The Biltmore Hotel Miami Coral Gables

1926 Mediterranean Revival landmark in Coral Gables — Miami's most historically significant hotel, recently renovated. The largest hotel pool in the US.

★★★★★📍 Coral Gables$$$$

The Biltmore opened in 1926 as the centerpiece of George Merrick's planned Mediterranean-revival city of Coral Gables and has been Miami's most architecturally significant hotel ever since. Al Capone (suite 8), every president since FDR, Bing Crosby, and the Duke and Duchess of Windsor have all stayed. It became a US Army Air Forces hospital during WWII, sat unused for years afterward, and was meticulously restored in 1992. Designated a National Historic Landmark in 1996.

The signature feature is the 22,000 square foot Roman-pool — the largest hotel pool in the United States, with a depth that goes to 8 feet, surrounded by columns and palm trees. The 270-foot tower modeled after Seville's Giralda dominates the skyline of Coral Gables. The Donald Ross-designed golf course wraps around the property.

Recent renovations have updated rooms (now with modern bathrooms and AV) while preserving the historic character. The Cellar Club restaurant is excellent; the Sunday Brunch at the Fontana is a Miami institution.

Coral Gables itself is the quietest, most architecturally beautiful neighborhood in greater Miami — Spanish-tile streets, banyan-tree canopies, Venetian Pool (the public swimming pool, also a 1920s landmark), and a 15-20 minute drive to South Beach. Best for travelers who want quiet beauty rather than the South Beach scene, or for golfers, or for anyone who wants to experience the original 1920s Miami.