**Historic Hotels in Metro Phoenix: From the Arizona Biltmore to Hotel Valley Ho**
Since President Theodore Roosevelt’s stay at the Grand Canyon’s El Tovar Hotel in 1909, Arizona has hosted numerous U.S. presidents and vice presidents at its iconic hotels and resorts. Phoenix, in particular, has been a favorite destination for presidential visits, starting with Herbert Hoover’s stay at the Arizona Biltmore in 1932. Over the years, these hotels have become synonymous with luxury, history, and presidential hospitality. Here’s a look at some of the most notable hotels in the Phoenix area that have hosted U.S. leaders.
### Arizona Biltmore
The **Arizona Biltmore**, designed with inspiration from Frank Lloyd Wright, has been a favorite among U.S. presidents since Herbert Hoover’s visit in 1932, just three years after the hotel opened. Every president from Hoover to George W. Bush has stayed at this iconic resort.
One of the most famous visits was by Ronald and Nancy Reagan, who honeymooned at the Biltmore in 1952, long before Reagan became president. The hotel’s layout, which allows for the entire presidential wing to be secured for privacy and safety, has made it a top choice for presidential stays.
Bill Clinton, during a visit in 1996, even had a memorable moment on the hotel’s golf course when he accidentally hit a ball into the backyard of a local GOP chairwoman. Despite the friendly encounter, she remained loyal to Clinton’s opponent, Bob Dole.
Although no U.S. president has stayed at the Biltmore since George W. Bush, the hotel continues to play a role in political events. In 2008, Senator John McCain conceded the presidential race to Barack Obama from the Biltmore, and in 2024, Donald Trump’s running mate JD Vance appeared at a campaign event there.
### Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia
Both Barack Obama and Donald Trump chose the **Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia** over the Biltmore during their visits to Phoenix. Obama stayed at the resort, then known as the InterContinental Montelucia, in 2009, while Trump stayed there in 2017. The resort’s luxurious 2,800-square-foot presidential suites, which can cost up to $5,000 per night, have made it a favorite among high-profile guests.
In 2012, the Montelucia and the Biltmore were both named among the 11 most presidential hotels in America by Forbes Travel Guide.
### Hilton Resort at the Peak
During a 2015 visit to Phoenix, Barack Obama stayed at the **Hilton Resort at the Peak**, which was then known as the Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort. The hotel’s name was later changed after the nearby mountain was renamed Piestewa Peak, as its original name contained a term offensive to Native Americans.
### Renaissance Phoenix Downtown
In September 2023, President Joe Biden stayed at the **Renaissance Phoenix Downtown** during a visit to honor the late Senator John McCain. Known for its distinctive exterior and the hidden speakeasy Melinda’s Alley, the hotel offers 521 guest rooms, including 83 suites. While its executive king suite is smaller than other presidential accommodations, it remains a popular choice for visiting dignitaries.
### Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
During a two-day visit to Phoenix in March 2024, President Joe Biden stayed at the **Fairmont Scottsdale Princess**. The resort’s 2,625-square-foot presidential suite offers stunning views of the Princess Pool, the golf course, and the McDowell Mountains. The suite features luxurious amenities, including a large wet bar, a conference area, and a spacious parlor.
### Sheraton Phoenix Downtown
Vice President Kamala Harris stayed at the **Sheraton Phoenix Downtown** during her first visit to Arizona as a presidential candidate. The hotel, which boasts 1,003 rooms, is known for its business-friendly amenities and its Sonoran-style cuisine at Carcara restaurant. The Sheraton’s Governor Suite offers 1,500 square feet of space, including a separate dining room and living room.
### Grand Canyon Hotels
The **Arizona Biltmore** wasn’t the first Arizona hotel to host a sitting president. In 1909, Teddy Roosevelt stayed at **El Tovar** on the Grand Canyon’s South Rim. Roosevelt returned in 1913 after Arizona achieved statehood. Other presidents who have stayed at El Tovar include Herbert Hoover, Calvin Coolidge, Dwight Eisenhower, George H.W. Bush, and Bill Clinton.
When President Joe Biden visited the Grand Canyon in August 2023 to designate a new national monument, he opted to stay at the **Squire Resort at the Grand Canyon** in nearby Tusayan, rather than El Tovar’s presidential suite, which has hosted a variety of notable figures, including Oprah Winfrey and Paul McCartney.
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Source: azcentral.com