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66 reviews for Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa
First of all, I'm writing to review the restaurant, Frank & Albert's. I was in Phoenix this past weekend and was curious to see the hotel because (a) I'm an architecture buff, and (b) the hotel is listed in the Book "1,000 Things to do Before you Die." So -- check one off for me on that list!
Was it worth it? YES! We made a reservation for lunch at noon, but arrived 30 minutes early to walk the grounds. The hotel and surrounding gardens/pool/etc. are extraordinary. The architect studied under Frank Lloyd Wright, plus there are stained glass windows and sculptures by the master himself.
The food at Frank & Alberts was delicious. Their menu highlights local foods and produce - everything was delicious, the service was very helpful and unhurried, and the prices were reasonable. I highly recommend the pork carnitas. To top it all off, the valet parking was free. I had read reviews on Yelp that said you had to pay for parking, but that rule applies to hotel guests (go figure?).
P.S. We stayed at the Royal Palms Hotel, which was nearby, much smaller and truly one of the great hotels in the world. It belongs on the list of 1,000 Things to do before you die!
I love the Biltmore. Even getting into the fundraiser/gala season when every single non-profit and corporate America company hosts every function imaginable here, I never get sick of this place.
Do yourself a favor and talk with a willing staffer about the history of this place, I think they may do tours but I'm not sure. I worked here for about 3 minutes in early college years and the best part of that experience was the history lesson. They had a speakeasy!
What I love most is going to the lobby bar and ordering something special depending on time of day and company; on a recent Saturday afternoon with a girlfriend we shared a bottle of wine (from the cafe) and last winter it ranged from a Manhattan to a decadent dessert and cup of coffee or glass of Port. Then, I go out back to the courtyard. (This is best on a chilly evening when the fires are all lit.)
And I just sit, relax, watch all the pretty people and pretend like I'm on vacation.
I'd heard a lot about the Arizona Biltmore, but hadn't stayed there until this weekend - it was really cool!
You arrive to a unique-looking hotel that's unlike most architecture you'd ever seen. Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired design, fixtures and art are definitely noticeable throughout the hotel, but especially in the main lobby - check-out the Gold Room (one of the main ballrooms) and see some amazing design as well as cool tapestries. My room was great (a King Bed Resort) and had a lot of space (about 500 square feet - bigger than my first San Francisco studio) and included a balcony that looked out over a perfectly manicured garden courtyard. I was located near the second pool, which was great since no one else was really there. The main pool was also amazing and even has a cool slide. The hotel's fitness center was pretty good and had all the equipment you'd need for a proper workout.
Overall, everything was so well-taken care of and the staff were all very friendly and pleasant.
I really had a great time and enjoyed my stay. It's one of those resort hotels where they really do have everything there - you don't have to leave the grounds and can have a great and relaxing time.
The rooms are old, conventional and totally ordinary, but the entire resort (i should say compound, this place is huge) is beautiful. I would stay here again as long as the rooms cost less then $200.
I've always felt like the Biltmore is overrated. It's a money maker by it's name, not quality. Rooms are mediocre, and although the interesting architecture is a plus, it's gray and I felt like I was in a castle or something...which is cool, when you're not expecting a five star resort.
My stay started off very well. The front desk was very helpful. My room was not ready so she upgraded me to a much larger and nicer room. The problem is that the room probably is considered to be in another county. It was quite a walk. We went in Frank and Alberts for lunch. This was an odd experience. Four of us had meals with very small portions, and the other two meals were way too big of portions. The grilled cheese is an embarrassment to food, period. It is also a bit pricey for what you get.
The room is nice but slightly dated. It had a 90's feel to it. This is OK in most hotels, but in a place like the Biltmore you can not let your rooms get that far behind. My room was huge. I had a full kitchen and living room area.
There are several pools through out the property. The pool by my room was great because it was in a low traffic area. I was able to swim in peace any time of day.
Parking can be a pain. I would recommend using the valet, but if your room is where mine was you have to walk over a 1/4 mile to get to the valet.
There were some renovation taking place, so hopefully that will update the overall look of the rooms. The area as a whole is nice. There are some very good views.
Been here twice and not sure if i'll return. The first time I came here was for a massage. The second for a facial. The massage was ok, however, the facial was not. The facilities were decent with a good fitness center but I noticed on my second trip that the jacuzzi was so filthy that the foam was brown and the scum on the side walls looked like it hadn't been cleaned in awhile. Overall, it was not as a relaxing experience as expected.
The general lounge/waiting area was co-ed and a little cramped. While i can appreciate couples wanting to spend time together it is a little uneasy to be sitting 3 to a couch half naked with wet hair and red-faced in an oversized robe.
But the real disappointments were the relatively inexperienced facialist and the scars left on my face. It was going ok until she tried extracting the same places several times with each time more painful than the last. Even after 50 minutes my face was still bleeding. I haven't had a spa facial since then.
