[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 3 (Tuesday, January 6, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E3-E4]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       HONORING THE CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY OF THE BILTMORE HOTEL

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MARIO DIAZ-BALART

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, January 6, 2026

  Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor one of South 
Florida's most treasured landmarks, the Biltmore Hotel of Coral Gables 
on the occasion of its centennial anniversary, as well as the 
extraordinary Prescott family, whose vision and leadership have only 
elevated its legacy in our community.
  For a century, the Biltmore has stood as a symbol of beauty, 
resilience, and service. Conceived by Coral Gables founder George 
Merrick and opened in 1926, its Mediterranean architecture, soaring 
tower, and lush gardens established a new standard of elegance in South 
Florida. Its storied past includes hosting presidents, world leaders, 
celebrities, and generations of families--even serving as a military 
hospital during World War II, when its grand halls became a place of 
healing for our Nation's wounded servicemembers.
  Mr. Speaker, the Biltmore is iconic not only because of its history, 
but because of the extraordinary stewardship that has safeguarded that 
history. Since 1992, under the leadership of Gene Prescott and his son 
Tom, the Biltmore has enjoyed its longest continuous period of 
operation since its opening. Their commitment restored the hotel from 
decades of deterioration and helped reintroduce it to the world as a 
signature symbol of South Florida's heritage.
  During Gene Prescott's early years at the helm, one pivotal moment 
propelled the Biltmore back onto the global stage: hosting the 1994 
Summit of the Americas, where nearly every head of state from the 
Western Hemisphere stayed within its walls. Just two years after 
Hurricane Andrew devastated the region, this event reaffirmed the 
Biltmore's resilience and reestablished it as one of the most important 
historic hotels in the Nation.
  Mr. Prescott's devotion to hospitality extends far beyond the 
Biltmore itself. His decades of service earned him the title of Chair 
Emeritus of the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, a 
recognition of his tireless work to elevate South Florida's tourism 
industry. His guiding principles--hard work, integrity, and unwavering 
focus--have shaped not only the hotel's success, but the culture of the 
hospitality community throughout Miami-Dade County.
  Working alongside him is his son, Tom Prescott, whose experience in 
hospitality, law, and public policy has brought a modern and innovative 
approach to the family business. Together, father and son form a unique 
leadership team--one that blends tradition and forward-thinking vision. 
Tom's dedication to service excellence is evident in the hotel's 
acclaimed guest experience, supported by the Biltmore's ``Passion 
Program,'' an onboarding process that instills team-oriented values and 
fosters employee longevity. Many members of the Biltmore staff have 
been with the hotel for twenty or even thirty years--a remarkable 
testament to the positive culture the Prescotts have nurtured.
  Their leadership is not merely business-oriented--it is deeply 
personal. Gene speaks proudly of watching Tom grow into his role, 
calling him not only a partner but a teacher.

[[Page E4]]

Tom, in turn, attributes much of his professional compass to Gene's 
mentorship and example. And now, a new generation has begun to emerge. 
Tom's nephew, Royce Prescott, has already begun building his foundation 
in hospitality, working at the Biltmore before earning a position at 
the St. Regis in Aspen. Tom's own sons, too, have spent their youth 
learning the values of service and responsibility within the hotel's 
halls. The Prescott legacy is not only enduring--it is expanding.
  Mr. Speaker, the story of the Biltmore is a story of South Florida 
itself: a story of resilience, reinvention, and community. It is also a 
story of family--of a father and son whose shared commitment has 
ensured that this historic landmark not only survives but thrives. 
Their leadership has transformed the Biltmore into an award-winning 
destination for tourism, culture, and community engagement, while 
preserving the historic integrity that makes it beloved by generations.
  As the Biltlnore Hotel marks its centennial, we recognize not only 
its architectural grandeur and historical significance, but the 
Prescott family's profound contributions to safeguarding its legacy. 
Because of their vision, dedication, and stewardship, the Biltmore 
continues to stand as a source of pride for Coral Gables, for South 
Florida, and for our Nation.
  Mr. Speaker, I am honored to celebrate the Biltmore Hotel on its 
100th anniversary and to commend Gene, Tom, and the entire Prescott 
family for their extraordinary role in shaping its past, present, and 
future. May this landmark, and the legacy behind it, continue to 
inspire generations to come.

                          ____________________