Whether you’re looking for a relaxing escape from your weekly routine or a weekend away at a historic hotel, the Belleview Inn in Belleair, Florida just minutes away from Clearwater Beach is a perfect choice. The newly renovated Inn is a unique architectural gem that provides you with a rare opportunity to take a step back in time.

 

The Belleview’s Unique History

Located in Belleair, Florida, the Bellview Inn has a very unique and captivating history. Originally constructed in 1897, this historic Florida hotel began as one of Henry Plants’ original destinations for his railroad. Sadly, the 35-room inn was forced to close its doors more than 10 years ago after hurricane damage nearly destroyed the historic site.

Three years ago, a developer took on the monumental task of restoring the Bellview to its former glory.  From the restoration of the Inn’s original wood exterior to the repair of nearly 100 panels of stained glass in the recreated Tiffany Room, the hotel’s renovation was completed with so much attention to detail.

The architecture of the Bellview Inn is just gorgeous. As an architect I really appreciated the great attention that was given in restoring the hotel exterior to it’s original glory.  I specially love how the hotel maintains that old Florida vibe. It’s a truly unique place to stay.

The interior has been completely refurbished to create spaces that modern and elegant yet maintain that feeling of a small Inn and make you feel right at home.

I loved learning about the history of the Belleview and the area. You can take a free guided tour and you can even see some of the original artifacts in the reading room along with a movie about the history of the building. There are also lots of historic photographs giving you a glimpse into what Bellaire was like back in it’s days of glory.

We loved the personal service, the small scale and the intimacy of the Belleview Inn.  The staff really went above and beyond to make sure we had the best experience, from offering to open the small cafe that was already closed when we arrived late at night to complimentary wine and cheese waiting for us in the room.

The rooms are spacious and comfortable. We stayed in a .

On top of the historic surroundings, the hotel also offers unique amenities – like a breakfast basket delivered to each room in an actual wicker basket.

 

The history of the area isn’t confined to the Inn. The hotel is also located on Florida’s oldest and original golf course, which was designed by Donald Ross in 1897.

And with two amazing dining options, you can also enjoy a delicious meal surrounded by Florida History. The restaurant at the Belleair Country Club offers amazing views of the course and a casual dining atmosphere.

And Maisie’s Market Place inside the inn offers guests an array of breakfast options, as well as artisanal cheeseboards paired with beer or wine.

Through a partnership with the Inn’s sister hotel, Sandpearl Resort, guests can enjoy semi-private beach access after a quick drive to the coast.

After a fun morning at the beach it was great to come back to the beautiful and peaceful pool at the Belleview and enjoy a relaxing afternoon.

But the beach isn’t the only attraction to enjoy in Belleair. As a “city within a city,” Belleaire is surrounded by a variety of great attractions in the Clearwater area. And since its only a 2 ½ hour drive from Cape Coral and Fort Myers, southwest Florida residents can easily take a fun trip for the weekend.  On top of the awesome attractions in Clearwater, you can also see a variety of great day-stop locations on the drive, including the Ringling Circus Museum in Sarasota, Longboat and Siesta Key, and Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium.

With so much to see and do, there’s no better reason to book your weekend stay today! Visit the Belleview Inn’s website to book your weekend getaway right now.

 

The post A Relaxing Weekend Getaway at the Historic Belleview Inn appeared first on 365 Things to do in Southwest Florida.

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