You’ll Never Believe What’s Hiding in This Arizona Hotel

Basking in the golden light of Phoenix’s stunning and spiritual Sonoran sunsets, the Arizona Biltmore isn’t just any regular resort property—it’s an impressively preserved relic of living history. The property itself was designed with inspiration from Frank Lloyd Wright and is wrapped in decades of Old Hollywood mystique. In fact, throughout the past century, The Biltmore has hosted the likes of famous guests, including, but not limited to, Marilyn Monroe, Billy Joel, Johnny Depp, and nearly every U.S. president since Herbert Hoover. 

It’s said when the property opened its doors on February 23, 1929, over 600 invitations were sent out for the grand opening celebration (with the thought that only few hundred would actually respond and attend) but since everyone wanted to be a part of the party, the opening gala three whole days in a row to accommodate all 600 people (like a good, old-fashioned Jay Gatsby-style bash). Since then, the Biltmore still serves as a serene and secluded retreat for some of the world’s most notable people. 

You’ll feel like you’re traveling back in time to a romantic era like the Golden Age of Hollywood as you walk through the doors—but with a dazzling touch of modern amenities and contemporary service. And what most folks don’t know upon entering this historic hotel is that beyond the hotel’s regular hangout spaces, there’s a secret world tucked into the depths of the building’s famous architecture. It’s called “The Mystery Room,” and it’s The Biltmore’s hidden speakeasy, tucked away past the lobby, once serving as a Prohibition-era watering hole. This space is known only to those with the password and still operates in true Gatsby fashion—intimate, elusive, and buzzing with whispers of the past. But those who know how to “trick” their way inside can still get a glimpse of the glamour in real time. 

Hiding behind an elusive bookshelf that leads to a secret bar, The Mystery Room is a space open to the public and resort guests as part of the property’s guided History Tour. This ticket-based experience costs $35 and is well worth the investment for the return on interesting experiences you get. It was secretly built in 1929 and stands today as an authentic speakeasy that’s framed by the property’s iconic block design, with its original fireplace. And for those who like what they see and want to host a secret soiree for themselves (sans the prohibition-style status of precariousness). The Mystery Room can be booked for private parties of up to 30 people.

Whether you're a hotel guest or just curious about The Mystery Room, investing in this tour is a fun and educational experience. While you're on-site, don’t miss the property’s other watering holes, the FLW-inspired Wright Bar, and the Biltmore’s lobby bar, where the “tequila sunrise” was popularized. There’s also the “Catalina Pool”—a more secluded pool area on the property that was known as Marilyn Monroe’s favorite swimming hole.  If you're looking for another unique spot to grab a cocktail in Phoenix, consider this bar, which used to be a department store. There's also this speakeasy that's hidden in an office building that's perfect for a date night or friends' get-together.