Classic, Traditional, Legendary

  The Biltmore Miami Hotel…

Story and many photos By: Robin Roth

This is without a doubt one of the most beautiful hotels anywhere. Everything about the Biltmore Hotel is chic, elegant, historic and grand! The hotel is an oasis of 150 tropical acres with a lagoon sized pool, tennis courts, a famous championship golf course, an amazing fitness center,  beauty services, and an extraordinary spa. You can even learn yoga, experience cooking classes and enjoy their popular sports camp. This is a very exceptional and extraordinary resort and I realized that the moment I drove up to its remarkable entrance.

In addition to its amazing accommodations, the hotel showcases a premier conference facility.  It is no wonder that the hotel has remained Miami’s only four-star, four-diamond hotel for six consecutive years. The Miami-Biltmore Hotel and Country Club was designated in 1996 a National Historic Landmark. Now, how many hotels can say that?

The awe inspiring hotel deserves it's legendary reputation. This Mediterranean mansion hotel with its columned loggias, terraces, fountain, views and eager to please staff is nothing short of outstanding. Everyone at the hotel went above and beyond to guarantee that my stay was outstanding and memorable.

The Biltmore Hotel situated in Coral Gables Florida, has been the darling hotel of world leaders, celebrities and sports stars since it opened in the 1920’s. The hotel is classy, chic, sophisticated, charming, beautiful and storybook.  Every part of the hotel is exciting yet serene and comfortable. This is a hotel that inspires enjoyment of life and a place to indulge oneself!

The hotel enjoys the best location in Miami, as it is just minutes away from South Beach, downtown Miami, Coconut Grove, Coral Gables and the airport.

The hotel has 275 guest rooms including 130 unusually large Mediterranean styled suites and two legendary Presidential Suites. Although the hotel is quite large, the small number of rooms is quite alluring and gives guests a feeling of privacy and intimacy.

All of the rooms I saw were elegant and equipped with the latest technology. They also, have wonderful skyline and city, pool or golf course views to be seen through the oversized windows. Each room is decorated with charm, warmth and lavishly appointed. The Jerusalem stone tile flooring gave the room such a fresh and clean appearance.

         

Luxury rooms and suites at the Biltmore features:

You will sleep in heavenly, European, feather bedding, topped with 340-thread-count Egyptian cotton duvet covers. I don’t think I have ever felt this comfortable and luxurious in a hotel bed. It was as though I was sleeping on a thick bed of clouds.

The Frette robes and plush Bamboo Orchid towels were absolutely marvelous and posh.

The custom-designed furniture in the sitting area was so very comfortable. Home I wasn’t, but I felt comfy and happy.

Although away from home and office, the wireless and wired high-speed internet access and cable TV with pay-per-view kept me in the loop.

DINING:

The Biltmore's signature restaurant, Palme d’Or, brings a rich stylish décor and the authentic flavors of France. Even the most sophisticated of diners will be impressed with the amazing and creative dishes served here. From it’s out of this-world-tastes, selections and gorgeous presentation, to the impeccable service and ambiance this fine restaurant is a treat to all of one’s senses. The menu offers fresh seafood, vegetarian-friendly items, select meats, and house specialties, like homemade foie gras parfait. In addition, there is a five-course tasting menu offered with wine pairing. The wine selections are very impressive even for the most refined wine connoisseurs.

Allow me to make a few suggestions:

To start go with the Crab, a delectable blend of flavors and the Risotto is a lovely creamy rich but delicate combinations of delectable joy.

For your entrée, I suggest the rich and lucious Maine Lobster with many textures and a blend of sweet and savory tastes that melt in your mouth. I also, recommend the bold, robust and delicious Short Rib dish. Last but not least, don’t forget to order the “25 B.C. Duck”, a glazed combination of devine and wonderful flavors.

For desert just go with everything!!! Worth every calorie ladies. However, do at least try the L’Opera and the Tarte A La Framboise!!! I want to thank the lovely and knowledgable Valeria and the charming and stellar restaurant manger Patrick Calvarese for all their assistance and experties in helping me select my dishes. May I also, send a huge BRAVO to Chef Arnaud for his brilliance and creativity.

Fontana:

Elegance and romance are definitely at play at the Biltmore's flourishing and gorgeous landscaped courtyard restaurant. Here guests can enjoy the fountain and views of the Biltmore’s Mediterranean architecture. Fontana presents a unique European lure and class from sunrise until sunset. The menu features Local and farm fresh organic ingredients. Guests can eat her for continental breakfast buffet or order traditional items a la carte, lunch and dinner becomes a Northern Italian menu. If staying over a Sunday, do partake in the Biltmore’s legendary Sunday Brunch.

