Earlier this month we took a drive over to the Belleview Biltmore Hotel in Clearwater. It's about to undergo major rennovations and will close down on June 1st. There was an auction of artwork, rugs, jewelry confiscated as a result of drug raids. Only thing that caught my eye were a couple of the Oriental rugs, and a side chest.
The hotel has an interesting history. Wood structure. Train used to pull up to discharge passengers. Not air conditioned until the 1980s, so was closed during the summer season prior to that.
Pagoda lobby ceiling. Soon to be torn down.
Projector in "museum" area.
Gable view.
Hallway from main lobby.
Hallway leading to spa.
Spa pool area.
Sunday Brunch.
NOTE: We did NOT eat there!
Yummy desserts . . .
Professor Plum, in the Library with the candlestick . . .
Southern Gentleman, trying to hide his Yankee roots . . .
Relaxing on the porch.
One of the "cottages"
Blocked Gulf view from Belleview Biltmore.
Island Way backyards
Retro motel in Clearwater Beach
Condo in Clearwater Beach
Original Frenchy's in Clearwater Beach.
Crabby Shrimp Sandwich at Frenchy's in Clearwater Beach.
Pressed Cuban Sandwich at Frenchy's in Clearwater Beach
Wayne's Key Lime Pie . . .
4 comments:
I LOVE this hotel. Have taught many Mediumship Courses there (how to connect with deceased).. will miss going there for years now.
Do you know are the General Contractors for this renovation project?
Cindy
www.healingyoursoul.com
i was told this hotel was haunted by a guy named Butch. (said to be in his 40s, Asian, and short/small). maybe it was just a rumor. I'm not sure. Do you know anything about this?
Yes, it is totally haunted, and I know Butch ;) That is why I choose to do my mediumship courses there -- so students can get first hand experience on how to communicate and help the deceased.
Thank you so much for posting this tour of the Belleview. It is a great part of my past. I was the Director of the Gallery Mido Art Gallery when the hotel was purchased by the Mr. Kurasawa. Those were wonderful days for me and for the Gallery which was very successful in spite of the hotel struggling along. Many people, of course, were against the Japanese changes in design and I have to say the entrance was a bit weird and not so tradional but seeing these photos of the rooms, I think they were more appealing and lovelier back then than now. I know this is very tradional and in keeping with the original look, but a little boring and old looking. Especially the area that was the location of the gallery. Not an improvement, just different and not as luxurious. As for the projector, I am the one who begged the maintenance people to drag that thing out of a bin way deep in the basement where most people don't go. At the time, I never knew it was haunted or I would not have been expoloring like I did. When the Bath and Candle Shop closed, it was my idea to fill the space with the many relics throughout the hotel. Many rooms were just closed off and filled with interesting junk from the old days, i.e. antique bingo games, many photos of famous golfers who played there and endless great junk. Seems the museum became something worthwhile. The hotel always had magic and there were some strange things that happened there. As I lived on our boat most of that time, I came early each morning to workout in the gym and use the pool and sauna. I usually had the entire place to myself. I am sure you can find some of the old publicity regarding the Gallery and hotel. My gallery was in the paper often and was Creative Loafing's choice of Best New Gallery in the Bay area. Mr. K. gave me a lot of support with food and drink for my openings which were at least monthly and successful. Nice to see the place again and remember myself walking down that lawn (where I now see tall buildings) and joining my husband in our dinghy to take us to our boat. I now live in Northern Thailand (11 years now) after sailing away from there in 1994. Wonderful memories, especially at Christmas there. Thanks for all your photos. Frenchy's, of course, Crabby Bill's, glad to know they still exixt. Sandra Childs Seymour
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