Romantic Getaway in South FloridaThe Biltmore HotelBy Phyllis SteinbergMy idea of romance is stepping back in time to the days when elegant balls were attended by ladies in formal gowns and long white gloves, where ballrooms were adorned with massive crystal chandeliers and beautifully carved antique moldings. I got that romantic feeling again when I spent a weekend at The Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables with my husband on our anniversary. The Biltmore which opened in 1926, played host to royalty, both from Europe and Hollywood. The hotel counted the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, Ginger Rogers, Judy Garland, Bing Crosby, Al Capone and assorted Roosevelts and Vanderbilts as frequent guests. Fashions shows, gala balls, aquatic shows by the grand pool and weddings were held within its doors.
The Biltmore Hotel is South Florida’s only National Historic Landmark resort. Every Sunday there are tours of the property for hotel guests and local visitors who are interested in learning how the hotel has evolved over the years. It was built as a great hotel that would not only serve as a hostelry to the crowds which were coming to Coral Gables in the 1920’s but also to serve as the center of sports and fashion. Throughout the hotel there are pictures of the hotel and its guests at various social events hosted at the hotel during the past 75 years. The hotel celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2001.
Our room was equally as splendid with its writing desk, thick carpet, overstuffed pillows and lavish bed coverings and draperies. I was steeped in luxury and I imagined I was staying in one of Europe’s finest hotels. The hotel staff was also very attentive to our privacy requests. The afternoon tea served each afternoon from 3 to 5 p.m. in the hotel’s upper lobby with its English-style finger sandwiches, traditional scones with clotted cream and preserves and petit fours accompanied by hot teas reminded of the lovely afternoon tea I experienced at The Savoy in London. Here, we were in Coral Gables having afternoon tea just like in Europe, amid lavish surroundings. It was so beautifully relaxing and romantic. Dinner at The Biltmore was another extraordinary event. Chef Philippe Ruiz, a native Frenchman has taken the reigns at La Palme d’Or, The Biltmore Hotel’s signature restaurant and his French nouvelle cuisine has to be tasted to be appreciated. Just writing about his Court-Boullion of Langostinos with Wild Chanterelles, Chives and Orange Perfume can’t possible do it justice. Take my advice, if you visit The Biltmore, dine at La Palme d’Or. After dinner, we enjoyed taking long walks under a starry sky in the lovely neighborhood surrounding the hotel. The upscale, residential neighborhood has magnificent homes and several streets that we found fun to explore. The hotel is also known for its fabulous Sunday brunch. The brunch is served in the courtyard and indoor restaurant and includes nine food stations with sushi, pasta, omelets, crepes, fresh seafood, pasta and decadent desserts. The locals all know about this fabulous brunch so make your reservations in advance if you want to enjoy this gastromical feast, because it is sold-out practically every weekend of the year.
The four-diamond property is adjacent to an 18-hole golf course, has tennis facilities and a spa and fitness center. The spa has all kinds of treatments from massages to aromatherapy facials. Fitness trainers are available at an extra charge to assist guests with their exercise programs. Every year the resort hosts a Food & Wine Weekend. Next year the event will be held on April 12-14. Chefs from around the nation come to The Biltmore for this special weekend and prepare exquisite foods all weekend long for guests. I’m planning to come back and experience another romantic weekend at The Biltmore. The address of the hotel is: 1200 Anastasia Avenue, Coral Gables, FL 33134 Phyllis Steinberg can be reached at PhyllisSteinberg@cs.com |
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Today, the 279-room hotel and resort is as elegant as the day it opened and one of the favorite resorts of celebrities and presidents. In fact, the staff was buzzing about the recent visit of former President Clinton, who had stayed there recently to play on the magnificent golf course located adjacent to the hotel.
When I walked into the palatial pink hotel, a doorman greeted us and took our bags. The lobby was reminiscent of a traditional European grand hotel. Old Word charm was everywhere. The design is considered Mediterranean-revival, predominately Spanish style with Moorish and Italian accents. The lobby has a decorative hand-painted ceiling beams and leads to open air courtyard and fountain with gleaming terazzo and tile floors. I felt like I was in a palace and I was one of the honored guests.
The swimming pool at The Biltmore, is reported to be one of the largest in the United States. We sat by the pool in our chase lounges, sipped spirits and enjoyed the elegant surroundings as pool attendants catered to our every need.