BEACH LANE BED AND BREAKFAST

Rumored to be haunted, the former Diplomat Hotel stands on top of Dominican Hill, near the Lourdes Grotto here in Baguio City, Philippines. The hotel ceased its operations and was declared an off-limits zone when Tony Agpaoa, the owner/manager of the hotel died of a heart attack (woodstock inn millstream).

The building was a resthouse and seminary (Year 1911) before it was turned into a hotel.

During the 2nd World War, Dominican Hill was occupied by refugees fleeing from the Japanese Army Liberation Forces. Later the Japanese forces bombed the refugees out which resulted in extensive damages to the main structure and the surrounding area. Reconstruction work started in 1947 and was completed in about a year. (grand hotel du parc villars)

We were asked by the guard what our purpose was in going there. Then he let us sign the logbook. I think it’s best to go here early in the morning. I think the fog in the afternoon will contribute more to the ‘eerie feeling’ of the place.

I have to admit, after reading stories in the internet, I felt quite nervous when I entered the former hotel. Water was dropping from the ceiling. It is dilapidated and eeriely quiet.

I think it will be made into a first class hotel named “Baguio Heritage Hotel”.

This coming 2009, the former hotel will be made into museum showcasing photographs and documents of the city’s development over the years.

"Diplomat Hotel on Dominican Hill - In May 1911, the councils of the Province of the Dominican Order voted to construct a vacation house in Baguio on a 17 hectare property they had acquired when the American authorities were encouraging people to come here. Actual work started in 1913 under Fr. Roque Ruano and the building was inaugurated on May 23, 1915. To take advantage of the tax exemptions a school called Collegio del Santissimo Rosario was opened in June 1915 but due to the very small enrollment the school closed in 1917, reverting the building to the original vacation house sanitarium. During WWII it was first occupied by refugees. Later the Japanese Army Liberation Forces had to bomb out the refugees from the buildings. The five direct hits left very extensive damage and for a time it was left unrepaired. Reconstruction was started in 1947 and completed in 1948 with most of its pre-war grandeur and beauty restored. In 1973, Diplomats Hotels, Inc. acquired ownership, remodeled the interior into a 33 bedroom hotel with modern facilities, but retained the unique and distinct personality of the Dominican Hill. In the 80's the hotel ceased operations due to the death of one of its majority stockholders. Plans are underway to develop this historical religious landmark into a tourist resort."