AFTERNOON TEA

A lovely traditional English afternoon tea is so special at the Biltmore. I devoured the teas sandwiches, scones and pastries, yum!  The British time honored tradition is served weekdays. Making it all the more special was the music of the talented classical guitarist. Do not miss this fab occasion!

 Spa

The Biltmore full service spa is 12,000-square-foot and a member of Leading Spas of the World. Everything here is high-class, spiritual, relaxing, and simply beautiful. There is nothing to want for when you enter the Biltmore spa doors. I immediately felt a sense of overwhelming peace and serenity.

There were beautiful stones and warm wood throughout the Spa which brought a restful ambiance. It was evident that each therapist has a passion for what they do and a commitment to help guests feel a sense of well-being. The Biltmore Spa offers a wide array of nourishing and balancing personalized treatments from around the world.

You can expect a blissful spa experience and you will no doubt be totally satisfied as I was. I want to thank the spa and fitness director Catherine Davalle for her help in showing me around.

The Biltmore Golf Course

In 1925, Scotsman Donald Ross, pre-eminent, golf designer of his era, designed the world famous Biltmore golf course. The course has attracted dignitaries, movie stars and sport luminaries. Variety, strategy and naturalness are the most constant traits in a Ross design. The lush fairways have 18 holes and 6,800 yards and facility features including a pro shop, golf instruction and numerous golf programs and packages.

SERVICES AND AMENITIES:

275 well-appointed guest rooms, Including 130 sophisticated suites, Three signature restaurants, Sunday Champagne Brunch in the Fontana courtyard, Afternoon high tea in the Grand Lobby, Learn to cook with our prestigious chefs at the Biltmore Culinary Academy,Concierge service,Pool side private cabanas overlooking the legendary Biltmore Pool,

Donald Ross 18-Hole, Par-71 Championship Biltmore Golf Course,  Lighted Tennis Center, Fitness Center with classes and personal training, Full-service European Biltmore Spa, Children's Activities,76,000 sq. ft. of function space complete with A/V Equipment and technical support, Event Catering services, Wedding Services,  Gift Shops, Wireless and wired high-speed internet and satellite TV with Pay-Per-View AND limousine and town car services.

Some fun facts about the Biltmore:

“It served as a hospital during World War II and as a VA Hospital and campus of the University of Miami medical school until 1968. It became a hotel again in 1987 managed by the Seaway Hotels Corporation.

The hotel has been used as a setting for the movie Bad Boys and television programs like CSI: Miami and Miami Vice. The hotel was also a major setting for Ken Wiederhorn's 1977 cult horror film Shock Waves, starring John Carradine and Peter Cushing.

In its heyday, The Biltmore played host to royalty, both Europe's and Hollywood's. The hotel counted the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, Ginger Rogers, Judy Garland, Bing Crosby, Al Capone and assorted Roosevelt’s and Vanderbilt’s as frequent guests. Franklin D. Roosevelt had a temporary White House office set up at the Hotel for when he vacationed on his fishing trips from Miami.

Although, I unfortunately, never spotted any ghosts, some superstitious people claim the hotel to be haunted, most often by the spirit of Thomas Walsh. However, that would have been an exciting and memorable part of my stay!

In February 2009, the Biltmore opened its very own Culinary Academy. The Biltmore Culinary Academy is a recreational hands-on cooking school with classes for adults and children taught by the hotel’s chefs. The 3-hour signature hands-on class holds up to eight students and finishes with a meal made up of recipes made in class”.

I would like to thank the charming and professional Danielle Finnegan for all her help and assistance in making this feature story possible.

In my opinion, this is without a doubt, one of America’s most special and majestic hotels. From its long heritage and history to the beautiful grounds, elegant rooms, services, amenities and restaurants to the amazing friendly and eager to please staff, this hotel is a dream vacation, blissful wedding and honeymoon destination, splendid for business travelers or an amazing fun filled family vacation. The Biltmore Miami well deserves to be known and recognized as the best of the best!

Biltmore Hotel

1200 Anastasia Avenue - Coral Gables, FL 33134. Map

Reservations
Telephone:  (855)311-6903
Fax: 305-913-3158
E-mail: reservations@biltmorehotel.com

General
Telephone: (855) 311-6903
Fax: (305) 913-3110
E-mail: general@biltmorehotel.com