Arizona Biltmore, A Waldorf Astoria Resort

Surrounded by an upscale neighborhood and golf courses, the Biltmore was designed by one of Frank Lloyd Wright's students in 1929, and Wright served as the consulting architect. The distinctive gray exterior was created with "Biltmore Block", concrete blocks molded on-site with a geometric pattern sculpted into them. The expansive two-story lobby is capped with a copper ceiling and Art Deco-style lights illuminating wood floors and patterned carpets. Reception desks are lined with Biltmore block and there are several comfy areas with red, gray, and turquoise seating. Outside, the manicured grounds have colorful flower gardens in geometric configurations, elegant fountains, and sculptures occupying vast lawns. Guests, including families and business travelers, relax around the grand pools, lined with palm trees, stone fountains, and beige lounge chairs with umbrellas. 

The hotel is set amidst upscale neighborhoods and two lush golf courses, and is convenient to central Phoenix. Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport is a 15-minute drive from the property, while popular shopping and dining areas, such as Biltmore Fashion Park, are within a few minutes' drive. Piestewa Peak (formerly Squaw Peak) towers about two-and-a-half miles to the north and can be hiked. About a half-hour away is the former winter home of Frank Lloyd Wright and current architectural school, Taleisin West. Phoenix Zoo and the botanical gardens are about 20 minutes away.

Guest rooms run the gamut, from spacious studios, to one-bedroom villas with full kitchens, to Ocatilla rooms with perks like dedicated concierge service and private pool access. Decor includes Art Deco touches, Mission-style furniture, and vintage black-and-white photography. Some rooms offer patios or balconies with stunning mountain, garden, or pool views. Bathrooms are sleek and stylish with sand-colored walls and ivory tile floors; some have glass-door stall showers with metallic statement walls, or indulgent Roman-style bathtubs. Classic Rooms with garden views are decorated in restful shades of sand and ivory with soft blue accents, and have thoughtful extras like reading lamps and Keurig coffeemakers. Club Deluxe rooms mix 1930s style with modern conveniences, like flat-screen TVs embedded in dark- and blonde-wood cabinets; a sitting area with glass table and a small patio are included in each of these rooms.

Leisure time at the Biltmore can be spent amongst eight pools, seven tennis courts, and two golf courses. A life-size chess set and putting green are also fun ways to pass some time. The 20,000-square-foot spa uses natural and organic products for face and body treatments, and the sunny fitness center has a full range of modern equipment. The kids' playground has a canopy and a stay-cool rubberized floor, and a "Kids Kamp" for ages four to 12 is available in the afternoons. Five varied dining options include a casual cafe with terrace, poolside restaurant with swim-up bar, and fine dining -- including seasonal cuisine at Wright's. In a nod to its Prohibition era roots, the hotel has reopened its original speakeasy on Sundays -- password (via Twitter) necessary. The resort offers a free history tour of the grounds three times a week. For working guests, there is a well-equipped business center and plentiful meeting space, including two ballrooms -- one inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright. Wi-Fi is free within the main lobby, Ocatilla lounge and patio, and the Paradise pool.