The legendary Arizona Biltmore, A Waldorf Astoria Resort has completed a major renovation that has significantly enhanced the guest experience and restored the iconic property’s competitive position in the Phoenix/Scottsdale luxury resort marketplace.
The multi-million-dollar renovation has created modern, refined accommodations and public spaces while preserving the historic architecture and design that distinguish the grand dame of Phoenix. Guest rooms and suites, the spa and salon, and meeting spaces – including ballrooms, pre-function rooms and the Mystery Room, the Prohibition-era “speakeasy” that is used for themed events – have been re-mastered with a sophisticated new look that recalls the seductive style of the resort’s early years. The redesign is chic and contemporary, while continuing the original Frank Lloyd Wright style of organically incorporating the natural environment.
The revamp of the landmark property also comprised rebuilding and redesigning the 15 cabanas at the Paradise Pool that now feature luxurious new interior décor and an array of amenities, from flatscreen HDTVs to full baths. Refinements were also made to the service culture and communications tools were re-imagined, including instituting True Waldorf Service, new uniforms for the front-of-the-house team, a new website and a glossy new, comprehensive history book that recounts the storied lore of the famous property.
“With the renovation we have enhanced our classic luxury with chic modern interpretations and recaptured our top-tier status in the Phoenix-Scottsdale resort marketplace,” said Sheila Foley, General Manager.
In the guest rooms, a soft color palette of mist, linen and latte created a light and cheerful ambiance, juxtaposed with contrasting warm wood colors that emulate the natural tones of the surrounding desert. Specialty glass tops on bureaus in a thick mist color bring the soothing atmosphere of a desert oasis indoors. Echoing the distinctive use of metals in the original hotel design, bronze and gold metal accents in the guest rooms evoke a distinguished vintage ambiance. A particularly memorable feature, bringing a special touch of elegance and grandeur, are the mist-colored wall coverings embossed with a metallic Frank Lloyd Wright design, echoing the historic pattern on the Biltmore Blocks used to construct the entire resort.
Frank Lloyd Wright drawings of the hotel gardens, blended with geometric shapes, were the innovative inspiration for the new carpet in the corridors, creating an avant-garde historic interpretation. This contemporary merging of Wright designs and geometric patterns was the theme as well for the Frank Lloyd Wright and McArthur ballrooms, which were refreshed with new carpet, wall coverings, artwork and furniture. The ballrooms and their pre-function areas also were enhanced with technologically advanced production, signage and lighting capabilities.
The renovation was directed by Santa Barbara-based Smith & Firestone Associates (SFA), a leading international luxury hospitality interior design firm. www.SFAdesign.com
For more information about the Arizona Biltmore: 800-950-0086, 602-955-6600, www.arizonabiltmore.com.
