Americans have long had a tradition of going on honeymoons. Because of this, the 20th century saw the emergence of hundreds of dedicated honeymoon hotels and resorts. Over time, however, many of these places closed down or fell into ruin, becoming completely abandoned. This article is about one such place: the abandoned Penn Hills Resort in Pennsylvania.
Back in 1944, a small tavern opened in the town of Analomink. On its site, in just ten years, a massive resort for newlyweds grew.
Guests could choose from over 100 different rooms. The most budget-friendly accommodations were located in a three-story building adjacent to the pool. These rooms boasted great views and spacious interiors, complete with signature red, heart-shaped bathtubs.
Today, however, the resort looks completely different. What was once a place of love and romance now resembles a scene from a horror movie.
Just a few years ago, the rooms still looked relatively intact. But local vandals, fires, and time have taken their toll.
Spanning several square kilometers, the territory once boasted tennis courts, a swimming pool, an indoor ice rink, and restaurants. You can catch glimpses of its spectacular heyday in old commercials.
How Did It Happen?
The Rise and Fall of Penn Hills Resort The resort was marketed as a paradise in the Pocono Mountains. While it faced hard times over the years, it experienced a spectacular heyday during the roaring 1960s, becoming famous across the USA.
However, by the early 1990s, the demand for dedicated honeymoon resorts began to decline, while maintenance costs steadily climbed.
The resort’s co-owner, Frances Paolillo, passed away in 2009 at the age of 102. Just a few months later, Penn Hills closed its doors. The management company’s accounts were empty, leaving a debt of nearly a million dollars. Most of the staff were laid off without receiving their final paychecks.
You might wonder why no investors stepped in. In fact, buyers were found, and a deal to purchase the land and properties was even finalized.
However, the abandoned resort required more than just a financial injection – it needed a complete conceptual overhaul. The hospitality industry had evolved, and niche honeymoon-only resorts were simply no longer in demand.
While the new owners were deciding how to modernize the resort, a massive fire broke out. Local authorities and residents suspected arson, and there were good reasons for those suspicions. First, no one wanted a massive, neglected property in their backyard. Second, insurance payouts offered a much quicker return than a lengthy, expensive renovation process.
Ultimately, the gamble didn’t pay off. The owner abandoned the project and walked away with heavy losses. Parts of the resort were demolished, while the rest fell deeper into decay.
What Is Left of the Premium Rooms at Penn Hills Resort?
Beyond standard hotel rooms, the resort offered alternative accommodations. For example, these townhouses: Only a few survive today, as many were claimed by fires.
The interiors were designed to be vibrant and flashy, capturing the playful spirit of the 1960s. They featured round beds with decorative pillars, signature heart-shaped bathtubs, and panoramic terraces. The ground floors had private kitchens, and naturally, no space for children – as these resorts were strictly adults-only.
Today, you will see burnt-out ruins and a view of the pool. Those iconic red, heart-shaped bathtubs can still be spotted amidst the rubble throughout the abandoned hotel. Slightly further from the pool sit the private villas. Back in the day, booking a night in one of these houses must have cost a pretty penny.
Like many abandoned places, the hotel is surrounded by mystical stories and urban legends. Furthermore, on the walls of some rooms, you can find messages left by Eric Frein – a fugitive and survivalist who was the subject of a massive police manhunt in 2014 after shooting two state troopers. He used the abandoned resort as a hideout.
In addition to the guest lodging, abandoned administrative offices and rusted maintenance equipment still litter the resort grounds.
Exploring the abandoned Penn Hills Resort leaves a lingering sense of melancholy. It is always a shame to see once-vibrant places reduced to ruins, but abandoned places carry the same haunting beauty, whether they are in America or Belarus. If you enjoyed this urban exploration, check out our other article about the abandoned amusement park in New Orleans.
