Biltmore Hotel – Coral Gables | A massive luxury hotel that first opened its doors in 1926, the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables later served as a military hospital during World War II, a VA hospital after the war and even the campus of University of Miami medical school before reverting back to a luxury hotel in 1987. Guests of the Biltmore during the early years included everyone from President Franklin Delano Roosevelt to gangster Al “Scarface” Capone (in addition, Johnny “Tarzan” Weissmuller served as a swim instructor here before achieving fame). The Biltmore was also a favorite among Jazz Age revelers. Designated a National Historic Landmark in 1996, the Biltmore is considered one of the most haunted hotels in Florida. One of the ghosts reportedly haunting the Biltmore is none other than notorious gangster Thomas “Fatty” Walsh, who was murdered on the 13th floor of the Biltmore over a gambling dispute in 1929. Guests have experienced such phenomena as lights switching on and off, elevators taking them to the wrong floors, inexplicable sounds and cryptic messages discovered scrawled on mirrors. Other alleged haunted sites in the Miami area include the Deering Estate, Coral Castle, Miami City Cemetery, Coconut Grove Playhouse, Anderson’s General Store, Villa Paula Mansion and Pinewood Cemetery, among others.
WHERE: 1200 Anastasia Avenue, Coral Cables, Florida 33134 | WHO: (855) 454-0196
