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The Arizona Biltmore hotel and resort has a rich history that spans nearly a century, having hosted a range of guests from families to presidents and movie stars. The resort opened in 1929, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright protégé Albert Chase McArthur, and has gone through a series of renovations and ownership changes, but still retains its ranking as a top hotel in the nation. The resort was purchased by London-based private equity real estate management firm Henderson Park in January 2024 for $705 million, marking at least the fifth owner in 25 years.
Historic Arizona Biltmore Hotel: A Century of Grandeur
The Arizona Biltmore hotel has welcomed guests for almost 100 years, hosting Phoenix families, presidents, and film icons. Since its grand opening in 1929, the resort has undergone numerous renovations and ownership changes, yet it continuously maintains its status as one of the nation’s top hotels.
Hotel Debut: An Event to Remember
The Arizona Biltmore, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright’s protege Albert Chase McArthur, opened with a three-day celebration. The original owners were replaced by Chicago’s Wrigley family in 1930, known for their chewing gum empire and ownership of the Cubs baseball team.
High-Profile Visitors
The hotel has been a favorite among celebrities such as Irving Berlin, Fred Astaire, Bob Hope, and Marilyn Monroe. Even a young John F. Kennedy stayed there to recover from his wartime injuries. The hotel has accommodated multiple U.S. Presidents, including every commander in chief from Herbert Hoover in 1932 to George W. Bush.
A Winter Haven for the Rich and Famous
Originally a winter-only destination, the hotel began to attract guests year-round after the addition of air conditioning in the mid-1960s. The resort survived a near-demolition by fire in 1973, leading to a quick rebuilding effort. The hotel changed hands several times before 2004.
Hotel Ownership Changes Hands
The resort underwent significant improvements under various corporate and foreign owners, adding water slides, an adults-only pool, and updating the guest rooms. Henderson Park, a London-based private equity real estate firm, purchased the hotel in January 2024 for $705 million from Blackstone Real Estate Group.
The Resort Today
Today, the resort complex sits on 39 acres just south of the Phoenix Mountain Preserve. It boasts over 70 meeting and event spaces, 705 rooms, seven restaurants and bars, seven swimming pools, two golf courses, and a spa. Room rates can exceed $1,000 in the winter season, while summer rates are roughly $250.
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