Arizona Biltmore Resort, Phoenix
The Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa, opened in 1929, is a desert icon often called the “Jewel of the Desert.” While architect Albert Chase McArthur designed it, the resort is famous for its “textile block” construction—a unique method influenced by Frank Lloyd Wright, who served as a consultant on the project. These distinct patterned blocks were molded on-site using desert sand and canal water, creating a stunning, geometric facade that remains the property’s signature look.
This historic retreat has hosted generations of celebrities and politicians, including Ronald and Nancy Reagan, who honeymooned here in 1952. The resort is also famous for its seven pools; the Catalina Pool was a favorite of Marilyn Monroe, and it is even rumored that Irving Berlin penned the classic song “White Christmas” while lounging poolside. Inside, you can still find gold-leaf ceilings that are among the largest in the world.
The resort spans 39 acres and offers a peaceful escape with lush gardens and firepit-equipped villas. It perfectly blends its rich history with modern luxury, featuring a variety of dining options and a sprawling fitness center.
Beyond the resort grounds, you are perfectly placed for adventure. The historic Wrigley Mansion sits nearby on a hill with sweeping views, and hiking enthusiasts can easily reach the Piestewa Peak trails. For a cultural fix, the renowned Heard Museum and the Biltmore Fashion Park for upscale shopping are just a short drive away, making it an ideal hub for exploring Phoenix.
Expert reviews
“With architecture inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright and past guests including Irving Berlin, Marilyn Monroe and every president from Hoover to Bush the younger, the Biltmore is perfect for connecting to the magic of yesterday.”
“Opened in 1929, Arizona Biltmore, A Waldorf Astoria Resort exudes a singular, sublime combination of Frank Lloyd Wright-influenced architecture, art deco design and desert botanical chic, with a splash of old Hollywood glamour.”
“For more than 80 years, this resort has been the favored Phoenix address of celebrities, politicians, and old money. There are two golf courses, a swanky spa, an extravagant pool.”
Featured as Frommer’s Exceptional Choice in Phoenix.
What guests liked
- Top location
- Comfortable beds
- Friendly staff
- Clean rooms
- Beautiful grounds
Location
Recent guest reviews
19 April 2025
Nice Resort Setting, But Not the Experience We Expected
Beautiful place, nice scenery. Very nice gym. clean and nice rooms.
For the price we paid—$3,400 for just 3 nights without food or breakfast included—I expected a far more premium experience.
Resort seemed understaffed, especially around the pool area where it was difficult to find a spot. One afternoon, we waited 45 minutes just to get a table for lunch, and on another morning, breakfast took 30 minutes to arrive after ordering.
The food and beverage prices were honestly outrageous. My wife paid $29 for a single glass of sparkling wine, and the cheapest bottle available was $100—same bottle you get in a supermarket for just $17.
Overall, the experience didn’t match the price tag. Disappointing value for money.
7 September 2024
Won’t stay again because of the pool view.
Beautiful decor
The view from the pool was not enchanting at all. The kids slide belongs at a water park, not the Biltmore.
24 July 2024
One of the best places I have ever stayed at and I have been to some really nice resorts before
Very clean, super friendly staff, and great service. The grounds were beautiful.
Our fridge in the room overheated and stopped working properly but they delivered a new working one within 15 minutes.
1 June 2024
Worth it, just have to get to the pool early.
The hotel is beautiful, clean, and has many options for lounging and just enjoying the atmosphere. Food options are limited, so if you want different varieties you should have a car to be able to leave. There are 7 pools, although I only saw two, and they were nice pool areas. Everyone just relaxing and no crazy loud parties.
It’s not a ‘dislike’, but I was the only one to point this out, so it’s worth mentioning. With 7 pools, and it being in Phoenix (!), there should be enough lounge chairs and chairs with umbrellas. People go out super early and ‘reserve’ chairs with their towels and by 8/9 AM there are no more chairs to use. I’m talking about there being 2 people at the pool at 8AM and ALL the chairs have towels on them.
30 April 2024
Absolutely fantastic historic hotel grounds, concept and overall experience. Service can be a hit slow/inattentive a
Amazing grounds, perfectly manicured and clean, very scenic and beautiful.
Staff at the Front Desk, Valet and Saguaro Pool was great, but elsewhere (other dining) the service was slower / less attentive.
28 January 2024
Beautiful place , bad service and hospitality
Beautiful deco architecture
Shampoos don’t fit in shower , bad organization , don’t pick up phone after 7 calls different times
22 December 2023
Celebration of friendship
The vibe and staff were tops
Lack of clear signage on back side of property
28 September 2023
love the property. Wish they had a property tour.
The breakfast was not very good at McAurthors. Tons of avocado and not much eggs and meat.
flavor was not big for huejos rancheros
6 September 2023
We will likely go back with friends because the grounds/pools are amazing and the cocktails at the Wright Bar were f
Gorgeous architecture and grounds, nice pools, and a huge variety of inviting seating throughout the property.
It was pretty dirty. We were surprised at how much garbage was always out around both of the larger pools. We watched staff walk past tables filled with garbage many times. It was excessive. We also wished for better ice & water access.
1 September 2023
Superb facilities and staff!
The facility was beautiful! The staff was amazing!
1 September 2023
Really relaxing girl's staycation!! Had a wonderful time. Would come again!
The smell!!! It's amazing. The food was really good. The early check in if rooms are available. The fact that you're able to check out and still use the pools for the rest of the day.