Typically, for the 4th of July, most people hang out with friends at a bbq and cool down by a pool. My family, on the other hand, decides to travel to a city with a historical average temperature for that weekend of 100+ degrees.
Smart one.
Luckily, the parents chose a fancy-smancy hotel for us to stay at for our long weekend away: The Arizona Biltmore. It's a gorgeous hotel in the middle of Phoenix whose claim to fame is that every US President since its opening in the 1920s has, at one point in time, stayed at the Biltmore. The hotel spans a huge area with 8 pools scattered across its grounds, the largest of which is right next to the lobby.
I was prepared to spend my weekend lying by the pool and studying for my exams. Instead, I discover my room is in the furthest corner of the Biltmore complex and I'd have to walk through 103 degree weather to get to the pool. I make the trek anyway (the thought of pina coladas and mojitos spur me forward), only to find out the pool is filled with little kids. I finally find an empty chair below a beach umbrella, plop myself down and order my drink from the waitress (while the little twins sitting in the chair next to me start dripping over my books). The drink arrives and...I can't taste a drop of rum in my mojito.
...There goes my perfect weekend.
Other than my disappointment by the pool, the rooms were nice and, most importantly, the A/C worked. Plus, at night when the temperature cooled down a bit, it was nice to walk around the Biltmore and admire the architecture.
Four stars overall.
Known as "The Jewel of the Desert" and the "Grand Dame," this beautiful hotel is the only one in the world with a Frank Lloyd Wright-influenced design. The architect was a man named Albert Chase McArthur, who had studied under Frank Lloyd Wright. Hence, the main restaurant's name is "Frank and Albert's."
Celebrating its 80th birthday this year, this unique art-deco resort is rich in history. Dozens of presidents have golfed here, Marilyn Monroe splashed around in one of the 8 on-site pools, and many more celebrities and industry magnates have called this their temporary home.
When visiting here, it is important to note that on-site parking is costly. A self parking fee of $12 is imposed even on its guests, and the self parking lot is often located some distance from the hotel entrance. For those not wanting to bother with parking the car themselves, the price is$27 to valet. The package I purchased luckily had the self-parking included, but the car was delivered to the valet nonetheless. I was sure to speak to a hotel manager about how ridiculous it is to ask a hotel guest to pay for parking, and he happily credited our room for the valet fee.
So, my first experience was our dinner at "Frank and Albert's", formerly known as the "Biltmore Grill." Local purveyors provide the ingredients for nearly all of its organic dishes. From Queen Creek Olive Oil to Shriner's Sausage, Mesa Ranch Goat Cheese to Biltmore grown Rosemary, one can taste the difference. The menu provided a range of selections from salads, pizzas, and flatbreads, to rotisserie and classic comfort foods. The wood stone baked filet of salmon was flavorful, tender, and full of tender feelings. I recommend their "bloody rose" cocktail. I snicker as I write these words, because bloody marys are my least favorite cocktail. However, this unique blend is made with crop organic tomato vodka and juice, fresh biltmore grown rosemary and spices. Service was attentive and timely, waiter was very knowledgeable, and we were very impressed with the quality and flavor of the food.
Next, it was on to the newly added wing of the resort, the Ocatilla. The Ocatilla is essentially a new boutique hotel situated on the Biltmore property. It has its own pool, a concierge, and an executive lounge which offers daily complimentary breakfasts, a light evening fare, beer and wine, desserts, as well as coffee and soft drinks.Our package included a room on the third floor of this location, as well as access to its executive lounge.
Although our stomachs were full from dinner, we made room for chocolate covered cheesecake, choc. covered strawberries, fudge brownies, tarts, and chocolate chunk cookies. We swallowed it all down with some prosecco, and headed up to our room.
The room was at least 500sq feet, and I believe that the rest of the hote has fairly sizeable rooms, as well. The decor was a blend of art deco and southwestern. The bathroom with its granite countertops, boasted a tub with sea salts and candle, in which we submerged ourselves comfortably up to our chins. Two plush robes were there for us to lounge around in. A snack bar was provided, although a package of nuts and dried fruit was $7. Biggest disappointment was that that there was no wetbar. I always look forward to these in any hotel room, especially to use them for storing leftovers from dinner. The king bed was etremely comfortable, with its pillow-top mattress and feather pillows, as well as the high thread count sheets. Silky soft...
We enjoyed peace and quiet all night, and were not disturbed in the morning by housekeeping.
The next day were were early to rise to enjoy the lavish continental breakfast spread in the lounge. Granola with local pecans and yogurt parfait croissans with spinach and boursin, ham and cheese, small danishes, assortmnt of fresh fruits and juices gave us the perfect start to our day. We grabbed some bottled waters and cokes and headed to the pool. We had an appointment at the spa an hour later, for seaweed wraps and massages, and it was wonderful, the service excellent and very personalized.
Recommendations:
go to biltmore's website directly to book a room. you will find incredible packages. our package was $200 and included dinner for two, lunch for two, 50% off at the spa, and access to the executive lounge at the ocatilla.
if you live locally, they will shuttle you - saves the parking headache.
