Shared Stories

Labor Day before last, the sun was going down on the back 9. You were gorgeous in that orange afterglow. The greatest DJ and bartender and caddy any golfer could ask for. My golf cart buddy.

We had just had enough transfusions, but I knew for a fact even if we hadn’t had anything but water that I wanted you to be my girlfriend. I asked you if I drove the ball onto the green on 12 if you would be my girlfriend. You laughed, smiled, you got quiet, you looked up, and you said yes.

I sliced my 3 wood right, completely missing the green. We laughed and laughed. I had to ask again on 14. You gave me a second chance. My gap wedge hit the green. You said yes. We ran around the tee box, we kissed. You became my girlfriend!!!

Every Labor Day, even though we live 5 minutes away, we celebrate our relationship together by having a staycation at the Biltmore. We play golf, swim in the pool-even in our fancy outfits after fancy dinners (sorry pool mgmt). We’ve devoured cherry ice cream in the bakery downstairs. We feel like we’re on top of the world at the Biltmore.

I’ve been to three weddings, countless family reunions, and a graduation ceremony in my life at the hotel. I’ve never felt happier, more alive, or in more in love than being at the Biltmore with Bri.

The Biltmore will forever hold a special place in my heart. My husband and I spent our wedding night there after postponing our ceremony three times during the pandemic, and it was everything we dreamed of and more. I still remember the night before—heading out for our rehearsal dinner, full of anticipation—and then the morning of, sitting at the restaurant overlooking the fountain, feeling at total peace before walking down the aisle. That calm, that joy, that beauty—it all felt like The Biltmore’s magic surrounding us. The next morning, we woke up as newlyweds, had breakfast in bed overlooking the golf course, and felt like the world had finally opened back up for us. It was the perfect start to our marriage—and it all began at The Biltmore.

My husband and I got married at the Biltmore hotel on February 21,2025. It was just the perfect day. The weather, the atmosphere, everything. I remember visiting the biltmore when I was a little girl and my dad jokingly said maybe one day you’ll get married here. And then another time I was across the street at the church just fantasizing that day. And years later, I got married at the biltmore hotel! Dreams really do come true!

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.