Arizona Biltmore- Phoenix, AZ

The Arizona Biltmore exudes 1920’s design and style; it projects an elegance lost to many of today’s hotels. A Hampton Inn by the highway it is not. 

Opened in 1929 as part of the Biltmore Hotel chain, the hotel known as the “jewel of the desert” was built to impress.  No expense was spared in the design of the building.  Although Albert Chase McArthur was the chief architect, Frank Lloyd Wright was retained as a consultant. His influence can clearly be seen throughout the architecture of the complex, most notably in the use of the “Biltmore Block,” 34 different geometric patterned blocks used to construct the entire complex.

Arizona, with its warm dry climate, was the perfect place for the country’s elite to escape from harsh winter weather.  Although things started with a big bang, a personal invitation only three day party in the spring of 1929, the timing was unfortunate, as the stock market crashed at the start of the fall season in November of 1929. The fate of the hotel without its monied clients was uncertain.

Fortunately William Wrigley, Jr., the Chicago chewing gum magnate, left with his fortune intact, purchased the hotel in 1930. He had the financial wherewithal to keep the hotel afloat until financial tides changed. Under his ownership the hotel became even more luxurious, with construction of the resort’s first pool shortly after his acquisition of the property.

The Catalina pool was to become the Phoenix social scene for the next several decades, hosting Hollywood regulars such as Marilyn Monroe, as well as fashion shows and society parties. Ironically, Irving Berlin even wrote “White Christmas” right there at the Catalina. The pool remains to this day, and is still fabulous.

Today, the property retains much of its original charm. The rooms have been fully remodeled, but retain the original design aesthetic. Although newer rooms have been built, stick to the classic cottage with a fire pit, which includes a wonderful terrace. Request one with a fountain view to enjoy all the classic Biltmore stonework, as well as their magnificent landscaping.

There are an obscene amount of pools at the Biltmore, so summer, despite its blistering heat, is a decent time to visit. Just don’t plan to leave the water. Or maybe your room during the day. The rates are great that time of year, however.

Finally, the Bilmore is home to two golf courses. The Adobe is the original, and plays like an old park style course. While in good condition, and surrounded by stunning mansions, there were a lot of errant balls. Given the open design, you will hear “Fore” more than once. Hopefully you will hear it before a ball hits you. It is fairly crowded, and there are better courses in the area, but it is nostalgic and nice enough to play once.