biltmore miami tour

Free Biltmore Hotel historic tour in Coral Gables

The City of Coral Gables known as “The City Beautiful” is a wonder of Mediterranean architecture and rich history. 

One of its most iconic and beloved sites The Biltmore Hotel is a 1920s marvel and a shining example of historic preservation so who better to host free weekly guided tours there than Dade Heritage Trust.

For more than 40 years the organization has been leading the charge cultural, architectural and historic preservation.

Tours are every Sunday at 2 p.m., led Dade Heritage Trust guides. Meet the guide at the fireplace at the east end of the Main Lobby for a walking tour of the hotel. The tour focuses on the architecture, history and cultural heritage of the Biltmore Hotel.

The  National Landmark Hotel is at 1200 Anastasia Avenue in Coral Gables.  Participation is limited to 20 , please register in advance by clicking here.

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Other events and things to do in coral gables:.

Family Day on Aragon

Gables Gallery Night

Floral park in Coral Gables

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Biltmore hotel.

1200 Anastasia Avenue Coral Gables , FL 33134 (855) 311-6903

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Visit the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables and Take a Free Tour

In the heart of Coral Gables resides the Biltmore Hotel . Driven by a post from a fellow travel blogger about that hotel, I had to go and check it out myself. The Biltmore Hotel offers free tours of the property every Sunday at 1:30 pm and 2:30 pm. More about that later. First a quick history lesson. You will get more in-depth history information on the tour.

The spanish-style estate with old Floridian glamour was built in 1926 by John McEntee Bowman and George Merrick. It was designed by Schultze and Weaver. It served as a hospital during World War II, a VA Hospital and a campus of the University of Miami Medical School until 1968. In 1987 it became a hotel again and was managed by the Seaway Hotels Corporation. The hotel was the tallest building, surpassing the Freedom Tower in Downtown Miami. Two years after it got erected, in 1928, it was surpassed by the Dade County Courthouse.

The Miami-Biltmore Hotel & Country Club was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1996. The hotel is also famous for the “Al Capone Suite”, the official name is Everglades Suite, in which the legendary American Gangster resided. The suite is on the 13th floor. Unlike many buildings that superstitiously omit the 13th floor, the Biltmore doesn’t.

The hotel has been used as a location for movies and TV shows like Bad Boys, CSI Miami, Miami Vice and many others…

Did you ever want to swim in the biggest hotel swimming pool in the continental US? Then visit the Biltmore Hotel. Its 23,000 square-feet pool holds 700,000 gallons of water.

I arrived way too early for the tour and was able to explore the grounds a little bit before the tour.

Like mentioned above, there are two tours every Sunday, at 1:30 pm and 2:30 pm. One tour lasts about an hour and you will explore different parts of the hotel as well you get to know the history of the hotel in more detail.

Tours start next to the bird-cage in front of the elevator in the (upper) lobby.  That’s at least what I got told by the concierge. However, 1:30 pm came up and a family with a guide passed us and started talking about antics. I asked the concierge where the tour will start and when and he told me the group (family with the guide) just passed me is the actual tour group. I joined them and 10 minutes later two more families joined us, which apparently didn’t get picked up either by the tour guide. I saw them all standing around the cage during my wait. As a complete group, we walked throughout the hotel and our guide told us quite a lot of stories about the hotel. We were only able to visit the Granada Ballroom, the Alhambra Ballroom was occupied by a conference.

Unfortunately, our group was not able to visit the “Al Capone Suite” / Everglades Suite, because it was occupied. As of now, the Biltmore doesn’t include this suite anymore in the tour, no matter if occupied or not.

Behind the hotel is a golf course and to the left of it is the Biltmore Tennis Center. Here is a map of the property . At the lower lobby is a gift shop and you can find numerous restaurants throughout the property. This is a great place and you really should visit it during your visit to Miami. I didn’t even know about that hotel until recently.

Not far from the Biltmore is the Venetian Pool, another historic place in Miami and tourist attraction. After my visit to the hotel, I went there for my first time. That day they had their annual dog swim. People came with their dogs to swim in the pool. It was pretty funny to see the dogs jumping into the pool.

Peter has a passion for Traveling, Photography, and Geocaching. These are the best ingredients for amazing adventures all over the globe. “Traveling is fun, no matter if you stay in a luxury hotel or travel like a backpacker.” Peter shares his experiences on his Blog www.gatetoadventures.com Some of Peter’s photos are published on corporate websites, in-flight magazines, travel guides, and much more.

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Free Tours Of The Biltmore Hotel In Miami

Enjoy FREE tours of the Biltmore Hotel in Miami. Tours are held every Sunday and they go over the amazing history of this iconic hotel and National Historic Landmark.

The Biltmore Hotel In Miami

Imagine walking under barrel-vaulted ceilings, passing through marble columns, or gazing at hand-painted frescoes. If you think you’re somewhere in the Mediterranean, think again. Just a short drive southwest of downtown Miami is the city of Coral Gables, known as “The City Beautiful.” This city is renowned for its aesthetic charm and beauty. And in this city is the Biltmore Hotel, a National Historic Landmark.

