Biltmore Hotel, Miami – Coral Gables
The Biltmore, a Mediterranean Revival style hotel, opened in 1926 in Coral Gables. Florida. It quickly became one of the most fashionable resorts in the country hosting world leaders, celebrities and the leading socialites of the time and still does to this day.
Coral Gables, called The City Beautiful, is a vibrant city located in the middle of Greater Miami-Dade County. The city is known for its great restaurants, upscale shopping and Mediterranean style homes on streets lined with large oak and banyan trees. Located at its center, the Biltmore hotel is just far enough away from the hustle and bustle of Miami Beach and Downtown Brickell yet still very convenient to the Miami International Airport and also the Port of Miami. This makes the hotel a great destination for both leisure and business travelers.
Click on any photo to enlarge and see a slideshow
It was serendipity when my husband and I learned that Regent Seven Seas cruise line was including a one night stay at the Biltmore hotel as part of a Caribbean cruise that we would be taking on the Seven Seas Grandeur leaving from the Port of Miami. We were looking forward to the stay as it had been 10 years since our last visit to the Biltmore and the hotel had undergone a $35 million renovation in 2018.
We have especially fond memories of the Biltmore as we used to live in a historic Spanish Revival home just a few blocks away. The hotel was a large part of our social life as it has always been a wonderful supporter of the arts, civic and charitable events. We had also been members of the hotel’s Cellar Club, a social club that held events that focused on winemaker dinners and interactive cooking lunches with some of the world’s most talented star chefs and winemakers.
Walk into the Biltmore today and you are transported back in time to the glitz and glamor found in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby. The landmark hotel has a rich history with notable guests such as President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, Babe Ruth, Ginger Rogers, Bing Crosby, Judy Garland, and the infamous Al Capone.
The lobby reminds me of a Mediterranean palazzo with its classic Spanish, Italian, and Moorish influences. Soaring marble columns and archways lead your eyes up to the frescoed vaulted ceiling, painted wood beams and ornate chandeliers. The lobby has been redone in rich colors of blues, turquoise, green, and purple found through out in the ornate carpets, mahogany and velvet furniture and silk drapes. The two unique aviaries remain and are home to brightly colored finches.
The hotel, which sits on 150 acres, has the feel of a classic country club resort with its landscaped tropical gardens, 18 hole championship golf course and golf school, tennis courts, spa, fitness center, and one of the largest swimming pools in the U.S. that is lined with sun loungers and private cabanas.
The famous pool once held aquatic shows starring Esther Willams and before his Tarzan fame, Johnny Weissmuller served as a lifeguard, swim instructor, swam his first world record in the hotel pool and dove from the high diving board which has now been turned into a two level waterfall. Tucked under the waterfall is the Cascade, an al-fresco restaurant where you can enjoy views of the hotel, pool and garden while you enjoy a meal or cocktail.
We often dined at the hotel’s French Restaurant, the Palm d’ Or to enjoy the fine cooking of Chef de Cuisine Philippe Ruiz. (Unfortunately the restaurant closed post pandemic.) We always loved the Sunday brunch in the picturesque courtyard with its marble fountain surrounded by orchids and palms. It was one of the most lavish brunches in all of Miami but unfortunately, we were not there this time on a Sunday.
While we didn’t have dinner at the hotel, the Fontana is a traditional Italian restaurant and in nice weather you can dine outside in its courtyard or inside. I would definitely suggest reservations if you wish to dine at the restaurant because it is popular with both guests as well as locals. Fontana also serves a breakfast buffet or you can order from a menu. I can say that the eggs Benedict and the pastries were very good. The restaurant also serves lunch.
The biggest change that we noticed and enjoyed since our previous stay was the lovely renovated rooms and suites that now have a luxurious decor that you see the moment you enter. We were assigned a lovely pale blue suite decorated with accents of plum, silver and gold. It had a very comfortable king bed with a small gemstone chandelier hanging above, a nice sitting area with a sofa and chair, writing desk, a 65 inch TV and minibar with an espresso machine. The bathroom had a shower tub combination.
****
With its old world charm, new and refreshed modern luxury, a friendly and professional staff, the Biltmore hotel has stood the test of time and continues to enchant us to this day. The hotel management, many of who we have known, understands the importance of honoring our architectural heritage. If you are going to be in the area, you should check out the Biltmore as I just touched on all the hotel has to offer.