About Ocatilla:
basically an upgrade with your stay. For an additional $75-$100/day, these are the following amenities you will receive:
complimentary beverages, wine, beer, breakfast, light evening fare, and desserts in the lounge
business center (computers, internet, printers)
Wii rentals
pressing service and shoe shine
therapeutic turn down bath
neck and shoulder massages every thursday
personal concierge
The Biltmore Hotel is one of the most recognized landmark in Phoenix and we should know more about. It is Frank Lloyd Wright design and been guesting famous people since the 20's. It is also the center heart of the called Biltmore Area which is famous for several hot spots in the City, Corporate offices, restaurants, fashion stores and much more.
If you come to Phoenix at least visit this famous historical site.
Was headed to Phoenix for a few days and the Biltmore is a great name at a fab price: $99/night. So we stayed.
Pros:
Nice rooms. Comfortable. Air conditioning blew like a $2.00 whore.
Cons:
Parking: what a mess! $12 to self-park and it takes forever to get to the garage or other lot.
Lighting: They're doing some construction, and at night it's downright dangerous since all the lights are off. Nearly tripped several times.
Location of room relative to hotel: The property is huge! My room was all the way in the back. I should have packed a small meal; I almost went missing on my walk from the parking lot back to the room. Without exaggeration, it's easily 1/4 mile.
A nice hotel for the price, but I went to relax, not go on a hike a few times a day (pool to room!)
What a nice hotel! My fiance and I enjoyed every bit of our stay. The grounds are very well manicured and the architecture is something to look at. Even in July with the hot weather, the hotel was pretty crowded. Lots of families with money to burn.
There are 8 pools spread around the property and they each seem to have a different atmosphere. The two pools we went to were the large ones right in the middle of the property with the slide and the swim-up bar. If you have some extra cash, get yourself an $8 beer (!) in the bottle. Otherwise, bring your own. The slide is fun. It doesn't go as fast as I'd like but it's something to do at the pool. The big downside at the pools is that the hot weather heats them up so much that they should actually be cooled off. They were probably 90 degrees... bath water. Not as refreshing as you'd like them to be.
The buildings and rooms are very nice, clean, spacious, neat and comfortable. I could have taken a nap all day in our room. One drawback is that some buildings and rooms are far from the parking lot. You have quite a ways to walk if you don't valet.
With the recession and hot weather, rates are pretty low right now for this excellent hotel. Give it a shot.
I have to say 4 stars for the massage
3 stars for the amenities. Could be stunning with a remodel, also there was only cold H20 in the lounge not near the lockers.
The massage was great, especially with the heated pillow, heated eye mask and warm oil! Total relaxation. Great way to unwind from a flight! Not to mention the robes felt incredible!
We enjoyed the resort tremendously, despite the 113 degree heat. Architecturally stunning, great amenities, pools around every corner, service way above average. Dining was a mixed bag, though. Coffeeshop prices were in the nosebleed range. I just refuse to pay $7 for a simple pastry or $5 for drip coffee at a walk-up. On the fine dining side, Frank & Albert's restaurant there was going through major growing pains. Breakfasts was exceptional thanks to Scott (the new executive chef in the morning) with a range of tasty and inspired options. Dinner though, both nights, was a disaster. Bland, flavorless salads, underwhelming appetizers that were more about looks than flavor. We expected much more at dinner. Maybe they'll get it right in time. I hope so, because the setting there is great.
So Veggie Girl pulls up to the valet and hands her car over to the cutie patooties working the entrance. They Greet Her By Name! They must know she's a BIg Deal at the Alamogordo Holiday Inn Express!
Veggie Girl gets to check in, and They Greet Her By Name! See above.
Bags are piled in to a golf cart and Helpy Helperton drives her to her room. Door to room opens. Veggie Girl smells something. She wrinkles her nose. No words are spoken, she just wrinkles her nose.
Now, Veggie Girl could work the international border and sniff out drugs - her kids call her the "Drug Sniffing Mom" because she smells everything. Anything.
Helpy Helperton simply says, "There's something wrong with this room, let's get you back to the front desk."
New room, upgraded, no smells.
Biltmore bar is old wood, cigar smells, scotch-friendly. TVs have NCAA games everywhere. Golf Guys sprawled on couches and in chairs. Veggie Girl has the best Mojito she's ever had. If she liked scotch, she would have had it - neat, or up, or on the rocks. However scotch is supposed to be served, the bartender would have known.
Room has a bed that Veggie Girl makes a mental note to recreate at home.
Breakfast is a pancake filled with sweet, hot berries just oozing love from the middle. Love. Sweet, hot, ooozing love. Coffee on the patio with humming birds buzzing and zooming through the rustling leaves.
Veggie Girl is tossed back into time when wimmin held high tea and men did that men stuff.
Love. Love. Love. The Biltmore.
