Having stayed - in the last year - at the Sanctuary and the Montage, I expected the Biltmore to be of the same caliber, given that it was in the same price range. Don't get me wrong - it was good, but not that good. Sure, the unique architecture of the "old building," both inside and out, is remarkable. The service is impeccable. However, the inside of the "new" buildings was not up to my expectations. I stayed in the Arizona building, built long after the original building, but a long time ago. The hallways reminded me of a run-of-the-mill Marriott. The "half-moon" lights down the hallway doubled as dead bug receptacles. The room was spacious and the furniture and appointments okay, but not plush. It really reminded me of an apartment I lived in 20 years ago: hard plastic sink and bathtub, '80's style light switches, and double-mirrored closet doors that won't stay on their tracks. The carpet had stains as did some of the chairs. And the sliding glass door to the outside (no balcony, just iron bars), had a shabby "afterthought" night lock that looked like "Uncle Bob" slapped up. In this era of "Spa Resorts," it seems like the emphasis is more on the spas and not so much on the facilities. (I had a similar impression of the Phoenician also.) Next time I go to Phoenix, I'll try the Ritz or Four Seasons (if they have locations in Phoenix).
hotel reviews