The Arizona Biltmore opened in Phoenix, Arizona in 1929, and it was immediately dubbed “the Jewel of the Desert” for its Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired architecture. Constructed of ornamental concrete blocks and capped by a copper roof, this landmark four-story hotel looks like no other on the planet. Inside, gold leaf covers the ceiling of a cool, cavernous lobby accented by stained glass murals, colorful tapestries, and distinctive furnishings.
Great properties never rest on their laurels so it isn’t surprising that the Biltmore would undertake a thorough refurbishment of its accommodations for the celebration of its 85th birthday last year. Still, as I checked into my room in a block called the Paradise Wing, I wasn’t prepared for what I found. I expected the Mission-style furnishings I remember from my last visit; instead, I stepped into room with classic touches but an overall very contemporary, almost avant garde, style. It was light and cheerful, its color palette drawn from the desert.
There are hotel rooms that are mostly places to sleep, and hotel rooms where you could happily spend the day, and this might have been one of the latter if the resort didn’t have so many other diversions. One was right out my window: the Paradise Pool—three pools, actually—with its kid-friendly 65-foot waterslide. Behind the slide stands the 22,000-square-foot Tierra Luna Spa, a fitness center, three Har-Tru tennis courts, and four pickleball courts. Add two 18-hole golf courses, another handful of pools, a putting course, seven dining outlets, retail shops, and a speakeasy (password required), and you have no shortage of ways to spend your time.
Experience racquet sports the way they were meant to be played at the Arizona Biltmore. Their brand-new tennis and pickleball courts are open for private lessons with USPTA Elite Professionals, group instruction and open court play.
Off Court
Golf Courses: The two courses, Adobe and Links, are characterized by rolling fairways. Adobe is the more spaciously laid out of the two, while the well-bunkered greens of Links demand precision and careful shot selection.
Spa and Fitness Center: Tierra Luna Spa and its Sol Garden are adjacent to the tennis courts where they provide a quiet oasis just off the Paradise Pool. It has indoor and outdoor relaxation spaces, indoor and outdoor treatment rooms, a hot tub and cold plunge, a standalone salt room to aid with detoxification, and a well bar oasis. The fitness center next door offers a variety of classes, yoga, Pilates, and body sculpting among them.
Hiking trails take off into the adjacent Phoenix Mountain Preserve. Bikes are available for rent at the recreation desk. Or try your hand at lawn games or croquet.
Dining: Signature evening dining is found at Renata’s Hearth, which serves a modern take on Latin cuisine. For something more casual, explore McArthur’s for breakfast, lunch, and dinners or the Wright bar for appetizers and cocktails. Cup & Cone serves desert confections, espresso creations, and house-made gelato. Anyone looking to dine al fresco can head to the Spire Bar or Saguaro and Paradise pools.
Accommodations
For almost a century, The Arizona Biltmore has stood as a landmark and one of the world’s most recognized resorts for its Frank Lloyd Wright architectural style, intuitive hospitality and storied history, all topped off with a generous splash of old Hollywood glamour. Reinvented for a new era of sophistication, this iconic luxury resort is set within acres of lush gardens and offers seven sparkling swimming pools, diverse dining options, championship golf, a new spa, fitness center and so much more.
Getting there
Seasons: Year-round, though most comfortable from October to May.
Travel Instructions: The nearest major gateway is Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), 11 miles to the south.
Tennis was the main reason I chose this resort for my solo trip, and it was absolutely amazing! The first time I stepped onto the court, I was lucky enough to play with some pros, which really boosted my confidence. It’s been ages since I last played tennis, since my high school team, but it was a blast! The second day, I had the chance to have a one-on-one session with the tennis trainer. He was incredibly patient and helpful, and he gave me some great tips that I’ll definitely use in the future. This was definitely the highlight of my trip, and it was totally worth the time.
MF
We had a wonderful family reunion at the Arizona Biltmore in April 2025. We were 22 , 10 below the age of 8. While we are an experienced group of travelers we could not have hoped for a better destination. The resort is beautiful. The activities many. Everyone was friendly and helpful. This consistency is extremely rare.
A highlight was our tennis experience. Brendon Easterling, the Director of Racquet sports, helped our group play tennis, join clinics and he took on 8 children, with widely varying skillsets and age, simultaneously on the courts. He kept them engaged and eager to learn. They all want to play more tennis because they had so much fun.
He is simply very good, friendly and patient. The grown-up’s clinics were also very much appreciated.
Thank you.
BC
Our group did two tennis clinics with Brendan. Not only were they very fun and cardio based but he also threw in pointers along the way which I still try to implement today! We have plans to go back annually and that is in large part due to Brendan!
IM
I’ve been taking lessons for two years and my lessons with Brendan were top notch. I learned new skills with just two lessons, which have helped my game significantly. I highly recommend Brendan and will take lessons again with him when I visit Phoenix again.
ES
The tennis pro Brendan was amazing !!!! He was very accommodating and always answered texts promptly . This helped us with our scheduling while we were in Arizona for a meeting . We did private lesson and attended clinics . All the court time was fun energetic and encouraging . We leaned some great tips! Highly recommend him and we hope to go back .
MW
Top notch tennis facility. Took two private lessons with Brendan. Played highly competitive tennis through college and he was a human backboard. Great sparing partner. Highly recommend!
MK
I took three private tennis lessons with Josh and Brendan. There were excellent – professional, patient and very good in their didactic approach. Highly recommended.
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105 Reviews on “Arizona Biltmore”
Tennis was the main reason I chose this resort for my solo trip, and it was absolutely amazing! The first time I stepped onto the court, I was lucky enough to play with some pros, which really boosted my confidence. It’s been ages since I last played tennis, since my high school team, but it was a blast! The second day, I had the chance to have a one-on-one session with the tennis trainer. He was incredibly patient and helpful, and he gave me some great tips that I’ll definitely use in the future. This was definitely the highlight of my trip, and it was totally worth the time.
We had a wonderful family reunion at the Arizona Biltmore in April 2025. We were 22 , 10 below the age of 8. While we are an experienced group of travelers we could not have hoped for a better destination. The resort is beautiful. The activities many. Everyone was friendly and helpful. This consistency is extremely rare.
A highlight was our tennis experience. Brendon Easterling, the Director of Racquet sports, helped our group play tennis, join clinics and he took on 8 children, with widely varying skillsets and age, simultaneously on the courts. He kept them engaged and eager to learn. They all want to play more tennis because they had so much fun.
He is simply very good, friendly and patient. The grown-up’s clinics were also very much appreciated.
Thank you.
Our group did two tennis clinics with Brendan. Not only were they very fun and cardio based but he also threw in pointers along the way which I still try to implement today! We have plans to go back annually and that is in large part due to Brendan!
I’ve been taking lessons for two years and my lessons with Brendan were top notch. I learned new skills with just two lessons, which have helped my game significantly. I highly recommend Brendan and will take lessons again with him when I visit Phoenix again.
The tennis pro Brendan was amazing !!!! He was very accommodating and always answered texts promptly . This helped us with our scheduling while we were in Arizona for a meeting . We did private lesson and attended clinics . All the court time was fun energetic and encouraging . We leaned some great tips! Highly recommend him and we hope to go back .
Top notch tennis facility. Took two private lessons with Brendan. Played highly competitive tennis through college and he was a human backboard. Great sparing partner. Highly recommend!
I took three private tennis lessons with Josh and Brendan. There were excellent – professional, patient and very good in their didactic approach. Highly recommended.