The epitome of old school coastal glamour, The Biltmore is situated in Coral Gables, Florida. The design of the building is an amalgamation of classic architectures that combine to mirror George Merrick’s vision of Coral Gables – as a stately and elegant area. The hotel is the perfect marriage of Florida landscapes and European building styles inspired by Spanish and Italian tastes.
The dreamy scene that the hotel creates is bolstered by barrel vaulted ceilings, marble columns and frescos that have been painted by hand. Guests are surrounded by leaded glass features and mahogany pieces, all surrounded by lovingly manicured lush gardens.
Construction on the ambitious Biltmore Country Club began in 1924 when George Merrick and John McEntee Bowman teamed up to create what they called a “great hotel” that would serve as a cultural centerpiece for the area.
In the heyday of the hotel, during the Jazz Age, it was known as a premier destination that hosted fashion icons and even royalty as guests. As time passed, the Biltmore served in the war, survived an economic depression and was finally put through a modern makeover by the Seaway Hotels Corporation. During the renovation, the Biltmore was restored to its former glory.
Guest rooms were updated and a state-of-the-art fitness center was installed. The 18-hole golf course was also restored and the legendary swimming pool (one of the biggest in the United States) underwent extensive reconstruction – an example being the conversion of the diving board into a waterfall feature. Now newly established, The Biltmore is a 273 room statement of elegance reflecting the history of Coral Gables.
1. The Biltmore Rooms & Suites
At the Biltmore Hotel, guests are treated to the glamour and elegance that harkens back to old Florida.
In the Superior Room, guests are treated to city or pool views complemented by feather-bedding from Europe decked out in 340 thread count Egyptian cotton. Leisure chairs complete the sitting area, with a flat screen TV. Beds are king or double queen, and guests are also treated with amenities like robes, mini bars and bamboo orchid towels.
Junior Suites come with city, swimming pool or golf course views. The king or double queen beds are decked out in feather bedding that is covered by Egyptian cotton boasting a 340 thread count. The floors are covered with Jerusalem stone tiles. The sitting area is separated from the bedroom through the creative use of a double sided bookshelf that is ceiling height. Other amenities also include Internet access, bath amenities and a mini bar.
Imagine being surrounded by the opulence of the Biltmore Hotel, while gazing at the tree-lined avenues of Coral Gables. That is what guests of the One-Bedroom Suite will experience, while also enjoying the luxurious comforts of a separate living room and sleeping area. In the living area a 42 inch TV dominates the room, along with leisure chairs and a plush sofa. An additional 32 inch LCD TV can be found in the bedroom, ideal for snuggling up on the king or double queen bed with a movie. Some rooms have balconies, and all rooms boast feather bedding, Egyptian cotton duvets and stone tiled floors.
Golf Suites boast 180 degree views over the 18-hole golf course at The Biltmore hotel, and are one-bedroom suites with a large living room boasting leisure chairs and a sofa. In the living room, guests are treated to a 42 inch LCD TV, a writing desk and an additional small television in the bedroom.
2. Luxury Suites
Found in the tower section of the Biltmore, Tower Suites have panoramic views of the Coral Gable’s tree fringed streets, as well as the golf course. There is a separate living room with dining area, chairs, a sofa and an LCD TV. The bedroom also boats an additional television, as well as a double queen or king bed decked out in feather bedding and Egyptian cotton covers.
The Terrace Suite overlooks Coral Gables and has a big outdoor terrace complete with chaise lounges and awnings. This area is connected to a master bedroom luxuriously appointed with feather bedding and Egyptian cotton covers. In the separate living area there is also leisure chairs, a sofa and an LCD TV, as well as a writing desk.
As the more group friendly suite, the Merrick Suite has three bedrooms, with an en suite bathroom for each. The Merrick Suite is accessible through a private elevator with its own key entrance – ensuring privacy. Here, floor to ceiling windows are appointed with curtains that billow in the wind before revealing two balconies and panoramic city views. Groups who stay in the suite can gather in the living room with its overstuffed sofas and large television, as well as dining area ideal for six guests. There is also a fireplace to create a cozy atmosphere in the rooms.