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History Of The Biltmore Hotel

In 1925, George Merrick set off to create a hotel for the people of Coral Gables; a luxury hotel that would also serve as “a center of sports and fashion.” Merrick teamed up with John Bowman, the Biltmore hotel mogul, and together they contracted Leonard Schultze and S. Fullerton Weaver.

This pair had already been responsible for the Atlanta and Los Angeles Biltmore’s, New York City’s Grand Central Terminal, and the Miami Daily News Tower (also known as Freedom Tower).

The Biltmore’s grand opening was on January 15, 1926. In less than 1 year, the 400+ room hotel had been built, along with a country club, golf course, and enormous swimming pool (the largest hotel pool in the continental US).

Many athletes, musicians, movie stars, politicians, and even gangsters frequently stayed at the Biltmore to enjoy fashion shows, galas, and aquatic shows. People such as Ginger Rogers, Judy Garland, Bing Crosby, Johnny Weissmuller, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Al Capone.

That all changed with the start of World War II, however. The hotel was seized by the government and converted into a military hospital. The beautiful ceilings were covered, the windows were sealed, and the floors were overlaid with linoleum. Even after the war, it remained a hospital for veterans until 1968.

Although the city of Coral Gables was eventually able to get the property back, the building remained empty for almost a decade. In fact, it was almost torn down! Then in 1983, restoration began. It took nearly 4 years and $55 million to return the Biltmore to its former glory. Everything now is as it once was, with only slight modifications.

Free Tours Of The Biltmore Hotel

For those that would like to see the magnificent hotel and learn more about it, free tours of the Biltmore Hotel are given every Sunday from 2 PM to 3 PM. You have to register beforehand on Eventbrite ; just search for “Biltmore Hotel Tour” and it will come up.

The tour starts at the fireplace at the east end of the Main Lobby. It is given by a volunteer of the Dade Heritage Trust, an organization whose mission is to preserve Miami’s culture. When we visited the Biltmore, Judy was giving the tour. She has been giving these tours for years, simply because she loves to do it.

As we walked around the property, Judy gave us insight into George Merrick’s world upon arriving in desolate South Florida. We learned about his family and the history of Coral Gables. Something we hadn’t realized was that Merrick had named the city streets after names he’d read in Spanish books.

We also learned interesting tidbits about the hotel itself. For example, the inspiration for the design of the hotel was the Giralda bell tower from the cathedral in Seville, Spain. We also learned that the carpet in the Alhambra ballroom was created to match the ceiling. And since some of the original decorative tiles can no longer be manufactured if they are damaged, they’ve had an artist come and hand-paint new ones.

After The Tour

Once the tour was over, we continued to walk around the hotel. We could not get enough of the Mediterranean style and felt like we could have spent hours photographing every small detail. We loved that there was so much history there. As we walked around the main and lower lobbies, we stopped to look at old photographs and read their descriptions.

Dining At The Biltmore

If you have time after your tour of the Biltmore, we also recommend getting something to eat while you’re there. The Biltmore has multiple dining options, with Fontana being a favorite. They offer award-winning Italian cuisine which you can enjoy indoors or outside on the terrace, surrounded by palm trees. Reservations are highly recommended.

Final Thoughts On The  Biltmore Hotel

Most people have a misconception of Miami and we want to reiterate that there is so much more to the city than beaches and booze. There is culture and there are endless stories of men and women who have persevered against strong odds to build what has become one of the most important cities in the world.

So if you’re traveling to Miami, or even if you’re a local, we would highly recommend visiting and taking advantage of the free tours of the Biltmore Hotel. We guarantee you’ll leave as captivated and mesmerized as we were.

Have you been to the Biltmore Hotel? What did you think of it? We’d love to read your comments below! 🙂

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24 Comments

Whoa! Some seriously stunning pics, Vicky! I had forgotten how amazing the Biltmore is. And how cool they have free tour days. Now I want to go back! I’m dragging you with me to do a girl’s brunch there when I return to MIA 🙂 Love the post! G.

Haha! I don’t think you’ll need to drag me though!

Very interesting – you’re right most people just view Miami as party and beach but I’m sure there’s much more like the Biltmore hotel

Yes, there is so much more 🙂

The detail of the architecture is astounding! What a great tip to check out something free to do. I’ve been dying to see Miami during Art Basel. Have you been to that?

Not to any of the official things, but have walked around the Wynwood area plenty of times and the art is amazing!

Is it super strange that this place reminds me of Hogwarts? I mean look at the lobby!!! 😀

Haha! Not super strange 😉

I’d love to see this! Will be visiting Miami in a month and I’ll definitely check the Biltmore out.

Great Elaine! If you have any questions or need help with anything please let me know 🙂

This is pretty awesome. I love being in spots that transcends you back in time!

Thanks Erica 🙂

Never thought of Miami that way – it looks very interesting! Like your article 🙂

Thanks Kathrin!

That is awesome. I didn’t know they gave free tours. Such a beautiful hotel. It always seems like these beautiful places just sit and become run down and then finally someone decides to restore it to is former glory and then some.

I’m glad it was restored; it would have been a shame to lose such a beautiful building.

