Discover the fascinating history of the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables. Once a hospital and an abandoned haunt for thrill-seekers, it is now a luxury landmark with ghostly legends.
The Biltmore Hotel: From Mystery to Luxury
The Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables wasn’t always a hotel. It was built in 1926 by George Merrick, the founder of Coral Gables.
In its early days, the hotel hosted glamorous events like fashion shows, golf tournaments, and water performances in what was then the world’s largest pool.
A Notorious Murder
In 1929, during a party on the 13th floor, a gangster named Thomas “Fatty” Walsh was shot and killed. His death led to many ghost stories over the years.
Mobster Fatty Walsh, who was killed in a gambling dispute at the hotel, is rumored to still linger in the building. Many believe he helps waitresses by opening doors as they carry trays in and out of the restaurant.
Guests and staff have reported strange occurrences—messages appearing on mirrors, missing lampshades, flickering lights, and playful pranks in the elevators.
Some visitors claim they’ve been taken to the wrong floor without pressing a button. Despite multiple inspections, no mechanical issues have ever been found with the elevators.

A War Hospital and Abandonment
During World War II, the U.S. government turned the hotel into a military hospital. After the war, it continued as a veteran’s hospital. In 1952, the University of Miami used it as its first home for medical studies.
When the hospital shut down in 1968, the building was abandoned. Kids in the neighborhood started sneaking in, daring each other to explore its dark hallways.
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The Ghost Stories
Many Coral Gables locals remember sneaking into the empty hotel. It was dark, eerie, and full of creaky sounds. Some even claimed to have seen ghosts or severed limbs. The city eventually hired a security guard, but kids still found ways to sneak inside.
In the 1990s, storyteller Linda Spitzer held ghost story nights at the Biltmore. She entertained guests with chilling tales, many of which came from real hotel visitors.
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A Grand Return
In 1983, Coral Gables invested $55 million to restore the Biltmore. The hotel reopened in 1987, and in 1997, it was added to the National Registry of Historic Places.
Though the ghosts may still linger, the Biltmore is now a stunning luxury hotel. For many locals, its rich history and haunting past make it an unforgettable place to visit.

From Luxury to Ghost Stories
When the Biltmore opened in 1926, it was the place to be. Rich and famous people partied there, gangsters ran gambling rings, and everything seemed like one big, extravagant party.
But then, things took a dark turn. In the late 1920s, a mobster named Thomas “Fatty” Walsh was shot and killed on the 13th floor over a gambling dispute. Ever since, people swear his ghost never really left.
And that’s not all. During World War II, the hotel was turned into a military hospital. Later, it became a VA hospital before sitting abandoned for years. Think about it—gangster drama, war history, and an empty, eerie building? Yeah, no wonder people say it’s haunted.
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