The Biltmore Hotel

The lovely Biltmore Hotel in The City Beautiful, as Coral Gables, Florida is fondly called, is a prominent national historic landmark. It is not hard to spot the imposing tower of the hotel which was inspired by the Giralda Tower in Seville, Spain as you drive down the beautiful boulevards lined with tropical foliage, majestic oaks, banyan trees and Mediterranean revival-style homes.

The Biltmore Hotel, A National Historic Landmark In Coral Gables, Florida

On a recent trip to south Florida, my husband and I returned to the cosmopolitan city of Coral Gables where we lived before moving to New England. The Biltmore Hotel was a large part of our social life as the hotel is not only one of the most famous landmarks in the city but it is also a wonderful supporter of the arts, civic and charitable events. We decided to stay once again at the hotel, reliving nice memories and enjoying all the great facilities the hotel offers before flying back home to New Hampshire.

I believe you would enjoy this beautiful hotel that has welcomed royalty, heads of state and Hollywood celebrities since the 1920’s.  It is very convenient to not only the Miami International Airport but also the Port of Miami as they are both just a few miles away. Let me share my photos from our stay with you and I think you will agree with me that the hotel is a wonderful place to do as little or as much as you would like.

The View Of The Pool And Golf Course From The 7th Floor Of The Biltmore Hotel

Our room was on the 7th floor where the hotel’s 12,000 sq. ft. full service spa is located. We arrived just after a rainstorm ended and the sun broke through the clouds. The windows were still covered with raindrops but the view of the pool and the 18 hole championship golf course was still wonderful.

Jr. Suite With A Sitting Area, Room Divider With 2 TV’s, Mini Bar, Drawers And Desk Space And King Size Bed

Biltmore Hotel King Size Feather Bed

As you can see, the room we had was as nice as the view. The Jr. Suite which has a nice sitting area was divided by a double sided bookcase with two flat screen TV’s, drawers, desk and minibar. The small bathroom had a great massage shower in the tub, thick, soft towels, and Frette bath robes.   The feather bed and pillows were covered with the softest Egyptian sheets you can imagine.

The Fountain Courtyard Of The Biltmore’s Fontana Restaurant

After admiring the view, we went downstairs for a bite to eat and a cocktail. The hotel has four restaurants…the Palme d’Or (award-winning French), the Fontana (Italian) with its beautiful fountain courtyard, the 19th Hole Sports Bar, and the Cascade located at the edge of the largest pool in the continental U.S.

The Cascade Restaurant At The Edge Of The Biltmore Hotel’s Pool…The Largest In The Continental U.S.

We didn’t want to spoil our evening meal so we enjoyed a couple of small plates of tapas while sitting in the shade at the Cascade restaurant which is next to the large pool.

The Palme d’Or Gourmet French Restaurant With Windows Looking Out At The Pool

Dinner was enjoyed at Palme d’Or, the Biltmore’s  gourmet restaurant. The room has a wall of windows looking out to the pool and is decorated with large mirrors to reflect the soft light and large black and white photos of some of the famous guests who have stayed at the Biltmore.

Light As Air Amuse Bouche

Marinated Langoustine, 24 ct. Gold Covered Osetra Caviar, Passion Fruit Tapioca, And Vodka Gelee

Foie Gras Terrine, Cherries And Five Peppers Toast

Maine Lobster, Corn And Sour Cream Sauce, Corn Bavarois, And Fresh Corn

Royal Sea Urchin, Bay Scallops, Fennel Confit, Kefir Lime Sauce

Black Cod, Potato Tasting, Brandade, Squid Ink Sauce

Wild Caught Trout, Purple Artichokes, Cilantro Sauce

Buffalo Tenderloin, Rosemary Panisses, Nicoise Ratatouille, Buffalo Mozzarella

Chef Gregory Pugin created a seven course meal that featured an exceptional level of quality ingredients that were presented beautifully. With an amuse bouche, pre dessert, and post dessert courses added to the seven courses, the meal would make any foodie happy. After saying “goodbye” to chef Pugin, we headed to our room full but not overly stuffed as each course of the meal was just the right size.  It was a truly memorable meal.

Nine Foot Tall Mahogany And Brass Birdcages In The Biltmore Lobby With Beautiful Painted Vaulted Ceiling

Early the next morning, we paused to listen to the birds singing in the two nine foot tall mahogany and brass birdcages in the lobby with its beautiful vaulted ceilings one last time before heading to the airport. It is amazing how nice even one day at the Biltmore can be. There is a saying that you can’t go back home but as far as the Biltmore Hotel is concerned, I could return time and time again. The people who work at the hotel may change over the years but the experience will always be wonderful.