Inside one of Florida’s most iconic hotels, now celebrating 100 years of luxury
- Jake Nicholas
- Jul 18
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 22
Tucked into the lush, palm-lined boulevards of Coral Gables, The Biltmore is far more than a hotel—it’s a legend nearly 100 years in the making. Rising with unmistakable grandeur, this Mediterranean Revival masterpiece has stood as the city’s crown jewel since the Roaring Twenties, its iconic tower visible for miles. With Coral Gables now celebrating its 100th anniversary throughout 2025, and The Biltmore approaching its centennial in January 2026, there’s never been a more meaningful time to revisit this architectural treasure.
Originally breaking ground in March 1925, The Biltmore opened its doors in 1926 as a glamorous destination for the Jazz Age elite. Designed by Schultze & Weaver—the minds behind New York’s Waldorf Astoria—the hotel channeled the spirit of European luxury, with grand colonnades, soaring arches, barrel-vaulted ceilings, and hand-painted frescos that still grace the interiors today. Over the decades, it evolved into a beacon of elegance and resilience, serving as a WWII hospital and later as part of the University of Miami’s medical school before being lovingly restored to its original grandeur. Today, it remains one of the most iconic properties in the Southeast, listed as a National Historic Landmark and a symbol of timeless luxury.
Step onto the property and you’ll quickly understand why this place still turns heads nearly a century later. Wild green parrots soar overhead while sunlight filters through banyan trees and palms. The hotel’s 271 guest rooms and suites are among the largest in Miami-Dade County, each radiating a sense of space, calm, and royalty. Some offer sweeping views of the golf course and city skyline; others look onto the lush grounds and legendary pool. The decor is understated yet refined, with Spanish tile floors, rich wood furnishings, and stately touches that nod to the hotel’s historic past.
At the heart of the resort is one of its most photographed—and jaw-dropping—features: a 23,000-square-foot swimming pool, still one of the largest in the continental U.S. Framed by towering palms and private cabanas, the pool is a destination in its own right. Lounging here on a breezy afternoon, cocktail in hand, feels like stepping into another era.
Wellness and leisure are deeply woven into The Biltmore experience. The resort’s state-of-the-art fitness center was recently upgraded with a sleek new design, featuring sauna and steam rooms, a sprawling workout floor, and private training studios. Weekly programming includes everything from sunrise yoga and pilates to water aerobics, Zumba, cycling classes, and golf-specific training sessions—making it easy to stay active while indulging in the pleasures of vacation.
Golfers will find one of the most storied public-access courses in Florida right outside their door. Originally designed in 1925 by Donald Ross and recently restored, the Biltmore Golf Course is an 18-hole, par-71 championship course that winds through 6,800 yards of perfectly manicured fairways. Flanked by banyan trees, historic bridges, and glimpses of the hotel’s grand tower, it offers a playing experience that’s both technically rewarding, fun, and filled with exotic birds like peacocks and parrots.
For moments of pure relaxation, the Biltmore Spa is another reason why the hotel has stood the test of time. Set on the 7th floor, the spa features a curated menu of facials, massages, body treatments, and rituals rooted in European wellness traditions. Spa guests enjoy access to the full fitness suite, steam and sauna rooms, and tranquil lounges with panoramic views.
Dining at The Biltmore is just as memorable. At Fontana, the hotel’s iconic Italian courtyard restaurant, guests dine beside a central fountain surrounded by vine-draped columns—a picturesque setting for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and Sunday brunch. Light bites and cocktails can also be enjoyed at the poolside Cascade, the elegant Biltmore Bar, or Brandi's, a dark, moody lounge. Recently, The Bitmore also debuted their newest dining concept, Fairways, located at the golf club – serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, where you can enjoy drinks, sandwiches, seafood bites, and watch golfers tee off.
Beyond the hotel, Coral Gables itself is a destination worth exploring. Known as “The City Beautiful,” it was one of America’s first planned communities—celebrated for its Mediterranean-style architecture, winding streets, and verdant canopy. The centennial celebration will highlight the area’s rich history and cultural legacy, from historic landmarks like the Venetian Pool and Merrick House to the refined shops and cafés lining Miracle Mile. And yet, despite its residential calm, Coral Gables offers proximity to the vibrant energy of Miami just minutes away.
As the city and its landmark hotel prepare to celebrate a century of beauty, innovation, and world-class hospitality, guests are invited to be part of the moment. Whether it’s your first time at The Biltmore or your fifth, this year offers a rare chance to experience the past and present coming together in a place that has always set the standard for luxury in Florida. The energy here isn’t manufactured—it’s storied, enduring, and alive.
Book now to experience The Biltmore during this unforgettable centennial season.
