The Biltmore
Visiting The Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables, Miami…
In a change to our scheduled “I Am The Only Person in the World Who Has Ever Moved House” programming, here are some photos from the first week of my vacation last month. I still have LOADS of holiday photos to show you, by the way. LOADS. I just haven’t had time to get them off the camera, but obviously because I’m super-busy right now with the packing and moving and all that, I’m spending a LOT of time procrastinating, so what better time to sit down and show you some photos?
These were taken at The Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables. I’m not here to give you a history lesson (Although, hey, anything to procrastinate!), but the hotel was built in 1926, and has stood through one world war, a couple of devastating hurricanes (Plus numerous smaller ones) and the Great Depression, so naturally it has a long and fascinating history. And now it’s being used as a backdrop in some fashion blogger’s outfit photos: yay for The Biltmore!
We got to hear some of the hotel’s many stories during the guided tour, which was awesome, and well worth doing if you’re ever in the area. It’s one of those places which is just steeped in history, and which has GOT to be haunted. GOT to be. We loved it: so much so, in fact, that we went back a couple of weeks later to sample the afternoon tea. (Yes, I took photos of that, too. Yes, I will make you look at them soon.)
I figured such a beautiful place was a good enough excuse to bust out one of my favourite outfits, hence this skirt, which is seen here on its inaugural outing. I’d had it for a couple of months at that point, but I like to “début” certain items in particular places, and I’m making myself sound really pretentious now, so I’ll move on…
This skirt is currently one of my most treasured closet possessions, because as well as being GREEN, it also has a built-in petticoat, which means it has tons of drama, all on its own. You know how I love The Drama. It attracted quite a lot of attention on this outing: I said in one of my earlier posts that we found Miami to be an unfriendly, often rude, city, but one thing I will say is that the people there were just as quick to give out compliments as they are in the rest of Florida. I’ve lived in the UK my entire life and can honestly say that no one has ever, EVER come up to me in a public place and told me they liked my outfit or my hair, or whatever, but it happens frequently in Florida, and not just to me: every single member of my family (even the men) had complete strangers offer random outfit compliments, and I know Roisin had the same experience when she visited the Orlando area.
It’s really lovely when people do that, and makes such a change from the hostile stares my outfits tend to attract at home (Don’t get me wrong, I got a few of those in Miami, too…). I always come home with the intention of doing it myself: just walking up to someone and telling them I love their dress or something. It’s such a small thing to do, but it can really make someone’s day, so I don’t really know what stops me: probably just shyness, and the fear that the person I speak to will turn out to be an Other, and will rebuff me. Like, I’d be all, “Love your dress!” and they’d turn around and go, “What’s your point, GINGER? What are you trying to say?” You may laugh, but that’s actually not totally unlikely around here, so I haven’t done it yet, but I think I’ll make it my mission to do it soon.
Until then, I’ll just be over here, trying to take a photo without my skirt blowing away…
Some frequently asked questions about The Biltmore…
- What amenities does the Biltmore Hotel offer?
- The hotel features luxurious accommodations, a world-class golf course, a renowned spa, several fine dining restaurants, a historic swimming pool, and extensive event and meeting spaces.
- Is the Biltmore Hotel open to non-guests?
- Yes, non-guests can access certain amenities such as the golf course, spa, and restaurants. The hotel also offers guided tours of the property, including its historical and architectural highlights.
- What are the dining options at the Biltmore Hotel?
- The Biltmore offers a variety of dining experiences, including fine dining at Palme d’Or, casual meals at Cascade and The 19th Hole, and afternoon tea in the Biltmore’s grand lobby.
- Can I host events at the Biltmore Hotel?
- Yes, the Biltmore Hotel is a popular venue for weddings, corporate events, and special celebrations. The hotel offers a range of elegant indoor and outdoor event spaces.
- What activities are available at the Biltmore Hotel?
- Guests can enjoy golfing, tennis, swimming, fitness classes, and spa treatments. The hotel also offers cooking classes and wine tastings.
- Is the Biltmore Hotel family-friendly?
- Yes, the Biltmore welcomes families and offers amenities such as a large swimming pool, family-friendly dining options, and activities for children.
- Does the Biltmore Hotel have a pool?
- Yes, the Biltmore boasts one of the largest hotel swimming pools in the United States, a stunning 23,000-square-foot pool surrounded by cabanas and lush landscaping.
- How close is the Biltmore Hotel to Miami’s attractions?
- The Biltmore Hotel is centrally located in Coral Gables, just a short drive from downtown Miami, Miami Beach, and other major attractions such as the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, the Miami Seaquarium, and Little Havana.
- Is parking available at the Biltmore Hotel?
- Yes, the Biltmore offers both valet and self-parking options for guests and visitors.
lynda
You should do it Amber – I always tell people I love their outfits/shoes/hair etc. I think a girl giving another girl a compliment really boosts your self esteem! Don’t get me wrong I know what your saying about the Scots – I live in Glasgow and yip I’ve been met with the STARE as if what the hell are you talking to me for! but more often than not most people really enjoy being told that I love their look.
Give it a go but don’t be disappointed if they say what you talking about ginger lol!
Xxo
Call me M
You look stunning in that skirt, which is indeed amazing!