Wow, this place is stunning! Those chandeliers are breathtaking! I’ve added this to my list of places I MUST see, as I’m always obsessed with historical architecture! Thanks for sharing this gorgeous place!

I’m glad you liked it so much Dawn 🙂

I am SO signing up for this tour.

I would definitely sign up for this tour. I absolutely love the inside of this building. It looks so classic, so epic…

I am a fan of free tours and this one sounds quite interesting. I have passed by this hotel before and noticed its style but I did not know anything about it. It’s unfortunate that it was seized for so long but I’m happy to learn that the city got it back. I am shocked that anyone even considered tearing this grand building down. Classic hotels are an asset to any community and present style often lost in current architectural trends.

Thanks for alerting me to the tour of the Biltmore. We drove by it when we were in Miami a few years ago, but didn’t have time to stop in. Would love to take the tour. It definitely reminds me of the Hotel Hershey in PA from what I have seen on your post.

I hope next time you’re in town you’re able to visit. It really is a gorgeous building with so much history. 🙂

It sounds like the tour would make up for another Miami highlight now that you have driven me by the hotel. We will have to call to see if they can arrange a tour with an ASL interpreter so I can enjoy the full experience. The photos look pretty awesome.

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Historic Biltmore Hotel Tours

Every Sunday @ 2pm, Dade Heritage Trust partners with our friends at the Biltmore to present free tours of the beautiful National Landmark Hotel at 1200 Anastasia Avenue in Coral Gables.  Participation is limited to 20, please register in advance.

Meet your guide at the fireplace at the east end of the Main Lobby for a walking tour of the hotel. The tour focuses on the architecture, history and cultural heritage of the Biltmore Hotel.

CLICK TO REGISTER

©Galina Savina/Shutterstock

Biltmore Hotel

Top choice in Miami

In the most opulent neighborhood of one of the showiest cities in the world, the Biltmore is the greatest of the grand hotels of the American Jazz Age. If this joint were a fictional character from a novel, it’d be, without question, Jay Gatsby. Al Capone had a speakeasy on-site, and the Capone Suite is said to be haunted by the spirit of Fats Walsh, who was murdered here and may still haunt the thirteenth floor (natch).

Back in the day, imported gondolas transported celebrity guests like Judy Garland and the Vanderbilts around because, of course, there was a private canal system out the back. That's gone now, but the largest hotel pool in the continental USA, which resembles a sultan’s water garden from One Thousand & One Nights , is still here. The grounds are so palatial it would take a week to explore everything the Biltmore has to offer.

What is the Biltmore Hotel like?

After all, the Biltmore sprawls across 150 acres that encompass pretty tropical grounds, tennis courts, the massive swimming pool and a restored 18-hole golf course. Inside, there's even more afoot, and indeed, you could spend a few days ensconced in the many activities on offer. The hotel even has its own theater company.  GableStage  puts on thought-provoking contemporary works, staged at one end of the Biltmore. It's an intimate theater and there's not a bad seat in the house.

Rooms at the Biltmore are surprisingly business-like, with some baroque furniture flashes. There's nothing subtle about the soaring central tower, however, which was modeled after the 12th-century Giralda tower in Seville, Spain. The showy grandeur continues inside, starting with the colonnaded lobby with its hand-painted ceiling, antique chandeliers and Corinthian columns, and continues to the lushly landscaped courtyard set around a central fountain.

Things to do near the Biltmore Hotel

The hotel gives free 45-minute guided tours of the property on Sundays at 1:30pm and 2:30pm. You can learn more about the history and design of the place, as well as the work of developer George Merrick, who created the surrounding  Coral Gables  neighborhood, too, and founded the University of Miami in addition to joining forces with hotelier John McEntee Bowman to create the Biltmore in 1926.

Coral Gables is more reminiscent of an old Mediterranean village-town than a city planted in greater Miami. The Gables is a goldmine for foodies, with an ample supply of international, eclectic and high-end dining options. Many restaurants are clustered on or near ‘Restaurant Row,’ on Giralda Ave between Ponce de Leon Blvd and S Le Jeune Rd. As such, you could easily spend a few days here taking in the sights, checking out its restaurants, shops and cultural attractions – including more cinemas and theaters that reinforce the Biltmore's old Hollywood glam. 

1200 Anastasia Ave

Get In Touch

855-311-6903

https://​www​.biltmorehotel​.com​/

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The Biltmore Hotel Miami – Coral Gables is a beloved symbol of Miami, standing as one of its most majestic and iconic National Historic Landmarks. From the moment you step onto the grounds of The Biltmore, it feels as if you’ve been whisked away to a Mediterranean villa. More than 150 acres of lush, tropical landscaping, stunning architecture and unmatched service make this Coral Gables resort one of the most luxurious destinations in the world. Since The Biltmore opened its doors in 1926, it’s been one of Miami’s can’t-miss experiences. Whether you’re calling the resort home during a vacation, or you’re a local interested in making some first-class memories, many of the best things to do in Miami revolve around everything that The Biltmore has to offer. When you’re planning your very own Biltmore experience, here are just a few of the things you’ll want to add to your list.

