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Bargains bountiful at Belleview Biltmore liquidation sale

News Channel 8 photo by KATY KUEHNER

The resort is being emptied of its contents before it is gutted and undergoes a $100 million-plus renovation.

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By STEPHEN THOMPSON | The Tampa Tribune

Published: July 9, 2009

Updated: 07/09/2009 02:59 pm

CLEARWATER - Roger Patel wanted some sheets and pillowcases for his $49.99-a-night motel in Zephyrhills, but where could he get them for the least amount of money?

The answer: The swank, historical Belleview Biltmore Golf and Spa Resort in Clearwater.

The 35-year-old India-born hotelier was among hundreds of bargain-hunters who took advantage of a liquidation sale that began today at the landmark hotel. In essence, the resort is being emptied of its contents before it is gutted and undergoes a $100 million-plus renovation.

"It's a good price," Patel said as he, his wife, his son and his daughter loaded a dolly with the pillowcases, which were 50 cents apiece, and sheets, which were going for $3 or $4.

The sale is being run by National Content Liquidators, a Springboro, Ohio, company that has also emptied the Watergate in Washington, D.C., and the Plaza Hotel in New York, said NCL employee Don Hayes, who was setting the ground rules for the hundreds of shoppers.

There are roughly 40,000 to 50,000 items for sale: chandeliers, ceiling fans, a baby grand piano, cocktail tables, computer equipment, plates, tubs, kitchen equipment, sleigh beds, wingback chairs, power cords, framed art prints, small vases, glasses, armoires and more.

"We sell as is," Hayes said.

Cash or credit cards are accepted. Typically, a buyer has only a day to get a hefty piece of furniture out, he said.

NCL brought down 12 of its employees for what Hayes described as a massive tag sale. An additional 15 to 18 people were hired temporarily.

The sale opened at 10 a.m. By 11:35 a.m., Hayes estimated 500 people had gotten inside to walk through the hotel looking for deals. Dozens more waited outside.

For many, the liquidation sale offered better prices than Craigslist or any consignment shop.

Sheila Boutwell and her daughter carted off two wingback chairs, paying $75 for furniture that normally would cost $400.

Unlike the majority of wingback chairs on sale, these two "have arms," said Tiffany Boutwell, a 25-year-old unemployed administrative assistant.

"We've been fighting people off for these," she said.

Oliver Gordon, a 36-year-old elementary school teacher from St. Petersburg, bought a king-size sleigh bed, with a mattress, for $275. A used one, without a mattress, would normally cost $400, he said.

The sale continues through 5 p.m. Sunday.

Reporter Stephen Thompson can be reached at (727) 451-2336.

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