From 1960 to 1989 the 5 star Ducor Hotel was the finest in Monrovia, Liberia. Not only was it the finest hotel but it also offered the best panoramic views of Monrovia. The First Liberian Civil War led to the looting and abandonment of this hotel. Here I share with you Ducor Hotel photography taken in 2020:
How to Enter the Abandoned Ducor Hotel
Firstly, you need to enter the hotel before you can explore it but the whole compound is locked. You need to attract the attention of the security guard. Here is the exact point where you will find a security guard as well as enter the compound.
Congratulations, you made it inside. The security guard will now escort you around the premises. But does he expect a tip? Yes he does and he’ll be very happy with a dollar. However, if he’s friendly and shows you around without rushing, consider giving him more.
Grand Entrance and Water Feature
Once upon a time there was a huge water feature in front of the lobby. It’s hard to imagine how thousands of gallons of water would flow through here. Dictators from around Africa would visit here so the entrance was set up to impress.
Lobby and Grand Staircase
The grand staircase is a shell of its former majestic self. For me, this makes it a top Instagram spot in Monrovia.
Swimming Pool
With the sea views this swimming pool must have been a paradise back in the day. Imagine booking to stay here and sharing the swimming pool with an African dictator! Rumor has it the former Ugandan President swam in the pool with his gun. He later became known as the Butcher of Uganda.
Elevator Shaft
Back in the day you would have taken the elevator to the top floors. Today however, it’s an empty elevator shaft therefore you must take the stairs. When you do get to the higher floors, be careful not to wander into the empty elevator shaft!
Staircase
If the elevator shafts are dangerous, then the stairs are not much safer. Nonetheless, they’re the only way to reach the higher floors so keep away from the edges.
Guest Bedroom
I must say that I was a little surprised how small the rooms were. I was expecting to see larger rooms at this 5 star location. Here’s an interesting fact; during the First Liberian Civil War squatters moved into the hotel and they weren’t removed until 2007. Needless to say looters took anything of value from the hotel during this time.
En suite Bathroom
There are some original tiles in the en suite bathrooms.
Rooftop Bar
The rooftop bar must have been remarkable in its heyday. It faces directly towards Broad Street and you can see the whole of central Monrovia. Perhaps this is the best place for panoramic city views? Not quite, visit the rooftop for 360 degree Monrovia views. A word of warning, if you visit at dusk or dawn you’ll be in the firing line of flocking bats!
Rooftop Access
Are you ready to do a little climbing? You need to climb through a small hole to reach the hotel rooftop.
Don’t Look Down
You pass through a small access hole to the rooftop which is perilously close to a nine story drop. For this reason, pay attention and tread carefully.
Ducor Hotel Rooftop
The Ducor Hotel rooftop features one of the top Instagram locations in Monrovia, Liberia.
Best Panoramic Monrovia Viewpoint
From the rooftop you can see 360 degrees which includes, central Monrovia, Monrovia slums and of course wonderful sea views.
Disco
The huge disco area in the basement is now one of the best places to see street art in Monrovia. Imagine how active this disco must have been during 70’s and 80’s West Africa.
Attention to Detail
As you explore the abandoned hotel be sure to pay attention at each corner. This is a huge hotel full of details.
Almost anything that has been abandoned for years can become interesting.
Tip Your Guide
Don’t forget to tip your guide. He has kept you safe in the abandoned hotel and also enabled you to visit. $1, $2, $5, $10, whatever you feel like giving.
Enjoy Your Visit to the Abandoned Ducor Hotel in Monrovia, Liberia
It’s not often you get to visit an abandoned 5 star hotel therefore the Ducor Hotel is a must visit in Monrovia. What’s more, you can take some memorable Instagram photos throughout the property.
Visit the abandoned Sniper Tower in Mostar, Bosnia. Or the 50,000 seater abandoned stadium of Plovdiv Bulgaria. Finally, why not visit Chernobyl.
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