12 Abandoned Hotels Where the Past Still Checks In

Some places don’t just gather dust—they gather stories. These abandoned hotels, once alive with laughter, clinking glasses, and whispered secrets behind velvet curtains, now sit in silence, their grandeur slowly crumbling under the weight of time. Yet even in decay, they refuse to be forgotten. Each one is a time capsule, frozen in the moment just after the last guest checked out, still echoing with the past. From mist-shrouded mountaintop palaces to ghostly seaside resorts and forgotten jungle retreats, these hotels aren’t merely buildings—they’re haunted history books, brimming with faded opulence and lingering legends. Some are whispered to be cursed, others simply deserted by progress, but all invite the brave to walk their worn halls and listen closely. Because in these places, the past isn’t gone—it’s waiting. Welcome to the world of abandoned hotels, where time stands still and the past still checks in.

1. The Haunting History of Hotel del Salto

Perched on the edge of a cliff overlooking the Tequendama Falls in Colombia, Hotel del Salto is a marvel of early 20th-century architecture. Built in 1928, it was initially a symbol of opulence, attracting Colombia's elite with its breathtaking views and luxurious accommodations. However, as time passed, the hotel's fortunes waned, and it was eventually abandoned. Today, it stands as a haunting reminder of its former glory, with tales of ghostly apparitions and unexplained phenomena adding to its mystique. Visitors often report feeling an eerie presence, as if the spirits of the past guests still linger in the halls. The hotel has since been transformed into a museum, preserving its history while inviting the curious to explore its haunted past. The story of Hotel del Salto is a poignant reminder of the impermanence of grandeur and the enduring allure of the unknown.