Matthias Kammerer, Managing Director, The Biltmore Hotel

The Biltmore Hotel Managing Director Matthias Kammerer shared with Invest: the varied ways in which the hotel maintains growth via multiple avenues of revenue and investment in the hotel’s assets through calculated renovations. Kammerer provided additional insight into how the hotel’s many local partnerships encourage this consistent success. “This industry continues to be strong, and our hotel is operating from a position of strength,” he stated.

Could you describe a few major highlights of The Biltmore Hotel over the past year?

We have continued to demonstrate growth in occupancy, Average Daily Rate (ADR) and Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR), which are key metrics that are important elements of hotel operation. There are many revenue streams besides rooms, and we are happy to see that they are all showing growth, particularly with golf.

How has Biltmore’s distinction as one of the best golf resorts in Florida provided leverage for tapping into additional markets and generating demand?

The recognition has provided visibility and allowed us to reach new markets. Golf is a unique game and attracts a particular audience. It has the potential to produce elevated interest, such as leading to a golf vacation spent at our hotel or a company-wide tournament. We try to leverage these accolades to garner new business.

What is the key to maintaining a modern property while still retaining its history?

Like any business, it is important that we continue investing in our assets. The key is to listen to the customers. While trends come and go, new opportunities arise. Over the last five years, we have made strong capital investments in the hotel’s infrastructure, and we will continue to do so while maintaining the historic landmark. We intend to remain true to the spirit of its architecture and its place in our community.

How would you describe the hotel and hospitality industry in Miami at the moment?

This industry continues to be strong, and our hotel is operating from a position of strength. South Florida and Miami have enjoyed great popularity nationally and internationally. Statistics issued by the airport and seaport indicate continued growth. Both of those entities have made great strides in continuing to invest in their infrastructure, which leads to higher efficiency and volume, and our industry has benefitted as a result. 

What sectors are driving the most demand for your event facilities?

We have over 75,000 square feet of function space, and this space includes businesses for brewing, catering and events. It is incredibly important that we fill this space. Fortunately, the group market has rebounded strongly after the pandemic, so there is good demand across all sectors. The wedding business continues to remain strong and is an important element of our business. We are not seeing a lack of demand, like many of our competitors have. Next year’s books are filling up, and we are already booking events into 2026 and 2027. 

How does the hotel’s location play a strategic role when it comes to attracting guests and clients?

We are excited to be in the heart of Coral Gables and are surrounded on all sides by a fine residential community. While we are not on the beach, we do have a golf course, and this provides an opportunity to show that Miami is not relegated to only beachfront properties. While the beachfront is fantastic to the overall appeal of Miami, there is so much more to our city, and we are proud to demonstrate that versatility to our guests and clients. We embrace our location — it is safe and quiet and caters to a clientele that perhaps is not looking for the energy of a nightlife hub. 

Have you observed a shift in client expectations over the last few years?

Many expectations remained the same. For our hotel, guests desire personal attention, a safe environment, updated facilities, creative food and beverage concepts, and updated technology. Tech demand is constantly shifting, with increased expectations for seamless connections within rooms and events with quick operating speeds. I am happy to say that we have the best team members to support customer needs, who operate proactively instead of reactively to technological advancements.

How does The Biltmore Hotel leverage technology to improve the overall client experience?

We have not yet taken the major step to introduce an AI-powered program for customer-facing experience. AI presents a great opportunity to support operational efficiencies with our team members, but I believe our guests still expect a personal, genuine human interaction and response. We will continue to evaluate the available opportunities but have not abandoned jobs in favor of AI.

What partnerships does the hotel have in place with other leisure and tourism stakeholders to cultivate a year-long pipeline of guest activity?

We have a close relationship with the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau. A good portion of their outlook is focused on bringing future events to Miami that benefit not only one hotel but also all properties. The hotel also has positive ties to the Orange Bowl Committee and their efforts to bring major events to the city. We support both organizations and their collective, long-term endeavors to bring FIFA and Concacaf to Miami to sustain the city as a vibrant destination with growth opportunities.

What are the primary challenges for the hotel industry in Miami today?

Miami’s popularity is both a blessing and a challenge. As visitor numbers grow, those who want to move to Miami permanently also grow. This provides a boom in the real estate market, but at the same time, affordable housing becomes a challenge. Our employees need housing that is affordable, but to obtain it, they are having to move farther and farther out of the city center, which results in longer commutes. Our elected leaders are working to provide a resolution.

What is your outlook for The Biltmore Hotel and Miami’s hotel industry for the next two to three years?

Based on today’s economic position, I foresee continuous growth for our destination. The Biltmore’s centennial celebration will take place in 2026. We will continue to invest in our assets to ensure our guests receive a top-notch experience on our property.