The Biltmore Hotel one of the most luxurious hotels in Miami, or to be precise, Coral Gables. Enjoy the copious amounts of sunshine in the US state of Florida, it was built in 1926 by John McEntee Bowman and George Merrick as part of the Biltmore hotel chain. When completed it was then the tallest building in Florida at 315 feet (96m) holding that record until 1928.
The Biltmore Hotel & Country Club, as it is now known, served as a hospital during World War II and as a campus to the University of Miami medical school until 1968. It finally reverted back to its roots and became a hotel again in 1987 and subsequently was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1996.
Among its other accolades, at one time it had the largest swimming pool in the world and among the many attractions was its swimming instructor (and later to become Tarzan actor) Johnny Weissmuller.
The hotel has been used many times on both big and small screens alike. It was the setting for the movie Bad Boys as well as television programs like CSI Miami and the popular TV series, Miami Vice.
The Biltmore is surrounded by its own beautiful golf course, an 18-hole, par 71, championship course designed by Donald Ross. Theres a driving range, a small practice area and a decent pro shop where you can hire clubs from.
Reopened in November, 2007 following a $5 million investment, the course was restored and updated keeping the original 1925 format. All greens, tees and bunkers were reconstructed and grassed to contemporary standards, with the drainage improved and a new irrigation system installed. The course is home to a colony of parrots and some amazing iguanas that bask on the banks of the creek. It’s quite a challenging course, especially if the wind gets up, however, I managed to achieve my first back to back birdies on this course, but then that could be down to a bit of luck and the fact I had visited the amazing Biltmore spa for a massage the evening before I played.
Spread over 12,000 square feet on the seventh floor of the hotel, the spa is the place to visit for some serious R&R. With massages, body scrubs, wraps, facials and the massage i experienced, the Biltmore Players massage for golfers. You have the choice of having your treatment in traditional rooms, in one of two special spa suites or for a special treat, outside in one of the pool’s private cabanas.
For the energetic who just can’t keep out of the gym, The Biltmore caters for you too. The 10,000 square foot, state-of-the-art Fitness Centre is split into separate areas dedicated for different aspects of fitness. These include a Cardio room and a strength training room with an excellent free-weight area.
If its food you are looking for at The Biltmore, then look no further than the two fantastic eateries’ within the hotel.
Palme d’Or is an authentic fine dining French culinary experience with food prepared by Michelin starred Chef Gregory Pugin. It really feels like you have been transported to France for the evening. The service is impeccable and the food is delectable. Superb French cuisine and a real Parisian ambiance made for a wonderful memorable evening here.
Fontana, the Biltmore’s lushly decorated courtyard restaurant, is the place to go for the most authentic Italian dishes. With its al fresco dining area complete with a fountain and views of the Mediterranean architecture, this place oozes Italian charm. Chef Beppe Galazzi has excelled in bringing Italy to the USA and in my opinion, if I had shut my eyes, I could have sworn I was back in Florence.
Another great place to enjoy some food is the poolside eatery. For some amazing salads and light bites it’s the place to be lunchtimes. That said, make sure you book a table as it gets really busy lunchtime.
The Biltmore Hotel is only a five mile drive from Miami International Airport. All rooms have free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and suites have the advantage of additional lounge areas. Rooms either have a golf course or pool view and some have balconies or terraces. If you really want to go all out, there are also some lavish apartments available. There is a good 24hr room service menu and getting to and from South Beach is simple via a local cab or a hotel car.
The Biltmore is a little bit of old world charm meets modern luxury and I personally wouldn’t stay anywhere else when visiting Miami!
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