You should definitely do it sometime. I’ve done it a few times, and a compliment gives everyone a smile.
And I can’t wait to see more photos from your vacation.
Daisy
That is so weird that no one compliments you at home, as they should when you’re wearing such wonderful outfits! It happens to me quite often, and I love it so much when it happens, that I’ve taken to doing it as well. The world would be a better place if everyone gave at least one compliment to a stranger every week or so, as it really brightens up your day.
Keris
I’ve complimented strangers a few times and I love it. It actually gives me a bit of a buzz, which just proves that I need to get out more.
Kerry
Compliments from random strangers really can make somebody’s day, I try and do it whenever I see an outfit I really love. Since going red I’ve had heaps of comments on my hair and it always makes my day 🙂
You look so lovely in green and white – it’s such a wonderfully fresh combination that always makes me think of sunshine on Spring afternoons!
Erika
I have mustered up the strength a time or two to compliment someones outfit and it was taken as just that, a compliment. I never thought I would get a negative response, but I don’t really do it often enough to have had the chance – I don’t like talking to strangers. But I am sure there are those ‘others’ out there that wouldn’t see it as such.
It is pretty easy to WRITE a compliment though, so I will tell you that your skirt is beautiful, for all the reasons you said! And it looks great on you. 🙂
WhatLouWore365
A lady chased me down the street once when I lived in Tunbridge Wells to say how much she loved my shoes and asked where she could get them. They were floral Nine West heels that I still have and remember her fondly. It’s lovely to give and receive compliments – and really easy via your blog. The picture of you and Terry is really lovely 🙂
myra
I always do it when I see someone who has a great look, which might be a young Goth to a pensioner looking very smart (male or female). You should do it as the people I have done it with have been delighted. Also when I have my camera with me they let me take their photo.
Louise
You and Terry are such a handsome couple. You look totally at home in your glamorous surroundings. X
Stephen
Love that last pic of you both – worth framing, that one!
Fran
Why would people be so mean? Very often I have wanted to go and compliment people on their outfit, but I am quite shy…though if somebody complimented me, I’d love that. 😀
P.S. Awesome skirt! it’s a beautiful green!
Tracey
I like to tell random strangers they look nice sometimes. I know I would appreciate it.
Also: everything I know about the Biltmore comes from the movie Bad Boys. Did you see the Capone Suite?
Amber
No, it was occupied, unfortunately!
Stacey
I am horrible at giving compliments, I very rarely give compliments to random people – mostly because I’m horribly shy and don’t want to just walk up to someone and say (stutter) “I like your skirt, you look pretty!” and run away. Although that would definitely give that person something to talk about for awhile! I will say though, that I love that skirt. And your hair! I can’t believe that anyone would be mean to you about your hair.
I do get random compliments on my shoes sometimes. That’s always nice and will then make whatever shoes I’m wearing feel a bit more special. I’m weird, but I remember which pairs of shoes have gotten compliments and which haven’t.
Amber
Awww, now I feel bad for the ones that haven’t, and want to come round and compliment them all so they don’t feel left out!
I’m exactly the same with the shyness, and think that’s why I don’t really do it: I just find it so hard to start talking to people I don’t know (Although I like giving compliments to friends)! I also think some people are really bad at receiving compliments, too, and when you tell them they love their dress/hair/shoes/whatever, they instantly start going, “Oh no, I hate this dress, it makes me look fat!” or something, and then you feel stupid, and like you’ve done something wrong. I think it’s partly a British thing, and that we worry about seeming vain or something, so we tend to rebuff compliments rather than just graciously accepting them!
Stacey
Oh believe me, my shoes get plenty of compliments from me! Every time I open my closet I’m telling my shoes “Hello pretties!”. It’s a little embarrassing.
Secret little Stars
Absolutely gorgeous!
I love the skirt! Your style is so great! xx
LauraCrezz
I get lots of “oi ginger” from (usually young) people shouting out of passing cars…it ain’t a compliment! I also get lots of lovely compliments from nice (usually older) people on my hair. It’s a British thing! It balances out! I live in Somerset and last week I visited London, I wanted to tell everybody on the tube “I love your shoes, your handbag is gorgeous, your tattoo is amazing” but since it’s pretty much forbidden to make eye contact on the tube I kept quiet…but I couldn’t keep my eyes still! Then I felt like my stares might be perceived as critical…arrgh! Might wear dark glasses next time!
Amber
Haha, I get the “ginger!” thing from people in cars, too: I always want to yell “brunette!”, or whatever their hair colour is, back at them – so stupid!
eden
Such an incredibly chic look! love it!
http://styleandbeautyforless.blogspot.co.uk/
Caitlin
I too, debut my outfits. I bought a dress 4 months before my honeymoon, and refused to wear it before that. I often start looking for Christmas party dresses several months in advance, then they sit in my closet until it’s time to wear them. After that, they can be worn whenever. I’ve done that for many things-Birthday, Christmas, vacation, etc.
As far as compliments go, I think that must be a Florida thing. People rarely do that in Chicago, though I’ve done it a few times before. Usually not though because I want to avoid awkward moments. It brightens my day when people say it to me, which I try to remember when I want to compliment someone else.