Diplomat Hotel

About

The Diplomat Hotel — officially the Dominican Hill Retreat House, sprawled across a 17-hectare property atop Dominican Hill — began in the early 20th century (around 1911–1915) as a retreat house and seminary for the Dominican Order. During WWII the Japanese turned it into a military garrison and war prison, and after restoration it operated as the Diplomat Hotel in the 1970s–80s before being abandoned. Given its dark wartime history, it became notorious for paranormal activity and consistently ranks among the most haunted places in the Philippines — headless apparitions, screams, and banging doors feature in the local legends. It was declared a historical landmark by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines in 2005, and the whole hill is now the Dominican Heritage Hill and Nature Park, under a rehabilitation launched in April 2022 with a ₱15-million NCCA grant. It draws photographers for its decaying Western-style facade, its panoramic views of Baguio, and the craft and food stalls on the grounds.

Amenities

• Historic ruined building (exterior only)
• Panoramic Baguio & Cordillera views
• Local craft & souvenir stalls
• Food stalls
• Fountain & grounds
• Parking · Restrooms

Facilities

• Parking
• Restroom

Good to know

Typically busy

Usually busy at these times — based on typical patterns, not live crowd data.

• Weekend daytime
• Holiday peak

Plan your visit

Where

Landmark: The white/gray Western-style ruined building atop Dominican Hill; the fountain