A Summit in the Tropics: The Biltmore's Presidential Story

Florida's grand hotels were born in the land boom of the 1920s, and few rose higher than the Biltmore. Its story includes boom, bust, war, and a remarkable rebirth, crowned by a gathering of presidents from across the hemisphere.

The Biltmore Hotel Coral Gables

When it opened in January 1926, the Biltmore was the jewel of George Merrick's planned city of Coral Gables. Its soaring tower was modeled on the Giralda of Seville Cathedral, and its swimming pool was then the largest hotel pool in the country. The Depression ended the glamour years; during World War II the hotel became a military hospital, and for decades afterward it served as a veterans' hospital before standing empty. It reopened after a long restoration in the late 1980s.

In December 1994, the restored Biltmore stepped onto the world stage when President Bill Clinton hosted the Summit of the Americas, bringing together leaders from across North, Central, and South America at the hotel.

The Biltmore celebrated its centennial in 2026 as Miami's most romantic historic hotel. Swim in the legendary pool, have dinner in the fountain courtyard, and play the Donald Ross–designed golf course beneath the tower.

Plan your stay: Explore more hotels in Coral Gables

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About this guide: Presidential connections are drawn from public sources, including official White House schedules, presidential and historical archives, and reputable news outlets, as well as the hotels' own published histories. Hotel names, ownership, and amenities may have changed since publication. This information is provided for general interest, is not guaranteed, and should be independently verified. Hotelaholic is not affiliated with or endorsed by any U.S. president or government agency.