Erin A's review is hysterical. This is a first class resort not a swarmy singles hangout where the pool in filled with filthy strippers. Stay classy.
Haven't stayed over-nite - yet.
Grounds are gorgeous
Drinks at the the bar posh (along with prices obviosuly)
spa is very professional, massage was nice
convienent area to shops, dinning, everything.
Okay. Let's go. Spa - yes. Horseback riding - yes. Oldschool - oh yes.
I feel like Rita Hayworth when I come here. I don't really know why. I just do. Perhaps a clandestine meeting with Orson? A bite at the pharmacy like grill? Is that me in that cowboy hat? Might just be.
Truly am surprised to see negative reviews of this place. It's so utterly charming. From the lovely pinkness of it, to the tiled pools, to the excellent staff. I really love it.
You can get several different kinds of massage at the spa. I'm a Swedish girl, all the way. And after an hour long massage they practically had to mop me up and wring me into bed. It was just that good.
Walking around here can be a little iffy. I saw a rattler once. But it's still just so lovely. So don't be hating on the Biltmore. It's an original and there are very few places like it in this land of ours. That, and, feeling like Rita Hayworth is priceless.
When my AC busted a few weeks ago I found myself staying in a suite here for the weekend. Ok, so it's not how I usually roll, but luckily some out-of-town friends scored a suite here and my bad luck met with perfect timing to equal an over-the-top silver lining for the weekend.
The Arizona Biltmore pools alone warrant five stars, but the service and suite were nothing to look past either. The two room suite was comfortable, spacious and tastefully decorated. The living room and bedrooms had a subtle Southwestern decor that I surprisingly didn't hate.
The architecture and landscaping of the grounds was just as legendary as you would expect. Calling for extra towels was a cinch and took only a few minutes for them to arrive. The housekeeper we flagged down in the hallway gladly took photos of us on the balcony and repeatedly tried to refuse our $5 tip for his trouble. We weren't having it.
Finally, the pool experience was second to none. Like giddy school kids, the Biltmore waterslide became a 20-something playground for an hour. From what I could tell the poolside was a mix of locals and tourists as I recognized some people (incl. JohnJay from KISS 104.7).
The best part of swimming on a Saturday afternoon at the Biltmore?
* The salsa demonstration (with a dozen or so salsas and chips prepared by the sous chef) was so extensive it was our lunch!
* Swim up to the bar (or sneak your own drinks and pass it off like you bought it) and buy a $10 margarita.
* Score a cabana rental if at all possible. You get your own private shower, bathroom, AC'ed room, umbrellas, TV, patio chairs and server. And it is well worth it.
And....I just spilled the beans to a perfect afternoon at the Biltmore.
This resort has been and always will be a Phoenix institution. Constructed in 1929 by a former employee of Frank Lloyd Wright (his draftsman) Albert Chase Mcarthur, it is an architectural masterpiece. Everything about the design is unique, and awe inspiring.
What is not so inspiring is the condition in which the hotel sits in today. The place is literally falling apart at the seams. Be prepared when you visit for a lack of AC in common areas, rooms in a state of disrepair and need of remodel, and as of 10/17/08, a LOT of construction. The Villas on property are privately owned, which roughly translated means that it is the owners responsibility to keep them maintained, not the hotels. You don't know what you are going to get.
The 39 acres of grounds on this property are stunning. Kudos to the grounds crew as the grass, trees, and flowers are always perfect. 8 pools across the property are beautiful and with the exception of one, are open 24 hours a day. They also have 7 tennis courts and full size basketball court outdoors which is nice.
Wright's is a great dining room, and I give it my full endorsement, but their other options are uh, how do you say, crap? The Cafe is very overpriced and never open when it is supposed to be. Cabana Club is good, but has no indoor seating so it only works in the cooler months, and closes at about 4-6pm daily. The Biltmore Grill is closed for construction for the forseeable future.
I'm just really mixed on the place, I want to like it so bad, but the fact of the matter is you can really tell there is no pride of ownership. Morgan Stanley owns the hotel, and what can I say? They are an investment firm who reads the profit margin on their statement every month and is long as it is a black number, they ignore the place. If you want to go somewhere that really cares about your business, this is probably the wrong place. If you are into architecture and history, check it out.
Spa week is just ending. Quite a few spas run specials for this event. My friend and I went to the Biltmore for facials and massages. The services were fine but the facility is not. It got the creeps in the shower. What exactly was that in the grout? The locker room is the worst. I am 5' 3" and the receptionist gave me an upper locker. I couldn't even see the floor of the locker much less reach any of the hooks. What were they thinking? Maybe women were taller when they built this? I am a spa girl and this is crossed off the list of "want to go backs".
The Biltmore itself it spectacular. We had fun at the pool. We had a lovely lunch and went in the pool We were the only adults on the water slide but who cares.
So services were fine, the property is spectacular, but the spa facility needs an extreme makeover soon. (I think it may be coming)
Dear Arizona Biltmore Resort and Spa,
Thank you for letting me swim quietly and nudely in your pool after midnight on any number of occasions.
