Belleview Biltmore Resort & Spa, Clearwater

Take the two hour tour...relax with a cocktail...seek out all the many passages...learn of the army occupation, and why the phone booth has a fire system inside..listen to the building in the very late evening hours...engage the staff and their assistance with the many secrets...most of all try and find a way to stay away after staying here for a week...you will be planning your next visit before you get home....I have been here many times in many years, and cannot wait for 2012 and meetng again with the many departed friends who roam in the late night....enjoy

I would not recommend that anyone go to this place. They didn't even welcome us at the front desk. There were no chairs at the so-called pool. There were dirty dishes everywhere on the outside eatting patio. The service was horrible. No blankets in the place, when we asked at the front desk. The door men just stood there. The security guy was not working, as kids were running the halls all night. I recommended to the front desk when we left that they should reconsider the restoration project and think demolition.

We recently stayed here for a short two night visit and loved it. The reviewers complaining about the oldness must not have realized the history of this place. The creaks when walking on an old wooden floor are going to happen. The room we had did NOT have an unpleasent smell, it just smelled like an older house does. No sign of mold in our bathroom, it was freshly tiled and clean. We had a room with two queen beds and the room was very large with high ceilings. The bathroom and closet were also roomy. The hotel was beautiful, even with the roof being worked on! I felt like a time traveler wandering the halls. The breakfast buffet downstairs was tasty and the staff very helpful. We did not have much time to use much of the amenities but did use the indoor pool and hot tub, very relaxing. My children braved the outdoor pool, too chilly for me. I will definately return here.

This resort was great! When I walked in, I felt like I had slipped back into the 1920's. Everything was great, the room, the food, the staff. We can't wait until the re-construction is finished and WILL surely return.

I was a bit concerned about staying at this hotel due to some of the negative reviews, however I was not dissapointed. Yes it needs a new roof plus a million other little jobs but doesnt every house that is over 100 years old. Our room was clean, well maintained, good quality, clean towels and bed sheets. We ate at the palm grill once, lovely food good service good value. We used maises diner daily for breakfast, again good service, clean and excellent value for money. I used the spa, excellent facial, manicure and hair cut, quite good value for money. The hotel and surrounding area is very interesting and if you are able to see past its current condition you will have a lovely stay, its full of character (ghost tour and guided history tour optional)and well worth a visit. I plan go go back again to see the renervation

This resort is absolutely beautiful and staffed with some of the finest people. It is filled with history and a staff ready to accommodate your needs. Yes the building does have some flaws, but it is old and that is the beauty of it. If you cannot appreciate the age of the building you may be better off staying at a newly built hotel. I am a regular guest of the resort and will continue to return several times each year. It is worth your money!

I should have asked for another room once I saw the water stains on the ceiling and the Black Mold on the walls in the bathroom behind the wallpaper that peeled off. Guess they thought it added character.

I, like many other travelers, was wary of the Belleview Biltmore based on the varied reviews – from “It’s a dump” to “It’s Grand”. After a week at the hotel, walking the properties and observing rooms and décor, I’d like to share my observations. Even though they categorize rooms in only several sizes, they vary immensely. 1st and 2nd floors are better sized, with the “sun” rooms facing the pool larger. Some upper floor rooms seem to not be as roomy, partly due to the roofline cutting into living space. Also, the upper floors seem to suffer more from the reported floor irregularities and un-tidy data cabling. I stayed on the 1st floor in the 20’s era wing, and found the room wonderful, with an incredible pool view. Upon walking into the hotel I didn’t notice the reported dusty-musty smell. It had a slight flowery fragrance that emanated throughout the hotel. The “dreaded” exposed water sprinkler pipes through the rooms was not that distracting (much better than a fake office ceiling alternative). Furthermore, it is part of the WWII history of the hotel; the Army-Air force installed it while they occupied the hotel. The staff is pleasant and truly wanting the guest to have an enjoyable stay. They recommended great places to eat out (Frenchy’s Café and The Skinny Rooster). I called reservations before arriving and asked about the room, upon hearing my concerns; they moved me to a more accommodating room (though still classified the same). Unfortunately, about ½ way thru my stay, I had noisy neighbors in the suite next to my room, which kept me up til 3 AM. Security was genuinely concerned and eventually quieted the unruly guest. They initially offered to move me to another room, but I liked my room and didn’t feel I should be inconvenienced. They agreed, the unruly guests were moved; management gave me a handwritten apology, and provided a basket of fruit. I found the food at the restaurants on the properties to be tasty and prepared with great care. The Prime rib buffet was especially impressive. The prime rib was cut-with-fork tender, salad and desert choices were numerous and decadent. The Cabana Bar and Grill (separate from main hotel)was a quiet getaway. The Gulf breeze made open air dining comfortable and the view was amazing (many dolphins spotted). The pools and landscaping are beautiful. At the spa, I indulged with a deep tissue massage and gentleman’s hot towel facial (1st time for me!) Also, I kept up with my workouts in the gym. If the front desk doesn’t inform you, be sure to ask for the pin numbers to the spa areas, and the business center. Also, the word sometimes doesn't get out on the complementary coffee served in the morning at the in-house ice cream parlor. I have a lot more to say about my stay at the Belleview, but I’m way past the recommended 2 paragraphs. Yes the Belleview needs the restoration the new owners are now undertaking (while there I saw crews doing 3-D computer modeling of the hotel). In the upcoming years, it might be wise to call ahead to check on construction. But in the mean time, if you come to the Belleview realizing it is 110+ years old, and forgive some restoration needs, you can have a wonderful experience.

A historical hotel experience that is not for everyone. In my group, 2 out of 5 enjoyed the stay, while the other 3 complained about the hard beds, visibly dirty bathroom tub, musty smell and peeling paint / old look. Do NOT eat at the Palm Grill in the hotel! BAD BAD BAD food. No sense of freshness. Frozen burger, soggy salad, dirty tables! You are better off going to the local Chili's restaurant. There are signs of renovations, and judging from what I've read in these reviews, they have been going on for a couple years. Best bet, stay at the Hilton on Clearwater Beach, about 4 miles away. Belleview is history, but should also have a warning lable.

The site itself was beautiful. The grounds and edifice were enchanting. The concierge helpful. The room itself was average. Disappointed with the chamber services. Overall felt was pricey for average accomodations. The bed was uncomfortable as well.