Five Minute Histories: The Belvedere Hotel

[@joedo8500]

My parents bought the old Nichi Bei Kai in the Belvedere out and operated their own restaurant for over a decade. It was hard growing up as restaurant kids but it put me and my siblings through college. Great memories of the Belvedere. The cast of characters was crazy.

[@cjfjohnston]

My husband and I have one of the original banquets from the owl bar, we love it! gave me chills when i saw it in the original picture of the owl bar! I lived at the Belvedere Hotel from 2016-2018, the rooms are now condos and apartments. Loved watching this video!

[@kevinkiss3340]

Is the Bar still there?

[@neub4321]

Stayed at the hotel once around 1985. It's a special place, rich in history and atmosphere.

[@michaelwasiljov8633]

Southern High School, Junior Prom 1988 was held there. Beautiful place.

[@michaelmelen9062]

My wedding reception was in the Ballroom in 1988, a beautiful place and a great time. The Owl Bar had a yard of ale available for fools to try, and I tried it a couple of times! Below the Belvedere were several shops, and the Nichi Bei Kai restaurant (good Japanese steak house) which was a favorite of my work buddies. On a non-Belvedere Hotel tangent, the Peabody Book Store on Charles St (I think) was an actual book store with a door in the back leading to a Prohibition-era tavern. The Great Dantini ("who knew Houdini") was the resident magician there. He was old when I went there, so if he faltered the crowd would prompt him with his lines. Served National Premium beer. Always a great time!

[@larrymaddox2226]

In 1953, Southern High School held the Senior Prom at the Belvedere Hotel. We wore white dinner jackets and the girls were in gowns. We had a fine dinner followed by dancing. At one point I and several of my friends went down to the Owl Bar and attempted to order a drink. The bartender was on to us and said " You fellows must be from the Prom upstairs." We returned to the Prom.

[@baltimoreheritage1006]

Better luck next time!

[@mrtoosweet2u]

My junior prom was held here in 1988 (Southern High School #70)

[@ShearedJoy]

Ohh that would be fabulous

[@theOlLineRebel]

Got married here. As did my sister, RIP. In the very same dress 20 years spread.

[@veritas6466]

I bartended at the Owl Bar in the early 90's. At the time, the ballroom was a dance club for a small amount of time. Sadly today it's all been destroyed/ remodeled. smh

[@DouglasPollard]

Hello Johns Hopkins, Were you raised on Sunberry Road in Dundlak farms? I am Douglas Pollard of Robinwood road. Maybe you are the son of the Johns Hopkins I knew as a boy in Dundalk..

[@googoo-gjoob]

wasnt *Nichi Bei Kai* in the basement?

[@larrymaddox2226]

Yes, and Yul Brynner (actor) had his shoes stolen while dining.