DIPLOMAT HOTEL – Here are the things that you need to know about this haunted destination in Baguio.
The Diplomat Hotel, located atop Dominican Hill in Baguio City, is a place steeped in history and covered in mystery. Known today for its creepy atmosphere and tales of paranormal activity, the hotel has become a popular destination for ghost hunters and curious tourists alike.
Beyond the ghost stories, the Diplomat Hotel carries a historical and cultural legacy. The building that now houses the tourist spot was originally constructed as a seminary and retreat house by Dominican friars in 1911.
During World War II, it was occupied by Japanese forces and served as a garrison. Tragically, it was the site of numerous horror, including executions and torture, contributing to the many ghost stories that surround the property today.
After the war, the building was left in ruins until it was purchased and renovated by diplomat and businessman Antonio Agapito “Tony” Agpaoa in the 1970s. Agpaoa transformed the structure into a 33-room hotel, naming it the Diplomat Hotel.
Agpaoa was a well-known faith healer, and the hotel also served as a place where he performed his healing rituals. Following his death in 1987, the hotel ceased operations and was left abandoned.
Over the years, the building fell into disrepair, with nature reclaiming much of the structure. It was during this period that the hotel’s reputation for being haunted grew.
Visitors and locals alike have reported numerous eerie experiences at abandoned hotel. Commonly reported phenomena include disembodied voices, the sound of children crying, and sightings of ghostly apparitions.
The decapitated statues around the property add to the terrifying ambiance, fueling stories of headless ghosts wandering the halls. Despite its haunted reputation, the destination holds cultural and historical importance.
Recognizing this, the Baguio city government undertook efforts to preserve and restore the site. In recent years, the building has been partially renovated and opened to the public as a heritage and tourist site.
The hotel’s scenic location offers stunning views of Baguio City, and the building’s architecture provides a glimpse into early 20th-century design.
Currently, the Diplomat Hotel serves not only as a reminder of the past but also attracting visitors interested in both its history and its ghost stories.