Arizona Biltmore Hotel
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Hospitality, Hotel |
| Founded | February 23, 1929 in Phoenix, Arizona, United States |
| Founder | Albert Chase McArthur (architect), Warren McArthur, Charles McArthur, John McEntee Bowman (developers) |
| Headquarters | Phoenix , United States |
Area served | Global (hotel guests) |
Key people | William Wrigley Jr. (former owner), LXR Hotels & Resorts (current owner/manager) |
| Products | Resort hotel services, event hosting, dining |
| Owner | LXR Hotels & Resorts |
| Website | www |
The Arizona Biltmore is a landmark resort situated in Phoenix, Arizona, close to the intersection of 24th Street and Camelback Road. Conceived by Albert Chase McArthur, it commenced operations on February 23, 1929, as a member of the Biltmore Hotel network. Distinguished visitors such as actors Clark Gable and Carole Lombard have stayed at the property. Today, it belongs to the LXR Hotels & Resorts portfolio.
Early years
The creation of the Arizona Biltmore was a collaboration between brothers Warren and Charles McArthur and businessman John McEntee Bowman, who founded the Biltmore Hotel chain.
While often mistakenly credited to Frank Lloyd Wright, the official architect was Albert Chase McArthur, sibling to the developers. Wright provided on-site consultation for four months during 1928, contributing expertise on the "Textile Block" construction technique that shapes the hotel’s unique architectural character. McArthur, a Harvard-educated architect licensed in Arizona since 1925, integrated Wright’s unit block concept, particularly noticeable in the grand lobby area. Documentation such as original blueprints and a 1929 issue of Architectural Record verify McArthur as the lead architect.
Frank Lloyd Wright’s impact was further emphasized through later enhancements including a stained glass piece titled "Saguaro Forms and Cactus Flowers," originally designed by Wright for Liberty Magazine in 1926 and installed during renovations in 1973 by students from Taliesin. Replicas of Wright’s geometric 'sprite' sculptures from his 1915 Midway Gardens project are exhibited on the premises. The initial solarium space was transformed into a dining venue in 1973, now called 'Wright's.' The resort features three dining establishments bearing Wright’s name: Wright's at the Biltmore, The Wright Bar, and Frank & Albert's.
Construction proceeded continuously with three teams working simultaneously under contractor S. M. Benet & Company from Beverly Hills, California, supervised by project superintendent L. D. Richardson.
The hotel officially opened its doors on February 23, 1929.
William Wrigley Jr. becomes full owner
In 1930, ownership transferred fully to investor William Wrigley Jr., as the McArthurs relinquished control of the property. The nearby Wrigley Mansion, erected in 1931, currently functions as a private club.
In March 1952, Ronald and Nancy Reagan selected Cottage I for their honeymoon stay at the resort.
Fire
The Wrigley family sold the hotel to the Talley family in 1970. On June 21, 1973, a significant fire damaged extensively the third and fourth floors and caused water damage below. Originating from a welder’s arc during sprinkler system installation, the fire necessitated response from 35 fire engines and 150 firefighters, resulting in $2.5 million worth of damage.
The new proprietors pledged to complete reconstruction within ninety days to welcome guests for the winter season reopening in late September 1973. Upgrades included custom-designed carpets, new furnishings, modern kitchen appliances, and refurbished public areas. The lobby received installation of "Saguaros," a Wright design for Liberty Magazine crafted by Taliesin students. Three teams worked continuously to meet this aggressive timeline under coordination by Talley Industries, J.R. Porter Construction Co., and Taliesin Associated Architects.
Expansions
After the fire incident, plans were made to enlarge the hotel’s capacity and enhance its conference amenities. In 1975, the Paradise Wing, consisting of 89 rooms, was inaugurated. This addition was designed by John Rattenbury of Taliesin Associated Architects. The construction firm M. M. Sundt utilized precast concrete panels molded with "Biltmore block" forms to ensure architectural consistency with the original structure.
By 1979, the property expanded further with the introduction of the 120-room Valley Wing, also designed by Taliesin architects, along with a 39,000-square-foot conference facility. Subsequently, in 1982, the Terrace Court Wing opened, featuring 109 rooms and maintaining a similar design aesthetic. The general contracting responsibilities for this phase were managed by D. L. Construction.
Change of ownership
Ownership of the hotel shifted in 1979 when it was purchased by the Rostland Corporation. Four years later, in 1983, it became part of the Leper DBL Biltmore Association portfolio before being sold to Grossman Properties in 1992. The property introduced a spa facility in 1998.
In July 1999, Florida Panther Holdings, Inc. acquired the hotel from Grossman for $228.5 million—a transaction comprising $126 million in cash, $100 million in stock, and assumption of $62.5 million in debt. That same year, Florida Panther Holdings rebranded itself as Boca Resorts, Inc., which owned several other resort properties including the Boca Raton Resort & Club, Hyatt Regency Pier 66 Resort and Marina, Radisson Bahia Mar Resort, and Grande Oaks Golf Club. The company also held stakes in the Florida Panthers hockey franchise and venues such as the National Car Rental Center and Miami Arena.
