The Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa

The Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa
Phoenix, Arizona

"Jewel of the Desert"

Part of the Waldorf Astoria Collection, the Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa presents sophisticated accommodations, superb service and a lush environment to create a true desert oasis. Once on grounds, visitors quickly forget the surrounding city and desert and succumb to the undeniable mystique of refinement and splendor. The inspiring architecture and acres of green grass, trees, fountains and pools transport visitors to a different time and place.

Built in 1929 under the direction of Frank Lloyd Wright, the resort was nestled near the Phoenix Mountain Preserve and quickly became the playground for the rich and famous coming from New York, Chicago, Washington DC, and Los Angeles. Every U.S. president since Roosevelt has stayed at the Arizona Biltmore.

In true Frank Lloyd Wright style, building blocks used to construct the buildings were made from materials found in the surrounding natural environment. Views of the surrounding mountain ranges are spectacular and are highlighted due to the placement of lounge and bar areas. The resort grounds are extensive with 738 guest rooms in various wings and 78 villas. There are 8 different pools scattered throughout the grounds, each with its own flare for guests to discover. The Paradise Pool, one of the nation’s premier resort pools is the resort’s largest, and features a 92-foot waterslide, a swim-up bar and full-service, private poolside cabanas which bring thoughts of stadium sky-boxes to mind.

The adjacent Arizona Biltmore Country Club boasts two 18-hole PGA golf courses, the Links and the Adobe. Carrying over features from the resort, the Links and the Adobe are not desert-style courses. They both are oasis-type courses more resembling courses found in the Midwest, with lush fairways and rough and an abundance of lakes and trees. The Adobe course is the original course built in 1928 and renovated in 2004. It features wide fairways and amazing bunkering. The classical risk-reward dilemma is ever-present on the Adobe course. The Links course journeys through cool pines and tranquil lakes and features deep bunkers tight to the greens, characteristics of British Isle golf. The water conservation and reclamation program ensures both courses offer peak playing conditions year round.

The Arizona Biltmore features five dining options beginning with Wright’s at the Biltmore, known for its culinary concept - American Lodge Cuisine and acclaimed Sunday Brunch. The resort boasts the largest on property bakery of any resort in Arizona and all restaurants use fresh ingredients from nearby boutique farms and dairies. The Biltmore Grill & Patio is currently undergoing renovation and will re-open in Summer of 2009. The Cabana Club Restaurant & Bar offers casual dining at the swim-up bar, poolside tables or private cabanas at the Paradise Pool. The Wright Bar features specialty drinks including trend-setting martinis, appetizers and patio seating with fire pits and mountain panoramas outside along the extensive lawn terrace. Bordering the terrace are 7 boutique shops as well as The Café which serves coffees, cookies, pastries and deli favorites throughout the day.

The Arizona Biltmore Spa is a 22,000 sq. ft. facility with 17 indoor treatment rooms and an extensive menu of treatments originating in countries worldwide. The Fitness Center, which contains state-of-the-art cardiovascular and weight-training equipment, is located in the spa while the Tennis Center, which features 7 lighted courts, is located adjacent to the spa.

There is over 100,000 sq. ft. of meeting and convention space as well as an extensive array of outdoor pavilions and patios which make the Arizona Biltmore one of Arizona’s largest meeting venues. The conference center is located in its own wing of the resort and has 4 ballrooms of various sizes. The resort also has a full-service business center and 24-Hour Concierge service to meet the needs of any business event.

What I liked about The Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa – I found that the park-like or oasis feeling of the resort was very relaxing. The numerous pools offered many options for finding some quiet time or participating in the activities of the larger more popular pools. The Paradise Pool is definitely a place to spend at least one afternoon. It is a place to see and be seen. One of the most appealing characteristics of the Arizona Biltmore is its proximity to the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX). Visitors can leave the airport and arrive at the Arizona Biltmore within 15 minutes, making the resort a convenient location for vacations and business functions.

I would like to thank Julia Thorn at the Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa for her time and hospitality during my visit. I look forward to returning to the Arizona Biltmore and spending time at a true oasis, the Jewel of the Desert.

Chris

Check out the Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa at http://www.ArizonaBiltmore.com.

The Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa
2400 East Missouri Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85016
602-955-6600 or 800-950-0086