Nothing to dislike. Liked everything.
29 August 2023
Paradise in the Desert!
The property is gorgeous! The food was AMAZING (not always the case at resorts) and we really loved the adults-only pool!
N/A
21 August 2023
a great way to escape very immersive and calming
truly gorgeous, very friendly and comfortable
the food everywhere was amazing but it’s all very pricey so just keep that in mind (drinks are $20 each)
14 August 2023
Stay was ok
Very friendly staff.
We were lied to that the hotel was booked and our families couldn't get room together.
Also, the AC in our room rattled horribly when it kicked on and off, so did the refrigerator.
25 July 2023
very clean, beautiful aesthetic, great spa and friendly staff
architecturally beautiful hotel with comfortable beds, very friendly staff and super clean. Stayed for 4 nights and my favourite was spending time at the Tierra Luna Spa and experiencing their wellness amenities.
Food was a little overpriced
19 July 2023
Wonderful stay with great service and amenities
The property was clean and well kept. The architecture of the buildings were beautiful as well as the gardens. The staff were very friendly. The kids loved the pool! There were 7 but we only ever made it to the pools with the water slides, which were great.
Nothing
15 July 2023
You’ll feel like royalty!
Stunning architecture and landscape. The attention to aesthetic detail was impressive. Loved the saline pool water & the pool by our room was beautiful. The water slide at the big pool was a blast for my daughter and me. The fitness center was spacious, cool, and full of high end equipment. It was clean, which unfortunately is not always a given in hotels. And we really appreciated 24/7 pool & workout facility access.
Every employee went above & beyond to make us feel welcome and assist us. We felt like we were getting the royal treatment.
More misting machines please! And better mattresses would great. (Not a horrible mattress but could definitely feel I wasn’t on my Tempur -pedic at home.)
15 July 2023
We were happy to celebrate our anniversary in such an elegant place.
A lot of choices to swim in the resort at this time of the year. Having the pools open 24/7 was an extra bonus.
We didn’t find any mini stores within the resort where we could purchase drinks and snacks. Maybe we missed such a place or maybe it was intentional.
13 July 2023
Enjoyed ourselves enough that my wife stated we would return.
The service and quality of the food was fantastic. A particular waitress and hostess who worked every morning during breakfast while we were there, made us feel at home. They provided great conversations and information about the surrounding area.
We attempted to get massages multiple times, however, never received a return phone call. So, we ended up going to another property and spent almost $3k on massages at a different resort. Hope to have a better experience next time.
10 July 2023
Excellent Staycation with incredible customer service.
The Biltmore Resort is an Arizona icon. It’s a textural delight and wonderful place to make a special memory. The grounds and interiors are beautiful. Great location. Great dining.
I think the signage around the property could be updated and clearer. It’s a large resort and an enhanced way making system would go a long way to clarify where to park, how to get to the Spa, etc.
Hotel facilities
Food & Drink
- - Restaurant
- - Bar
- - Breakfast in the room
- - Snack bar
- - Kids' meals (additional charge)
- - Wine/champagne
- - Coffee house on site
General
- - Room service
- - Non-smoking rooms
- - Facilities for disabled guests
- - Family rooms
- - Lift
- - Car hire
- - Heating
- - Non-smoking throughout
- - Air conditioning
- - Shared lounge/TV area
- - Minimarket on site
- - Paid WiFi
- - Pet bowls
Business facilities
- - Meeting/banquet facilities
- - Business centre
- - Fax/photocopying
Reception services
- - 24-hour front desk
- - Express check-in/check-out
- - Tour desk
- - Luggage storage
- - ATM/cash machine on site
- - Concierge service
- - Invoice provided
Activities
- - Tennis court
- - Fitness centre
- - Golf course (within 3 km)
- - Spa & wellness centre (additional charge)
- - Massage
- - Billiards
- - Hot tub/Jacuzzi
- - Hiking (additional charge)
- - Cycling
- - Tennis equipment
- - Beauty services
- - Facial treatments
- - Hair treatments
- - Haircut
- - Body treatments
- - Spa facilities
- - Spa lounge/relaxation area
- - Spa/wellness packages
- - Fitness
- - Fitness classes
- - Personal trainer
- - Movie nights
- - Walking tours
- - Bike tours
- - Themed dinner nights (additional charge)
- - Happy hour
- - Tour or class about local culture
- - Live music/performance
- - Bicycle rental
Outdoors
- - Garden
- - Terrace
- - Outdoor pool
- - Sun terrace
- - Outdoor pool (all year)
- - Outdoor furniture
- - Picnic area
- - Outdoor fireplace
Entertainment & family services
- - Babysitting/child services (additional charge)
Cleaning services
- - Laundry (additional charge)
- - Dry cleaning (additional charge)
- - Ironing service (additional charge)
- - Trouser press (additional charge)
- - Daily housekeeping
Pool and wellness
- - Water slide
- - Heated pool
- - Pool bar
- - Sun loungers or beach chairs
- - Sun umbrellas
- - Swimming pool
Parking
- - Parking garage
- - Electric vehicle charging station
- - Accessible parking
Accessibility
- - Wheelchair accessible
Miscellaneous
- - 24-hour security
- - Key access
- - Key card access
- - Security alarm
- - Smoke alarms
- - CCTV in common areas
- - CCTV outside property
- - Fire extinguishers

More photos

18 April 2026
Disappointing; expected more from a once grand hotel