Yours, most sincerely,
A bunch of hot, drunk, bored Phoenicians
After spending some time conducting business further south we made our way north into Phoenix for R&R. The Biltmore Resort and Spa was built in the late 1920's and the entire resort is immaculate, such a place could not be built today. Being from southern California this place reminds me of a set from a period movie.
The architecture and grounds have to be seen to be believed, nothing I could say could do this place justice. (The lobby area alone is huge, and has a ceiling made of gold; that's right, Gold) This place was cruising along in 5-star territory until I entered my room. Despite being given an "Upgrade", the "Cottage" was actually small.
A small room is not bad, but a distinct (faint) odor of what smelled like mold inside is not good. The patio equipment outside my room was filthy and I had to use a towel to stay clean. When its 112 degrees outside, the last thing you want is to walk around outside a lot, but large swaths of the resort are outdoors. Be prepared for walking.
While watching the local news (On the 50" flat panel!) it was announced that this place is getting a $300 million face lift; I'm certain these upgrades will bring the place up to the current standard of modern luxury resorts while retaining the historic properties of the original. I look forward to returning here, it is a truly beautiful place.
Just spent a beautiful weekend at the Biltmore and stayed in the newly renovated Ocatilla Wing. Very nicely appointed rooms with Frank Lloyd Wright inspired design. Simple and very elegant. We loved the private concierge service with a great breakfast, cocktails and appetizers for the guests. All included in the price of the room.
This review is based on two separate trips, mostly influenced by my most recent stay.
The resort is just gorgeous, from the surrounding neighborhood it is settled in to the ballrooms and conference rooms. The overall service is good here and a bit inconsistent, but I've experienced outstanding service elsewhere (see Montage Hotel Beverly Hills).
I would give this Biltmore location 5 stars if it weren't for a few hiccups....
The lounge service, menu prices and multiple payment glitches are at the top of my uh-oh list. If i were voting on the sheer beauty, vibe and a majority of the pleasant staff I'd give this hotel five stars.
The Cafe is over priced and food is mediocre for what it costs. What's nice about The Cafe is the outdoor seating and convenience. The Lounge has a lovely menu and food is good, but they seemed understaffed so service was lacking a great deal more at some meals than other. Dinner service on the patio was excellent but our lunch server neglected to arrange for a table at my seat so I had to move one myself (heavy white side tables are used in the patio) where they neglected to clean-up the previous diner's dropped plate of food at the feet of where I sat. The mess in plain sight to our party and the wait staff yet not one staff member offered to have it cleaned up. To top things off they were very slow at collecting my check. Granted, they were busy but acknowledgment and getting management involved to help with their busy sections should have been an immediate response. I can attest that high-end prices, such as $20 for a salad with a few pieces of shrimp, in a handsome environment deserves first-class service.
The Grill is my favorite restaurant of all the restaurants I've tried here for it's consistently delicious food, value, quality, service, ambiance; but it has been under construction and was not open for business during my stay this past March.
Their saving grace is the architecture, rooms and excellent valet service. The entire hotel is just stunning. Our room was lovely, spacious, very comfortable with a full size bathroom that was divided in two rooms, a separate toilet room and main area with double sinks, well lit mirrors, sizable closet, vanity, shower and separate tub. At the end of the day I would return again in hopes of seeing a more fine tuned experience.
No AC on 112 degrees day = Minus points big time
Free Cigars by the fountain outside = Plus mad points (Free as in On the House, not like i stole them or someone hooked me up.)
Super clean bathroom and overall coolness = Plus points
Final score = Plus points wins.
Take it as you wish.
I was here for a business conference, Thursday-Saturday. We arrived early (around 11am) and they were able to check us in without any hassle at all. I think their normal check-in time is 4pm. The service was great, very helpful in pointing out where everything was on the map. This was a plus because the Arizona Biltmore has many separate buildings on their massive grounds.
The lobby was nice and airy with lots of places to sit. I also noticed a restaurant and a bar. Walking outside, there are lounge chairs and cabanas for those who didn't mind the heat. For being in the desert, the AB was definitely very green. Lots of grass, palm trees and shrubbery to highlight the beautiful resort grounds.
The architecture here is also amazing. Definitely look at the details in the stones, glass, walkways, doorways, and almost everywhere else. It's quite entrancing.
We took the short trek to our room (it was a trek because the weather was about 100 degrees and rising). I opened the door to my room and was pleasantly surprised by the size. It's larger than the usual hotel rooms but with all the nice amenities (flat screen, internet, king size bed with lots of thread count sheets, etc...). Typical hotel room decor -- just lots of open space (enough for me to do a cartwheel). The bathroom was equally nice and roomy as well. They have a separate shower and bathtub. There are 2 sinks and I liked the stone tiles on the ground. The towels were very soft and the robe was a nice touch (even though it dwarf me with the sleeves hanging past my fingertips and the length practically dragging on the ground...).
