The Biltmore Hotel is a National Historic Landmark located right near ILS in Coral Gables, home to UM and known as “the city beautiful.” There you will find the Biltmore, a luxurious hotel which originally opened in the early 1920s, and is known for having one of the largest hotel swimming pools in the entire United States. It’s housed all kinds of people, from Al Capone to President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. In Miami, it’s a staple location for the well-heeled to host luxurious and glamorous weddings, quinceañeras, and many other events.
Despite its glitz and glam, the Biltmore holds a deep and dark past. This hotel was a frequent stop for mobsters during the Jazz Age. It was a place where they could conduct their affairs while enjoying life at grand parties surrounded by other rich and famous individuals. One of these individuals was Thomas Walsh, or, as he’s famously known, “Fatty Walsh.”.
On one of his many nights at the Biltmore he got into a dispute while gambling and was fatally shot. This occurred on the 13th floor, a floor that today guests are blocked off from accessing. His death marked the beginning of paranormal sightings at the hotel. Today he is said to roam the halls, causing elevators to abruptly stop at the 13th floor, and flicker lights.
Although “Fatty” Walsh is one of the most legendary ghosts at the Baltimore Hotel, he is not alone.
In 1942, the Biltmore Hotel became a hospital for soldiers. It was given to the Veteran’s Association for roughly 20 years before it was bought back by the City of Coral Gables. Many guests today report seeing figures of ghosts, hearing gunfire, and hearing the sounds of marching figures.
These are just a couple of many ghost stories from the Biltmore Hotel. Whether or not you believe in them, you can always find out for yourself.
Miami Haunts is an outfit that offers tours of various haunted locations throughout Miami, including the Biltmore Hotel. They explain to guests the history behind landmark locations and also their ghostly stories. They fit it in the infamous Versace mansion, Miami City Cemetery, and many more. Here’s a link to their website if you are interested. https://miamihaunts.com.
“I would love to do a Miami Haunts tour; I think it’d be a really cool thing to do with friends,” said senior Angelina Wiltz.
