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Biltmore Hotel Review

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Biltmore Hotel

Address: 1200 Anastasia Ave., near De Soto Blvd., Coral Gables, FL, 33134 | Map It
Phone: 305/445-1926
www.biltmorehotel.com

Category: Hotels
Location: Coral Gables

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Fodor's Review:

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. First opened in 1926, it was a hot spot for the rich and glamorous of the Jazz Age until it was converted to an Army-Air Force regional hospital in 1942. Until 1968, the Veterans Administration continued to operate the hospital after World War II. The Biltmore then lay vacant for nearly 20 years before it underwent extensive renovations and reopened as a luxury hotel in 1987. Its 16-story tower, like the Freedom Tower in downtown Miami, is a replica of Seville's Giralda Tower. The magnificent pool, reportedly the largest hotel pool in the continental United States, is steeped in history—Johnny Weissmuller of Tarzan fame was a lifeguard here, and in the 1930s grand aquatic galas featuring alligator wrestling, synchronized swimming, and bathing beauties drew thousands. More recently it was President Clinton's preferred place to stay and golf. To the west is the Biltmore Country Club, a richly ornamented Beaux-Arts-style structure with a superb colonnade and courtyard; it was reincorporated into the hotel in 1989. Sunday champagne brunch is a local legend, try to get a table in the courtyard. Afterward join one of the free tours offered at 1:30, 2:30, and 3:30.

In-room: Wi-Fi.
In-hotel: 4 restaurants, golf course, room service, tennis courts, bars, pool, gym, spa.
Credit Cards: AE, D, DC, MC, V

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