Biltmore Hotel, Miami
More photosThe Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables is a true South Florida icon, opening in 1926 as the centerpiece of George Merrick’s “City Beautiful” vision. Designed by the architectural firm Schultze and Weaver, the hotel is a stunning example of Mediterranean Revival style. Its most striking feature is the central tower, which was inspired by the Giralda, the famous bell tower of the cathedral in Seville, Spain.
This historic landmark has lived many lives. During the “Roaring Twenties,” it was a playground for the wealthy, featuring lavish fashion shows and a pool so large it hosted aquatic performances by legendary swimmer Johnny Weissmuller. During World War II, the U.S. military transformed the luxury resort into a hospital, and it later served as a campus for the University of Miami’s medical school before sitting abandoned for years.
Today, the Biltmore has been beautifully restored to its original grandeur. It boasts one of the largest hotel pools in the country—featuring a tropical waterfall built from a former diving tower—and an 18-hole championship golf course originally designed by Donald Ross.
While the hotel feels like a private Mediterranean estate, it is located right in the heart of Coral Gables. Guests are just a short drive from the historic Merrick House, the vibrant Coral Gables Museum, and the many charming boutiques and restaurants that define this elegant district. Whether you’re exploring the lush grounds or golfing, the Biltmore offers a unique blend of high-society history and modern luxury.
Expert reviews
“The imposing neo-Spanish-colonial pile, rising regally over a 150-acre Coral Gables spread and dating back to city founder George Merrick’s original plan in 1926, has seen a lot of history since, to this day regularly hosting heads of states, CEOs, and celebrities.”
Featured as Frommer’s Exceptional Choice in Miami.
“Though the Biltmore’s standard rooms can be small, a stay here is a chance to sleep in one of the great laps of US luxury. The grounds are so palatial it would take a solid week to explore everything the Biltmore has to offer.”
“The Biltmore is one of the finest properties in South Florida for a host of reasons. Beyond the fact that service excels here, the hotel, which is Coral Gables’ oldest, is an impressive yet tranquil example of Old World elegance.”
“An elegant Mediterranean Revival retreat originally built in 1926 and inspired by both Spanish and Venetian architecture. Situated on an 18-hole golf course, the property boasts a famous 600,000-gallon swimming pool with Renaissance-style sculptures, and luxurious spa. Here, Old World glamour is alive and thriving.”
What guests liked
- Golf course
- Friendly staff
- Beautiful hotel
- Top location
- Comfortable beds
Location
Recent guest reviews
5 June 2025
You wont want to leave the hotel!
Quarto confortável, piscina muito agradável, restaurantes no hotel.
13 April 2025
Beautiful property ,great location, but very$$$$$$.
Beautiful property,very friendly attentive staff. Pool is beautiful. Views from our room was spectacular.
The crib was unusable.Lookes like it was from the 70’s. Had peeling paint and stickers where baby could bite off.Wheels did not lock properly so could move around
Do not think it would have been up to code,hope a future lawsuit is not in the cards.
Breakfast for 4 adults and 2 children 2and under was over $250.00 pancakes,fruit,eggs and juice.Was delicious More $$$ than our dinner with drinks.
Parts of the pool were blocked off for an event so hard to find seating.
22 March 2025
Love all but the shower!
Furniture was dated in room. Great bar/restaurant! Great service people. Beautiful grounds!
No chairs on the deck. Furniture dated. Shower was nasty with cracking repaint everywhere. Easy fix that needs to be done!
14 March 2025
Will always remember the pool …great design.
Wonderful property and location. Close enough to a busy airport and beach and so quiet.
2 weddings and work outings.
7 February 2025
The stay itself was good and would have been create with a better shower.
Beautiful vintage hotel and great amenities.
Bathroom needs to be updated with walk-in shower instead of bathtub with curtain. Also, water pressure was very weak in the shower.
29 January 2025
Beautiful and historic hotel in Coral Gables
Tennis courts at hotel
The elevator required flashing the card to set your floor. I am not sure I understand the need for this.
27 January 2025
Two nights in Miami
Superb hotel with excellent food and room, but expensive
Cost and no located near airport or Miami central
21 January 2025
Wonderful evening in an historic location
Great bartender
20 January 2025
Beautiful resort, lovely for the holidays. The decorations were very nice and festive. The rooms a larger, and the beds
That is a beautiful historic resort , and the pool!!
Not much.
23 December 2024
A lovely Christmas break and a great lesson at the golf school.