Indulge in a Five-Star Meal

The Biltmore houses several of the best restaurants in Miami. From casual to formal, the onsite restaurants give you a wide range of dining options to suit your tastes and mood of the day. Fontana is The Biltmore’s top-rated Italian restaurant, while Cascade is an outdoor restaurant that makes the most of the subtropical setting. With two bars, an afternoon tea service (subject to availability), and three property restaurants, The Biltmore is an excellent place for Miami foodies to enjoy their next meal.

Take a Dip in the Largest Hotel Pool in the Eastern United States

No trip to Miami is complete without at least one day spent poolside, and there’s nothing that can compare to the pool at The Biltmore . Stretching more than 23,000 square feet, this gorgeous, resort-style pool proudly holds the title of one of the largest in the country. Towering palms and blooming hibiscus surround the area, creating the ultimate tropical paradise. Stop by for an early morning swim or stay out late under the stars. With the pool’s hours running from 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., you can easily make a full day of it. Private cabanas are available to reserve, giving you the perfect space to kick back, relax and soak up the sun with up to seven of your friends or family members.

Sharpen Your Culinary Skills at The Biltmore Culinary Academy

The Biltmore doesn’t just distinguish itself as one of the most historic and luxurious hotels in the region; it’s also one of the few hotels in North America with a fully operational recreational cooking school. The Biltmore Culinary Academy offers a one-of-a-kind educational experience, with classes available for home chefs of all skill levels. There are even classes for the youngest guests at the resort, including family cooking experiences, kids’ cooking parties and a culinary camp for children ages nine through 16.

Catch a Show at GableStage at The Biltmore

As one of the region’s most acclaimed theater companies, GableStage at The Biltmore is a must for cultural enthusiasts. Originally founded in 1979, GableStage has graced a variety of venues in Miami, now calling The Biltmore home. The performance schedule is overflowing with a diverse mix of classic, contemporary and newly crafted productions, making it easy to find something new and different to see. Once the curtain falls, you don’t have to call it a night - especially since you’re already on the grounds of The Biltmore. After the show, you can bring your GableStage ticket stub to The Biltmore Bar and enjoy half-price cocktails until 1:30 a.m. (except for Sunday showings).

Play a Round of Golf on The Biltmore’s Championship Course

Not many American golf courses can boast the fascinating history that The Biltmore’s championship course does, dating back to the late 1920s. Designed by renowned golf course architect Donald Ross, the course was recently updated to adapt to the modern golf game. The 18-hole, 71-par golf course is perfect for golf devotees and casual enthusiasts alike. In addition to the course, you can spend time on the putting green, chipping area or in the pro shop, or enroll in lessons at the world-renowned Jim McLean Golf School .

Treat Yourself to a Day at The Biltmore Spa

With so many things to do in Miami, giving yourself a bit of downtime to relax and recharge is a must. At The Biltmore Spa , you can retreat to a peaceful sanctuary on the seventh floor of the resort, surrounded by sweeping views of Coral Gables. Every guest at the spa has the option to request a personalized assortment of treatments, giving you the ultimate in luxury service. Take your pick between a variety of massages, facials, body scrubs and wraps. Then enjoy some quiet time in the Himalayan Salt Stone Sauna or the Eucalyptus Steam Room. Refreshments are available at the spa’s amenity bar, and you can even bring a piece of the experience home with products from The Spa Boutique .

Sip a Cocktail or Sample a Fine Cigar

Looking for a cozy place to end your evening with a cocktail or cigar? Stop by one of the two bars and lounges at The Biltmore for a quiet night in. Wine, cocktails and premium cigars are among the offerings at The Cellar Club and The Biltmore Bar . Both spots have a welcoming but elegant ambiance and host weekday happy hours featuring outstanding drink specials.

Experience the Best of Miami, No Matter What Brings You Here

There is no shortage of things to do, places to eat and sights to see in Miami – in fact, that’s why so many vacationers keep coming back. If you’re searching for the best places to go in Miami, browse our collection of local highlights to plan an unforgettable experience.

General Amenities

Bus/Truck Parking

Self-Parking

Valet Parking

Pet Friendly

Child Care/Children's Program

Meeting/Private Event Space

Smoke-Free Property

Business Center

Emergency Backup Power Generator

Fitness Center

Golf Course

Number of Bars/Lounges: 4

Number of Restaurants: 5

Number of Sleeping Rooms (Including Suites): 271

Number of Rooms with a Kitchen: 1

Number of Swimming Pools: 1

Room Service

Spa Facility Onsite

Sundeck/Sunbathing

Concierge Onsite

Dry Cleaning/Laundry Service

Luggage Storage

Pre/Post-Cruise Baggage Storage

Salon Services

Distance from MIA (in miles): 6.0

Room Amenities

Air Conditioning

Room/Bed Types:

• Queen/Queen

Rooms with Balcony

Wireless Internet in Guest Rooms

This National Historic Landmark is located in the exclusive Coral Gables area in Miami. The 273-room hotel reflects classic Italian, Moorish, and Spanish architectural influences spread over 150 acres of tropical landscaping. A favorite of world leaders and notables since its opening in 1926, the hotel offers a restored Donald Ross 18-hole, 71 par championship golf course, tennis, one of the largest hotel pools in the country, private cabanas, a European spa, and an award-winning fitness center. The hotel’s dining destinations include the acclaimed Palme d'Or, which Zagat calls one of the best restaurants in the country; and Fontana, an Italian restaurant surrounding the Biltmore fountain.

