Are you a fan of abandoned places and haunted sites? Then you might be interested in the mysterious history of the Colony Resort in Florida.
This once-luxurious hotel was a popular destination for tourists and celebrities, but it now stands abandoned and forgotten. In this article, we will explore the intriguing story of the Colony Resort and its current whereabouts.
The Rise and Fall of the Colony Resort
The Colony Resort was built in the 1940s on the west coast of Florida, in a town called Longboat Key. The hotel was a grand establishment with over 200 rooms, a private beach, a golf course, and several swimming pools. It quickly became a favorite spot for wealthy visitors from around the world who were seeking sun, sand, and relaxation.
In the 1950s and 60s, the Colony Resort was at its peak of popularity. Many famous people visited the hotel during this time, including President George H.W. Bush, who stayed at the resort in 1981.
However, as time passed by and newer resorts opened up nearby with more modern amenities, visitors started to lose interest in the Colony Resort. The management tried to keep up by renovating some parts of the property but ultimately failed to attract enough guests to keep it running. In 2010, after years of decline, the hotel finally closed its doors for good.
The Abandoned Colony Resort
After its closure, the Colony Resort fell into disrepair. Its once-beautiful gardens were left untended while vandals broke into rooms and defaced walls with graffiti. Soon enough, rumors started to spread that strange things were happening on-site; people reported hearing ghostly voices or seeing apparitions in windows.
Despite its eerie reputation today as an abandoned hotel that’s been left to rot away with time – many still visit it out of curiosity or fascination with abandoned structures – the Colony Resort still has some reminders of its past grandeur. The entrance gate is still standing, and some of the buildings remain relatively intact, albeit overgrown with vegetation.
Where Is the Abandoned Colony Resort Located?
The Colony Resort is located on Longboat Key, a barrier island off the coast of Sarasota in Florida. The resort is situated on Gulf of Mexico Drive and can be accessed by turning onto Longboat Club Road.
Can You Visit the Abandoned Colony Resort?
While it’s technically illegal to enter the Colony Resort property, many people still do so. However, it’s important to remember that this is private property and that trespassing can lead to legal consequences. Moreover, exploring abandoned buildings can be dangerous as there may be hazards such as broken glass or unstable structures.
Conclusion
The story of the Colony Resort is a fascinating one that highlights how even grand establishments can fall from grace when they fail to keep up with changing times. While it’s now an abandoned site that’s rumored to be haunted, it still attracts visitors who are intrigued by its past glory and present decay. If you’re ever in Florida and want to see this mysterious place for yourself – just remember to respect its history and current state by viewing it from a safe distance.