PHOENIX, Arizona, July 1, 2003 -- The Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa, the 74-year-old landmark hotel that is the state's historic 'Grande Dame,' has added a 25,000-square-foot ballroom constructed in the original and acclaimed Frank Lloyd Wright style.

With the addition of the Frank Lloyd Wright Ballroom, the resort boasts the state's second largest hotel ballroom and ranks among the largest group properties in Arizona with more than 100,000 square feet of indoor meeting space.

"The new ballroom enables the resort to book those business and social events that were too large for us to accommodate previously," said Steve Sampson, director of sales and marketing. "What we're seeing now is a significant number of advance bookings for large functions over the next couple of years," he added.  "The ballroom is a boon not just for the Arizona Biltmore but also for Arizona because, in many cases, these are groups that would have gone to hotels in other states with larger facilities."

The Frank Lloyd Wright Ballroom features 22-foot-high ceilings, is divisible into 10 different rooms and accommodates groups of up to 2,500.  The pre-function area totals nearly 11,000 square feet.  Air walls are state-of-the-art for enhanced sound quality, lighting is computer controlled, and T1 lines offer the flexibility to meet the extensive telephone and high-speed internet connection demands for today's meetings.

The ballroom, with its original Frank Lloyd Wright look,  maintains the architectural consistency of the storied property. The exterior features the traditional "Biltmore Blocks" construction, originally created in 1929 of local materials, and a copper porte cochere.  In keeping with the resort's tradition of spectacular grounds, a beautifully landscaped drive with palms and cacti creates a warm, welcoming sense of arrival. 

The interior echoes the original Frank Lloyd Wright theme of organic design reminiscent of the desert and history of Arizona:  gold, earth tones, rust and sage green, patterned with geometric shapes and Native American imagery;  wall sconces with geometric patterns;  doors of rich, dark wood;  and copper inlays, custom chandeliers, and custom fabrics from the Frank Lloyd Wright interior design collection. 
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In addition to the Frank Lloyd Wright and McArthur ballrooms, the resort's meeting facilities include:  a 30,000-square-foot Conference Center with everything from boardrooms to the 11,000-square-foot Arizona Biltmore Ballroom;  the spectacular Aztec Room, an architectural masterpiece with a gold-leaf dome supported by a phalanx of 40-ton copper filigree beams;  the 5,500-square-foot Gold Room, known for its stunning copper and gold-leaf ceiling, geometric block construction and Native American tapestries;  and the 6,500-square-foot Grand Ballroom. The resort also offers extensive outdoor function space including the Squaw Peak Terrace accommodating up to 1,000, Paradise Lawn for up to 300, and Cottage Court lawn for up to 120. Events for as many as 1,600 are held on the golf course, as well.
Dallas-based Wilson & Associates, internationally recognized for its interior architectural design services in the hospitality field, handled the interior design of the Frank Lloyd Wright Ballroom as well as the recent renovations and McArthur Ballroom. Wilson & Associates' credits include Caesars Palace and The Venetian in Las Vegas, and Disney Hotels in California, Florida and France. 

KSL Resorts is the La Quinta, Calif.-based owner and operator of The Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa.

The Four-Star Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa is nestled on 39 acres at the foot of the Phoenix Mountain Preserve and majestic Squaw Peak. Opened in 1929, it is one of the most recognized resorts in the world for its distinctive architecture, luxurious facilities, and storied history as a playground of the rich, famous and powerful. As it approaches its 75th anniversary, it remains the historic "Jewel of the Desert," Arizona's best known retreat for a complete luxury resort experience. Facilities include 738 guest accommodations including 78 one- and two-bedroom villas;  eight swimming pools;  seven tennis courts;  a full-service spa, salon, and fitness center;  two 18-hole PGA golf courses;  and an 18-hole putting course.  The resort is just 15 minutes from Sky Harbor International Airport.