Meeting and Event Space

Meeting Space: 76000.00

Meeting Rooms: 33

Largest Meeting Room (sq.ft): 6528.00

Largest Meeting Room Ceiling Height (ft): 45.00

Theater Capacity: 600

Classroom Capacity: 275

Banquet Capacity: 500

Reception Capacity: 700

Exhibits Space: 1

Exhibits: 60

Audio Visual Provider: Enore

Loading Dock

Penthouses and Presidential Suites: 2

Suites (Not incl. Penthouses/Presidential Suites): 171

Sleeping Rooms: 271

Number of Suites: 173

Download Floorplan 

Meeting Rooms

Location details.

Distance from MBCC (in miles): 15.0

Sustainability

Partner has self-reported the following sustainability efforts. Please contact them directly for details.

Option to opt out of daily room cleaning

Option to reuse towels

Water-efficient showers

All windows are doube-glazed

Green Spaces (Rooftop Gardens, Atriums)

Most lighting uses energy-efficient bulbs

Recycling bins available to guests

Water-efficient toilets

Use of Unbleached Linens

Accessibility

Partner has self-reported the following accessibility efforts. Please contact them directly for details.

Accessible-Height Bed

Fixed Grab Bars for Shower

Fixed Grab Bars for Toilet

Number of Accessible Rooms with Bathtub and 2 Beds: 5

Wide Clearance Bed

Wide Clearance to Shower/Toilet

Wide Hallways (at least 36")

30-Inch Wide Doorways

Accessible parking

Accessible Restrooms

Auditory Guidance/Hearing Loop

Flat Path to Entrance

Ramp access from sidewalk to beach or boardwalk

Parking Lot Surface: Other

Service Animals Allowed

Step-Free Access

Step-Free Access to Bathroom

Trained Staff to Assist Guests with Visual Impairments

Wheelchair-Friendly Inside Walkways

Watch Our Best Videos

The Official Biltmore Miami Video 2019

Located at Venue

Biltmore Hotel Spa

Biltmore Bar

The Biltmore Golf Club

Special Offer

Limited time offer - 33% discount 3 nights or more.

Stay 3 nights or more and receive a 33% discount off of the Flexible Rate.

Valid: Through September 30, 2024

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Rates can vary widely by room type and season. "We Paid" is intended to give a general sense of price, but you might find considerably different rates for your trip.

When we book, we aim for the optimum season for the destination, but we avoid holidays and major public events, when prices are highest. We generally book a room at one category up from the most basic.

We take advantage of promotional rates, when possible. That means the rate you see above might have included other benefits, such as spa or meal credits.

The Biltmore

• Away from downtown Miami’s hustle and bustle, the luxury hotel sits in a quiet corner of Coral Gables.
• Reserve a tee time to exclusive and immaculate The Biltmore Course, a 6,800-yard gem designed by Donald Ross, and you won't be sorry.
• The Biltmore conducts a calendar full of programming for out-of-towners and locals that includes historic hotel tours, yoga, trunk shows, champagne happy hours and spa demonstrations.
• The Biltmore hosts a cigar roller, a three-piece band and bocce ball games by the pool every Thursday, too. Don’t miss daily afternoon tea with a harpist, either.
• A full breakfast comes with your room at the Forbes Travel Guide Recommended hotel. Head to Fontana restaurant for a buffet that includes an egg and pancake station and a bounty of pastries, fruits, and fresh juices.
• The 10,000-square-feet workout facility has ClimbMills, touchscreen TVs and multi-purpose workout studios. The locker rooms include steams, saunas and showers.
• The Biltmore's wine selection is enthusiastic and thorough. A handsome roster of whites, reds, ports and sparkling wines comprise a list of more than 300 labels.
• Sitting in your leather library chair, peruse a list of signature cocktails that includes a classic Beluga martini and a Peartini with Grey Goose pear vodka.
• Guest rooms at The Biltmore are spacious and feature stone floors and fine furnishings that give spaces an Old World style you feel flowing through the entire hotel.
• Guest rooms include light oak-colored furniture pieces, floral art prints framed on the wall, patina-colored lamps and a decorative rug in the sitting area.
• The Forbes Travel Guide Recommended hotel's bedrooms are arranged so that the sitting areas are on one side of the room while the beds are on another. The sitting area is anchored by a sofa and side chair, with any accompanying coffee table and side table.
• There are often two televisions in the room, too, so that families can enjoy separate programs.
• Other décor elements in the Coral Gables hotel’s guest rooms include beautiful oak window boxes, striped sheer curtains and crown moldings that pull the classically elegant theme together in a cozy way.
• The design style of The Biltmore could be aptly described as Old World. There are several elements that signal this, none more obvious than a large bird cage in the lobby with little finches in it.
• This spirit of yesteryears’ elegance continues to shine through decorative, high ceilings in the lobby and tons of opulent furnishings and seating areas throughout the property. The harpist playing during afternoon tea only enhances the mood.
• The Forbes Travel Guide Recommended hotel's guest rooms allow for plenty of natural light to come in. The spaces also contain elements such as patina metals, stone floors, oak wood desks and romantic draperies.
• Those who appreciate good craftsmanship will also enjoy looking at some of the moldings around the room and other property-defining details around the Coral Gables hotel.

