Explore Arizona Biltmore: A Historic Luxury Resort in Phoenix

The Arizona Biltmore boasts over 700 guest rooms, seven pools, six food and beverage options, and a spa—all situated on the grounds where Hollywood royalty has enjoyed themselves since the 1930s.

Celebrity Heritage and Recent Transformation

What do Marilyn Monroe, Liza Minelli, Frank Sinatra, and virtually every U.S. President since the 1930s have in common? They have all been guests at the Arizona Biltmore, the legendary 1929 hotel in Phoenix that recently unveiled a breathtaking $70 million transformation which took 15 months to complete.

Architectural Significance

The resort was crafted by a student of Frank Lloyd Wright, Albert Chase McArthur, who was guided by his mentor during the design process. Wright, whose legacy is deeply woven into Arizona’s architectural landscape, had his winter residence, Taliesin West, in nearby Scottsdale until 1959.

A Unique Oasis

This sprawling 39-acre complex features:

• Over 700 guest rooms across a main building and standalone cottages
• Seven swimming pools, including one with a 65-foot water slide
• Six distinct dining experiences, including the Spire Bar, which embraces Wright’s design with stunning mosaics
• A luxurious 12-treatment room spa, Tierra Luna
• Beautiful desert landscaping enriched with native Saguaro cacti

A Transformational Design Approach

Therese Virserius, the founder of Virserius Studio and the lead interior designer, described the project not as a simple renovation but as a full “transformation.” She emphasized the importance of respecting the historical significance of the hotel while revealing its original beauty.

Emphasizing Historical Elements

Much of the transformation included rediscovering lush gardens that flourished in the 1930s and revitalizing the iconic Biltmore Blocks—a precast textile block made of desert sand, designed in 34 geometric patterns. These blocks were influenced by the distinctive grooves found in palm trees and are central to the hotel’s architecture.

Modern Accommodations with a Nod to the Past

The Arizona Biltmore seamlessly blends historical reverence with contemporary elegance. The guest rooms and cottages feature a neutral color palette of creams, blues, and whites, echoing the stunning Arizona landscape. Thoughtful details like coffee table books on desert architecture and potted cacti enhance the visual experience.

A Layered Experience

Virserius emphasizes a delicate balance between luxury and practicality. She stated, “The Arizona Biltmore is a very layered project, and we wanted to spark curiosity for guests while encouraging immersion and connection throughout the space.”