This legendary Phoenix hotel was named a prime destination for wine lovers. Here's why
An iconic Phoenix resort hotel has been recognized in a story on outstanding wine destinations.
Wine Spectator magazine recently spotlighted Phoenix as being among the best travel destinations for food and wine, specifically naming Arizona Biltmore, A Waldorf Astoria Resort, as a must-visit hotel.
Arizona Biltmore, which opened in 1929, was mentioned alongside places like Lon's at the Hermosa restaurant and Tool frontman Maynard James Keenan's Merkin Vineyards as highlights of a visit centered on experiencing regional wine and farm-to-table cuisine.
The resort is famous for its architecture, history and a 65-foot-tall water slide, as well as its beverages. Here's why Wine Spectator recognized the Arizona Biltmore and why it continues to stand out in the metro Phoenix tourism landscape.
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Why Wine Spectator recognized the Arizona Biltmore
The century-old resort, which Wine Spectator described as "classic" and "pristinely manicured," accommodates 700 guests. Visitors can swim in one of its seven pools, enjoy dinner at one of the resort's restaurants or stay at their villa and sip a drink by the fire pit. Tierra Luna Spa offers services such as sound massages and Sonoran Desert mud skin treatments.
The Biltmore's Spire Bar and Wright Bar feature an assortment of wines from California, France and Italy. The Wright Bar has two types of California wines on draft: Chardonnay from Sonoma-Cutrer and Cabernet Sauvignon from Daou Vineyards.
Why is the Arizona Biltmore famous?
The Arizona Biltmore cites Frank Lloyd Wright's architecture as a key reason why it's "one of the world's most recognized resorts."
It's a destination for craft alcohol beyond wine as well. The Wright Bar is the birthplace of the Tequila Sunrise cocktail, invented in the 1930s by bartender Gene Sulit.
The Biltmore also has been a favorite stop for presidents visiting Arizona.
How much is the Arizona Biltmore per night?
Rates start at $359 per night in December 2023, $431 per night in January 2024 and $616 per night in February, March and April 2024.
Rates can exceed $1,000 per night during periods of high demand.
Did Frank Lloyd Wright build the Arizona Biltmore?
The Arizona Biltmore was a collaboration between Wright and a former draftsman at his Oak Park Studio named Albert Chase McArthur, who was responsible for the main design of the hotel, according to the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation.
McArthur paid Wright $10,000 for the rights to use his concrete block design, known as "Biltmore Block," which Wright used in houses he designed in Los Angeles. The extent of Wright's involvement in the hotel project is unclear, according to the Wright Foundation, though parts of the resort — such as the Aztec Room and cottages — clearly show his influence.
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Does Arizona Biltmore have a water slide?
Arizona Biltmore has a 65-foot triple water slide called the Twist.
The water slide was among the reasons why U.S. News & World Report named the Biltmore among Arizona's best family-friendly resorts, even though the hotel's website describes itself as "an adult's playground."
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Nightlife and dining reporter Bahar Anooshahr contributed to this report.
Reach Michael Salerno at [email protected]. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter: @salerno_phx.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: This Phoenix hotel is a must visit, according to Wine Spectator