Old Diplomat Hotel: Heritage Hill and Nature Park Garden in Baguio City
The Diplomat Hotel, positioned atop Dominican Hill in Baguio City, Philippines, is a historic constructing with a wealthy and tragic history. Originally built as a rest house and seminary in 1911, it was later converted into a faculty and eventually a hotel. Despite its picturesque location, the hotel has been abandoned for many years and has turn out to be generally known as some of the haunted places not only in Baguio City but in all the Philippines.
The hotel’s tragic history is rooted in its use as a military base during World War II. In 1945, Japanese soldiers used the hotel as a concentration camp where they tortured and killed prisoners of war. After the war, the hotel was restored and used as a seminary after which a hotel until it was abandoned within the Eighties. Since then, it has turn out to be a preferred destination for ghost hunters and thrill-seekers, with many claiming to have witnessed paranormal activity on the premises.
Despite its eerie status, the Diplomat Hotel stays a preferred tourist destination in Baguio City. The local government has initiated rehabilitation efforts, which began in April 2022, with a 15 million Philippine pesos grant from the federal government. The rehabilitation goals to preserve the hotel’s historical significance and restore it to its former glory.
History of Diplomat Hotel
The Diplomat Hotel was originally inbuilt 1913 as a vacation house for Dominican friars. It was later converted right into a seminary, after which a faculty before it was finally developed right into a hotel in 1973.
Dominican Heritage Hill and Nature Park
The Diplomat Hotel is situated within the Dominican Heritage Hill and Nature Park, which was once a component of the Baguio’s Dominican Hill Retreat House. The retreat house was established by the Dominican friars in 1911, and it served as a spot for rest and contemplation for the friars.
World War II and Kempeitai
During World War II, the Japanese forces occupied the Philippines, they usually used the Diplomat Hotel as a garrison and headquarters for the Kempeitai, the Japanese military police. The hotel was heavily bombed by the Americans through the war, and it was left in ruins.
Liberation of the Philippines
After the liberation of the Philippines in 1945, the Diplomat Hotel was rebuilt and renovated by the Dominicans. It was then used as a faculty and a seminary before it was developed right into a hotel in 1973.
Diplomat Hotels, Inc and Tony Agpaoa
In 1973, Diplomat Hotels, Inc. acquired the property and developed it right into a hotel. The hotel was owned by Antonio Agapito “Tony” Agpaoa, a distinguished businessman and politician within the Philippines. The hotel was known for its luxurious accommodations and stunning views of Baguio City.
In 1987, Tony Agpaoa was assassinated, and the hotel was closed down. Since then, the Diplomat Hotel has been abandoned, becoming a preferred destination for ghost hunters and thrill-seekers.
Despite its tragic history, the Diplomat Hotel stays a crucial landmark in Baguio City. Its stunning architecture and wealthy history proceed to draw visitors from everywhere in the world.
Architecture and Features
Hotel Design
Diplomat Hotel was designed by Fr. Roque Ruaño, O.P. in 1911. The hotel’s architecture is a mix of Spanish Colonial and Neo-Gothic styles, and it served as a rest house and seminary before being converted into a faculty and eventually a hotel. The constructing’s unique design and historical significance make it a preferred tourist destination.
Rooftop Views
Some of the notable features of Diplomat Hotel is its stunning rooftop views. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Baguio City and the encompassing mountains from the hotel’s rooftop terrace. The terrace can be a preferred spot for taking photos and watching the sunset.
Fountain
One other notable feature of Diplomat Hotel is its beautiful fountain. The fountain, positioned within the hotel’s courtyard, is a preferred spot for taking photos and having fun with the peaceful surroundings. The fountain adds to the hotel’s charm and historical significance.
Parking
Diplomat Hotel offers ample parking for guests, making it a convenient option for those traveling by automotive. The hotel’s parking zone is positioned on the grounds of the hotel and is definitely accessible from the foremost entrance.