I was sad I didn't have much time to enjoy the "resort" part of the hotel though. Their golf course/putting greens was beautifully manicured (although I don't play golf); the pool areas were all very inviting and kept beckoning me to just jump in -- business suit and all. And I probably would have, if not for the fact that I can't swim. Darn.
I did get to enjoy the food and bar though. The food for the conference was surprisingly good. We even had a petite filet mignon dish that was very nicely cooked and flavored. The bar was nice -- but expensive. Mixed drinks were about $12 - $14.
Room service was impeccable, the concierge was knowledgeable and courteous, and the conference went well. I truly enjoyed my stay here -- sans the scorching temperature of course. That I could have done without just fine.
Designed by FL Wright, with pictures of visiting classic cinema movie stars on the walls this hotel is special and important in a historical and cultural sense. As you enter in the evening, there is a piano playing in the lobby and service people bustling giving old-time ernest service. Popular place for weddings on their beautiful classic-styled center lawn. Traditions like tricycle-delivered room service and backstories surrounding the "fairy" sculptures and other architectural elements make this resort a story and not just a place. Excellent food and wine selections. Extremely kid-friendly for example thier kids club and the addition of a family-friendly restaurant.
Wow, I am shocked by the negative reviews of the Biltmore. It was and to me is THE hotel of Phoenix. If you want more information about it, just click on the weblink and read all about it. The history of the Biltmore is amazing. Sure it's old but that only adds to its charm.
The Jewel of the Desert ...
http://www.arizonabilt...
You could never had a hotel like this built today because of all the land it's on. The grounds for parking alone are huge, bigger than most hotels are. Quite amazing.
Just park your car and walk around inside and around the grounds. It's magnificent. We stayed recently on the other side of town for baseball games, none near here but if I was coming to Phoenix for sightseeing, my first choice to stay would be the Biltmore.
Went for a convention and had dinner in the restaurant. So this is my limited review!
Did a lot of walking to get from place to place.
Convention facilities were above average.
Food in the restaurant was excellent.
Service left much to be desired, seemed we were in the way and a bother!
I love the Biltmore grounds and landscaping was soothing and enjoyed walking the areas!
You know what? I love the Biltmore. Yes, it's old and a little run down some might say, but I think it's fabulously old 30s glam and I adore it. The perfectly, intricately Art Deco sculpted buildings. The perfectly manicured grounds. The overall vibe. I just adore it. The fabulous weather this time of year doesn't hurt either - when the sun is shining and you can smell orange blossoms and you know it's raining back in SF, it just doesn't get much better. If you're there for pleasure and not work anyway. The staff is friendly and accommodating. They ride silly bikes. They smile and say hello. You get free high speed internet in your room.
So why oh why does a hotel with such attention to detail fail miserably in the area of room service?
Room service: where 30 minutes is 45, medium well is bloody on all but the very outside surface of your burger, the burger comes completely nude - no lettuce, tomato, nothin', your server asks if you want that stuff and that he thought it was weird it wasn't on there, heads down to pick it up for you as your uncovered burger sits out looking all expectant and embarrassed while some bird shrieks its snacky intent through the open door while eyeballing your lunch and salivating, your server comes back several minutes later with a saran wrapped plate featuring one giant lettuce leaf, a slice of red onion, a small tomato, a pickle spear and a fruit fly. Really? Did the person wrapping that up NOT notice the fly, drowning in pickle juice right on top of the heap as they wrapped it? Ew. I was really looking forward to that pickle too. No, it's not the end of the world, but it's a lack of attention to detail which I find frustrating at "high end" hotels. I wasn't the only one with a woeful room service experience so I don't think it was a fluke.
The interiors (sleeping and meeting rooms and hallway) really could use some sprucing, much as I try to focus on the charm and overlook the wrinkles. The architecture is still as amazing as ever though. I hear they're redoing the lobby soon, but I thought the lobby was fine. Word on the streets is that you might not want one of those rooms attached to said lobby if you're looking for a good night's sleep by the way.
While our attendees had a great time and the staff was very friendly, and the grounds amazing, I don't think I would plan another meeting here. They nickle and dimed us, did not mention that our meeting space was not wheelchair accessible (luckily it wasn't an issue this time) and they could not have put us in more inconvenient "four corners of the earth" type meeting space.
I would definitely come back for a weekend retreat if I could find a good deal, or to get married if I suddenly came into money or a fiance, but otherwise I think it may be off the list.
Generally I feel this place is over rated. Service is very lacking. (I actually unloaded my car myself while 4 bellmen stood in shade 10 feet from me at the main entrance at check in). Some area of the property need updating. My room was "OK" but would like to see others. Seemed over priced even during the off season. The deck off my room was filthy with bird droppings, basically unusable. Pools were nice but not clean. Rarely saw pool attendants. Pool towels available only at the main pool, with eight pools on property this seemed weird. Last day there I was asked to switch rooms as they had reserved my room for another quest. Sorry not my problem, I had been there for a week!
