Isabella Mueller Baroness of Stainton le Vale
High up in the dense forests of the Troodos Mountains, surrounded by the tranquil beauty of nature, stands a ruin that has been the setting for countless ghost stories and dark myths for decades. The Berengaria Hotel, once known as the ‘Hotel of Kings’, stands abandoned and dilapidated on a hill – a place that appears as majestic as it is eerie. Yet amongst its crumbling walls and weathered façades, something else lurks: a dark past that sends a shiver down the spines of many visitors.
From Splendour to Decay . Built at the start of the 20th century, the Berengaria Hotel was a symbol of elegance and prosperity. It attracted kings, dignitaries and wealthy travellers from Europe, who came here to treat themselves to a luxurious holiday during the hot summer months. With its magnificent marble floors, ornate chandeliers and a swimming pool that served as a meeting place for high society, it was regarded as the jewel in the crown of a small village in the mountains of Cyprus. But this glittering history came to an abrupt end when the hotel finally closed its doors in 1984. Since then, the rooms have stood empty, the windows have been shuttered, and an eerie silence reigns in the once-bustling lobby. What remains, however, is a source of concern for many locals: the legends surrounding the building.
The Curse of the Brothers – One of the creepiest stories circulating about the Berengaria Hotel concerns the family behind its founding. The hotel owner, whose name now seems to have been all but forgotten, left his estate to his three sons upon his death. Yet the fate of these brothers is said to have been anything but happy. According to legend, the brothers became embroiled in bitter disputes over how the hotel’s future should be shaped. Envy, mistrust and greed tore their relationship apart – until one day a series of mysterious tragedies began. Within a few years, all three brothers had died in suspicious circumstances. Some claim they were accidents; others are convinced that sinister forces were at work. Locals often speak of a curse that weighed upon the family and is linked to the hotel. Whether these tragic events were due to natural causes or were in fact triggered by supernatural forces remains a mystery to this day. Nevertheless, the story has helped to cement the hotel’s reputation as a place of horror.
The Woman in the Pool – Another persistent myth concerns a ghostly apparition reported by many visitors to the Berengaria Hotel. At the heart of this story lies the hotel’s pool – once a place of carefree refreshment, now an inhospitable basin full of rubble and overgrown vegetation. According to legend, a woman’s body was found in the pool many years ago. It is said that she drowned under mysterious circumstances, possibly as the victim of a crime. Yet even after all these years, her spirit is said to have still not found peace. Many people report having seen a female figure at the edge of the pool, staring motionlessly into the water. Others speak of a cold draught and an eerie presence they felt as soon as they approached the pool. According to one particularly popular legend, the woman’s soul seeks revenge for her death. It is said that she haunts anyone who attempts to revive the hotel’s fading splendour. Perhaps that is why all projects to renovate the building seem doomed to failure.
A portal between worlds? – The Berengaria Hotel is described by some as a ‘portal between worlds’. Noises that come from nowhere, shadows that move for no apparent reason, and the feeling of being watched – all these are repeatedly described by those who dare to set foot on the premises. Paranormal investigators who have examined the hotel are said to have detected unexplained electromagnetic activity during their visits and reported sudden drops in temperature. Some even believe that the hotel itself has become a kind of energy hub for supernatural events. The combination of its tragic history and its secluded location amidst the mountainous forests could be responsible for its eerie atmosphere. Even experienced ghost hunters are said to have reported unsettling experiences there that they could not explain.
The Allure of Horror – Despite – or perhaps precisely because of – these spine-chilling tales, the Berengaria Hotel attracts numerous adventurers, photographers and paranormal enthusiasts. Especially at night, the dilapidated building is visited by the brave who are seeking an adrenaline rush. The dark corridors and overgrown grounds provide the perfect backdrop for anyone who loves a thrill. Some of these visitors report unexplained noises, such as footsteps or whispering voices, which seem to come from empty rooms. Others admit to having suddenly felt as though they were being watched, even though there was not a soul to be seen far and wide. There are even videos of alleged ghostly apparitions, although these are often viewed with scepticism by experts.
A place that leaves questions unanswered – What remains is the undeniable fascination that surrounds the Berengaria Hotel. Is it really haunted, or are these merely exaggerated rumours that have taken on a life of their own over the years? Can the eerie atmosphere be explained scientifically, or is there more to it than that? The fact is: the Berengaria Hotel represents a crossroads between the past and legend. It bears the marks of time, which make it a special, if eerie, destination. Here, real historical tragedies and supernatural speculation merge to create a place that both attracts and repels. The stories surrounding the hotel may be full of doubt and uncertainty, but one thing is certain: it has a firm place in people’s memories – as one of the most mysterious and eerie places in Cyprus.
The question of the future – Whilst the ruins continue to attract hordes of tourists, the building’s decay marches inexorably on. Some believe that renovating the hotel could put an end to the haunting, whilst others are convinced that this would only provoke evil. However, as long as no one is prepared to undertake this risky project, the Berengaria Hotel is likely to remain a setting for myths and tales. Anyone brave enough to enter this abandoned site is embarking on more than just an ordinary outing. The Berengaria Hotel remains a place of mystery, captivating everyone who enters with its sinister aura – and perhaps never quite letting them go.
