Review: Arizona Biltmore (Waldorf Astoria Resort)

I wish Hilton would extend the Diamond/Gold breakfast benefit to Waldorf-Astoria-branded properties, not just if you book through Amex Fine Hotels or Virtuoso. It doesn't really make a lot of sense to give free breakfasts on commissioned rates but not other direct-booked rates.

Not surprised a Frank Lloyd Wright inspired property feels dated today, because it is. That being said, for a nice classic hotel experience in the middle of the cauldron known as the Valley of the Sun its a good change of pace.

Did you have to pay a resort fee on top of your room rate?

@ Eric -- Whoops, you're absolutely right, there was a $28 resort fee.

And the resort fee was stated to cover things you already get as a Diamond like Internet?

A lot of the hotel websites are really awful. Even for finding basic things like: is there a lounge? is there airport shuttle service, and if so, what hours and do I have to call? and where is the pickup? Or email address to the concierge or front desk if I have pre-arrival requests. Or public transit access. These are basic things that every hotel website should clearly explain.

Lucky,
Maybe I am missing something, but why would you do a mattress run with a Hilton property after its devaluation even if the rate was favorable?

@ Carl -- Yeah, on second thought that should have probably been waived.

@ Moe Safer -- To be clear it wasn't a mattress run, especially since I achieve Hilton status through the Citi Hilton Reserve Card anyway. Rather I had wanted to visit Phoenix, and it just seemed like too good of a deal to pass up.

108 degrees? That explains the good deals! Great pics and commentary.

I stayed at the Biltmore for a conference a few years ago and ended up having two reservations due to a quirk in the conference room rate. The first night I was in one of their one-bedroom villa suites, which have kitchens and are like 1500 sq ft and have terraces looking out on the golf course. It was beautiful and modern and one of the nicer hotel rooms I've stayed in. The other nights I was in a room that would not have been out of place at a Motel 6. So yea, they have a high variance, and it doesn't seem like they have any plans to bring the rest of the rooms up to that level.

Ben: we have gone to the Biltmore several times in the summer, and we've gotten upgraded to the rooms with full kitchens just to the South of the big pool, which also sits alongside another lovely smaller pool. It is also convenient to the parking lot. Went on a run to the store, stocked up on the vino and liquor and had a great mini-vacation. We have always avoided that building where you stayed, as it remains pretty dark and depressing. Next time!

I haven't stayed at the Biltmore but thought the Hyatt in Scottsdale was nice. The JW Marriott further north is also nice (at least walking around it).

With the low summer rates you can get a number of locals staying at the hotels.

Have you ever stayed at the Fairmont in north Scottsdale? I've been there a few times but never stayed there.

@ Rich -- I haven't. Hope to return in winter, and will try to stay there then.

Do you have to use the $100 voucher in one sitting? Or can I use $20 of it on lunch, and then $80 of it on dinner later that evening?

Also, is there a part of the resort you recommend staying at vs another? What part of the resort is the most up to date?

Any other tips/tricks/suggestions when staying there? I'm heading there next week (booked through virtuoso)

Thank you!

@ Mike -- Unfortunately the voucher does have to be used at once, because it has to be surrendered at the time it's redeemed.

I think the best place to be is the Ocatilla Wing, which actually has renovated rooms, so if they'll give you a room there, that's what I'd go with.

Thanks for the report. Crossing that one off the list. Check out Sanctuary next time you're in the Valley. Amazing. A different world entirely from the cookie cutter corporate resorts.

@ Kacee -- I was going to stay there the last night, though unfortunately the rate went up before I committed to it. Did go there for drinks, though, and agree it was AWESOME. Next time.

For an A-1 resort experience in Arizona, I highly recommend the fabulous Phoenician.

lucky said,
@ Mike — Unfortunately the voucher does have to be used at once, because it has to be surrendered at the time it’s redeemed.

The $40 breakfast voucher has to be used in one sitting as it has to be surrendered at the time. However, you can charge your lunch/dinner bill to your room (including tax & Tip) and they will take $100 off your bill when you check out.

If you get upgraded to an Ocatilla room, you get access to their Club Lounge which includes complementary soft drinks/waters/coffee (all day), continental breakfast, horderves, complementary Beer/Wine (5pm-9pm), dessert, and a few other perks.

Also, if you are a Hilton Gold or Platinum member you get 2 free waters and 2 free drinks at the wright bar (up to $14 each drink).

Essentially you can pay $99 for a room ($143 after taxes/tips) and receive $176 in free vouchers + Octilla club lounge access.

@ Mike -- Hmm, that's odd. I'm a Diamond member and didn't get free water or drink vouchers.

Yea that is weird. They gave me 2 business cards(2 free waters/2 free drinks) with no expiration dates on them.

I also just checked out and the receptionist who checked me in misinformed me. The $100 voucher does have to be used in one sitting. Since I was misquoted the first time, they still honored the full $100 off.