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If you have a hankering for nostalgia, consider booking a stay at this landmark property. Everyone from Judy Garland to the Duke and Duchess of Windsor to Al Capone has stayed at the Preferred -affiliated Biltmore. Capone even ran an under-the-radar casino here, and legend has it that the 271 rooms and suites are still haunted by the ghosts of past lodgers. Either way, travelers are blown away by the beautiful European aesthetic of the hotel. Rooms carry on the luxurious theme of the hotel flawlessly, offering guests pillow-top mattresses, marble bathrooms and oversized picture windows with views of the pool, golf course or surrounding neighborhood. The $22 daily resort fee also covers additional perks like Wi-Fi access and self-parking. And amenities like the posh lobby (which offers afternoon tea service complete with live harp music) and the 18-hole Biltmore Golf Course are just too good to think otherwise. But should you need to unwind outside your digs, recent guests said you can't leave the property without lounging by the expansive Italian Renaissance-inspired pool. You should especially make time for the Sunday Champagne brunch – that's when this hotel really puts its best foot forward. You'll find this I Prefer Hotel Rewards program participant about 10 miles southwest of downtown Miami  in Coral Gables, Florida.

• Hotel Class 4.5

Tripadvisor Traveler Rating

U.S. News analyzed more than 35,000 hotels to find the best in the USA, Europe, Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean, based on reputation among travel experts, guest reviews and hotel class ratings.

• # 29 in Best Miami Hotels
• # 293 in Best Florida Hotels
• # 2322 in Best USA Hotels
• # 2 in Coral Gables

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Critic Reviews

Condé Nast Traveler

Before he was Tarzan, Johnny Weissmuller – and bevies of synchronized swimmers – wowed Jazz Age crowds with shows at The Biltmore's famous pool, below your room. Today, there's no need to channel the Olympian; just pick a chaise beside the Roman statues and potted palms or schedule a tee time at the equally famous golf course, where Babe Ruth, Bill Clinton, and Tiger Woods have played.

Fodor's

Bouncing back stunningly from its dark days as an army hospital, this hotel has become the jewel of Coral Gables – a dazzling architectural gem with a colorful past. ... Its 16-story tower, like the Freedom Tower in downtown Miami, is a replica of Seville's Giralda Tower.

Lonely Planet

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 – we highly recommend reading a book in the Romanesque/Arabian Nights opulent lobby, sunning underneath enormous columns and taking a dip in the largest hotel pool in the continental USA.

Travel + Leisure

This 1926 Mediterranean-style historic landmark that anchors Coral Gables still feels very Old Florida. The palm-adorned central courtyard's gurgling fountain and grand entrance-inspiring lobby have seen the likes of Judy Garland, Bing Crosby, and an assortment of Vanderbilts.

Guest Reviews

A hotel's guest rating is calculated using data provided under license by Tripadvisor. A total of 2635 have reviewed the The Biltmore Hotel Miami Coral Gables , giving it a rating of 4 , on a scale of 1-5.

Tripadvisor Travel Rating: 

Guest Rooms

• Daily resort fee covers in-room Wi-Fi access, newspapers and local phone calls
• Everglades Presidential Suite has hand-painted ceilings and a two-story layout; Merrick Presidential Suite comes with three bedrooms, three bathrooms and access via a private elevator

Standard room size :  300 square feet

• Premium channels
• Workspace/desk
• Bathrobes/slippers
• Shower/tub combo
• Separate shower
• Separate tub
• Wireless internet
• Free internet
• Fee for internet usage
• Guest rooms with patios and balconies
• Adjoining rooms available

Location & Parking

• Less than 2 miles away from Coral Gables' Miracle Mile, where lots of shops and restaurants reside
• Property's resort fee includes self-parking
• 24-hour valet parking ($35)
• 24-hour self-parking (free)
• Airport shuttle
• Car service

Within walking distance of :

• Restaurants
• Movie theater
• Train station
• Subway/metro stop
• Grocery store
• Bottomless Champagne brunch available every Sunday
• Live harp music available in lobby during afternoon tea service
• Room service available 24 hours a day

Number of restaurants :  3

Cuisine Types :  Italian, American, French

• Fine dining
• Casual dining
• Quick service cafe/coffee shop/marketplace
• Room service
• 24-hour room service
• free breakfast
• This pool is one of the largest hotel pools in the continental United States
• Pool welcomes guests from 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily
• Wading pool
• Family pool
• Infinity pool
• Whirlpool/hot tub
• Adults-only pool
• Lifeguard on duty
• Poolside service
• Deck chairs or cabanas
• Relaxation area is stocked with fruit and other nibbles
• Treatments in pool cabanas can be arranged for a fee

