By Amy Wolf, Sunset travel editor

While up to a million people are predicted to swarm into Chicago’s Grant Park tonight to celebrate election night and Barack Obama, plans for the Republican party at the Arizona Biltmore seem a little more subdued, formal, and—dare I say it—over the top, given these economic times.

But like I said yesterday, I’m not going to get all politicky on you. Instead, I thought I would share a couple fun facts about the Arizona Biltmore, a hotel that is, like Sunset, a western icon.

The Arizona Biltmore was the first luxury resort built in the dusty desert, in 1929.

It makes a good stop when you're exploring Scottsdale's canals.

The chef does salsa demos and tastings at the swim-up bar in the pool. (I wonder if tonight’s party will feature any salsa in the pool...)

The oldest of the Biltmore’s pools was Marilyn Monroe’s favorite swimming pool. Will it be Sarah Palin’s favorite too?

The hotel’s bar used to serve (and maybe still serves) banana martinis, which taste worlds better than they sound. (Though I sort of doubt they’ll be drinking those tonight.)

Wherever you choose to celebrate, or mourn, happy election day to all: blue, red, and everyone in between.