Built in just 10 months and once
Miami's tallest building, this legendary hotel allegedly hosted Al Capone's secret gambling ring and speakeasy on its 13th floor before becoming a WWII military hospital. Can you guess which
hotel?
A Landmark Born in Record Time: Completed in just 10 months, The Biltmore
opened its doors on January 15, 1926—an extraordinary feat that marked the arrival of a new era of luxury in South Florida.
Once Miami’s Tallest Icon: At the time of its debut, the Biltmore stood as the tallest building in Miami, a striking beacon visible for miles
across the young and growing city.
advertisement
advertisement
The Mystery of the “Al Capone
Suite”: Officially named the Everglades Suite for its hand-painted ceiling murals, the 13th-floor retreat is more famously known as the “Al Capone Suite.” Legend
suggests it hosted an illicit gambling ring and speakeasy during Prohibition—though no formal records confirm his stay.
A Wartime Transformation: During World War II, the U.S. government repurposed the hotel as a military hospital. Notably, the golf course
remained open, serving both recreational and rehabilitative roles for recovering soldiers.
A Name Shared, Not
a Lineage: While it shares its name with the famed Biltmore Estate in North Carolina, the Biltmore in Coral Gables is affiliated in name only—each property with its own
distinct history and legacy.
If you’re interested in submitting content for future editions, please reach out to our Managing Editor, Barbie Romero at
Barbie@MediaPost.com.