Services offered :

• Body Treatments (i.e. scrubs, wraps)
• Salon services
• Outdoor treatment area
• Family-friendly pool with ample space for kids to play
• Free Kids Club
• Fee for Kids Club
• High Chairs
• Cardio machines have built-in TVs
• Weight equipment
• Cardio equipment
• Free fitness classes
• Premium fitness classes (with fee)
• Two amphitheaters are among the meeting spaces
• Team-building activities can be arranged

Number of meeting rooms :  33

• Business center
• Meeting rooms
• Meeting and event planners available
• Guests with pets are required to provide a cell phone number in case of emergenies
• Advance refundable deposit of $500 applies
• Pets allowed (with fee)
• Dog walking
• Pet-sitting
• Golf carts are equipped with GPS
• Lessons and clinics at The Biltmore's golf academy
• Golf packages
• Club rentals
• Refreshment stand or restaurant
• Caddie service
• Wedding packages are designed for ceremonies and receptions with four to 30 guests

Maximum wedding guest capacity :  1000

• Hotel hosts weddings
• Outdoor space for weddings
• Wedding planners available

Editor’s note: Hotel information is updated periodically. If this is your property and you notice any inaccuracies, please let us know .

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

The Ghosts of the Biltmore Hotel

The Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables, Miami, stands as a beacon of opulence and historical significance. Since its grand opening in 1926, the hotel has played host to an array of celebrities, political figures, and socialites. Yet, beyond its luxurious facade and storied past lies a darker, more mysterious side. The Biltmore Hotel is reputed to be one of the most haunted places in Florida.

Why is the Biltmore Hotel haunted?

The Biltmore Hotel’s rich and tumultuous history has given rise to a plethora of ghost stories and paranormal reports. Guests and staff alike have recounted eerie experiences that defy logical explanation. Keep reading to discover the entities that dwell within the Biltmore Hotel, and to see some of Miami’s most haunted in person, book a ghost tour with Miami Haunts!

The Haunted History of the Biltmore Hotel

The Biltmore Hotel was the brainchild of George Merrick, founder of Coral Gables, and John McEntee Bowman, a New York hotel magnate. Designed by architects Schultze and Weaver, the hotel was inspired by Spanish and Italian architecture, featuring a magnificent tower modeled after the Giralda in Seville, Spain. The Biltmore quickly became a hub for the rich and famous, offering lavish accommodations, a sprawling golf course, and the world’s largest swimming pool.

In January 1926, the hotel debuted with an inaugural that made nationwide headline news. Shops piggie-backed off the hotel’s steam engine; every high-end brand opened up around the Biltmore. Coral Gables exploded in a matter of months.

The Duke and the Duchess of Windsor, Judy Garland, Ginger Rogers, Al Capone, The Vanderbilts, Bing Crosby, and most Presidents from the turn of the 20th century made the Biltmore their vacation home.  The posh Biltmore has hosted weddings, world-class golf tournaments, a shelter for hurricane survivors, spa services, and served as the set for various movies and television programs such as Bad Boys, Shock Waves, CSI: Miami, Popi, and Miami Vice. 

During World War II, the Biltmore Hotel was transformed into a military hospital, serving as the Army Air Forces Regional Hospital. The once-glamorous halls now echoed with the sounds of medical equipment and the groans of wounded soldiers. This period marked a significant shift in the hotel’s history, as it became a place of healing and recovery but also of pain and loss.

The Mobster Connection

The Prohibition era brought a darker clientele to the Biltmore . The hotel became a hotspot for illicit activities as it was frequented by gangsters and bootleggers. Among the most infamous was Thomas “Fatty” Walsh, a mobster who used the hotel as his base of operations. Walsh’s reign at the Biltmore ended abruptly when he was murdered in the hotel’s 13th floor suite during a gambling dispute in 1929. His death marked the beginning of numerous ghost stories associated with the hotel.

People have reportedly seen Fatty galivanting around his room. The ghost of Thomas “Fatty” Walsh is perhaps the most famous of the Biltmore’s spectral residents. Many guests have reported seeing a portly man in period clothing roaming the 13th floor, particularly around the suite where he was murdered. Some claim to hear disembodied voices and the sound of laughter, reminiscent of the wild parties Walsh once hosted.

Others, particularly women, have gotten on the elevator and found their ride stopping unexpectedly on the 13th floor, with the elevator doors refusing to shut close and get them to their destination. Other folks have claimed that lights have a bad habit of blinking on and off on Fatty’s floor.

Fatty might be the most prolific and legendary ghost in the Biltmore, but he’s not the one.

More Hauntings at the Biltmore Hotel

Another frequently reported apparition is that of an elevator operator, who is seen dressed in an old-fashioned uniform. Guests have described taking a ride with this spectral figure, only to find the elevator empty upon reaching their destination.

Echoes of the Biltmore’s time as a military hospital lingers in the form of ghostly soldiers. Apparitions of men in World War II uniforms have been sighted in various parts of the hotel, particularly in the area that once housed the hospital wards. Some guests have reported hearing the sounds of marching boots and distant gunfire.

