10 Abandoned Hotels That Turned into Must-See Tourist Attractions
Abandoned spaces hold something fascinatingly interesting, with their crumbling facades and silence, evoking a sense of history that has been preserved in time. Once busy luxury havens, they are now silent, scary remains of pastime, but some of them have resurrected as tourist attractions.
If you’re looking for an adventure, seeking out our country’s history, or simply roaming the streets, whether you’re the quiet hunter or figuratively a ‘road warrior,’ these sites combine the incredible rush of danger with the nostalgia every person is in search of.
The Overlook Hotel, Colorado
Overlook Hotel, made famous by Stephen King’s The Shining, became a beacon for horror buffs and paranormal enthusiasts. King’s story is about a fictional stay at The Stanley Hotel, situated high in the Rocky Mountains in a grand and remote location.
Today, visitor interest revolves around exploring haunted hallways, historic architecture, and ghost tours. It is a haunting and visually mesmerizing haunt because of its eerie charm and marvelous mountain backdrop. Then don’t miss evening ghost tours, during which the guides tell spine-tingling tales of the hotel’s dark past.
The Grand Hotel, San Pellegrino Terme, Italy
At the close of the 19th century, the Grand Hotel of San Pellegrino Terme was the prime destination for any spa-goer seeking relief and extravagance. Recently closed since the 1970s, the decaying exterior reveals the remains of stunning Belle Époque architecture. Past interiors provide a perfect example of such extravagance, with decaying frescoes and beautiful staircases. Today, it mesmerizes history lovers and architecture lovers from across the world.
Move over to the property’s famous ballroom, which still whispers stories of its old peeling murals and enormous chandeliers, with tales of extravagant parties from days gone by.
Baker Hotel, Texas
This 14-story towering hotel, once a favorite of celebrities from Lyndon B. Johnson to Judy Garland, closed in 1972 but remained a Mineral Wells icon. The Baker Hotel is a paradise for urban explorers and ghost hunters, renowned for its Art Deco charm.
It continues to attract those drawn to the haunting vibe of its story past, and restoration plans remain ongoing. During Halloween, visit the ghost tours that promise a hair-raising experience in their once sumptuous halls.
Waverly Hills Sanatorium, Kentucky
Although officially not a hotel, the Waverly Hills Sanatorium has become a tourist attraction due to its grisly past and eerie atmosphere. The building is notorious for rumored hauntings and reportedly scary ghost tours, which was once a tuberculosis hospital. From its abandoned patient rooms to its “body chute,” Waverly Hills is ideal for thrill seekers.
Come prepared with a flashlight and your courage: there are no overnight stays for those with faint hearts!
Hachijo Royal Hotel, Japan
Nicknamed the “Hawaii of Japan” in the 1960s, the Hachijo Royal Hotel was once one of Japan’s most significant luxury resorts. It had French Baroque interiors and was located deep into the remote Hachijojima Island. In the early 2000s, tourism to the island declined and was abandoned. But today, nature has reclaimed much of its grandeur, and we get an apocalyptic version of the last roar: a stunningly beautiful landscape.
Since entry is prohibited, you can still roam the lush areas and take snapshots of the hotel’s overgrown facade.
Hotel del Salto, Colombia
Hotel del Salto was located over a cliff near the breathtaking Tequendama Falls. It was a hotel for wealthy travelers. The pollution in the Bogotá River led to its closure in the 1990s. After being restored and transformed into a museum, the hotel continues to draw visitors with its breathtaking Gothic aesthetics and nearly overwhelming waterfall views.
The waterfall is most impressive in the rainy season and is something to behold.
Grossinger’s Catskill Resort Hotel, New York
If you’re a fan of Dirty Dancing, you’ll recognize the enduring allure of Grossinger’s Catskill Resort. The resort was once a playground of the elite in the mid-20th century, but now it is an abandoned shell, taken over by nature. The site has an eerie but enchanting swimming pool, golf course, and theater.
Although much of the property has been destroyed, its story lives on through photographs and heirlooms that are housed in nearby museums.
Polissya Hotel, Ukraine
This Soviet-era icon was situated Centrally in Pripyat and abandoned in 1986 after the Chornobyl disaster. It has become a chilling but fascinating stop during guided Chornobyl tours. In addition to the hotel’s deteriorated interiors, the moss-covered exteriors serve as a poignant reminder of the nuclear incident and its lasting impact on people’s lives.
Booking an official tour allows safe access to the Chornobyl site and detailed historical accounts in the hands of expert guides.
Varosha, Cyprus
This beachside district was once the shining jewel of Famagusta, but the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974 left it abandoned overnight. Varosha has become a ghost town fenced off by military patrols; today, it provides an eerie snapshot of grand hotels lost to years of neglect and overtaken by nature.
Exploration isn’t allowed, but guided tours provide stunning views across Varosha’s tragically haunting coastline and a good insight into the district’s history.
Kupari Resort, Croatia
The Kupari Resort near Dubrovnik was an eerie blend of beauty and decay until it became a military vacation spot during the Croatian War of Independence. Now, it is a photographer’s dream, complete with the haunting remains of former beachfront hotels. Their crumbling grandeur, combined with the sound of the sparkling Adriatic Sea, makes for a surreal scene.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.
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