12 Abandoned Hotels That Tourists Now Flock To
Some places hold stories that walls refuse to forget — abandoned hotels are exactly that kind of place. Once filled with laughter, clinking glasses, and vacation dreams, these structures now stand quiet yet powerful, inviting travelers to step into their haunting beauty.
Each of these 12 deserted hotels carries echoes of a time long gone. Some were luxurious hideaways for the elite while others never even had the chance to welcome a single guest. Walking through their crumbling halls, you can almost hear the past whispering its secrets.
Would you dare to explore the forgotten corners of a hotel frozen in time? Let’s uncover the beauty in what’s been left behind.
1. Hotel del Salto – Colombia
If you’ve ever dreamed of exploring a haunted hotel, the Hotel del Salto in Colombia is a must-visit. Perched on a cliff overlooking the Tequendama Falls, this 1920s mansion turned hotel has a history as mysterious as its location.
Walking through its halls, I can almost hear the whispers of past guests. It’s said to be haunted, adding an extra thrill for those who dare to visit.
The building’s grandeur is still visible in its decaying walls and forgotten rooms. Visiting here is like stepping back in time, with nature slowly reclaiming the structure.
2. Haludovo Palace Hotel – Croatia
How does a lavish resort become an abandoned relic? The Haludovo Palace Hotel in Croatia, once a playground for the rich, now stands empty. Built in the 1970s, it was known for its extravagant parties. Walking through its decaying halls feels like entering a time capsule.
Though the pool is dry and the gardens overgrown, the architectural beauty remains. Exploring here is a unique experience, seeing how nature intertwines with man-made structures.
It’s a place where imagination takes flight, as you picture the once-glamorous life within these walls.
3. Grossinger’s Catskill Resort – USA
Did you know this iconic resort inspired the movie Dirty Dancing? Grossinger’s Catskill Resort was a bustling destination in the 1950s. Located in New York, it now lies abandoned, a shadow of its former self. Walking through here, I feel the echoes of laughter and music.
The once-grand ballrooms and dining areas are now silent, overtaken by nature. This resort is a piece of history, a glimpse into America’s past leisure culture.
Visiting here, I’m reminded of the passage of time and how places, once vibrant, can become forgotten.
4. Hotel Belvédère du Rayon Vert – France
Where does elegance go when it fades? The Hotel Belvédère du Rayon Vert in France tells that story. This Art Deco marvel sits by the sea, a testament to 1930s elegance. Walking its deserted corridors, I envision the glittering parties that once took place here.
The view from the balconies still captivates, offering a glimpse of the sea in all its beauty. Even in its abandoned state, the hotel holds a charm that’s hard to ignore.
It’s a beautiful reminder of architectural artistry, now standing silent and still.
5. Ryugyong Hotel – North Korea
When you see the Ryugyong Hotel in North Korea, you can’t help but be awed by its size. This towering pyramid was meant to be a symbol of prosperity, yet it never opened. Its 105 floors loom over Pyongyang, a testament to ambition unfulfilled.
Though the exterior is complete, the inside remains unfinished. This building is a paradox, both impressive and empty.
As I gaze upon it, I wonder what stories the walls would tell if they could speak. It’s a monument to dreams that didn’t come true, yet it fascinates many.
6. Bokor Palace Hotel – Cambodia
Are you drawn to mystery and history? Bokor Palace Hotel in Cambodia offers both. This colonial gem sits atop a mountain, shrouded in mist. Walking through its empty halls, I can sense the elegance of its past life.
Built in the 1920s, it catered to French colonialists seeking a cool escape. Now, it’s a hauntingly beautiful ruin, with breathtaking views of the surroundings.
Exploring here is like walking through a ghostly painting, where every corner whispers tales of its former grandeur.
7. Diplomat Hotel – Philippines
This is where history meets the supernatural. The Diplomat Hotel in the Philippines is a favorite among thrill-seekers. Built in the early 1900s, it once served as a seminary. Its transformation into a hotel came later, but its ghostly reputation remains.
The arched windows and decaying façade create a spooky atmosphere. Many visitors report strange occurrences, adding to its allure.
It’s a place where the past feels particularly present, making every visit an adventure in itself.
8. Monte Palace Hotel – Azores, Portugal
It’s not often you find a hotel with such a view. Monte Palace Hotel in the Azores was designed to offer luxury amidst nature. Sitting empty, it overlooks the stunning Sete Cidades lakes. The feeling here is almost otherworldly.
Nature has begun to reclaim the area, creating an eerie yet beautiful landscape. Walking through the corridors, I imagine guests marveling at the scenery.
Though the hotel never thrived, its location makes it a captivating stop for adventurers.
9. The Grand Hotel – Taiwan
When traditional design meets modern abandonment, you get The Grand Hotel in Taiwan. Known for its striking architecture, this hotel once hosted dignitaries. Its red columns and intricate designs speak of its past glory.
Though now closed to guests, it remains a symbol of Taiwanese culture. Exploring here feels like stepping into a different era, one of elegance and tradition.
It’s a majestic relic that continues to draw visitors, eager to experience its unique charm.
10. Abandoned Igloo Hotel – Alaska, USA
Though it never hosted a single guest, the Abandoned Igloo Hotel in Alaska captures the imagination. Its unique shape stands out in the snowy wilderness. Built in the 1970s, it was meant to be a cozy retreat.
Today, it remains a curiosity, its quirky architecture drawing road trippers. I can’t help but marvel at its design, wondering what might have been.
It’s a reminder that not all dreams come to fruition, yet they leave behind fascinating stories.
11. Lee Plaza Hotel – Detroit, USA
Once a proud showcase of art deco design, Detroit’s Lee Plaza Hotel now reflects the city’s struggle with urban decay. Its tall windows and intricate details still impress, even as the building crumbles.
Exploring here, I’m struck by the contrast of beauty and deterioration. It’s a poignant reminder of changing times and fortunes.
The city’s efforts to preserve it speak to its historical value, making it a must-see for urban explorers.
12. Hotel Campo Imperatore – Italy
When history and nature blend, you find Hotel Campo Imperatore in Italy. Known for its World War II history, this hotel sits amidst mountains. Its rustic stone structure adds to the dramatic landscape.
It’s a place where you feel the weight of history. Walking through its rooms, I imagine the wartime stories embedded in its walls.
This hotel is not just a building; it’s a piece of Italian heritage, offering breathtaking views and a journey into the past.