Once symbols of luxury and elegance, abandoned hotels today stand as haunting reminders of a glamorous past lost in time. These mysterious buildings attract urban explorers, photographers, and curious travelers searching for stories hidden within their walls.
Why Are Hotels Abandoned?
Hotels are usually abandoned due to:
- Financial crises
- Wars or political instability
- Natural disasters
- Isolation from tourist routes
- Changes in travel trends
When left to nature, these places slowly transform into surreal settings of decay and beauty.
The Most Intriguing Abandoned Hotels Around the World
Hotel del Salto – Colombia
Located near Tequendama Falls, this hotel was abandoned in the 1990s. Local legends say it’s haunted, adding mystery to its spectacular view of the waterfall.
Haludovo Palace Hotel – Croatia
Built in the 1970s on Krk Island, this luxury resort for the elite is now a ruin invaded by nature and street art.
Ryugyong Hotel – North Korea
A symbol of ambition, the Ryugyong Hotel in Pyongyang was left unfinished for decades. Although work resumed, its long period of abandonment made it iconic.
Grossinger’s Catskill Resort – USA
Known as the inspiration for Dirty Dancing, this once-luxurious resort in New York’s Catskills was abandoned in the late 1980s.
Hotel Kupari – Croatia
This complex of beachfront hotels was abandoned after the Croatian War of Independence. Today, the grand structures sit empty along the Adriatic Sea.
Bokor Palace Hotel – Cambodia
Built in the 1920s by the French colonialists, this hotel sits on a misty mountain in Cambodia, adding to its eerie beauty.
Lee Plaza Hotel – USA
Located in Detroit, Lee Plaza was once a symbol of the city’s wealth. Now, its Art Deco design is admired through its decaying remains.
Why Are Abandoned Hotels So Fascinating?
- The contrast between past luxury and current decay
- The beauty of nature reclaiming architecture
- Legends, hauntings, and ghost stories
- Unique settings for photography
- Hidden objects left behind
Exploring Abandoned Hotels Safely
Remember to:
- Respect private property laws
- Never enter dangerous or unstable structures
- Explore with caution and proper equipment
- Leave everything untouched
Final Thoughts: Elegance Frozen in Time
Abandoned hotels show us that even places built for beauty and comfort can become haunting and powerful symbols of change. In their silence, they tell unforgettable stories of dreams, losses, and the unstoppable force of time.
