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Why Is Obama Snubbing the Arizona Biltmore?

February 18, 2009 at 12:10 PM | by Jenna | 6 Comments


The new InterContinental Montelucia

Fun fact: Every president since Herbert Hoover has stayed at the Arizona Biltmore Resort in Phoenix. It's also where former presidential hopeful John McCain married Cindy in 1980, and, of course, where the McCain/Palin camp watched Obama secure the presidency on election night back in November.

It's not really any surprise that John McCain chose to avoid the Biltmore when selecting an Arizona venue to hold a fundraiser to launch his campaign for a fifth Senate term (maybe some bad memories there?), but hearing the news that President Obama is skipping out on the Biltmore on his next trip to AZ is raising eyebrows 'round here.

In fact, John McCain chose the new Intercontinental Montelucia Resort in Paradise Valley to kick off his senatorial campaign instead — and, interestingly enough, The Arizona Republic is reporting that this is also where Obama is going to be staying when he hits up Arizona. And their visits might coincide. Whoops.

We get why McCain's avoiding the Biltmore, but why would Obama choose the three-month-old Montelucia? Was it the dirty glasses at the Biltmore? Or was he just doin' like he do and breaking out of the traditional presidential mold?

6 Comments

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Return to » Why Is Obama Snubbing the Arizona Biltmore?

  1. nnnick

    HotelChatter Member

    Symbolism?

    I think this was done because his speech was on foreclosure assistance so staying at a hotel under foreclosure was intended to be symbolic?  
    February 18, 2009 at 6:07 PM
    #Permalink

  1. JoshFriedmanTravel

    HotelChatter Member

    the biltmore is decaying

    i think the biltmore is under foreclosure too - i believe it's owned by Goldman Sachs.

    Anyway, i know of a large group of luxury travel agents who just stayed there and I heard it was awful. Obama probably just has good taste.

    Too bad - that place is so beautiful.

    Josh
    www.joshfriedmantravel.com
    joshfriedmantvl on twitter

    February 19, 2009 at 10:25 AM
    #Permalink

  1. FunNut

    HotelChatter Member

    Obama Snubs Biltmore?

    Nothing of the kind. My guess is on such short notice the number of rooms required for the president's group were not available at the Biltmore. After all, it is the height of high season for Arizona.

    The Montelucia is new and relatively unknown. Undoubtedly it was the only property in town with the right security and number of rooms open to book. I'm surprised the press hasn't realized this. Saying Obama is "snubbing" the Biltmore is ridiculous. BTW, the last few times Bush came to town, he stayed at the Royal Palms.

    February 19, 2009 at 7:02 PM
    #Permalink

  1. bbphx

    HotelChatter Member

    Ceilings?

    I've been in the presidential suites at the Biltmore, and if they're still the same ones that have been used forever, the ceilings are all about 7 feet high... the rooms are nicely appointed, but feel really dark too.  The Biltmore is a neat property, but just needs a lot of improvements.
    February 20, 2009 at 10:30 AM
    #Permalink

  1. bbphx

    HotelChatter Member

    Nightline

    Another fun fact - during his visit, the location for the live broadcast of Nightline on ABC was the rooftop bar of The Clarendon Hotel, which was closed for the filming.  Set up took about 6 hours, and a live-feed satellite truck was parked just below the rooftop with cables dropped to the truck.
    February 20, 2009 at 10:32 AM
    #Permalink

  1. juanjbennett

    HotelChatter Member

    I agree

    I agree. The presidents are always spoken about a lot! No matter where they are staying, what food they consume, they are the first people in the country and they have to rule! So many talks and essays... I have visited the Biltmore recently. It's a marvellous place! Why not just visit it and enjoy the time spent there?
    December 9, 2009 at 1:08 PM
    #Permalink

  1. gm0nk3y

    HotelChatter Member

    I agree!

    I agree. The presidents are always spoken about a lot! No matter where they are staying, what food they consume, they are the first people in the country and they have to rule! So many talks and washing machines... I have visited the Biltmore recently. It's a marvellous place! Why not just visit it and enjoy the time spent there?
    January 24, 2010 at 4:22 AM
    #Permalink

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    HotelChatter Member

    re

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    February 1, 2010 at 4:27 AM
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    HotelChatter Member

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    February 1, 2010 at 4:28 AM
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