In December 2000, Boca Resorts sold the hotel to KSL Recreation, Inc for $335 million. KSL maintained ownership until April 2004 when Orlando-based REIT CNL Hotels & Resorts acquired it as part of a package deal involving six KSL resort assets. Morgan Stanley took over CNL in 2007. Following financial difficulties, lenders including Paulson & Co., Winthrop Realty Trust, and Capital Trust foreclosed on eight former CNL hotels in 2011. By 2013, ownership transitioned to the Government of Singapore Investment Corporation. Hilton managed the site under its luxury Waldorf-Astoria Collection until May 2024, after which it was incorporated into Hilton’s LXR Hotels & Resorts brand.
Other notable events
In 2004, President George W. Bush stayed at the hotel during a campaign visit to Arizona. The event was secured by an extensive security detail that included over 200 law enforcement officers, Secret Service agents, and bomb-sniffing dogs.
On November 4, 2008, the hotel hosted the final campaign event for the McCain/Palin ticket. Senator John McCain conceded his presidential race defeat on the hotel’s lawn while some supporters observed via closed-circuit television inside the ballroom. Earlier entertainment was emceed by former Louisiana Governor Buddy Roemer.
Celebrating its 80th anniversary in 2009, the Arizona Biltmore unveiled Ocatilla—a new wing featuring 120 rooms that offered upgraded guest services and décor inspired by Wright’s designs. The expansion was named after a Wright compound located in Phoenix’s South Mountains. That year also saw the debut of Frank & Albert's restaurant, which presented a menu blending culinary influences from architects Wright and McArthur through comfort dishes with an Arizona flair.
In July 2009, the Arizona Biltmore earned recognition as a Phoenix Point of Pride and was officially listed on the Phoenix Historic Property Register.
Biltmore Blocks
A unique aspect of the hotel's architecture is the use of pre-cast "Biltmore Blocks," which were manufactured on location using desert sand and exhibit a variety of geometric designs. These rectangular blocks, designed with precise mathematical proportions, were the brainchild of architect Albert Chase McArthur, who chose this form in contrast to Frank Lloyd Wright’s preference for square blocks. Although Wright publicly claimed credit, he recognized McArthur as the true architect of the building in a 1930 letter featured in The Architectural Record.
History Room
Situated on the third floor, the Biltmore History Room presents a collection of artifacts and original furniture from the hotel's early period. Among its prominent displays is a wooden key that was dropped onto the ballroom roof by Scenic Airways during the hotel's grand opening on February 23, 1929, now exhibited above the fireplace. This room serves to celebrate the hotel’s legacy and its role within Arizona’s upscale hospitality sector.
Mystery Room
On the second floor lies the Mystery Room, also referred to as the "Men's Smoking Room," which operated as a speakeasy throughout Prohibition (1920–1933). Entry was limited to guests who knew a secret password. Behind a revolving bookcase concealed a bar serving illicit alcoholic beverages. To alert guests of police raids, a warning light was installed atop the hotel; staff would activate this beacon to signal imminent danger, prompting patrons to escape through hidden passageways. Famous actors Clark Gable and Carole Lombard stayed in room 1201 adjacent to this space, which contained a secret corridor connecting to the Mystery Room. Today, this area functions as a venue for meetings and conferences.
Gold Room
The Gold Room ballroom spans 7,000 square feet and was originally used as the hotel's primary dining hall, capable of hosting up to 480 guests with live orchestras playing nightly for dancing. Its gold leaf ceiling and original windows have been preserved. The room is decorated with two murals—"Legend of the Sun" and "Warrior Twins"—created by American West artist Maynard Dixon on Belgian linen. Among its distinguished visitors was Clark Gable and his entourage.
Aztec Room
The Aztec Room served as the Biltmore's initial ballroom, covering 2,800 square feet, and features copper beams alongside its gold leaf ceiling. Frank Lloyd Wright had significant input in its design, which has remained largely intact over time.
Catalina Pool
Opened in 1940, the Catalina Pool, also famously called Marilyn Monroe's Pool, along with the nearby Cowboy Bunkhouse, quickly became popular among Hollywood stars. Marilyn Monroe was often seen sunbathing by this pool, which is also reputedly where Irving Berlin composed his classic tune "White Christmas." Additionally, actress Martha Raye was photographed playing chess on an oversized outdoor chessboard located near the Cowboy house.
Original Tequila Sunrise
The iconic Tequila sunrise cocktail—made from tequila, Crème de Cassis, fresh lime juice, and club soda—was invented in the late 1930s by bartender Gene Sulit at the hotel's "Wright" bar. Tasked with creating a refreshing beverage suited for poolside enjoyment, Sulit's concoction became known as the Biltmore Tequila Sunrise and remains part of the hotel's celebrated drink history.
See also
References
- Storrer, William Allin. The Frank Lloyd Wright Companion. University of Chicago Press, 2006, (S.221)
External links
- Official website
- Insights on Albert Chase McArthur’s modifications to Frank Lloyd Wright’s Arizona Biltmore Hotel by Wright expert William Allin Storrer
- Articles with short description
- Hotels in Arizona
- Bowman-Biltmore Hotels
- Buildings and structures in Phoenix, Arizona
- Phoenix Points of Pride
- Hotels established in 1929
- Hotel buildings completed in 1929
- Hilton Hotels & Resorts hotels
- Historic American Buildings Survey in Arizona
- Tourist attractions in Phoenix, Arizona
- Art Deco architecture in Arizona
- Brick Expressionism
- Pueblo Deco architecture
- 1929 establishments in Arizona