The historic hotel in Phoenix, Arizona Biltmore, is celebrating its 95th anniversary, marking nearly a century of excellence. Regarded for its gorgeous landscape and renowned architecture, the famed hotel spans a lush estate of 39 acres, backdropped by the rugged desert mountains of Piestewa Peak. Notably, the Albert Chase McArthur-created landmark resort is celebrated for its innovative geometric designs, inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright—McArthur’s mentor and Arizona Biltmore’s consulting architect. Imagined to reflect its desert surroundings and Wright’s quintessential “textile block” design, its grounds encompass 701 rooms and suites, bars and restaurants, spa and fitness facilities, and more.
Courtesy of the Arizona Biltmore.
Renovating Arizona Biltmore
Three years ago, the property underwent a thoughtful renovation by a team of respected designers and consultants, including Virserius Studio, PHX Architecture, Serving the Nation, Inc., Burton Studio, and Wimberly Interiors. Once revealed, a suite of dining destinations, seven refreshed pools (including one with air-conditioned cabanas), updated luxury cottages, and reimagined spa and wellness experiences at Tierra Luna Spa and Sol Garden awaited.
Courtesy of the Arizona Biltmore.
“We sought to revitalize the property, while preserving its iconic legacy,” said Therese Virserius of Virserius Studio. “Our aim was to honor the remarkable work of Wright and McArthur, while simultaneously modernizing and enhancing the luxurious guest experience for a new era.” Also reflecting on the revamp, Erik Peterson, founder of PHX Architecture, states, “Rather than merely replicating the original structure, we sought to pay homage to these renowned architects by reimagining their vision using modern methods and materials while remaining faithful to their timeless design principles.”
Courtesy of the Arizona Biltmore.
“The team at Arizona Biltmore is thrilled to be part of a new chapter in the resort’s storied history,” said Michael Hoffmann, managing director of Arizona Biltmore. “The restoration team has expertly preserved the property’s long-standing draw, while organically evolving each space to include the modern touches that we know our guests value and enjoy most when traveling for an elevated experience.”
Courtesy of the Arizona Biltmore.
Therapeutic Wellness at Arizona Biltmore
At Tierra Luna Spa and Sol Garden, a new era of wellness unfolds with an array of innovative and treatments and spaces, including the brand-new standalone SALT Chamber—a therapeutic room equipped with pure-grade Himalayan salt that improves immunity, mood, and skin. At the spa, visitors can also wander through the private outdoor space and enjoy mountain views from a cold plunge pool, a hot tub, a rain shower, and even a wellness bar that serves immune-boosting cocktails and alcohol-free refreshments.
Courtesy of the Arizona Biltmore.
“The Tierra Luna Spa and Sol Garden makes a perfect metaphysical oasis for a halotherapy treatment room, especially for those looking to cleanse their respiratory systems and revive their skin after being in the dry desert air,” said Becky Leuluai, the Senior Director of Spa and Retail at Tierra Luna Spa and Sol Garden. “Our transcendent approach to wellness is something we specialize in, and we look forward to guests experiencing halotherapy treatments as part of their cosmic journey through Tierra Luna Spa.”
Courtesy of the Arizona Biltmore.
Arizona Biltmore’s Dining Destinations
For those more interested in delectable drinks and dishes, Renata’s Hearth, The Spire Bar and Event Lawn, McArthur’s, and The Wright Bar have guests covered. At Renata’s Hearth, aglow with hanging lanterns and modern design elements, a Latin-inspired menu compliments inventive cocktails and esteemed wine labels; at The Spire Bar and Event Law, guests can mingle around a circular alfresco bar dotted by fire pits and custom tilework, bordering an expansive event lawn; McArthur’s serves American fare in a buzzy, light-filled space; and in The Wright Bar, guests can immerse themselves into a low-ceiling lobby bar, serving both classic and innovative drinks.
Courtesy of the Arizona Biltmore.
Staying true to the hotel’s architectural style, Wright’s block design is emphasized by a series of horizontal lines and an open-plan layout, as well as custom facades and handmade details, including items made of porcelain and an ornate stained glass piece at the hotel’s entrance—created to replicate a drawing by Wright, once found in his sketchbook.
Arizona Biltmore Turns 95
Courtesy of the Arizona Biltmore.
In February, the hotel celebrated its 95th anniversary with a party bringing together guests from all over the globe. Held in the Gold Room—the second-largest ceiling entirely covered in gold leaf in the world, behind the Taj Mahal—the soiree was filled with food and beverage stations overflowing with caviar, steak, sushi, and cake, complemented by champagne, wine, and unforgettable cocktails. Attendees included dignitaries and political figures, tech moguls, real estate entrepreneurs, local celebrities, and more, who all danced, mingled, and sang along to the live band until late.
Most recently, the Arizona Biltmore also experienced a change in ownership, as it was sold by Blackstone Real Estate Group to Henderson Park—a London-based private equity real estate management firm, founded in 2016.
Courtesy of the Arizona Biltmore.
For travelers heading to the hotel this year, Whitewall’s not-miss tip is to wander through the property’s grounds, looking for a collection of 19 Frank Lloyd Wright sculptures: “The Biltmore Sprites.” Scattered throughout the property, these original sculptures by Wright were designed in 1914 to guard Chicago’s Midway Gardens, and now appear at the Arizona Biltmore oasis.
