Biltmore Reopens After $70 Million Renovation

For 92 years, the Arizona Biltmore Resort has been a staple in the Valley of the Sun. The property first opened in 1929 and was deemed the “Jewel of the Desert” when brothers and Arizona businessmen Charles and Warren McArthur had a dream to grow their success in providing elegant “Wonderbus” touring and camping services for tourists to the Sonoran Desert.

To complete their vision of a luxury resort hotel in the remote desert at the base of stunning mountains outside Phoenix, the businessmen enlisted their third brother, Albert Chase McArthur, an architect and Frank Lloyd Wright protégé.

Albert, with the counsel of Wright, designed and constructed the world-renowned architectural masterpiece. When it opened in 1929, the Arizona Biltmore Hotel received rave reviews and achieved status as an “American architectural treasure.” Throughout the decades the posh resort in the desert attracted the “Who’s Who” of American society, film, and political circles, including legends such as Clark Gable and Carole Lombard, Irving Berlin, President and Jackie Kennedy, Nancy and Ronald Reagan, Bob Hope, Jack Benny, and Marilyn Monroe to name a few.

After completing a $70 million transformation, if you’re looking for a luxurious staycation or to enjoy an incredible dinner, the Arizona Biltmore, A Waldorf Astoria Resort is open again.

The resort recently underwent a 15-month project with an effort to retain the hotel’s legacy while giving guests the experience for a modern era. The resort offers 701 guest rooms, which were restored by Virserius Studio and PHX Architecture to provide “Hollywood splendor with a splash of cool desert chic,” according to Danny Hughes, executive vice president and president, Americas, Hilton. The design celebrates Frank Lloyd Wright’s style and influence, with custom-designed furniture pieces.

The redesigned Wright Bar provides a setting with richly colored furniture set against the signature concrete Biltmore Blocks. The bar offers a tiered layout that offers a variety of spaces.

Renata’s Hearth is a new, Latin cuisine restaurant that only offers dinner service and has a unique menu and a cozy atmosphere.

The resort also features a new outdoor Spire Bar that serves as the hub of the resort. The baroffers an alfresco lounge space that includes fire and water features and serves small bites and cocktails.

The resort has also created guests an opportunity to cool off in the new adults-only SaguaroPool. The pool is anchored by a 140-year-old saguaro cactus. The adult pool area features alcoves, cabanas, mini-refrigerators and TVs. For those looking for more fun poolside than relaxing, there is “The Twist,” a new 65-foot triple water slide and splash pad. This renovated oasis also provides 15 air-conditioned private cabanas.

And don’t forget, those looking to tee it up, adjacent to the resort there are two 18-hole championship golf courses at the Arizona Biltmore Golf Club.

To learn more, visit www.arizonabiltmore.com/about/reinvention.