Hilltop House Hotel is a 120-room abandoned hotel complex in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. Hilltop hotel was built by an African American businessman, William Lovett having dreamt of a premier hotel right in their neighborhood. The hotel with its unique architectural design attracted celebrities and presidents of the heyday making it one of the best hotels. Sadly, financial and managerial reasons led to a decline in business forcing the hotel to close down in 2008.

Birth of Hilltop Hotel

Harpers Ferry is a relatively small town, not much went on as tourists flocked to other well-established towns turning a blind eye to the gem near the Potomac River. William Lovett, who was a businessman and investor himself, felt the town had potential and that investors may come if they get a well-organized leadership. The idea was good but the problem is that Harpers Ferry had a few low standards Montel’s that discouraged many from reaching the place.

After several years of planning and acquiring resources and financial support, William began the construction of a world-class hotel that was meant for the elite professionals who may want to invest in the town. The building in its completion had 120 fully furnished rooms, an infinity pool and spas to cool off on hot, conference rooms, a well-lawned grass just to mention but a few.

Burning Hilltop

After several fire outbreaks in the early 1900s, the grandest Hilltop House Hotel was shut down never to be opened again. The first fire in 1912, did not cause major damage and the building was fully restored and reopened. In 1919, fire devoured the building beyond repair. Efforts to restore it took a halt when the management received news that the required finances to fully restore the extensive hotel was going to be much higher.

The building was partially restored and left while the owners acquired more finances for the work to be completed. The finances took too long to acquire, taking the building into despair. Vandals destroyed most of the windows where they used to sneak in for their late-night parties and drinking spree.

Is there a future for Hilltop Hotel?

In the 1919 fire, the southeastern parts of the building did not receive any effects of the fire and still stand to date. These still standing walls and rooms are full of hazardous materials that have been set for demolition to prevent any future accidents. The old paths are now flooded with contaminated rainwater rendering them impassable. The whole property was bought by a local investor who plans to revive the once boisterous hotel. The new owner, who is a historian himself, surprised many by buying the old Hotel’s blueprint which he intends to use to restore the hotel exactly the way it was in the 1800s. The hotel is out of bounds to locals who may want to visit.