Roomer

Biltmore Hotel

Book this if You want to feel like 1920s royalty in a Mediterranean palace with a pool the size of a lake, and you don't mind being far from the beach.

Why People Love It

  • The massive 23,000 sq ft pool (once the largest in the world)
  • Historic 'Old Florida' glamour that feels miles away from South Beach neon
  • The legendary Sunday Champagne Brunch at Fontana

Quick Take: A stunning museum piece that occasionally feels like one—expect grand architecture but also dated bathrooms and a lot of wedding noise.

Reviewed by @thehotelmagnetI booked a private cabana at the Biltmore and it was a total game-changer. Having my own shaded living room, stocked fridge, and reserved loungers right by that massive pool made me feel like a total VIP. Highly recommend for a stress-free pool day.


Guest Who Stayed Here Said

The hype

Guests are blown away by the grounds, pool, and lobby, calling it a 'fairytale' experience.

Reality check

The rooms often don't match the lobby's grandeur—complaints about small, dated bathrooms and peeling paint are common.

  • You love golf and history more than sand and clubs
  • You want a resort where you never have to leave the property
  • You are planning a romantic getaway or a high-end family pool vacation

Cleanliness & Maintenance

8.5
  • Housekeeping: Daily and generally good, though some guests report missed dust in corners of older rooms.
  • Bathroom hygiene: Clean but dated. Grout lines show age, and tubs are often the old shower/tub combo style.
  • Maintenance: The building is 100 years old and shows it. Peeling paint on balconies and 'musty' smells in hallways are occasional complaints.
  • Linens & towels: High quality, crisp and fresh.
  • Odors & scents: Generally fresh, but some lower-floor hallways can smell damp or like 'old building'.

Sleepability™

6.5MODERATE
MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
  • Wedding DJ bass from the courtyard
  • Generator noise near certain wings
  • Hallway noise due to gaps under doors

Before you book

Good to know

  • The famous Palme d'Or restaurant is closed; 'Fairways' is the new upscale dining spot.
  • Self-parking is $30/night and is just an open-air lot; Valet is $45.
  • The pool closes at sunset, so no late-night dips.

What to pack

  • Golf clubs (obviously)
  • Dressy resort wear (shorts are frowned upon in the lobby evening hours)
  • Earplugs (for the wedding beats)

Room Genie

Best picks

  • Golf Suite (spacious, great views, generally quieter)
  • Tower Suites (if you want the full 'haunted' historic experience)

Rooms to avoid

  • Rooms facing the main courtyard on weekends (wedding noise)
  • Lower floor rooms near the service areas (generator hum)

Room Request Genie – copy & paste

I am a light sleeper and would love a room on a higher floor facing the Golf Course, away from the main courtyard and wedding event spaces.

FAQ & Hidden tips

Everything you actually want to know before you book.

Is the Biltmore haunted?

Legend says yes. The 13th floor (dedicated to the ghost of mobster 'Fatty' Walsh) and the elevators are hotspots for spooky stories.

How far is South Beach?

Far. Expect a 30-45 minute Uber ride depending on Miami traffic.

Is the pool heated?

Yes, the 600,000-gallon pool is kept at a comfortable temperature year-round.

Can I walk to restaurants?

Not really. It's in a residential neighborhood. You'll need a car or Uber to get to Miracle Mile for dining.

Is breakfast included?

Usually no. The buffet at Fontana is ~$39/person, and a la carte entrees are ~$21.

What is the resort fee?

$23/night. It covers the gym, pool access, and high-speed internet.


Insider Tips

  • The '19th Hole' bar has the best burger on the property and is much cheaper than the other restaurants.

  • You can take a free historic tour of the hotel on Sunday afternoons (ask the concierge).

  • If the main pool is too crowded, the cabanas are expensive ($350+) but offer the only real privacy.

5 things to know before you go

  • 💡The 'unauthorized' 2024 renovations (covering historic tile with marble) caused a massive fight with the city.

  • 💡The elevators are notoriously slow and sometimes 'ghostly' (stopping on wrong floors).

  • 💡The bathrooms in standard rooms are surprisingly small for a luxury hotel.

  • 💡You might spot iguanas roaming the golf course and pool deck.

  • 💡The 'resort fee' is low for Miami ($23) but the parking fees ($30-$45) make up for it.

Local Playbook


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