Interestingly some people seemed to have bashed the spa here, I didn't think it was that bad., I would give it 4 stars.
The high end restaurant in the place (can't remember name) is good but VERY pricey and with strange decor (I understand that is subjective, some people are really into the Frank Loyd look). Anyhow, stayed a week and wouldn't return, too many option in this area at these prices.
Great Resort. Kind of out in the boonies... but I think Phoenix is pretty spread out over all. I loved the green grass and palm trees in the middle of winter. It has a great view of some mountain... that when the sun sets is totally stunning especially with the manicured lawn in the foreground. I had a room in one of the cabins. It was very very quiet and relaxing. Over all great stay!
The Biltmore is a really cool hotel, although I have to admit I never actually stayed here. We came to hang out at the gorgeous pool(s)-- which by the way, has the coolest water slide that people of all ages can go down! I can act like a kid! So we got there relatively early morning/afternoon but already the chairs had those blue towels on them (aka, those chairs are reserved). It took a good twenty minutes to find a family who was leaving to get three empty chairs. And it's not like there were actually people there-- it was not busy at all, but we realized that people just wake up early, throw their towels on chairs to save them, then come back whenever they feel like it. Luckily, the staff eventually noticed this and went around collecting the towels to free up some chairs.
We got some drinks and appetizers at the poolside bar. The service was not great; there was one woman working the bar and about 7 or 8 people just waiting around for her to take their order. Our three drinks and chips/salsa took at least 20 minutes to get. Even after she gave our drinks, it took her another 10 minutes to run our credit card and give us the tab. They should really have at least 2 people working the bar. On the plus side, they do go around the pool area and take orders from people so you don't even really need to move...
We also came one evening to the restaurant/bar where all those huge fire pits are. Not busy at all, good service (though a little pricey), and the fire was a nice way to keep warm and enhance the atmosphere. We got to take a look at one of the cottages but I wasn't that impressed. Guess I had a high expectation because it's the Biltmore, but the room was like any other hotel room, nothing special. I'm sure there's nicer rooms though.
All in all, I would return here for both the pool and the bar... but not necessarily the poolside bar.
The Biltmore is superbly impressive from the moment you drive up and keeps your eyes dancing throughout your stay. So much history and so much charm, this place is part Playboy Mansion, part Neverland Ranch and part Palace of Versailles. Life size chess sets on the perfectly manicured lawn, fountains at every turn, an undeveloped mountain range as its backdrop, and poolside cabanas fit for Marilyn Monroe (she called the Biltmore her favorite pool). Indeed, the halls are lined with photographic history of famous guests spanning the resort's opening in 1929 to present day. (I didn't take a star off for the picture of our current prez who's a repeat guest, but I was tempted). It makes you feel like royalty to just be there, even if you're an average Joe like me.
I give an enthusiastic A+ to the SERVICE, landscaping, feather-topped bed, and aesthetic appeal/charm of the grounds. I was most impressed with the service. With rooms running $600 a night, you don't want to find out that only half of the staff got the five star customer service training. Biltmore has it down from the front desk to groundskeepers. A special mention of the 24/7 town cars waiting to pick you up any time you're ready to step out.
I give an A to the spa which could use a face lift, but nonetheless awarded me the best massage and facial that I've had this millennium. Also to the in-room dining which was kinda yummy, but lickety-split, the fastest room service I ever had.
I give an A- to the room decor. They are going for that Mission-style rustic chic, but it looked a little too Hilton and could use less of the "standardized theme" decor. But, the rooms were very well kept and sparkling clean. I stayed in, and highly recommend, a "resort deluxe" room and think it's worth every extra penny to wake up to coffee on your private balcony with a view of the mountains.
If I hadn't stayed there in the middle of winter I could have played at one of their eight pools. (I'd def hang at the one with the waterslide AND the swim up bar.) On the flip side, it was nice to have the resort virtually to myself; I had no problem getting room service in less than 1/2 an hour or a couple same-day reservations at the spa.
*psst* It's Frank Lloyd Wright "inspired." The actual architect was a student of his, but the big guy didn't actual design the hotel. Darn good knock-off though!
I'm an architecture moron. I have no knowledge about it and can't appreciate it when I see it, unless you count my pointing at a building while saying, "That's pretty!" as "appreciation".
A few months ago I attended a seminar at the Biltmore. About an hour into it, I leaned over to a friend sitting next to me and whispered that the conference room we were in was "really cool". Not sure why, not sure how, but somehow my diminished-capacity brain for architecture detected something, I guess, extraordinarily "pretty". Some time later, and I swear this is true and I'm not making it up, another equally diminished-capacity friend (we're all lawyers, 'nuff said) sitting on my other side leaned over to tell me, "Hey, this room is pretty amazing isn't it?" He hadn't heard me say anything to my other friend. The room was so amazing that even two architecture morons' dog-like instincts for pretty buildings were setting off alarm bells in their thick skulls, completely independent of each other.
