Biltmore Hotel - Coral Gables
1200 Anastasia Ave, Coral Gables, Florida, United States, 33134
Loading map...
#6 of 40
expert-rated hotels in Miami- Recommended for:
- Business travellers, Culture vultures, Foodies, Mature travellers, Sporty types, Design and architecture, Great views / scenery, History, Relaxation, Special occasions
Best for Food - Expert review of Biltmore Hotel - Coral Gables
South Florida’s most historic hotel building has a timeless appeal.
I fell in love with The Biltmore long before I ever stayed there. Little changed since its 1920s beginnings, the classic Mediterranean-style architecture of the Biltmore’s grand and stately building dominates the landscape and oozes history and panache. Inside is everything you’d expect to find in a palace of such character.
Location:
Set in 150 acres of tree-heavy greenery in Coral Gables, one of Miami’s most beautiful and well-heeled neighbourhoods, The Biltmore has the space that no other hotel in the city can come close to matching. It’s close to the airport and all the major highways to the city and beaches, yet feels wonderfully remote from them all.
Bedrooms:
For such a huge building, the number of rooms – 273, including 130 suites – might seem surprisingly low, but they’re elegantly decorated and appointed. Light stone-tile floors further enhance the plentiful natural daylight from floor-to-ceiling windows, and plain white linens and simple furniture designs add to the timeless feel. But I was surprised that the televisions have not yet been upgraded to flat-screen models and the desk-cum-bookcase is not terrifically well suited to long sessions with a laptop.
Check availability and compare prices for Biltmore Hotel - Coral Gables
Public areas:
More reminiscent of a drawing room of a grand country mansion, the high-ceiling lobby area drawing room showcases The Biltmore’s charm, with numerous period sofas, rugs, artwork and lighting. Even the elevators are ornately clad in dark woods, inside and out. A separate building houses meeting space and the hotel’s innovative culinary academy.
Eating and drinking:
The Palme d’Or, widely regarded as one of North America’s finest French restaurants, is the hotel’s blue riband, although I would also throroughly recommend taking a plate of pasta, or a leisurely breakfast, on a table beside the fountain at Fontana, the Italian-themed courtyard restaurant from where you can gaze up at the hotel’s impressive architecture as you eat. The Cascade Grill provides decent poolside fare.
Leisure facilities:
Other than a top-floor spa with fantastic views and an equipment-packed fitness centre, golf is the hotel’s big draw for leisure seekers. There’s a challenging 18-hole course around some of the best scenery in Florida and for hackers (like me) a golfing academy with some very patient professional tutors. The clubhouse/restaurant is soon to undergo renovation as a sports bar. There are plenty of activities for kids, if you can get them out of the biggest hotel pool in the US.
Service:
Personal and personable, as you imagine it would have been back in the 1920s.
Check availability and compare prices for Biltmore Hotel - Coral Gables
Who stays there:
Retired couples, families with older children and golfers.
Price advice:
Book a package depending on what you came for… golfers rates include tee times, foodies get restaurant credits, shoppers receive complimentary limos to the high-end stores etc. Even in high season there are often “stay for four nights, pay for three” type deals.
Pros:
Period charm and opulence
Huge grounds and facilities
Restaurants
Cons:
Some areas showing age
More information on Biltmore Hotel - Coral Gables:
- Type:
- Hotel
- Address:
- 1200 Anastasia Ave, Coral Gables, Florida, United States, 33134
- Free tags / Keywords:
- Golf
- Amenities:
- Business Centre, Fitness Centre, High-Speed Internet, Parking, Pets Allowed, Restaurant, Room Service, Swimming Pool
