The 36 Most Anticipated Hotel Openings of 2021

Arizona Biltmore, Phoenix

For the redo of the historic Arizona Biltmore, a Waldorf Astoria Resort, a 1929 gem from Frank Lloyd Wright and his protégé Albert Chase McArthur, New York- and Paris-based Virserius Studio understood the magnitude of retaining and continuing its illustrious history. With that in mind, the team’s intent for the $70 million, two-year renovation—which included the addition of the adult’s-only Saguaro pool and updates to the Spire Bar and event lawn, the Wright Bar, and 11 cottages—was to reimagine the property’s Old Hollywood glamour for a new generation while still maintaining many of its classic Wright details. Indeed, the famed architect’s prairie style combined with American Art Deco elements are still on display with some twists. Take the signature Biltmore Blocks, an architectural element of abstracted geometric leaves that recall palm tree trunks. Virserius Studio recreated and cast many onsite to replace those that have worn down over the years. Additional Wright-inspired elements include custom mosaics and vibrant Spanish tiles that nod to the colorful Southwestern sky.