The Biltmore’s Centennial

On March 13th, 1925, George E. Merrick along with John McEntee Bowman and city officials officially broke ground on what we know today as The Biltmore Hotel and Golf Course. Ten months later, on January 15, 1926, The Biltmore opened to the public in grand style.

We are proud to be an important and enduring part of Mr. Merrick’s vision and legacy for Coral Gables, The City Beautiful.

From opening during the height of the Florida land boom as one of the nation’s most fashionable resorts, to serving our country as a military and VA hospital, to being the early site of The University of Miami’s School of Medicine, and then ultimately returning to a luxury hotel and National Historic Landmark in 1996, we have a unique and rich story to tell, and we look forward to sharing.

Please be sure to check in with us as we expand more about our history, how we will be celebrating our centennial anniversary, and how you can participate.

Special Events

The Biltmore Miami-Coral Gables Centennial Events

Please be sure to check in with us as we expand on how we will be celebrating our centennial anniversary and how you can participate.

Have a Story to Share?

Submit your own story or memory relating to The Biltmore Hotel to be a part of The Biltmore Hotel’s Stories Archive.

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.