When you walk into the Arizona Biltmore, nearly all your senses might pull you in different directions. First, there’s the lobby’s stunning, oh-so-colorful stained-glass piece, “Saguaro Forms & Cactus Flowers,” which was designed and rendered from original drawings by Frank Lloyd Wright. It was donated to the hotel by Wright’s widow in 1973 and has been displayed in the lobby ever since then.
Another treat guests are sure to enjoy before they even check in is the resort’s distinctive scent that’s somehow both invigorating and soothing. It has notes of jasmine, lily of the valley, bergamot, vanilla, and Asian pear, among others. Calming music plays, and the helpful staff may offer water or other refreshment.
The Arizona Biltmore somehow blends a lot of modern luxuries with its authentic history that still feels ever-present and exciting at the resort. Opened on February 23, 1929, it was designed by Albert Chase McArhur, and it was opened by his brothers Warren McArthur, Jr., and Charles McArthur in addition to John McEntee Bowman, the entrepreneur who was behind the very upscale Biltmore Hotel chain.
Many people often assume the resort was designed by esteemed architect Frank Lloyd Wright, and there are some very good reasons for that. Wright did consult at the hotel in the 1920s, and McArthur paid him $10,000 to consult on the project to use his patented block design. When it was discovered that Wright didn’t actually own the patent, the relationship between McArthur and Wright soured. However, Wright still showed up for the resort’s grand opening, and his touches can be seen throughout the hotel now.
Some Historical Sites to Visit
Before you stay at the Arizona Biltmore, it’s fun to know some of the fascinating history that you can enjoy during your visit. What’s incredible about the historical property is that there are unexpected little details and delights around many corners. During your visit, make it a point to see these parts of the resort for a fuller understanding of how special and historically significant it is.
Be sure to spend time gazing at the six sprite statues on the resort’s grounds. They were designed by Frank Lloyd Wright for Chicago’s Midway Gardens in 1914. The six on display at the resort were cast in the 1980’s from a mold of the original, and they’ve been on display since 1985.
Visit the Aztec Room during a historical tour. It awes visitors with its gold-leaf ceiling and copper beans, and former President Ronald Reagan held a party in this room to celebrate while honeymooning at the resort.
Also spend time in the Gold Room or least visit it on a history tour. It was the resort’s original dining hall, and Clark Gable and his friends often spent much time here. The murals in the room are by Maynard Dixon and his wife, Edith Hamlin, who completed the second tapestry after her husband unexpectedly passed away.
Other Things To Do
Try a Tequila Sunrise. That popular cocktail, which became even more well-known after The Eagles song of the same name, was invented at the bar of the Arizona Biltmore by its longtime bartender Gene Sulit.
Enjoy a snack at The Citrus Club. It’s a luxurious space where you can work or hang out with friends if you want an extra space to lounge outside of your resort room.