From Luxury to Ruins: 12 Abandoned Hotels That Turned into Tourist Hotspots
Abandoned hotels, once the epitome of luxury and opulence, have found new life as intriguing tourist destinations. These structures, rich in history and overflowing with tales of the past, now stand as remnants of a bygone era, attracting curious travelers and urban explorers alike. Each hotel bears witness to a unique story, giving visitors a glimpse into its glamorous past while enveloping them in the eerie beauty of its present state. This list explores 12 such hotels that have transitioned from deserted ruins to must-see attractions, each offering a unique experience steeped in history and mystery.
1. The Hotel del Salto, Colombia
Perched dramatically on a cliff, the Hotel del Salto in Colombia overlooks the majestic Tequendama Falls. Built in 1923, this luxurious hotel catered to the elite, offering breathtaking views and unrivaled elegance. However, as environmental concerns arose regarding the river’s pollution, guests dwindled, and the hotel was abandoned in the 1990s.
Today, it stands as a museum, attracting visitors with its stunning architecture and haunting ambiance. Tourists are drawn not only to its historical significance but also to the legends and ghost stories that shroud it. This fusion of mystery and beauty continues to captivate adventurers.
2. Grossinger’s Catskill Resort Hotel, USA
Once a bustling retreat for celebrities and socialites, Grossinger’s Catskill Resort Hotel in New York epitomized luxury in the mid-20th century. It boasted lavish amenities including a grand ballroom and an Olympic-sized pool. However, as tastes changed, the hotel fell into decline and closed in 1986.
Now, the decaying structures and overgrown gardens attract photographers and explorers eager to capture its faded glamour. The hotel’s legacy persists through its influence on popular culture, inspiring the setting for the iconic film “Dirty Dancing.” Its intriguing remnants continue to spark curiosity and nostalgia.
3. Ryugyong Hotel, North Korea
Dominating the Pyongyang skyline, the Ryugyong Hotel is an architectural marvel shrouded in mystery. Construction began in 1987 but halted in 1992 due to economic hardships. Standing at 105 stories, it remains one of the tallest unoccupied buildings in the world.
Despite its incomplete status, the hotel is a cultural symbol, attracting tourists fascinated by its sheer scale and the tales of ambition and isolation that accompany it. The hotel’s striking pyramid shape stands as a testament to North Korea’s aspirations, as well as the challenges faced during its construction. It remains a focal point for visitors.
4. Château de la Mothe-Chandeniers, France
Nestled in the French countryside, Château de la Mothe-Chandeniers is a picturesque ruin with a romantic allure. Dating back to the 13th century, this château once hosted extravagant parties before falling into disrepair in the 20th century.
Nature has since reclaimed it, with ivy draping its walls and water surrounding its base. Recently, a crowdfunding campaign enabled restoration efforts, turning it into a popular attraction. Visitors are enchanted by its fairy-tale like appearance and the opportunity to participate in its preservation. The château embodies both historic grandeur and the resilience of nature.
5. The Stanley Hotel, USA
Famous for inspiring Stephen King’s “The Shining,” the Stanley Hotel in Colorado is as iconic as it is eerie. Built in 1909, it offered luxury in the heart of the Rockies. Although never abandoned, its supernatural reputation has made it a hotspot for ghost hunters.
The hotel invites guests to explore its haunted history through guided tours and themed events. Its timeless architecture and stunning setting add to the mystique, drawing horror enthusiasts and history buffs alike. The blend of reality and fiction keeps visitors returning, eager to experience its chilling yet inviting atmosphere.
6. The Savoy Hotel, Italy
Once the pinnacle of elegance on the Italian Riviera, the Savoy Hotel stands as a relic of the 20th century. This art deco gem attracted the elite until economic downturns led to its closure in the 1970s. Its striking façade remains, albeit weathered by time.
Tourists now visit for the melancholic beauty and insight into its glamorous past. Restoration projects are on the horizon, but until then, it serves as a poignant reminder of the opulence that once was. The Savoy’s story is one of nostalgia and the passage of time, leaving a lasting impression on visitors.
7. The Baker Hotel, USA
A monument of Texan history, the Baker Hotel in Mineral Wells opened in 1929 as a luxurious spa destination. Renowned for its mineral water treatments, it attracted celebrities and dignitaries alike. However, changing travel trends led to its closure in 1972.
Today, plans for restoration are underway, but its haunting grandeur continues to draw curious onlookers. The hotel’s towering presence and storied past captivate those who venture to witness its faded glory. It stands as a testament to a bygone era, offering a tangible connection to history and the allure of rejuvenation.
8. The Haludovo Palace Hotel, Croatia
Once a lavish resort, the Haludovo Palace Hotel in Croatia was a beacon of luxury in the 1970s. Situated by the Adriatic Sea, it catered to international elites. However, political and economic instability led to its decline, closing in the 1990s.
The hotel’s remains are now a canvas for urban explorers and photographers, blending the allure of decay with stunning coastal views. Its opulent past contrasts sharply with its present state, yet it continues to attract those intrigued by its history. The site’s haunting beauty and seaside location maintain its status as a compelling destination.
9. Diplomat Hotel, Philippines
Located in the Philippines, the Diplomat Hotel is a colonial structure rich with history. Originally a retreat house, it became a hotel before being abandoned in the 1980s. Tales of hauntings and ghostly apparitions have made it a favorite among paranormal enthusiasts.
Its scenic location atop Dominican Hill offers panoramic views, adding to its charm. The hotel’s eerie yet captivating presence draws those interested in the supernatural, as well as history aficionados. Visitors often leave with a sense of wonder, captivated by the intertwining of history, legend, and breathtaking vistas.
10. The Hotel Polissya, Ukraine
Standing as a silent witness to the Chernobyl disaster, the Hotel Polissya in Pripyat offers a glimpse into a frozen moment in time. Built to accommodate visitors to the nearby power plant, it was abandoned after the 1986 explosion.
Today, it draws visitors interested in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, capturing the eerie stillness of its surroundings. The hotel’s stark, decaying structure symbolizes the sudden halt of life in the area. Despite its desolate appearance, it serves as a poignant reminder of the event’s impact, attracting those seeking to understand its historical significance.
11. Hotel Belvédère, Switzerland
Perched on the iconic Furka Pass, Hotel Belvédère in Switzerland offers breathtaking alpine views. This once-thriving hotel was a favorite among travelers exploring the Swiss mountains. However, it closed its doors as travel routes changed and tourism patterns shifted.
Despite its closure, the hotel remains a popular stop. Its picturesque setting and classic architecture attract photographers and nature lovers. The hotel’s enduring charm and panoramic vistas provide a timeless appeal, inviting visitors to imagine the stories it could tell. It stands as a beautiful relic in the heart of the Alps, offering serenity and reflection.
12. The Ponce Intercontinental Hotel, Puerto Rico
Once a symbol of modernist architecture and luxury, the Ponce Intercontinental Hotel in Puerto Rico opened its doors in the 1960s. Its striking design and prime location made it a hotspot for tourists. However, economic challenges led to its closure in the 1970s.
Now, the hotel stands as a testament to a bygone era, with its bold architecture juxtaposed against creeping nature. Visitors are drawn to its unique design and the stories of its vibrant past. The hotel’s position overlooking the Caribbean Sea adds to its allure, offering a nostalgic glimpse into Puerto Rico’s touristic golden age.
