Discover How This Hotel's Breathtaking Design and Rich Heritage Create the Perfect Escape

The allure of the Arizona Biltmore, a favorite among icons like Marilyn Monroe and Frank Sinatra, stems from its remarkable architecture, glamour, and top-tier hospitality. This destination seamlessly combines style with substance. At the resort, the 22,000-square-foot Tierra Luna Spa offers full-service treatments for skin, body, and mind, incorporating Indigenous botanicals and the essence of the Sonoran Desert, providing an exceptional experience for all guests.

The tale of Phoenix’s “Jewel of the Desert” began in 1929, featuring renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright and his celebrated designs, which established an unmatched ambiance for a stay that beautifully marries the old with the new. This timeless architectural gem continues to evolve with stunning updates and modern advancements, delivering an experience like no other.

A traveler’s paradise envisioned in Arizona

The contemporary charm of the Arizona Biltmore traces back to the ambitions of pioneering brothers Warren and Charles McArthur. In 1910, they journeyed from Chicago to the West in pursuit of adventure, only to discover Arizona's need for quality accommodations for travelers. They enlisted their brother, Albert Chase McArthur, to craft an extraordinary new resort.

Collaborating with his former mentor, Frank Lloyd Wright, McArthur embarked on this ambitious project, which ultimately cost over $2 million (approximately $35 million today)—double the initial budget. With an investment from chewing gum mogul and Chicago Cubs owner William Wrigley Jr., the “winter resort and bungalow group hotel” celebrated its grand opening on February 23, 1929, attracting 600 excited guests eager to experience this stunning desert retreat during three days of festivities.

Architectural marvels—a sanctuary of fine art

From the outset, the hoteliers aimed to create a masterpiece through organic architecture that seamlessly integrated with the Arizona desert environment. McArthur, a former apprentice of Wright, enlisted him as an on-site consultant. They developed the “Biltmore Blocks,” crafted from Arizona sand and heavily inspired by Wright's “textile block” system utilized in four Californian homes, along with distinctive lighting featuring semi-opaque glass blocks. The patterned concrete blocks were interconnected with hidden reinforcing rods, creating both an elegantly textured exterior and a robust structural framework for the building.

In total, over 250,000 blocks in 34 geometric designs, sculpted by Emry Kopta, were utilized in the original Arizona Biltmore. The roof was adorned with 33,000 pounds of copper, while the property housed the Gold Room, the formal dining space boasting the second-largest gold leaf ceiling globally, surpassed only by the Taj Mahal.

Many original features remain intact, alongside updates such as the expansion of the popular Gold Room; the installation of the Catalina pool, bordered and lined with vibrant blue and yellow high-glaze clay tiles sourced from Wrigley’s Catalina Island in California; and the addition of a bathhouse and 20 cabanas, introduced two years post-opening. Further renovations occurred in 1969, including a small dining area off the lobby that was subsequently expanded into what is now the Grand Ballroom.

A cultural landmark

Stories of the glamorous and affluent who flocked to the resort's welcoming atmosphere and dedicated staff are plentiful. Clark Gable famously misplaced his wedding ring on the golf course, only to be thrilled when a diligent Biltmore employee found it. Marilyn Monroe adored the exquisite Catalina pool so much that she proclaimed it her favorite spot for sunbathing. Spencer Tracy charmed the staff by remembering their names and generously tipping, while Harpo Marx celebrated his honeymoon at the hotel, often seen hand in hand with his bride, skipping through the formal dining room after meals, delighting and scandalizing fellow guests alike.

In 1988, a few guests staying on the second floor of the main wing complained of a loud disturbance coming from the piano bar late one night. The staff kindly encouraged the frustrated guests to peek outside their rooms, only to discover none other than Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., and Liza Minelli performing an impromptu set, quickly turning their annoyance into joy.

Politicians, accustomed to the highest levels of privacy and modern comforts, have also been drawn to the resort. Every U.S. President from Herbert Hoover to Barack Obama (who visited as a senator) has enjoyed a stay at the Arizona Biltmore, with President Ronald Reagan selecting it for his honeymoon.

The resort has served as the backdrop for numerous films, with one of the earliest being Blonde Bombshell, released in 1933 and featuring Jean Harlow and Lee Tracy. In 1994, the Biltmore was also a filming location for the remake of The Getaway, starring Kim Basinger and Alec Baldwin; the following year, Waiting to Exhale, with Whitney Houston and Angela Bassett, also filmed on-site.

While residing at the Biltmore, Edna Ferber penned several novels, and Irving Berlin frequented the resort so often that guests would compete for the cabana nearest to his at the pool. It is said that the legendary songwriter, who claimed to find inspiration in the sun, absorbed enough creativity from the warm Arizona sun to compose White Christmas during his stay in 1939.

Other high-profile guests who have enjoyed the resort’s lavish offerings include Tony Bennett, Zsa Zsa Gabor, Nelson Rockefeller, the Duke of Windsor, Billy Joel, Fred Astaire, George Burns, Marlon Brando, George Clooney, Tom Cruise, and Elizabeth Taylor, among others.

Guests are so fascinated by the hotel’s glamorous history that the resort now provides 90-minute walking tours. These popular Legendary History Tours not only share captivating stories but also highlight the resort’s exceptional hospitality that has drawn numerous celebrities since its inception, recognizing those who set a high standard of excellence that continues to be maintained today.

During the tours, participants explore the property’s 39 acres, uncovering architectural gems and the careful restoration efforts that preserve this significant historical site. A special highlight for tour attendees is learning how the hotel became the birthplace of the Tequila Sunrise, thanks to the talented bartender Gene Sulit.

Embracing the future while honoring its heritage

One of the most ambitious renovations in recent years involved a $140 million investment, completed in 2023, which unveiled the new adults-only Saguaro Pool; an outdoor Spire Bar; a 65-foot triple waterslide at the family-friendly Paradise Pool; a private Citrus Club; two new dining experiences, Renata’s Hearth and McArthur’s Restaurant and Bar; pickleball courts; and the acclaimed Tierra Luna Spa and Sol Garden. The renovation also reimagined the Wright Bar and updated hundreds of resort rooms, infusing an old Hollywood charm throughout the property.

Notable enhancements over the years include the iconic six-foot-tall Solemn Sprites statues introduced in 1985, the establishment of a full-service spa and beauty salon in 1998, and a $50 million investment that resulted in the luxurious residential complex known as the villas, completed in 1999.

Today, a stay at the legendary Arizona Biltmore boasts an impressive selection of five-star amenities. Enjoy a sunset cocktail at the dazzling Spire Bar, savor dishes at the vibrant Renata’s Hearth (or McArthur’s for New American cuisine), and unwind with a nightcap at The Wright Bar, where countless A-listers have made unforgettable memories.

Revitalize at the four-star Forbes rated Tierra Luna Spa and Sol Garden, where unique treatments like the Grounding Quartz Massage or Mud Alchemy Experience may incorporate Indigenous mud or local fragrances to connect you with the beautiful Sonoran Desert. Reserve a tee time at one of the two premier golf courses, explore the retail shops, and take a dip in one of seven luxurious pools designed for ultimate “sun-soaked glamour.”

Lastly, retreat to one of the resort’s many desert-chic accommodations, which include everything from cozy guest rooms to expansive villas featuring airy décor, inviting outdoor areas, and amenities such as private fire pits and access to the Citrus Club (available with select suites or as an upgrade for any room). Every aspect of your stay at the enchanting Arizona Biltmore resort is meticulously curated, preserving the allure and legacy of its history while embracing the future of exceptional hospitality.