I visited this hotel on a Frank Lloyd Wright Pilgrimage years ago. He isn't the "official" architect, but his influence is apparent (he was "consulting" arch). We vowed to come stay here. I brought my husband here for his birthday and it was perfect, he had come here as a child for Christmas and never forgot it. I can see why.
The architecture is magnificent as was the service. Okay, they upgraded us to a Villa, I think partially because we were celebrating a birthday, which took everything over the top. The grounds are top notch and pleasant to walk around. The food at the restaurants was incredible. I could hang in the main building all day, it really is magnificent (I'd better come up with another adjective). Go upstairs and check out the Biltmore History room and just marvel at all the nooks and places to sit and enjoy another vantage point. This resort does take you to another time and place - you definitely get out of the main stream and settle into another world, which makes it a great vacation spot.
We got a great deal - search the web site for specials and packages, it is well worth it. We had 3 meals thrown into our rate, and since the resort was the destination we took advantage of it, which made this wildly affordable. Here is what we liked:
The Spa area was fantastic: a full gym and locker room facilities for every guest which include steam, sauna, whirlpool, outdoor quiet jacuzzi, classes and tennis courts. I had a message and it was lovely. Our package included 30% off spa treatments, which was a good incentive.
All the restaurants had very good food. Frank and Albert's, might have been our favorite. Lots of organic, fresh tasting food at very reasonable prices. Indoor and outdoor seating. We also ate at Wright's which was gorgeous and also very good. We thought the prices were not bad for the quality of the food and the ambiance. It was my husband's birthday so we splurged (our deal included $100 toward dinner and that paid for most of it, like I said, it was an unbelievable package). They even gave us a free souffle for dessert!
The Villa was unbelievable, 1200 sf, 2 patios. We had reserved a premier king room with a balcony and view. I won't be able to afford a villa on my own ($1200/night) but it was so nice of them to upgrade us without us even asking. Shows the care of the staff in general. We just seemed to get stuff without asking, like they wanted us to have the best stay ever.
There is a fantastic main pool with a FLW inspired slide. There are also other pools on the property. You have croquet and a large lawn chess set. There is lots of patio seating around the resort, a nice bar, a casual cafe, a pool bar and cafe. It is just a great place to sit and unwind. We wished we could have stayed another day.
There also have plays and concerts. We had just missed Randy Newman and the night we were there they had productions of both Midsummer's Night Dream (outside) and The Importance of Being Ernest (inside). There was s'mores making for kids on Friday night and lots of activities to keep you happy, if that is your thing.
We got the deal we did because their slow time is end of May through the summer when Phoenix gets hot. It was going up to 100 degrees when we were there, but it wasn't unpleasant and with the beautiful rooms to hang in, the pool to cool down in, and all this resort has to offer as far as service and design - it is all good.
Phoenix was never on my radar (I don't like the desert heat), but we vowed to come back more often. It is our new getaway destination (we live in L.A. and it is only a 6 hour drive).
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