A ghostly woman in a white dress is often seen wandering the halls and grounds of the hotel. Legend has it that she is the spirit of a young bride who took her own life after being jilted at the altar. Her mournful presence is often accompanied by a chill in the air and the scent of gardenias.

Over the years, the Biltmore Hotel has attracted the attention of numerous paranormal investigators. Teams equipped with advanced ghost-hunting technology have conducted investigations, capturing unexplained phenomena such as EVP (Electronic Voice Phenomena), cold spots, and anomalous EMF (Electromagnetic Field) readings. These findings add credence to the hotel’s haunted reputation and fuel the curiosity of those seeking to encounter the otherworldly.

Haunted Miami

The Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables, Miami, stands as a monument to both grandeur and mystery. Its history, marked by periods of opulence, war, and illicit activities, has undoubtedly contributed to its reputation as a haunted location. The countless reports of ghostly encounters, from the spirit of Fatty Walsh to the phantom soldiers, weave a compelling narrative that continues to captivate and intrigue.

Check out our blog to uncover more of Miami’s most haunted locations, and to see them in person, book a Miami ghost tour with Miami Haunts !

The Biltmore Hotel

https://realhaunts.com/haunted-hotels/haunted-biltmore-hotel-miami/

https://www.wlrn.org/culture/2014-10-30/a-history-of-the-biltmore-miamis-best-known-creepy-hotel

A history of the Biltmore, Miami's best-known creepy hotel

This article was originally published on Oct. 30, 2014.

The Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables wasn't always a hotel. 

It was built in 1926 by a young developer named George Merrick, who's known as the founder of Coral Gables. 

The hotel became a place to host glamorous fashion shows, galas, golf tournaments and water shows in what was then the largest pool in the world.

At a loud party on the 13th floor of the hotel in 1929, a gangster named Thomas "Fatty" Walsh was shot and killed by another gangster. That murder yielded a lot of ghost rumors over the years.

READ MORE: This South Florida literary journal gives us a closer look at the strange and occult

Then World War II happened and the federal government transformed the Biltmore into a military hospital. Once the war was over, it continued being a hospital for veterans. In 1952, the University of Miami made the Biltmore its first home.

When the hospital closed in 1968, the Biltmore became an abandoned shell. That's when neighborhood kids started sneaking in.

"All the kids would always talk about how there must be ghosts in there," says Betsy Skipp, who grew up in Coral Gables and would sneak into the Biltmore with her friends. "You'd sneak out of the house and we all had flashlights."

So many kids were sneaking into the shuttered building, that the City of Coral Gables decided to hire a security guard.

Kim Dunn-Zocco also grew up in Coral Gables and would sneak into the shuttered building. Sneaking past the guard, whom they nicknamed "The Greenie" after the guard's green golf-cart, was part of the fun, she says.

"Once you got in, that's when it started to get a little creepy and quiet and creaky," says Zocco. 

Check out this 1988 student documentary called "The Biltmore's Strange Guest List" produced by Kathy Bolduc as a final project for a University of Miami class.

Because the Biltmore had been a veteran's hospital and a medical school, Zocco says her friends' worst fear was the possibility of seeing a dead body inside the building. One time, her friend swore he saw a severed limb.

"I remember we just ripped it out of there and hauled ourselves all the way home."

In 1983, Coral Gables put $55 million into renovating the Biltmore. The hotel reopened in 1987 and was restored to glory. Ten years later, the Biltmore was added to the National Registry of Historic Places.

Still, the ghost stories kept swirling. Starting in 1994, Linda Spitzer told ghost stories every Thursday night in the Biltmore's lobby. She was a staple for 10 years, before she moved to Lake Worth. 

"The guests loved it," says Spitzer, who would wear sun hats reminiscent of The Roaring Twenties. "I would tell them I'm here from 7 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. and it would drag on until 8 p.m."

READ MORE: Looking for ghost stories? Here are 5 new YA books that will haunt you

She did her research before telling her stories, but she says her best material came from the hotel guests themselves.   Today the Biltmore is far from the creepy place that once terrified the children of Coral Gables.    For Zocco, it's been an inescapable part of life. Her husband's uncle was a veteran patient when it was a hospital, her father went to medical school as a University of Miami student, she and her sister both had jobs at the hotel. And now she takes her family there for brunch. 

"It's such a beautiful building with so much history and so much mystery that you can't help but be drawn to it whether it's empty or living and breathing."

Browse more photos of the Biltmore Hotel on the Miami Herald's Flashback Miami archive .

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Experience the estate in new ways by attending exclusive Biltmore events. We offer a variety of immersive experiences—live performances, must-see exhibitions, and special seasonal events like Christmas at Biltmore and Candlelight Christmas Evenings —in a stunning, one-of-a-kind setting.

Host your own unforgettable event at Biltmore. From group experiences to fairy tale weddings, Biltmore provides the perfect setting for every private event. Browse our group and wedding venues and services .

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Biltmore’s seasonal events invite you to experience the splendor of the estate all year round.

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