05/16/07

Elegant, a stroll back in history

by cmay92

We were lucky enough to secure a room at this beautiful hotel at the very last minute. With 17,000 people in town for our convention, we were treated like we were the only ones there. Very courteous staff. The waitstaff at S'meraldi's was very kind and very helpful when we needed a meal quickly to be out to catch a but for a concert. Dining in the lobby area around the very old fountain was nothing short of Hollywood elegance. The room was very adequate, clean, and the bathroom small, but clean as well. We found our room on the 8th floor to be very quiet.

• Pros: S'meraldi's waitstaff, a trip back in time, a little bit of Hollywood elegance
• Cons: No ramp for luggage up to the elevators

11/08/05

It's a great place . . . unless you stay

by chardk1

I've always wanted to stay at the Biltmore. Well, now I have, and . . . eh.

The public spaces ARE gorgeous -- worthy of a true grand hotel. Sadly, the bars are filled with drunken government hacks and attorneys unwinding after work. Their aging frat-boy antics don't do anything for the place.

Alas, going upstairs means peace but not quiet. Our room let in a remarkable amount of street noise (the windows are uh, of classic design -- wood sashes, single pane of glass, poor seal). I liked the decor and the room was spacious and comfortable, but the bathroom was a bit shabby. I ate at Sai Sai and Smeraldi's -- both were perfectly fine.

Overall, not a bad place but it's got some rough edges. My advice is -- go there, have a drink, stroll around, stay elsewhere -- and you will maximize your Biltmore experience.

• Pros: Great public spaces, Convenient location
• Cons: Noisy, Obnoxious locals

06/16/04

Mediocre at best

by traveler123

Made a reservation for a king-size bed room, when I was arrived told that they had no more available. Was given a miniature room right above the street that was extremely noisy. Went back and requested a quieter room and was assigned a larger and quieter room which would have been better if the doorframe around the chain wasn't splintered as if someone had broken into the room (good thing they had a deadbolt). When turning on the tub and shower brown water came out for a while, a request for more hangers in the closet was never fulfilled. Charging $7 for the tiny "fitness area" was an insult. Go for a drink and enjoy the lovely common areas but don't sleep there!

• Pros: Convenient, Beautiful common area
• Cons: , Expensive amenities