Fairways was a great breakfast spot. Loved the Christmas trees and Christmas vibe.
All good.
16 December 2024
Comfortable and lovely hotel with great staff!
Beautiful with polite and friendly staff
29 November 2024
Great property. Delivers.
History , Pool , Location.
Nothing.
12 November 2024
It was perfect for a local to get a quick, quiet and relaxing getaway
Gorgeous setting in a historic building
The construction
5 November 2024
Very nice facility, I am annoyed at the « resort fee » which increases the Booking rate.
Real breakfast was ok, not more.
More fruit, more organic choices
3 October 2024
Pure luxury tranquility & beauty A little piece of paradise in a grand setting
Everything Perfect
2 October 2024
After arriving from Europe, one the best relaxation stays before getting home.
Buffet was great and staff absolutely professional and pleasant.
13 September 2024
Always comfortable with accommodating pleasant staff
Always clean. Comfortable. Great location.
Can’t think of anything.
25 August 2024
Magnificent one night stay on final night after a road trip of southern states
Swimming pool
24 August 2024
Great location, beautiful premises and comfortable room.
Room , Breakfast was great.
23 August 2024
Biltmore - Experience that is truly unforgettable!
From the moment I arrived at Biltmore Hotel, I knew I was in for an unforgettable stay. The property exudes luxury at every turn, from the grand entrance to the impeccable service that greeted me. But what truly sets this hotel apart is most comfortable king size bed, beautiful pool and breakfast at Fairways (beautifully designed dining area facing panoramic views of golf course). Also, our room had a hub with the cables to charge your Iphone/Android etc. Loved Lavazza coffee machine in our room and large screen LCD TV.
They have grand ballrooms, if you are celebrating wedding or any special occasion and want to surround yourself by all that life has to offer! Miami Brickell centre is within a short reach by car.
Our room had a small bathtube with overhead shower. So, if you don't want to get your hair wet - its tricky.
The pastry shop had a nice selection of products, however I wish there would be an option to have a seat and have your coffee served, not just a grab'n go.
21 August 2024
Would love to come back and stay longer!
The hotel is beautiful, we didn't stay long enough to try the amenities, would definitely comeback. Love that they have a late night dessert store open.
We didn't have a mini fridge, so I couldn't store my food or drinks.
12 August 2024
An amazing hotel.
The, food, setting, location, grounds, pool, golf course.
12 August 2024
Wonderful Hotel Staff
First, let me say that the service from the front desk, valet, restaurant, pool staff, and bakery staff (literally ALL staff) was top tier!! Absolutely wonderful service!! The hotel is older with an old-world charm style. Architecture is amazing. The food from the restaurant was fresh and delicious. Housekeeping was phenomenal!! They actually organized our shoes and bathroom toiletries!! The location was excellent, only about a 35-minute drive from South MIA. Coral Gables is a beautiful place. We will definitely be back. Hats off to all the amazing staff!!
The only dislike was that our suite smelled like mold/mildew. I felt with it because the staff and service made up for it. I went to CVS and bought air freshners lol
10 August 2024
This place is truly great. Best hotel that we’ve stayed at in Miami.
Huge and amazing building. Superb breakfast and welcoming staff.
