At the 1926 opening of the Miami Biltmore Country Club, Dr. Frank Crane made this prediction in regard to the newly constructed Biltmore Hotel,“Many people will come and go, but this structure will remain a thing of lasting beauty.” Dr. Crane’s prediction came true in 1996, when the National Register of Historic Places designated The Biltmore a National Historic Landmark, an elite title offered to only three percent of all historic structures.

Located in the heart of the elegant and stately community of Coral Gables, the architecture is a combination of Mediterranean, Italian, Moorish and Spanish. The entire structure is crowned by the spiraling Moorish Giralda tower which can be seen from miles away. The interior is an exquisite collection of hand-painted frescos on barrel-vaulted ceilings, brilliant travertine floors, fine marble columns, intricate leaded glass fixtures, carved mahogany furnishings and lavish indoor gardens.

The first part of the hotel complex to open was the 18-hold golf course, designed by premier golf-course architect Donald Ross. It has since been completely renovated and is still an important part of the hotel and its surroundings.

From its opening in 1926 until 1942, The Biltmore was one of the most fashionable resorts in the entire country. It regularly hosted presidents, European heads of State, famous Hollywood personalities and infamous gangsters. Regular events included, world-class golf tournaments, gala balls, aquatic shows and elaborate weddings.

It all came to an abrupt end in 1942 with the onset of World War II. The War Department converted The Biltmore to a huge Veterans Administration hospital. It also became the early site of The University of Miami’s School of Medicine. Many of the former hotel’s windows were sealed with concrete and the travertine floors were covered with layers of government-issue linoleum. It remained a hospital until 1968. Ownership was eventually granted to the city of Coral Gables, but the hotel remained empty until 1983 when restoration was begun. It re-opened as a hotel in 1987 but was soon closed again when Seaway embarked upon a $40 million renovation program that was recently completed.

The hotel today is magnificent. The landmark swimming pool is the largest hotel pool in the continental United States. It is surrounded by lush gardens, a tropical waterfall and private cabanas. The spa, which takes up almost an entire floor is state-of-the-art. The restaurants, Fontana (Italian), Palme d’Or (French) and the al fresco Cascade Grill are all staffed with world class chefs. The 18-holds championship Golf Course, Fitness Center and Tennis Center are conveniently located on the premises. The rooms and suites are spacious, exquisitely decorated, comfortable and equipped with the latest technology,.

The Biltmore is historical, whimsical, luxurious and truly beautiful.

Contact: www.Biltmorehotel.com 1-800-727-1926