The ultimate statement of luxury and elegance, the Everglades Suite is a two-story dream complete with hand-painted ceilings that showcase scenes from the Everglades. Privacy is ensured with private key access, while the 360 degree view offers the scenes of Coral Gables from any angle along the wrap-around mezzanine found on the second floor. The living room is a spacious area decked out with a baby grand piano and a large LCD TV. Opulence is found in the master bedroom boasting a king bed with Egyptian cotton bedding. There is also a dressing room and master bathroom with a Roman bathtub attached to the room. In the second bedroom, found on a loft on the second floor, a queen size bed welcomes sleepers.
3. Dining at The Biltmore
Dining at The Biltmore takes a casual or elegant form with a large choice of venues, each boasting a unique menu.
Refined palates are treated to the ultimate in French cuisine prepared by Chef Gregory Pugin, a Michelin Starred chef, at Palme d’Or. Through his use of fresh and local ingredients, Chef Pugin transports palates to France, while adding a modernized twist that reflects his eclectic culinary history.
Found in the lush courtyard of The Biltmore, Fontana is a mixture of elegance and romance. A center fountain reflects the European style of the hotel, while Chef Beppe Galazzi prepares Italian cuisine using local and fresh ingredients. Here, morning guests can also tuck into a breakfast buffet, or elect to savor à la carte items.
Exuding a classic club restaurant atmosphere, 19th Hole Bar & Grill offers views of the golf course. Here, guests can refresh with a selection of “Brews of the World” while tucking into a casual club sandwich.
Providing al fresco dining next to the famous pool of The Biltmore, Cascade offers lunch and afternoon tapas. The venue also boasts the occasional live musician and has a bar in the loggia found under the cascading waterfall of the hotel.
The Cellar Club Bar offers up coffee as well as morning pastries and a selection of fresh fruit. During the day the bar offers up over 100 wines by the glass and can be found in the lower lobby near the Fontana restaurant.
Settle in for cocktails and old school glamour at the Biltmore Bar in the lower lobby. Here, guests who smoke may enjoy outdoor seating.
4. Spa & Golf
Guests are welcome to relax at the European themed Biltmore Spa, where a full roster of services are available. Whether needing healing, relaxation or simply the elegance of pampering, the spa has a talented therapist for everything. Let the Spa Concierge recommend a treatment that incorporates the personal needs of the guest.
Decked out in luxurious robes, guests are surrounded by a tranquil space where electronics are stowed away and conversation is kept to a minimal level.
Beauty services are also offered with facials, hair styling as well as nail and make-up artists who can get guests ready for a night out on the town of Coral Gables.
The Biltmore Hotel is a proud home to an 18-hole Donald Ross Golf Course. While golfers can tee-off and strut their skills on the green, newer players are welcome to take in a lesson with Golf Channel Academy. There is also a pro shop, where the perfect set of clubs can be found. Lastly, including the whole family, The Biltmore hotel also offers a kids summer camp.
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5. Weddings and Conferences
At The Biltmore, there is an outstanding 75,000 square feet of meeting and function space, found both indoors and outdoors and within the hotel as well as the conference center that’s adjacent to it.
Natural light creates a relaxing and peaceful atmosphere in these spaces and there are three ballrooms to choose from – ideal for opulent weddings and large conferences. There are also two amphitheaters and a selection of executive boardrooms. For business needs, wireless high speed Internet is available and there are also video conferencing facilities.
For those who need to boost their heart rate, The Biltmore boasts a 10,000 square foot fitness center boasting all equipment needed for both cardio and strength training. There are also group classes available in the spinning and yoga studios. The center is also equipped with a talented fitness team and instructors who are able to provide personal training services.
1200 Anastasia Ave, Coral Gables, FL 33134, Phone: 855-969-3080
Back to: Florida Weekend Getaways.
- The Biltmore Rooms & Suites
- Luxury Suites
- Dining at The Biltmore
- Spa & Golf
- Weddings and Conferences
