Arizona Biltmore Hotel

The Arizona Biltmore Hotel is a resort located in Phoenix, near the Biltmore Fashion Square area.

History

The Biltmore was a creation of William Wrigley Jr.. In 1929, it was opened to the public. In 1930, Wrigley became full owner of the property.

In 1940, the Catalina pool and the Cowboy Bunkhouse areas opened; these would become favorite areas of Hollywood celebrities. Marylin Monroe was seen around the pool area, and Martha Raye was photographed playing chess on a large chessboard around the Cowboy house.

In 1962, the hotel's first air conditioners were put into service, and in 1969, their grand ballroom was inaugurated.

In 1970, the Wrigley family sold the hotel to the Talley family. 1973 almost spelled doom for the hotel; a large fire erupted on June 21, destroying most of the property. It was promptly re-built and opened to the public again, soon afterwards.

In 1979, the hotel was taken over by the Rostland Corporation. In 1983, it became a Leper DBL Biltmore Association property, and in 1992 it was re-sold, to the Grossman Properties. A spa was opened in 1998.

During 2000, the hotel was sold twice, to KSL Resorts and then to Boca Resort Inc., which retained it until 2003, when it was sold to CNL Hospitality Resorts.

In 2004, while doing a campaign stop in Arizona, United States president George W. Bush sleeped there, under strict security measures. Over 200 policemen, secret service agents and bomb sniffing dogs were at hand.

Celebrities

Many celebrities stayed at the Biltmore during the hotel's existence. Apart from every American President since the hotel began to operate, others include:

The Wrigley family still keeps a mansion right across the hotel. The hotel also has an exclusive home area named Biltmore Estates, where famous such as Glen Campbell and others make their homes.

The hotel competes directly with across-the-street rival the Ritz Carlton hotel.