Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa Phoenix
Phoenix, Arizona, USA

The hotel sits on 39 acres of impeccably manicured grounds and the lobby, which fills with piano music each evening, sports the world's second largest gold-leaf ceiling, with dramatic, stained-glass skylights. In 2004, the Arizona Biltmore celebrates its 75th anniversary, proving as stylish as the day it opened, evidenced in the interior design of the resort's 734 guest accommodations. Needless to say, the food and atmosphere are the most memorable.  With four unique dining experiences, guests should know in advance that Wright's is known for its famous souffles and decadent chocolate tower, whilst the Afternoon Tea is a tradition enjoyed for over 50 years at the Biltmore. After such decadence, guests can recuperate with a workout at the fitness centre or indulge in treatments at the spa. If you are a die hard golfer, you'll find not one but two world class championship golf courses and for the tennis buff, seven flood-lit courts run by two tennis pros, who will lead you in private or group lessons. Interspersed throughout the grounds are eight swimming pools, including a spectacular "paradise pool" that offers a 92-foot water slide. Guests can also peruse the great line up of retail shops such as Desert Sun, Lilly Pulitzers, The Wright Stuff, The Wright Home, The Wright Kids as well as the speciality gift shop in the Spa.

The spacious 734 guestrooms and suites feature panoramic views of the mountains, golf courses and manicured gardens.  Bathed in desert tones and flanked by balconies or patios, all rooms feature Southwestern-print fabrics and Mission-style furniture, each with its own sitting area, well-stocked minibar, working desk with two chairs – plus the latest amenities, including high-speed internet access, two telephones equipped with voice mail and data port. With a generous array of styles and layouts to choose, below are a few guest highlights for each layout.

The guests of the Arizona Biltmore can choose from four different dining facilities ranging from fine dining to a casual snack at The Cafe, with each dining experience showing the inspiration of Frank Lloyd Wright, in the furnishings and decor. The culinary staff are a team of chefs, who are inventive and together have earned a reputation for excellence.  Heading the team is award-winning executive chef John Zaner. With a blend of Southwestern, French and Asian flavours, your taste buds are sure to be excited, but having eliminated the heavy creams, full flavour is achieved whilst keeping the menu healthy. Wright's offers contemporary American cuisine and an extensive wine list and for a truly romantic evening, Wright's private cellar offers customised menus and private dining in the wine cellar. Alternatively, the more casual Biltmore Grill offers a large selection of American and regional specialities and, if you decide to spend the day at the pool, lunch can be served at the swim-up bar Cabana Club.

Having hosted the world's captains of industry for more than seven decades, the Arizona Biltmore today is an even more impressive meeting site, having benefited from recent $30 million renovations and expansion. The internationally acclaimed facility now offers the ultimate combination of unique style, world-class food, luxurious accommodation and over 100,000 square foot state-of-the-art meeting facilities. The hotel also offers a full service business centre as well as Biltmore Destinations, a full-service destination management resource available to assist in the co-ordination of off-property activities, events and transportation.

One of America's newest, fastest-growing major urban centres, metropolitan Phoenix lies at the northern tip of the Sonoran Desert, in the Valley of the Sun, named for its 330-plus days of sunshine each year. Excellent hiking, golf, shopping and dining make the Valley one of the country's leading business and holiday destinations. The Valley is a shopper's delight with everything from glitzy malls to charming boutiques and galleries in Phoenix and Mesa.  Scottsdale, no longer a suburb, has a downtown rich in historic sites, nationally known art galleries and smart boutiques. After having gazed at the mountains from the Arizona Biltmore's many floor-to-ceiling windows, Camelback Mountain, the city's most prominent landmark, presents a challenging climb that will take one to three hours.  Alternatively, head towards South Mountain Park, the world’s largest city park, containing more than 40 miles of multiuse trails where rangers can help you plan hikes to see some of the 200 Native American petroglyph sites in the park.