The Diplomat Hotel was originally built as a retreat house that would serve as vacation house for the Dominican order. It was remodeled as a hotel but later ceased operations and became abandoned. At present, the Diplomat Hotel story is referred to as one of the creepiest tales in the City of Pines.
I’m not the bravest person but I love watching horror movies and going to spooky places (in daylight).
Even if I’m usually one of the first ones to scream in the cinema and have my eyes covered most of the time, I take delight in these scary stories. When it comes to places, I’ve only visited a few haunted sites, one of which is the Diplomat Hotel in Baguio City.
The Diplomat Hotel Story: Foundation
What is the underlying Diplomat Hotel story? How did it came to be? The Diplomat Hotel was built on top of the Dominican Hill. It was originally called the Dominican Hill and Retreat House because it was constructed to serve as a vacation house for the Dominican Order.
Construction started in 1913 and the Dominican Hill and Retreat House was inaugurated in 1915. They also established a seminary in the place but with very few students, the seminary was later closed.
The Diplomat Hotel Story: Refugee Camp and Japanese Headquarters
When the Second World War broke, the Diplomat Hotel story turned to be a tragic one. People fleeing Japanese forces came to Diplomat Hotel. From a vacation house, it was converted into a refugee camp. Unfortunately, the place was eventually invaded and became headquarters for the Japanese. During these disastrous times, Japanese forces performed brutal acts like rape, torture, and decapitation of nuns, priests, and refugees.
When the Americans defeated the Japanese forces later, Japanese soldiers committed suicide at the Diplomat Hotel.
The Diplomat Hotel Story: Hotel Accommodation
A company called Diplomat Hotels, Inc. acquired the property in the 1970s. The former Dominican Hill and Retreat House was turned into a fancy and beautiful accommodation. It became The Diplomat Hotel. An entrepreneur named Agapito Agpaoa managed the place. However, he suffered a heart attack and later died. After his death, the hotel ceased operations and eventually became abandoned.
The Diplomat Hotel Story: A Haunted Place in Baguio
The deserted Diplomat Hotel deteriorated until it turned into a haunted ruin. The dilapidated building however attracted visitors with its creepy tales that may have rooted from its brutal past. Some people claimed to hear peculiar sounds and even see ghosts like white lady. Other tourists visiting the place took photographs and saw silhouettes and strange images.
The Diplomat Hotel Today
The old Diplomat Hotel Baguio today is being called Heritage Hill and Nature Park. The haunted stories still continue and some people visit the place to see the truth for themselves.
From afar, the Diplomat Hotel displays that alluring yet enigmatic ruin. Its position atop a cold hill adds a more eerie vibe. Whether the ghost stories are true or not, I’m sure walking around in the afternoon especially when there’s not much crowd would give you an uncanny feeling.
Going inside, you can walk on empty corridors. A big fountain strikingly decorates the first floor. You can also climb and reach the next level, then peek on huge, hollow windows.
Aside from tourists visiting the place, Diplomat Hotel is also now being used in events.
The building may simply look like an abandoned structure. But to many people who knew the Diplomat Hotel story, they recognize the brutal past beyond the empty walls. Truly haunted or not, the agonizing and disturbing stories definitely linger.
Baguio Haunted Houses
Aside from the Diplomat Hotel, a haunted house in Baguio is being explored by thrill seekers, the Laperal White House.
Thinking of where to go in Baguio? Check our sample Baguio itinerary.
So informative!
Thankful I found this blog.
Thank you 🙂