Here’s What It Is Like to Stay at Arizona Biltmore, Voted A Top Resort in The Southwest
For almost a century, the landmark Arizona Biltmore has stood as one of the world’s most recognized resorts, co-designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. For decades, it was the glamorous getaway for presidents, dignitaries, and ‘The Real Housewives’ socialites of yesteryear. It oozed cool glamour with Marilyn Monroe by the pool and Frank Sinatra at the bar.
And in 2021, it reopened after 15 months of restoration, repair and updates that underscore the best of its past in an undeniably fresh, modern, and uniquely Biltmore way. Over fall school break, my family and I stayed for a couple of days to experience its new era of effortless chic.
A Jewel, Reshined
The expansive 39-acre Phoenix resort sings after a $170 million transformation across its dining, stylish accommodations, and seven pools. That means that this former celebrity favorite remains a favorite among today’s modern travelers, even families.
No wonder in-the-know Condé Nast Traveler’s readers voted it the #6 resort in the Southwest for 2026.
You Can Feel Its Special History, Yet It Doesn’t Feel Like a Museum
The McArthur brothers had a vision of a luxurious resort that would seamlessly blend with the natural beauty of the desert landscape. They envisoned a grand hotel that would be a work of art, one that would be admired and remembered for generations. And that vision is alive and well in 2024.
You know you’re in a special place as soon as you arrive. You’re immediately drawn to the infamous Biltmore blocks and stunning Phoenix Mountain Preserve views. Without any airs, it strikes a perfect balance of luxury while being welcoming, even to families.
Earthy Yet Classic Accommodations
There are 705 total accommodations on the property, including 251 guest rooms, 41 cottages, 56 villas, 204 balcony patio rooms, 125 firepit rooms, 100 suites, 53 poolside rooms, and 20 accessible rooms.
The Paradise Poolside rooms have an amazing wow factor if you’re traveling with kids. The outdoor patio space with direct access to the pool will be hard to beat in my children’s books. The cherry on top is that poolside dining can be delivered to your patio, the perfect end or break in your day.
No Need To Leave With These Dining Options
Renata’s Heart, a modern Latin-inspired restaurant, offers signature dishes such as Smoked Wagyu, Spanish Esquite, and Warm Fava Beans prepared with serrano-oregano butter and hen of the wood mushrooms. The staffer who checked us in at the front desk recommended their Roasted Chilean Seabass served with Peruvian rice, mole verde, and pickled fresno peppers.
McCarthur’s Restaurant & Bar is named after the hotel’s visionary architect, Albert Chase McArthur,
and continues to pay homage while offering classic America fare.
Even Casual Dining Has Top Notch Service
There’s nothing more decadent than dining poolside via top-notch service. And the cherry on top was the elevated and kid-friendly options. For example, the family favorite Paradise Pool offers American-style delivered cuisine, including the resort’s signature Pesto Caprese Panini prepared with grilled portobello, eggplant, tomatoes, and Taleggio cheese on rosemary ciabatta. Even the kids’ chicken tenders and fries were so good that the adults were stealing from their plates.
Take advantage of golden hour at The Spire Bar. Enjoy light bites and a cocktail while watching the sunset behind Piestewa Peak. Their signature Shrimp and Lobster Club features sliced avocado, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise atop a brioche bun. Kids can run around on the Event Lawn and spin their hearts away while parents can enjoy a moment or two with each other.
Don’t Skip the Treats at Cup and Cone
While you could walk by and miss Cup and Cone, the resort’s Art Deco-inspired cafe, make sure to stop in. Their hand-roasted La Colombe coffee drinks made the perfect companion to our morning walk around the property. At night, make sure to pop in to see their whimsical display of spinning gelato. Not just for show but full of substance, every flavor is handcrafted in-house, with staff adding their own fun and delicious creations.
We indulged in private taste testing of all their gelato flavors as part of our invitation to stay at the resort. Our favorites were the Prickly Pear, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Strawberry Cheesecake, and Elvis Presley (a surprisingly good peanut butter, jelly, and bacon creation invented by the head pastry chef).
The Citrus Club Add-on Is Worth It
For those who prefer a more all-inclusive, exclusive, or adults-only stay, add on Citrus Club access. Open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., the Citrus Club offers a curated bar selection and buffet-style meals for guests 21 and over. Access costs $200/night for up to two adults, with additional adults at $100 pp per night. We felt the cost is well worth it.
One day my husband and I ate all three meals at the Citrus Club. While they described the buffet as light, the sandwiches, sushi, egg sandwiches, and other artisan offerings were more than enough for us. We also enjoyed the open bar at all three meals, plus happy hour. Don’t miss their Tequila Sunrise, invented by Gene Sulit, a bartender at the Arizona Biltmore.
Relax, Splash or Smash With Their On-Site Recreation
Hop around their seven pools and four hot tubs, including Marilyn’s favorite (the Catalina Pool.) Perfectly managed, each one is chilled during the summer and heated during the winter to ensure a comfortable 82–84-degree temperature all year round.
For those looking to keep active, play on their three Har-Tru tennis courts and four hard pickleball courts. You don’t need to pack your equipment with rentals on-site. They also offer round-robin play, clinics, mixers, and private and semi-private lessons with a PBI professional.
Towering Waterslides Enjoyed by Guests of All Ages
Added as part of the recent hotel refresh, The Paradise Pool now features a triple 65’ heated waterslide named “The Twist.” It was a favorite of our entire family during our stay. We laughed while racing each other and having the lifeguard declare the winner.
A group of adults staying for an on-site wedding enjoyed racing each other down the slides, too. So don’t be shy and give it a try.
It Is Beloved by Generations of Guests
“Growing up, my family would do staycations at The Arizona Biltmore and I loved their massive swimming pool. During the summer months, they would host movie nights in the pool, and it was one of my favorite memories as a kid,” shares Alec Sills-Trausch, Landscape Photographer, Content Creator, Travel Journalist, and Founder of Explore With Alec.
“After college, I spent more time there playing golf and grabbing drinks at the outdoor patio. The entire resort has an incredible vibe, and it’s definitely one of the top places to stay in the Phoenix area,” he adds.
Can You Stay Here With Points?
Hilton Honors is the loyalty program for the entire Hilton portfolio, comprising more than 8,300 properties in 138 countries and territories, including The Arizona Biltmore, now an LXR Resort. Hilton Honors Gold Members will enjoy their status here. My $25 food and dining credit per adult was provided and automatically applied to my final bill.
Additionally, at the time of publication, this hotel was available for cash and point bookings on Capital One’s Travel portal, which currently offers 30% off any hotel booking (up to $300).
Now Is The Perfect Time To Book a Stay
Arizona Biltmore’s Seasonal Savings offer invites travelers to enjoy the beauty of fall and winter at Arizona Biltmore with 40% off stays of three nights or more.
Those shopping Black Friday deals should keep an eye on the property’s socials, as the resort has offered discounts in the past.
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