This post is sponsored by our Staycation Guide Partners: The Biltmore Miami Coral Gables.
Our family recently visited The Biltmore Miami Coral Gables and it was a memorable way to jumpstart the holiday season.
I am usually a homebody when it comes to Christmastime. Growing up, I recall always being at home at Christmastime. However, of all my childhood Christmases, one memory in particular sticks out in my mind: the year my parents took us to a 5 star resort at Christmas. I will never forget the decorations in that beautiful hotel, the chocolates on my pillow at turndown, and the feelings of doing something extra special with my family at Christmastime.
As a child, those experiences created a lasting memory for me. Now, as a parent myself, I realize how important it is to curate memorable travel adventures with my own children too. Our stay at The Biltmore was exactly that, memorable and meaningful.
I’m here to encourage you that you can and should travel with your kids, even if it’s just a few miles down the road for a staycation. Taking the time to set apart time with your family and invest in a travel adventure will be worth it.
The Biltmore Miami: A National Historic Landmarks
The Biltmore has been a landmark in Miami since the early 1920’s. To step on property is to step back in time into the rich history of the former stomping ground of many of the world’s most acclaimed individuals. Everyone from Judy Garland, to President Franklin D. Roosevelt, even the Duke & Duchess of Windsor were all notable guests at The Biltmore.
Miamians may notice that the hotel’s tower has an uncanny resemblance to the Freedom Tower in downtown Miami. This is because the same architects who designed the Freedom Tower (and Grand Central Terminal in New York City) were the team to craft the plans for The Biltmore which first opened in January 1926.
While The Biltmore was the destination for socialites from all over the country and even the world, it’s history goes beyond the glitz and glamour of the Hollywood elite. During World War II, The Biltmore was converted to a massive hospital for the Army Air Forces. The lobby once filled with dignitaries and diplomats was filled with stretchers of wounded soldiers. The Biltmore remained a VA hospital until 1968.
For years after the war The Biltmore sat unoccupied. In 1983, the City of Coral Gables began a full restoration of the National Historic Landmark and in December 1987 the hotel was reopened. Due to the economic downturn of the times The Biltmore closed again after only 3 years of operation. However, in 1992 the hotel came under new management and underwent a $40 million dollar restoration. Today it is as beautiful and prestigious as I imagine it must have been in the height of its early days. To stay at The Biltmore is to immerse yourself in its story.
Modern Luxury with Mediterranean Charm
A visit to The Biltmore will make you feel like you have traveled to Europe, only without the hassle of the airport. The panoramic views will tease you into thinking you’re in an Italian palazzo or on the grounds of a castillo in Seville. The hand-painted frescos in the lobby will cause you to slow down and enter vacation mode before you’ve even checked in your room. And your room, your room will be an oasis that you may never want to leave. (Fact: I wish I could have extended my check-out to…never!)
The renovation design team knocked it out of the park with these rooms. The soothing yet regal color schemes with touches of modern design and gold accents made our corner suite one of the most beautiful hotel rooms we have ever stayed in. Our room was not only spacious but also thoughtfully designed with ample natural light and additional space for relaxing (read: space for the kids to sleep to ensure everyone had a good night’s sleep!)
My favorite thing about any hotel room is the view. We couldn’t get enough of The Biltmore views. Our room had 3 windows and the views were magnificent. The sunrise views were only topped by the sunset views and all day long we had a bird’s eye view of the grand swimming pool (one of the largest in the continental United States!).
The first night we checked in we watched a beautiful wedding take place in the courtyard below our room. My daughter still talks about the sights she saw looking out those windows…and the cookies and milk from the turndown service. (Click here to watch the video!)
World-Class Dining Options
The Biltmore is home to some of Miami’s best fine dining. With two kids in tow, we opted out of dinner at the Five Diamond Palm D’Or but can’t wait to try it soon for a date night.
We instead chose the authentic Italian ristorante, Fontana, and the whole family thoroughly enjoyed it. The restaurant staff were kind and attentive to our needs with two small children. The food was spectacular! My mouth still waters at the thought of the bacon wrapped NY strip. My only regret, we skipped dessert! We will not make that rookie mistake next time.
Our children loved sitting outside in the courtyard. The center fountain coupled with the coloring pages provided by the waitress kept their attention long enough for my husband and I to enjoy our meal and the romantic ambiance of the restaurant. Need a Miami date night spot? Look no further than The Biltmore.
There is also a poolside outdoor restaurant called Cascade where we spent the morning for breakfast. I recommend the Eggs Benedict. My 2 year old recommends the chocolate milk.
Activities & Entertainment for the Whole Family
You must be thinking, “With all this luxury, what about the kids?” I can attest that there are is no shortage of fun for your little ones. The world-famous pool is enough to keep your kids entertained all day but if you are looking for more, there are also tennis lessons, golf camps, and culinary classes. They even host birthday party cooking classes. Talk about making memories!
If you or your husband are into golf you must make plans to play the championship course or schedule a lesson at the headquarters of the #1 golf school in the world, the Jim McLean Golf School.
I look forward to visiting The Biltmore again soon to experience Afternoon Tea. With a live harpist and all of the delicacies and niceties that accompany having tea, I imagine it must be an unforgettable experience.
Have I convinced you yet? Do you need any more motivation to visit The Biltmore? Well, if you are still on the fence, I know exactly what will help you take the plunge…
The Biltmore Spa
This spa is my favorite one in Miami. The 12,000 square foot facility has panoramic city views and the treatment rooms are beautiful. My favorite thing about The Biltmore Spa? It’s open late! If you can’t schedule a weekend away, plan a massage after a long day and stay until 8PM and let your husband handle bedtime routines while you unwind in the eucalyptus steam room. The treatment I recommend is The Journey to Guavonia.
Plan Your Getaway
Our short 2 night stay was plenty of time to make memories with my family that I know will last a lifetime. Seeing The Biltmore at Christmastime is a must.
What are you waiting for? Book your family getaway or staycation at The Biltmore and create an experience your family won’t soon forget.
Visit their website to plan your visit. Follow them on Instagram and Twitter and check out their special events including their Roaring 20’s New Year’s Eve Celebration.
