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HA401 : The Class : History : Resort History : Southwest
The warm, dry climate of the Southwestern United States offers a very attractive resort destination. In addition to a favorable winter climate, the Phoenix, Tucson, and Palm Springs areas offered an escape from the hustle and bustle of big cities. With the development of affordable air travel and the invention of air conditioning, the desert became a very attractive resort destination. Phoenix and Tucson had major airports with service provided from major airlines. Palm Springs was two hours from one of the largest metropolitan areas in the world. Despite the depression of the 1930's these resort destinations were primed for growth and development.
THE ARIZONA BILTMORE - 1929
The first resort that opened the southwest desert as a resort destination was the Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix, Arizona. It is the only Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired hotel in the world. It was crowned "The Jewel of the Desert" at its grand opening in February, 1929. One of its most interesting design features is the "Biltmore block" which features a geometric design inspired by the trunk of a palm tree. More than 250,000 concrete blocks required for construction were made and dried on site.
The 39 acre resort is in the heart of Phoenix's Biltmore area and include three outdoor spas, five outdoor swimming pools, and a 92 foot water slide. Guest can choose from two 18 hole championship golf courses, an 18 hole putting course located in the resorts main lawn and fountain area, and 8 lighted tennis courts. The Biltmore Athletic Club offers all the amenities of a world class spa.
The Biltmore successfully integrated the classical design of Frank Lloyd Wright with the rugged beauty of the southwest deserts. The elegance and sophistication of the resort catered to the needs of even the most demanding of clientele. The formal restaurants, extensive meeting space, formal lawns and gardens, and wide range of recreation including swimming, golf, tennis and spa were in marked contrast to the stark but beautiful Sonoran desert. The dry winter climate offered a luxurious environment to escape the harsh winters experienced in much of the United States.
Read an article from Arizona Biltmore's website. Then click on History & Architecture
The Arizona Biltmore was the first major desert resort and put Phoenix on the map as a winter resort destination. How has it held up to the newer resorts built in the Phoenix Scottsdale area in recent years? Would you prefer its historical elegance or the modern experience of the new Phoenix resorts? Why?
CAMELBACK INN—1936
Camelback Inn is a special place that evokes the feeling of days gone by, a time when life was simpler and Arizona was a canvas of untouched desert. Camelback Inn is a place that began with a dream, a vision of an inn that would entice people seeking to experience all that was unique about the Sonoran Desert and all that was unique about this special hacienda 12 miles down dusty roads from what was then downtown Phoenix.
Jack Stewart at the age of thirty two without a building in sight, set out to create a one-of-a-kind inn where memories were made. To make Camelback Inn a reality, Stewart persuaded a few investors to finance construction. Designed by a local citrus grower/architect, the Inn originally accommodated 75 guests. Rates on opening day were $10-16 per nigh single, and $18-25 double deluxe, including meals. Jack's wife Louise was the social hostess of the Inn. She organized grand costumed events such as the zany Gold Daggers'Ball and the Cattle Rustlers'Ball. She developed one of the hotel industries first and longest running children's programs, Hopalong college.
Jack Stewart personally greet thousands of visitors during the 33 years he operated Camelback Inn. J.W. Marriott, Sr., and his family shared the Stewart's love for Camelback as they vacationed at the Inn since the 1940ÿs. When Jack Stewart retired in 1967, he sold the Inn to his longtime guests, who seized the opportunity to add Camelback Inn to their emerging hotel portfolio. The Marriott's proudly made Camelback Inn their first resort. Adding more guest rooms, meeting space, championship golf and a world-class spa, it's Marriott's dedication and commitment to quality that has preserved and enhanced Camelback Inn's renowned Southwest charm.
Following is a remembrance from Alice S. Marriott about the early Camelback days:
"Camelback Inn has been a great influence on the lives of our family. We have been going there together for two weeks every March since 1948. Our first time we traveled by train to Phoenix, as they had no Planes flying there. We had two small rooms, cheaply furnished, And two tiny bathrooms and wondered why we were paying New York Prices for such accommodations. But when we stepped outside into the Glorious sunshine and breathed the pure, clean air, with no cars Whizzing by, we knew. Their was a stable on grounds and their father went riding In the desert almost every day. There wasn't a house in sight and no fences or wires to hinder them. They could ride in any direction and all the way around Mummy Mountain if they were ambitious. Every evening there was a square dance, with an expert caller and someone To teach the newcomers how to keep step. Everyone wore their fanciest Square dance clothes and it was great fun.
Read an article in the Resorts and Great Hotels on the Camelback Inn.
How did the growth and development of Camelback Inn compare to it's sister desert property the Arizona Biltmore? Which one would you prefer in the fifties or now? Why?
Once you have completed this module you should:
Go on to Assignment
1: Resort Comparison
or
Go back to Topic 2: Resort
History
E-mail Lloyd Shelton at Lloyd.Shelton@nau.edu
or call (928) 527-7518
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