Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa Phoenix - 凤凰城

This is a beautiful, elegant but aging resort property trading on location, its ”Wright-influenced” architecture, and a reputation for service it may have deserved at one time, but does not merit now.

I enjoyed the Biltmore for it's unique location, history, and FLR style.

The location was perfect, with a shuttle going to the Scottsdale area that was less than one mile away.

Once inside it's as if you're suddenly transported to a typical Marriott in a city center location.

I got this hotel from promotion from a Phoenix radio station and I'm so glad I did.

The room, decorated with mission style furniture, overlooked a garden and was spacious and clean, with a dresser, desk, two comfy chairs, side table, king bed, and flat screen tv.

There were no wash cloths in the bathroom, there was mold in the bathtub grout and the light next to the bed did not work.

The room was big, plasma TV, nice pillows and towels and a comfortable bed.

Again the room was clean and had a flat screen tv and king bed.

This is a full-blown suite: 20-foot ceiling, enormous patio, floor to ceiling windows looking north to the mountains, fireplace in the living room, full kitchen, large bedroom, walk-in closet, etc.

We had breakfast the first morning in the restaurant and found it to be incredibly mediocre.

We ate at both the cafe and one of the casual restaurants and both had very accomodating service and good food with prices typical of an upscale hotel.

My only complaint about the resort is the exorbitant cost of eating there---even breakfast is outlandishly priced---and the main dining room, ridiculous.

At the Grill, at the Wrights dining room--it's as if the cook saw a picture of a fancy restaurant in NYC or San Francisco, and made the food look like the picture, but the tastes are truly gruesome.

Room service was extortionate and the food at the deli and restaurant (another restaurant was closed for the duration of our stay) was mediocre at best.

I generally rely heavily on concierge staff to handle dinner reservations, suggestions for shopping, help with booking hotel services etc.

But, given the Biltmore name, I was disappointed by the perfunctory service I saw at the front desk and from the spa staff.

My sense was that line staff were too few and lacked proper training, while managers were generally indifferent to routine operations and most interested in cashing in on added-charge, personalized service opportunities.

The staff members were friendly, both times the room service order came fast.

Instead, mother and I found respite at the Fountain Pool behind it, and not far from the spa, where we got some (pricey) pampering.

$20 per day for internet and gym/spa was ok.

At most resorts the fee lets you use the gym but the spa is an extra charge (or completely off-limits unless you purchase a treatment).

The bathroom was large, clean and had a great shower.

Our room was clean, well maintained and very well suited for a week long vacation.

The beds are luscious, pillow top, down everything, crisp clean sheets.

She made it very clear that it was an exceptional room and that I would like it.

Room: Neat, well kept, clean, and remained true to the theme of the the hotel.