Hotel facilities
Food & Drink
- - Restaurant
- - Bar
- - Breakfast in the room
- - Snack bar
- - Special diet menus (on request)
- - Kids' meals (additional charge)
- - Wine/champagne (additional charge)
- - Fruits (additional charge)
- - Coffee house on site
General
- - Room service
- - Non-smoking rooms
- - Facilities for disabled guests
- - Barber/beauty shop
- - Family rooms
- - Lift
- - Safety deposit box
- - Packed lunches
- - Car hire
- - Heating
- - Allergy-free room
- - Non-smoking throughout
- - Air conditioning
- - Designated smoking area
- - Shared lounge/TV area
- - Minimarket on site
Business facilities
- - Meeting/banquet facilities
- - Business centre
- - Fax/photocopying
Reception services
- - 24-hour front desk
- - Express check-in/check-out
- - Currency exchange
- - Luggage storage
- - ATM/cash machine on site
- - Concierge service
- - Lockers
- - Invoice provided
Activities
- - Tennis court (additional charge)
- - Sauna
- - Fitness centre
- - Golf course (within 3 km) (additional charge)
- - Spa & wellness centre (additional charge)
- - Massage (additional charge)
- - Cycling
- - Evening entertainment
- - Tennis equipment
- - Beauty services
- - Facial treatments
- - Make-up services
- - Hair treatments
- - Manicure
- - Pedicure
- - Haircut
- - Hair colouring
- - Hair styling
- - Body treatments
- - Body scrub
- - Body wrap
- - Spa facilities
- - Steam room
- - Spa lounge/relaxation area
- - Foot bath
- - Spa/wellness packages
- - Massage chair
- - Fitness
- - Yoga classes
- - Fitness classes
- - Personal trainer
- - Fitness/spa locker rooms
- - Walking tours
- - Themed dinner nights (additional charge)
- - Happy hour (additional charge)
- - Tour or class about local culture
- - Cooking class (additional charge)
- - Live music/performance
- - Live sport events (broadcast)
- - Aerobics
- - Bicycle rental (additional charge)
Outdoors
- - Garden
- - Terrace
- - Outdoor pool
- - Sun terrace
- - Outdoor pool (all year)
- - Outdoor furniture
Cleaning services
- - Laundry (additional charge)
- - Dry cleaning (additional charge)
- - Ironing service (additional charge)
- - Daily housekeeping
Parking
- - Accessible parking
Pool and wellness
- - Heated pool
- - Pool bar
- - Sun loungers or beach chairs
- - Sun umbrellas
- - Swimming pool
Miscellaneous
- - 24-hour security
- - Key card access
- - Security alarm
- - Smoke alarms
- - Fire extinguishers
- - Breakfast takeaway containers
- - Delivered food is securely covered
- - Face masks for guests available
Other Miami hotels
Balfour Hotel, Miami
The Balfour Hotel is a beautifully restored Art Deco gem located on Miami’s iconic Ocean Drive. Originally designed in 1940 by the noted architect Anton Skislewicz, the property consists of two distinct buildings connected by a lush, palm-lined courtyard. It perfectly captures the glamour of mid-century Miami while offering a more refined, intimate atmosphere compared to the high-energy resorts nearby.
New York Times + 1 more“Despite the stylish décor and classy location, the Lord Balfour is low on stuffiness. Service is friendly. Glitz is minimal. Clientele was composed mainly of what looked to be upper-middle-class families and couples rather than the jet-setters who frequent the five-star palaces farther up South Beach. If you don’t demand pomp or pampering, Lord Balfour is a charming host.”
The Vagabond Hotel, Miami
The Vagabond Hotel, located on Biscayne Boulevard, is a beautifully restored 1953 treasure that serves as the crown jewel of Miami’s historic MiMo (Miami Modern) District. Originally designed by the renowned architect B. Robert Swartburg, this boutique property is a stunning example of mid-century "motor hotel" architecture, complete with geometric designs, overhanging rooflines, and an iconic neon sign that once greeted travelers arriving by car.
New York Times“If you don’t need to be within walking distance of the sand and surf, consider the mainland’s Vagabond Hotel, a 1950s roadside inn given a retro-chic overhaul.”
Featured in New York Times’ 36 Hours in Miami.
Soho Beach House, Miami
Soho Beach House, located on Collins Avenue in the Mid-Beach area, is a chic oceanfront retreat that occupies a beautifully restored 1940s Art Deco building. The property blends historical architecture with a design aesthetic inspired by the glamour of Old Havana. Inside, you’ll find reclaimed timber, vintage furniture, and a faded color palette that pays homage to Cuba’s maritime history.
CNN + 1 more“A 50-room hotel tower annexed to the grounds of a members-only club, Soho Beach House offers a quiet, intimate take on the best of Miami experience. With the exception of the courtyard restaurant Cecconi’s, on-site amenities here are off-limits to the general public.”
Fontainebleau Miami Beach
Opened in 1954, the Fontainebleau Miami Beach is a true icon of mid-century modern design. Architect Morris Lapidus famously described his creation as an "architecture of joy," featuring sweeping curves and dramatic, theatrical spaces that redefined luxury hospitality. It was built on the former estate of Harvey Firestone, quickly becoming the go-to destination for the glitterati and A-list celebrities.
Fodors + 4 more“Vegas meets art deco at this colossal classic, deemed Miami’s biggest hotel after its $1 billion reinvention, which spawned more than 1,500 rooms, 12 renowned restaurants and lounges, LIV nightclub, several sumptuous pools with cabana islands, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and a 40,000-square-foot spa.”
Featured as Fodor’s Choice in Miami.
28 June 2025
It was relaxing and wonderful.