George Merrick’s vision of Coral Gables as an elegant, stately suburb, which he called “The City Beautiful” led to his combining his deep affection for lush South Florida landscape with a high regard for Italian, Moorish and Spanish architectural influences. In 1924, Merrick realized his dream in the construction of his masterpiece when he joined forces with Biltmore Hotel magnate John McEntee Bowman at the height of the Florida land boom to build "a great hotel...which would not only serve as a hotel to the crowds thronging to Coral Gables but also would serve as a center of sports and fashion." He succeded in grand fashion as on January 15, 1926, The Biltmore Hotel debuted with a magnificent inaugural ceremony that was the social event of the year. All the who's who of the Northeast arrived in VIP trains called  "Miami Biltmore Specials." From 1926- 1942, The Biltmore was one of the most fashionable resorts in the entire country.

In its heyday, the hotel has hosted royalty of both the American, European and even the Hollywood variety. The Duke and Duchess of Windsor, Ginger Rogers, Judy Garland and Bing Crosby were frequent guests. In fact, even gangsters like Al Capone stayed at the Biltmore, where they enjoyed fashion shows, gala balls, aquatic shows in the 23,000 square foot grand pool, elaborate weddings and world-class golf tournaments. Johnny Weissmuller was a Biltmore swimming instructor and later broke world records at the Biltmore pool. Franklin D. Roosevelt had a temporary White House office set up at the Hotel for when he vacationed on his fishing trips from Miami. If you were in Miami , this was one of the places to see and be seen. The hotel is even a veteran of  World War II. During the war, the War Department converted The Biltmore to a huge hospital, dubbed The Army Air Forces Regional Hospital.

The National Register of Historic Places designated The Biltmore a National Historic Landmark in 1996, an elite title offered to only 3 percent of all historic structures. The landmark 23,000-square-foot winding pool now has private cabanas, al fresco bar, and restaurant. Always a popular destination for golfers, including former president Clinton (who stays in the Al Capone suite). The  Biltmore is situated on a lush, rolling, 18-hole Donald Ross course that is as challenging as it is beautiful.

In keeping with traditional European grand hotels, Old World charm permeates the property. Consistent with the architectural style of the affluent homes of Coral Gables, The Biltmore's design is considered “Mediterranean revival,” based predominantly on Spanish style with Moorish and Italian accents.

The Biltmore's centerpiece is its 93-foot copper-clad tower, modeled after the Giralda Tower in Seville, Spain. Guests arrive at the Biltmore via an arched driveway that leads to an impressive façade. Throughout the property, guests will encounter grand architectural ornaments, from the colonnaded lobby with hand-painted ceiling beams, to the open-air courtyard and fountain, plus balconies with balustrades and gleaming terrazzo and tile floors.

The Biltmore Hotel
1200 Anastasia Avenue
Coral Gables, FL 33134
800.915.1926/ 305.445.1926
 www.BiltmoreHotel.com