Belleview Biltmore Hotel
The Belleview Hotel now known as the Belleview Inn
The Belleview Hotel, as it was initially known, was constructed by Henry B. Plant as a resort destination to boost tourist travel on his railroad line serving the west coast of Florida, which he had acquired in 1893 as part of his expanding network of railroads.
During the early 1900's the original wood exterior, which had faded to a dull color, was painted a bright white and the roof retiled with green shingles (instead of red). The Belleview then became known as the "White Queen of the Gulf".
From 1920 to 1940, the roster of Belleview Biltmore guests reflected the aura of extravagance and indulgence of the time. Railroad presidents pulled up on the Belleview Biltmore's siding in their private cars. The Studebakers, the DuPonts, the Pew family of Sun Oil, the Vanderbilts "America's aristocracy" all checked in as guests
During the early 1900's the original wood exterior, which had faded to a dull color, was painted a bright white and the roof retiled with green shingles (instead of red). The Belleview then became known as the "White Queen of the Gulf".
From 1920 to 1940, the roster of Belleview Biltmore guests reflected the aura of extravagance and indulgence of the time. Railroad presidents pulled up on the Belleview Biltmore's siding in their private cars. The Studebakers, the DuPonts, the Pew family of Sun Oil, the Vanderbilts "America's aristocracy" all checked in as guests
Starting in 1940, the Brooklyn Dodgers stayed at the Biltmore for spring training. The upper deck of the pool house was removed, since sunbathing became a popular pastime. The hotel was completely self-sufficient, with its own post office, police and fire departments that also served the Town of Belleair, with the general manager acting as postmaster.
During World War II the hotel served as lodging for servicemen who were stationed at MacDill Airforce Base in Tampa. In the 1970s and 1980s, the aging hotel began to decline due to changing travel patterns, and intensified competition from newer beachfront motels which caused significant losses.
The Duke of Windsor spent the winter season at the Belleview Biltmore.
During the late 1970s and 1980s the hotel fell into disrepair until it was renovated during the 1990s.
During World War II the hotel served as lodging for servicemen who were stationed at MacDill Airforce Base in Tampa. In the 1970s and 1980s, the aging hotel began to decline due to changing travel patterns, and intensified competition from newer beachfront motels which caused significant losses.
The Duke of Windsor spent the winter season at the Belleview Biltmore.
During the late 1970s and 1980s the hotel fell into disrepair until it was renovated during the 1990s.
Above are several different photos taken during our stay in 2008. Luckily we was able to get a room on the 4th floor which is considered one of the most haunted. This is the floor where the servants stayed, and also the children. In its heyday, children and servants were kept out of sight until they were sent for. Underneath the Bellview are a series of tunnels the servants would use for the same purpose of staying unseen until needed.
At the end of the hallway where I was staying is Room 4336, a suite which is supposed to be haunted by a bride who leapt to her death from its balcony, after her new husband was killed in a car accident.
Another ghost seen is supposed to be Maisie Plant who is looking for a piece of lost jewelry. There's been unusual encounters in the men's bathroom, and the shoe shine right out of the bathroom on the ground floor.
I was lucky enough to be able to explore the upper floors which are in total disrepair, and caught some great photo of orbs; this area also housed many of the soldiers who stayed here during World War II.
The hotel closed in 2009, and up until 2020, the fate of the hotel hung in the balance. In 2013, a company that bought it made plans to demolish it, and replace with it with townhouses and condos. This incited a war with the preservationists who wanted to restore the hotel, at an estimated cost of over $150 million. It was purchased in 2015, and ultimately it was renovated and renamed the Belleview Inn and reopened in 2020.
At the end of the hallway where I was staying is Room 4336, a suite which is supposed to be haunted by a bride who leapt to her death from its balcony, after her new husband was killed in a car accident.
Another ghost seen is supposed to be Maisie Plant who is looking for a piece of lost jewelry. There's been unusual encounters in the men's bathroom, and the shoe shine right out of the bathroom on the ground floor.
I was lucky enough to be able to explore the upper floors which are in total disrepair, and caught some great photo of orbs; this area also housed many of the soldiers who stayed here during World War II.
The hotel closed in 2009, and up until 2020, the fate of the hotel hung in the balance. In 2013, a company that bought it made plans to demolish it, and replace with it with townhouses and condos. This incited a war with the preservationists who wanted to restore the hotel, at an estimated cost of over $150 million. It was purchased in 2015, and ultimately it was renovated and renamed the Belleview Inn and reopened in 2020.
