The Diplomat Hotel, located on the Dominican Hill in Baguio City on Luzon island in the Philippines, is known for its eerie atmosphere and dark history. It is considered the most haunted place in the city. The hotel still stands alone, giving off a sinister vibe. Decades-old ghost stories and legends have added to its reputation.
The History Of The Dominican Hill Retreat House – Diplomat Hotel:
The Diplomat Hotel, built in the 1910s, was closed to the public in 1987 following the tragic death of its owner. However, the origin of its ghostly legends dates back much further in history.
The Diplomat Hotel, originally built as the Dominican Hill Retreat House in 1913, sits atop a hill in the Philippines' Baguio City. During WWII, it was used as a refuge camp but was eventually invaded by Japanese secret police known as the Kempeitai, who committed heinous acts of violence and murder, including the beheading of nuns and priests.
The Diplomat Hotel was built in the 1970s, in the ruins of a war-torn building, and was a sophisticated and elegant establishment. Unfortunately, it was closed down in 1987, and has been abandoned ever since.
Paranormal Claims About The Haunted Diplomat Hotel In Baguio:
When the Diplomat Hotel was still open, employees and guests reported strange noises and ghostly apparitions within the building. Some even claimed to see headless figures wandering the halls, holding their severed heads on platters and wailing for justice.
Some believe that the ghostly apparitions reported in the hotel are the spirits of the nuns and priests who were brutally beheaded by Japanese soldiers during WWII.
Despite being abandoned, the Diplomat Hotel remains infamous for sightings of headless ghostly figures. Local residents living nearby report seeing the figures roaming the hotel grounds and hearing doors slamming at night, despite the fact that the building no longer has any doors.
A Blood-Curdling Story Of The Diplomat Hotel:
A popular story from the early 1990s tells of a group of recent high school graduates from a well-known school in Baguio entering the Diplomat Hotel to have a night of fun and alcohol. However, things did not go as planned.
The group's "drinking session" began well, but suddenly one of their friends began speaking in a different language and voice, urgently telling them to leave the building.
During a drinking session, one of the group members claimed to have seen ghostly figures at the windows of the abandoned hotel. They quickly left, bringing along their "possessed" friend. Once they were a safe distance away, their friend returned to normal. This incident has led people to avoid the hotel even during daylight hours.
The Diplomat Hotel As A Paranormal Tour Destination In the Philippines:
Some consider the Diplomat Hotel to be cursed, while others see it as an exciting paranormal destination. Visitors come from far and wide to experience the hotel's haunted reputation. If you are looking for a thrilling adventure, the Diplomat Hotel in Baguio might be the perfect choice for you.
The former site of the Dominican Hill Retreat House, now known as the Diplomat Hotel, is being rehabilitated by the city government, and the property has been renamed the Dominican Heritage Hill and Nature Park. The park offers a panoramic view of the city, with a stone crucifix located on the outdoor patio of the hotel's second floor.
Know Before You Go:
It is recommended to take a taxi to reach the infamous ruin. Taxis are readily available in Baguio City. There is a small café outside the main building for those who get hungry. The site is open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., however, it is strongly advised not to visit the place alone in the dark as the true nature of the place is unknown.
