots of geometric angular patterns, clean lines, sweeping arches, copper accents, and intricate tile and stone work. The architecture and beautiful design makes the hotel more like a giant piece of artwork.
Take one step inside and you’ll be hit with Hollywood glamour from the main entry through the grand lobby with marble flooring, vaulted ceilings, intricate woodwork, huge windows, plush seating, and endless architectural details. One of my favorites was the Gold Room that was once a formal grand ballroom enjoyed by the rich and famous, with a magnificent ceiling recognized as the second-largest gold leaf display in the world except for that of the iconic Taj Mahal.
Great Amenities and Activities
The hotel amenities and activities are so accommodating that you never have to leave the property. I appreciate the option to be active or simply relax. Not only does the expansive grounds of the Arizona Biltmore offer dining options, two championship golf courses, five stores, and a fancy, full-service spa, but it also offers guests seven … yes seven … pools. In fact, the Catalina Pool was mentioned as Marilyn Monroe’s preferred pool. There’s even a 65-foot waterslide and four hot tubs. Concierge services help to take care of your every want and wish during your stay.
Our favorite activity was to rent bicycles and take a ride around the Biltmore property to explore the incredible surroundings along the golf course and the canal. We also walked the hiking trails in amazing weather so note this may not be possible in the height of the brutal summer desert heat. The pickleball and tennis courts, in addition to a large, well-equipped gym are ideal for keeping active. The resort is pet friendly, offers self and valet parking, an electric vehicle charging station, dry cleaning, meeting and event spaces, and a business center.
Sophisticated Décor, Comfortable Accommodations
The resort features 700+ guest rooms, suites, cottages, and villas, each designed with a blend of luxury, coziness, and historic charm. It’s so hard to decide which type of accommodations to select. Rest assured, most of the resort’s suites have been updated during the renovations so they’re fresh and new. Each features sophisticated décor, modern comfort, and a tranquil setting surrounded by lush landscaping, pools, and gardens. You can even select balcony patio rooms, firepit rooms, poolside rooms, and accessible rooms.
We opted for a guest room with a balcony patio and we loved the outdoor table with our own firepit! The beds and linens are super comfortable and the room was continually meticulously clean. I’m not sure you’d use the firepit in the hot summer months but we enjoyed it during the evenings of our 3-night stay.
All rooms offer daily housekeeping, complimentary Wi-Fi, 24-hour room service, HD flat screen TV, in room safe, coffee maker, robes and slippers, mini fridge, hair dryer, work station, toiletries and more. The special Citrus Club rooms located in the Ocatilla Wing are pricey but provide enhanced amenities and exclusive access to the fancy Citrus Club lounge.
Pools and Slides
We did not swim in all seven pools, but we were most impressed with The Saguaro pool and hot tub as it’s an adults-only area. The Paradise pool is more of a family pool and gets very crowded since it features the 65-foot triple waterslide known as “The Twist,” a splash pad, and swim-up bar. Other pools at the resort include the Catalina Pool, Ocatilla Pool, Terrace Court Pool, and the Bougainvillea Villas Pool. Each pool is chilled during the summer months and heated during the winter.
Golf, Sporting Activities and the Spa
The Arizona Biltmore features two 18-hole Championship golf courses, along with three tennis and four pickleball courts. The award-winning fitness center offers state-of-the-art equipment like Peloton bikes, treadmills, ellipticals, and strength-training machines, along with expert-led yoga and group fitness classes. We worked out a few times during our stay and it was not too crowded. Of course, we most enjoyed the outdoor trails and swimming pools for a fun way to burn some calories from the outstanding resort food.
The Tierra Luna Spa is a huge 28,000-square-foot space including indoor/outdoor bath suites, steam showers, cold plunge pool, hot tub, halotherapy room, and a wellness bar serving beverages. As someone who loves astrology and crystals, this spa was made for me! I elected for the unique Luminous Quartz Cryo & Thermal Facial and it was enjoyable and cool at the same time.
Delicious Onsite Food Options
And here is why we never had to leave the resort: the food! The onsite food is delicious. We enjoyed casual breakfasts and lunches at McArthur’s and Renata’s Hearth and The Spire Bar for dinner. At Renata’s Hearth, the resort’s modern yet elegant Latin-inspired restaurant, be sure to try the Smoked Wagyu Brisket. The Spire Bar offered an amazing view of Piestewa Peak. McArthur’s has delicious pizza and tacos. Room service is also available. We loved Cup & Cone for the delicious homemade gelato, baked goods, and coffee.
10 Key Takeaways
- Rich history dating back to 1929
- Architecturally beautiful, inside and out
- 700+ charming, comfortable guest accommodations
- Attentive staff and helpful concierge services
- Resort perfectly blends luxury with adventure
- Multiple pools, water slides, and hot tubs
- Two championship golf courses
- State of the art fitness center, tennis and pickleball courts
- Full service spa with unique “astrology and crystal” related services
- Seven dining options with outstanding food
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the nearest airport and does the resort provide an airport shuttle?
The resort is an approximate 20 minute drive from the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. There is no airport shuttle service but local transportation options are available.
- What is the Citrus Club at Arizona Biltmore?
The Citrus Club is offered as an exclusive, elevated enhancement to a stay at the Arizona Biltmore. Note that availability is limited in order to provide the utmost in personalized guest attention.
- Can we rent bikes at the resort?
Yes, you can rent e-rider bikes at the resort. Whether a beginner or an experienced e-rider, you can enjoy a leisurely ride around the resort or around town, along the paved path of the Arizona Canal and local shopping centers.
- Are pets allowed at the resort?
Yes, this resort is pet friendly, maximum two pets per room. A fee per day will be added to your room rate. Service Animals are welcome in compliance with ADA guidelines. The pet fee does not apply to service animals.
- Is there wedding, event, and meeting space at the Arizona Biltmore?
Yes, the unique architecture and breathtaking landscape makes for an incredible backdrop for weddings, events, meetings, and conferences. There are 75+ meeting spaces available on the property, both indoor and outdoor space.
- Does the Arizona Biltmore add a resort charge to the room rate?
Yes, there is a daily resort charge of $45. This fee includes guest internet access, fitness center access, fitness classes, same-day replay at Arizona Biltmore Golf Club, one-hour bicycle rental, access to The Twist water slide, two bottled waters daily, lawn games, and PressReader access.
Final Thoughts
From the Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired architecture and list of celebrity guests, we found the Arizona Biltmore such a great destination from check in to check out. Swimming, biking, walking, dining, and relaxing was memorable thanks to being surrounded by 39 acres of immense natural beauty. Each member of the hotel staff that we encountered were friendly and diligent to make our stay as amazing as possible. Our guest room was both luxurious and comfortable, making for a peaceful retreat setting.
Author Bio: Originally from Long Island, New York, Donna Wright now calls Deland, Florida her home. An avid traveler, she has journeyed by air, land, and sea, to many cities in the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean to exciting destinations like California, Arizona, Las Vegas, San Diego, Myrtle Beach, Lake Tahoe, Reno, and more.
This content is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be considered travel or consumer advice. Hotel amenities, prices, policies, and availability may change. Readers should verify all details independently and use their own judgment when planning travel.