About Us - Biltmore

About The Biltmore

Since first opening its doors, The Biltmore Hotel has long been a symbol of elegance and sophistication. Its Mediterranean architecture, spectacular landscapes and sense of style offer an experience that is unsurpassed in South Florida. Located in upscale Coral Gables, the Registered Historic Landmark offers a blend of timeless elegance combined with modern amenities and conveniences. The Biltmore is also home to the legendary Biltmore Golf Course – an 18-hole, par-71 championship course, originally designed in 1925 by architect Donald Ross.

Building a Dream

1924 – 1925

George E. Merrick was the man behind the creation of Coral Gables. But he wanted more. He wanted to create a hotel in Miami’s latest hotspot – one that was a center for sports, fashion, and grand living. Merrick joined forces with hotel magnate John McEntee Bowman during the Florida land boom, and they set their sights on building South Florida’s preeminent hotel. The Biltmore is the centerpiece of George Merrick’s vision of Coral Gables as an elegant, stately suburb, which he called The City Beautiful. The 10-million-dollar project was announced on November 25, 1924, and in less than 14 months, The Biltmore was unveiled to the public amid great fanfare in January of 1926. One might say he was building a dream, a dream that came true when the masterpiece of the Biltmore at the city’s epicenter was completed in 1926.

The Jazz Age

1926 – 1942

With the Jazz Age in full swing, the elegant Biltmore attracted royalty of both the European and Hollywood variety. Guests enjoyed fashion shows, gala balls, and aquatic shows in the grand pool. It hosted world-class golf tournaments. Big Bands entertained wealthy visitors to this American Riviera resort.

The War Years

1942 -1968

The ‘War Years’ saw the Biltmore serve as an Army Air Forces hospital, and the early site of the University of Miami’s School of Medicine. The hotel remained a Veterans Administration hospital until 1968 when it finally closed its doors.

The Next Step

1983 – 1990

In 1973, the City of Coral Gables was granted ownership of the hotel under the Historic Monuments Act and Legacy of Parks program, but the hotel continued to remain unoccupied for years to come. Finally, in 1983, the city initiated a full restoration to return The Biltmore to its former glory as a grand hotel and it reopened in 1987 as a four-star hotel and resort. However, after three years, in 1990, The Biltmore closed amid the country’s economic downturn.

A New Era Begins

1992 – Present

A new era began in 1992, when Seaway Hotels Group, chaired by Gene Prescott and his son Tom Prescott, became the operator of the resort and golf course. They embarked on a 10-year, $40 million renovation project to renovate the public spaces and guest rooms. A state-of-the-art fitness center and spa were added. The golf course was restored to its original Donald Ross design. And the Biltmore’s landmark pool was refurbished, adding a tropical waterfall and private cabanas. Today, the Landmark is indeed as elegant as the day she opened. The Biltmore’s rich history makes it Coral Gables’ most preeminent historic landmark.

Building a Dream

1924 – 1925

George E. Merrick was the man behind the creation of Coral Gables. But he wanted more. He wanted to create a hotel in Miami’s latest hotspot – one that was a center for sports, fashion, and grand living. Merrick joined forces with hotel magnate John McEntee Bowman during the Florida land boom, and they set their sights on building South Florida’s preeminent hotel. The Biltmore is the centerpiece of George Merrick’s vision of Coral Gables as an elegant, stately suburb, which he called The City Beautiful. The 10-million-dollar project was announced on November 25, 1924, and in less than 14 months, The Biltmore was unveiled to the public amid great fanfare in January of 1926. One might say he was building a dream, a dream that came true when the masterpiece of the Biltmore at the city’s epicenter was completed in 1926.

The Jazz Age

1926 – 1942

With the Jazz Age in full swing, the elegant Biltmore attracted royalty of both the European and Hollywood variety. Guests enjoyed fashion shows, gala balls, and aquatic shows in the grand pool. It hosted world-class golf tournaments. Big Bands entertained wealthy visitors to this American Riviera resort.

The War Years

1942 -1968

The ‘War Years’ saw the Biltmore serve as an Army Air Forces hospital, and the early site of the University of Miami’s School of Medicine. The hotel remained a Veterans Administration hospital until 1968 when it finally closed its doors.

The Next Step

1983 – 1990

In 1973, the City of Coral Gables was granted ownership of the hotel under the Historic Monuments Act and Legacy of Parks program, but the hotel continued to remain unoccupied for years to come. Finally, in 1983, the city initiated a full restoration to return The Biltmore to its former glory as a grand hotel and it reopened in 1987 as a four-star hotel and resort. However, after three years, in 1990, The Biltmore closed amid the country’s economic downturn.

A New Era Begins

1992 – Present

A new era began in 1992, when Seaway Hotels Group, chaired by Gene Prescott and his son Tom Prescott, became the operator of the resort and golf course. They embarked on a 10-year, $40 million renovation project to renovate the public spaces and guest rooms. A state-of-the-art fitness center and spa were added. The golf course was restored to its original Donald Ross design. And the Biltmore’s landmark pool was refurbished, adding a tropical waterfall and private cabanas. Today, the Landmark is indeed as elegant as the day she opened. The Biltmore’s rich history makes it Coral Gables’ most preeminent historic landmark.

Getting Here

By Air: MIA is a short 4.8 miles from the property and easily accessed by taxi or you favorite ride share.
By Land: Convenient access from both 95 and the Florida Turnpike.

The Biltmore Hotel
1200 Anastasia Avenue
Coral Gables, FL 33138

Directions
Self-parking is available in the West Parking Lot and Valet Parking is available for daily visitors. Valet services are $25 daily for visitors and $42 per day for overnight guests. Rates are subject to change.

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Transportation

The Biltmore Hotel is a National Historic Landmark located at 1200 Anastasia Ave, Coral Gables, Florida 33134.

Private Transportation

Majestic™ Limousines is a trusted partner of the Biltmore for all your private transportation needs. Whether you are looking for a stylish ride to and from the airport, or making arrangements to arrive in style at a wedding, concert or sporting event. Majestic has an impressive fleet ranging from luxury sedans to to stretch limos.

Arrange Service

Audio-Visual Info

For those guests who prefer to get to know Coral Gables and Miami on their own, we recommend renting a vehicle while staying at The Biltmore Hotel Miami through SIXT Car Rentals.

Please call us at 1 877 624 2830 or contact our Concierge once on property.

Les Clefs d’Or Concierge

With Les Clef d’Or Concierges, anything is possible. Few know more or can do more than The Biltmore’s Les Clefs d’Or concierges. They are available to assist with the simplest, to the most complex requests and offer information and insider information on area dining, shopping, tours, attractions, and transportation.

History – Under Construction 19252024-07-15T11:48:15-04:00