Serendipity or meant to be. How absolutely decadent and beautiful looking, and so lovely for you to revisit. 💗🧡
So beautiful and grand! Your suite was gorgeous! I’m sure you had an amazing time~
Jenna
Wow! It looks so grand What a special place to stay. xo
I have always loved that hotel. I never stayed there, but just walking through the lobby made me feel I was in a different time. There are so few places like that in this country.
I’ll never live in that kind of style, Karen, but it’s nice that someone does.
That’s a very beautiful hotel!
Your tour of the Biltmore is like traveling back in time! The elegance and style is beautiful! Have a wonderful time on your Caribbean cruise.
Hi Karen,
That hotel is amazing. I don’t know that we have anything like it in Australia.
Hi Karen, I have not received emails about posts for years. It says that I subscribe. I have no idea what is going on with blogs!
Beautiful. they really don’t make buildings like that anymore. I am glad it is still there.
That is certainly an impressive building on the outside and the inside looks very luxurious. There is something about staying at a lovely hotel … https://sherryspickings.blogspot.com/
Karen, what a beautiful and lavish hotel! Your description certainly makes me want to visit. Thank you for the tour!
Definitely looks like an elegant place.
Gorgeous. It’s like you’re not in the US!
I didn’t know there was a Biltmore Hotel in Florida! What a beautiful place!
Beautiful!
I’m so happy this elegant wonder has been beautifully renovated and maintains its historic value. Happy traveling!
What a beautiful suit you had. Such a lovely hotel. Elegance!
Thanks so much for the tour.
Hi Karen, this hotel looks amazing!! We love historic hotels, love the charm and feel of the ornate lobbies and bars. This hotel is now on our “must-see” list. That lobby is gorgeous and your suite looked so comfortable. My kids and I will definitely research all the ghost stories associated with this historic property 🙂 Great read!!
Always nice to have an espresso machine in your room! That is great your cruise included a one night stay. I have never heard of that before. Sounds like the hotel is huge given how much land it sits on 🙂
I was at the Biltmore last month. Exquisite!!! ❤️❤️❤️ ( 3 SSF hearts)!!!
We did have Sunday brunch when visiting the Biltmore this year. Enjoyed reading your post. Everything you say is so true! It was the highlight of trip …truly was!!! ( ❤️❤️❤️) 3 SSF hearts.
There is nothing like a classic hotel and I’m glad to see this one has stood the test of time. So elegant and beautiful!
The Biltmore is such a beautiful hotel. It takes you right back to the days of refinement.
This really is old world charm at its best! Oh, the stories that the lobby (and rooms, too) of The Biltmore could tell… I’ve always thought it would be fun to go back to The Great Gatsby times! We don’t have any plans to go to Miami anytime soon, but I’ll be keeping this one in mind if we do!
This hotel is goreous, Karen! I love that you guys got a chance to stay there. It looks like the perfect place to relax and unwind and to kick off a beautiful vacation. Can’t wait to hear more and hope you have the best time! Hugs, CoCo
What a beauty!
Iconic gorgeous hotel!
So beautiful Karen, looks so dreamy. If we ever travel to Miami, I would take in it’s charm. Old world charm at it’s best. The stories it can tell.
I’ve actually been here, unlike most of your exotic worldly destinations. 😉 It is such a grand hotel, truly a beautiful spot to enjoy.
The hotel looks really beautiful!
neu2022Markt0203
angiesrecipes
http://angiesrecipes.blogspot.com
I’ve never been to Miami but it’s certainly near the top of my wish list for US travel! What a stunning hotel to stay in. It’s truly palatial.
What a glamorous hotel! Will have to keep this in mind next time I’m in Miami.
Oh my goodness, we haven’t been to Miami in years, and love this post! Thank you for sharing your experience in the Biltmore Hotel, It is now on our list to visit.
I doubt I will ever get to stay there, but what a grand hotel. I’m so glad you got an opportunity to revisit.
Gorgeous hotel!!
Wow, what a captivating glimpse into the timeless elegance and allure of the Biltmore hotel! It sounds like a true gem steeped in history and luxury.
What a treasure of a hotel, Karen! Simply beautiful and such a wonderful experience for both of you. Thank you for sharing this; we might be able to take in a lunch there the next year when we visit Florida.