Supernatural Claims
The Diplomat Hotel in Baguio City has long been related to supernatural claims. Many visitors have reported eerie experiences and ghost sightings within the hotel. This section will explore among the mostly reported supernatural claims.
Haunted Stories
The Diplomat Hotel is claimed to be some of the haunted places within the Philippines. Many guests have reported hearing strange noises and experiencing unexplained occurrences. Some have even claimed to have seen apparitions of nuns and priests wandering the halls of the hotel. The hotel’s haunted stories are a preferred topic amongst paranormal enthusiasts.
Headless Apparitions
Some of the famous stories related to the Diplomat Hotel is that of the headless apparitions. In line with legend, through the Japanese occupation of the Philippines, several nuns and priests were beheaded by Japanese soldiers on the hotel grounds. Many visitors have reported seeing headless apparitions wandering the halls of the hotel.
Psychic Surgeon
Some of the interesting claims related to the Diplomat Hotel is that of the psychic surgeon. In line with some reports, a psychic surgeon once performed healing sessions in considered one of the hotel’s rooms. The psychic surgeon is claimed to have used his hands to perform surgeries without using any medical instruments. While there isn’t a concrete evidence to support this claim, it stays a preferred topic amongst those curious about the supernatural.
Diplomat Hotel Today
Tourism
The Diplomat Hotel, positioned atop Dominican Hill within the City of Pines, Baguio, Philippines, is a preferred tourist attraction. The abandoned structure has gained notoriety for its supposed haunted status, attracting thrill-seekers and paranormal enthusiasts. Visitors can explore the ruins and absorb the scenic views of town from the hilltop location.
Restoration and Preservation
In April 2022, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines granted 15 million Philippine pesos for the rehabilitation of the Diplomat Hotel. The local government has initiated efforts to revive and preserve the historic site, with the goal of reworking it right into a cultural hub. The restoration process goals to keep up the constructing’s original architecture and features while adding modern amenities to draw visitors.
Steadily Asked Questions
Where is the placement of the Diplomat Hotel?
The Diplomat Hotel is positioned in two different places within the Philippines. The primary one is in Baguio City, situated atop Dominican Hill, and the second is in downtown Cebu.
What’s the historical background of the Diplomat Hotel?
The Diplomat Hotel was inbuilt 1911 as a rest house and seminary in Baguio City. Afterward, it was transformed into a faculty before becoming a hotel. The hotel has a wealthy history, because it served as a refuge for nuns and priests during World War II.
What’s the story behind the Diplomat Hotel in Tagalog?
The Diplomat Hotel was once generally known as “Bridal Path,” and it served as a seminary for aspiring priests. Afterward, it was converted right into a hotel, but it surely was abandoned on account of the damage brought on by the earthquake in 1990. The hotel’s eerie status has been attributed to the tragic events that occurred during World War II, where many nuns and priests were brutally killed.
What happened to the Diplomat Hotel and why is it considered haunted?
The Diplomat Hotel was abandoned in 1990 on account of the damage brought on by the earthquake. Since then, it has turn out to be a preferred spot for ghost hunters and thrill-seekers. Many individuals imagine that the hotel is haunted by the spirits of the nuns and priests who were killed during World War II. Some also claim to have seen the ghost of a headless priest wandering across the hotel.
What are some reviews of the Diplomat Hotel and its ghostly status?
In line with TripAdvisor, the Diplomat Hotel in Cebu City has received a rating of three.5 out of 5 stars. Many individuals have commented on the hotel’s central location and the comfort of its air-conditioned rooms. Nevertheless, some have also mentioned the hotel’s eerie status and the presence of ghosts, which will not be suitable for everybody.
Baguio City Travel and Tour Packages
To show you how to plan your visit to Baguio, we listed places and other unique activities in Baguio City. We also listed a few of one of the best travel deals, tour packages, excellent flights, and accommodations.
Looking for one of the best hotels, resorts, and reasonably priced flights within the nearby Cities? Try our list of low cost Baguio City hotels and resorts via Agoda, or it’s possible you’ll also see available Airbnb properties in town.
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