Only after we finished the seminar did we learn that the conference room was, of course, designed by the late, great Frank Lloyd Wright circa 1929. I am unable to explain the intangible details of why it was so incredible, other than to say that while sitting inside it, everything felt perfectly balanced, perfectly in tune, and perfectly pretty.
I've been to the Biltmore on other occasions, to meet friends at the bar for a drink, and to have tea with guests who were staying there. So I've experienced as much of it as one can without ever actually spending a full night there. It is fabulous. And very pretty.
much can be said about the Biltmore...so i'll leave that to others.
i'm a fan of their sunday brunches. OMG what a treat. it was worth every penny i spent. memosas FTW!!!
I admit that this is a nice hotel. The gardens are impeccable and serene. But the service is an embarrassment to a hotel of this caliber. The employees are supercilious, and this attitude also runs throughout management.
In short, the employees make this gorgeous hotel an unpleasant place to stay. The Ritz Carlton has dated decor, but has much better service.
Was here for a West Coast Swing dance competition over the 4th of July holiday weekend. http://www.gpsdc.com/J...
We would only be able to afford it during the sweltering summer with the temperature hitting 116 degrees. $109 convention rate with 2, $5 off drink tix when you check in. Internet in rooms free. Free parking, paid by our convention, limited parking near the hotel rooms, but a large parking structure near the Frank Lloyd Wright Ballroom. 30% off a la carte spa treatments. 15% onsite restaurants.
I had a 1pm spa treatment that they moved to 3:00pm on Friday, will go into details of the spa in a separate review. http://www.yelp.com/bi...
Checked in around 6:30pm on Friday and was helped immediately, no lines and the interior of the lobby was so nice and cool with its carved rock columns. My room was originally in bumf**k, the Golf View rooms, since my friends checked in on Thursday, they moved my rooms to the Paradise Wing, off of the main Paradise pool where our cabana and the water slide was located.
The hotel room in the Paradise Wing was average but must admit the bathtub is longer then the standard size. There is a mini bar fridge in the room and they will charge you $25 to have it emptied for your use for your own things. The carpets are a little worn and the bed was a little too soft for me, must have been the feather bed. AC was fine.
We rented a cabana for 3 days, around $200 each day, you get a bathroom, shower, table for 4, fridge, two covered chaise lounges near the pool. Free water and pitchers of ice. Misters. We brought our own snacks and kept them in our little ante room. They don't allow you to decorate your cabana, food service stops at 6pm and the cabana closes at 10pm but you have access to it. Well worth the rental in that heat and ours was right next to the steps, so very convenient to the pool. Ordered lunch one day, had the hamburger and teriyaki chicken salad, both were good, around $14 each. The staff is very busy, so you have to flag them down for service.
Friday night was smore making night at the large bonfire at the Squaw Creek Lawn, too hot for me but during the fall and winter, should be wonderful.
Saturday night at 8pm, they had a poolside movie where you can watch from inner tubes and floaties in the pool or lounges along the pool. They played Madagascar our night and it was great fun. Some complained of mosquitos but I didn't get bit until Sunday night at 2am at the pool, then I got around 8 bites.
Sunday day, near the pool was a fresh salsa making demo, so plenty and chips and salsa and cinnamon crispies to knosh on at the cabana.
The FLW ballroom was icy cold and the bathrooms were nearby and neat. And ample room with a 5000 sq. ft. dance floor, tables and seating for 1000 dancers from across the US, Canada, UK, New Zealand and Australia. Had a bit of a snafu on Sunday night, the hotel needed some of our ballroom, so were breaking down the ballroom floor while we were late night dancing but we all worked it nonetheless.
There isn't anything within walking distance so you need a car but a couple of miles away is a large mall with restaurants and a movie theater across the street. Around 20 minutes from the airport.
A couple of complaints are the distance of walking from the sleeping rooms to the FLR ballroom, overcharge on my bill and the mosquitos at night. The mosquitos are really bad, the hotel was telling people that they were spraying but with them watering all the lawns at night and the ponds, they were infested, even in the rooms. So take insect repellent. We would call the jutneys to take us from our hotel room to the ballroom and visa versa, so that was a nice work around. When I saw the cabana overcharge, they fixed it at the front desk.
The staff was friendly even though overworked and overwhelmed by all of us dancers there. The grounds are beautiful and lush and green. The food was pricey but good and the spa was great. A must go to if you can get a great hotel rate.
Short Version: Dude, this place rocks.
Long Version: This is, by far, the most amazing resort I've ever visited. The grounds, the service, the food, the accommodations, everything is top of the line. And I think the attribute that should be mentioned above all else is the architecture. The facilities are gorgeous and inspiring, which is not something you can say often about architecture. It is second-to-none. In a way, it's almost pointless to go into depth describing this place because it is simply the best. I want to go on, but you can read all the other reviews. If you're in town and you have the means to stay there, do it. You won't regret it.
