Biltmore Hotel Miami - Coral Gables

Biltmore is a historic hotel in the Miami suburbs, complete with a golf course, a towering flagpole, and several dining options. Like most spots in Miami, it charges for parking, and while poolside service is decent, the restaurant experience falls short; often slow and disorganized. Though some dishes have solid portion sizes, others are surprisingly small. I visited Fairways Restaurant and waited nearly 20 minutes to be seated, even though plenty of tables were empty and people behind me got seated first. The excuse? “Others had reservations,” yet staff admitted people who clearly said that they had no bookings were made. After another 20 minutes someone brought water without asking if we wanted ice or even if we wanted water at all. I ordered juice and food immediately but had to wait another 40 minutes, only to be told the pineapple juice was unavailable. No apology, no alternative offered. We kept adding money to the parking meter because the delays stretched on. I watched guests who arrived after me get their meals while we waited. When my fish tacos finally arrived, they were very miniature and with almost no fish, no dip, no sides, just a tiny piece of avocado & shredded carrots. After my third complaint, the server kept still kept saying, “It’s my first day,” but never called a manager. Meanwhile, staff and management stood around chatting, seemingly unaware or unconcerned. I left disappointed and won’t be back. Maybe they didn’t want me there. Who knows?

We stopped here as part of a day trip tour that I was on. The tour guide gave a history of the property and the history of it being haunted. While there I didn’t get any eery feelings but the property is beautiful. I’m not sure I’d boom a room though. The pool was huge but seemed to be closed. The restroom was luxurious and beautiful. We visited one of the snack shops and purchased cookies. The staff we encountered were all friendly. Outside in the courtyard, my daughter enjoyed seeing several little Anole lizards

The Biltmore was the hotel ChatGPT recommended to me as the best possible choice in Coral Gables, and at first sight it truly seemed like the right one. The building looks as though it came out of a fairy tale. We had a corner room overlooking the pool and the golf course, and it felt like a dream. There were, however, many details that made the stay disappointing. Room service was extremely expensive, and the food felt more like an American diner-style options. Amongst the pages of the folder on the desk, there were sections for Breakfast, etc. And “All Day….” But by 10 p.m. in room service they tell me the kitchen was already closed, and no water other than regular water was available. Or anything else. The staff who delivered the service each time were very kind, and that should be acknowledged. In the other room, the extra bed was the couch, which was very uncomfortable. The housekeeping staff also did not seem properly trained in making up the beds. Many empty bottles were left around, cups, mugs, glasses would not be systematically replaced. As if each one was left its own. The laundry was returned in the box shown in the photograph. I though it was rubbish the maid did not take. The balcony overlooking the golf course was covered in bird droppings, and one of the chairs was unstable, lacking the bottom part. Among the staff, Concierge Robert was truly outstanding, and the luggage team was consistently kind and helpful. Vanessa at breakfast in Fontana also stepped in to help when my order arrived very wrong, and I appreciated that very much. What can one say? It is sad when an icon like this hotel begins to come apart. One wants to see it continue shining, yet it seems unable to sustain itself properly. Prices are pushed to an absurd level, while the overall condition suggests a very low-budget operation. A bottle of Acqua Panna costing ten dollars says a great deal. I am not in a position to suggest what they should do. I understand that many people’s jobs depend on it, and I know it still serves as a venue for events. But it is well known in business that the point where you have to cut your losses and you have to jump. The place is unbelievably beautiful, yet very run down. A certain degree of age could even add charm, but here the deterioration feels too visible, too widespread, too far-reaching. It is in every detail and beyond. Somehow, it reminded me of those great singers from another era whom people still go to hear out of admiration and respect for what they once were, even when their powers have faded and sing totally out of tune. There is something moving in that, but there is also dignity in knowing when a different chapter is needed. I do not know what the solution is for such an extraordinary building. Perhaps it should be entrusted to a hotel group with the means to restore it properly. If this is what appears on the surface, one can only wonder about everything else beneath it! For all that this hotel has meant, and for all that it still could be, I truly hope alternatives are found. The potential here is immense. But they need to move and fast.

Stunning property in terms of design and atmosphere. Unfortunately, the service does not match the grandeur of the property. While I understand Miami is a predominantly Spanish-speaking community, at this level of hotel I would expect staff to be bilingual—especially given my experiences at comparable properties worldwide in other Latin countries. Communication was often difficult, and more concerning, there seemed to be little effort or urgency to assist guests. Staff preferred to stand around and talk to each other. The pool experience was particularly disappointing. The pool is gorgeous, but the staff is not trained properly or first class pool service. I can't tell you how many staff I saw walk by cups and straws tossed about and leaving the trash on the ground. Upon arrival, the area was busy, but when I asked three staff members at the pool station for help finding a lounge chair, I was simply told “it’s full.” No attempt was made to assist or offer alternative seating. I ended up finding a chair myself a few feet from the towel service desk , and then went back and retrieving my own towels. As I walked back, I noticed those same staff members actively helping another guest. Maybe you have to give them a tip before they will offer any assistance. Not what I've experienced at other "luxury" properties. Service throughout the pool area was consistently lacking. I had to track down staff for drinks, again to order lunch, and even getting the check was a mission. Despite this, the felt it was ok to automatic ADD 20% gratuity to my pool check. This isn't being a snob, this is paying for a hotel for a specific level of service. After working an extremely tough week, I wanted to be pampered a bit. This was a let down. Overall, the property is undeniably beautiful and the food is great. However, if you’re expecting attentive, luxury-level service, you may be disappointed.

The rooms are beautiful, classic, and tastefully decorated. My stay felt comparable to the St. Regis in NYC. Even the restroom on the LL, on the way to the pool area was stunning. I gasped when I walked in. The Valet, Front Service, and concierge teams were among the best I have ever experienced. They were attentive and stood at their post every time I walked past them. I would also like to especially recognize Tyler at the pro shop / starter area. I am not entirely sure of his title, but his energy was exceptional. He was incredibly positive, always wearing a great smile, and more importantly, he greeted or acknowledged EVERY SINGLE guest who passed by. I sat in the area for about 20 minutes, and Tyler did not miss a single person. He also offered water to guests who were waiting and checked in on them to make sure they were doing well. I would also like to mention Maritza, the spa attendant, who was equally wonderful. She embodies the true definition of hospitality. She was attentive and anticipated our needs so naturally. Her warmth and care made the experience feel incredibly personal and comforting. She made us feel like were we lounging at home. I wanted to share how impressed I was with your team and the level of execution I experienced during my visit at the beautiful Biltmore Hotel.