THE HAUNTING OF THE BERENGARIA HOTEL

ARE THERE REALLY GHOSTS AT THE BERENGARIA HOTEL?

NAMED IN HONOUR OF A QUEEN

Located near the village of Prodromos, in the Limassol district of the Troodos Mountains, the Berengaria Hotel has been a subject of much supernatural mystery. The hotel, which is said to be haunted by several ghosts, was built by Mr. Kokkalis in the early 1930’s. It was named in honour of Queen Berengaria, wife of Richard the Lionheart, who were both married in Limassol Castle in 1191.

FAMOUS GUESTS

The stone-built mountain hotel was once one of the most luxurious hotels in Cyprus. Hosting its first visitors in 1931, the hotel in its heyday was famous for hosting famous guests. These included King Pharouk of Egypt and Winston Churchill. Today its rooms and grand halls, which once entertained royalty, are now home to just the elements.

CYPRUS GHOSTHUNTERS

Having withstood the passage of time, the Berengaria Hotel, over the last few years, has become an unofficial tourist attraction. Several myths have surrounded the hotel since its untimely closure and as ghost stories have emerged, the site has become a favourable site for ghosthunters. They have been attracted not only by the building’s architecture but also by its macabre history. The hotel has also attracted several visitors, over the years, seeking a supernatural adrenaline rush.

DO YOU BELIEVE IN GHOST STORIES?

Some 200 visitors a week are estimated to visit the site that is situated at an altitude of 1,400 metres. Some of these people have stated that they have seen things that can only be decribed as supernatural experinces. Several others have also come forward, stating that they have felt a presence, whilst other claim that they have seen apparitions roaming the hotel’s grounds.

MEET THE GHOSTS

One such ghostly entity is said to be a former manager of the hotel, who is said to have killed himself in one of the hotel’s rooms. It is said that he still wanders the empty halls of the hotel. Another regular sighting is of a merchant’s wife. Supposedly she was found floating facedown in the swimming pool, and now seeks revenge for her untimely demise. Another is a fair maiden, dressed in white linen. She is said to be visible, but only at dusk. She has regularly been seen leaning against one of the hotel windows. Another unconfirmed story, that further adds to the hotel’s intrigue, is the eventual demise of the owners of the hotel.

CLOSED IN 1984

The hotel, which was otherwise a successful endeavour, faced financial trouble in the early 1980’s. The original hotel owner had left the business to his three sons. It is believed that their conflicts and disagreements led to the hotel’s eventual bankruptcy and untimely closure in 1984. All three sons are said to have died in strange and mysterious circumstances since, adding fuel to several supernatural conspiracy theories.

A DEMANDING PROJECT

Several experts have suggested that the Berengaria Hotel should be considered one of the most demanding and risky redevelopment projects on the island. It is feared that there are several hidden costs regarding any possible renovation of the hotel. This has scuppered several attempts to sell the building.

A CHANGE OF FORTUNES

Interest in the site, however, has recently been rekindled. A bid to purchase the site, by a Limassol-based property group, has recently been accepted. The purchase is reported to be in the region of €2.2 million. The welcome sale comes after many unsuccessful attempts by various stakeholders to offload the property over the years. Recent statements, released by the new owners, indicate that they intend to revive the hotel’s past glories. They have also stated that they intend to breathe new life into the grand old lady, whilst protecting her unique identity.

SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY WORKS

The complete area of the site spans a total of 26,520 square metres. The hotel itself covers 4,980 square metres. The new owners also intend to develop some of the land surrounding the hotel with several luxury villas and some auxiliary buildings, that will facilitate the hotel’s operation. They intend to do this without distorting the character of main building or the surrounding area. They have also said that the new development will include some new infrastructure works. These works will aim to make the site as environmently friendly and self sufficient as possible. One such works will include a wastewater treatment facility that will recycle the establishment’s water.

THANOS HOTELS

The renovation of the Berengaria Hotel is already well underway and is due to be ready during late spring 2026. In the meantime, the Thanos Hotels group is providing consultancy services for the building and design project. They are currently advising architects and designers on several features of the hotel. These include amenities and technical requirements for the new hotel. They will then be managing the day to day operations of it once it reopens. The hotel will have at least 30 rooms and suites and a state-of-the-art spa.