An urban explorer has gone viral sharing footage of a stunning abandoned hotel that was taken over by nature – but has now been “destroyed” by vandals.
Bobby, better known by his TikTok handle @true_explores, visited the deserted hotel a few years ago, discovering everything still left inside including expensive bottles of alcohol and furniture.
As an urban explorer, he makes a point to respect the places he visits and never reveals the exact location.
Returning two years later, Bobby was horrified to see the damage caused to the once-beautiful venue by treasure-seekers.
In a video that has racked up over 15.2m views and 2.7m likes on TikTok, he shares the before and after snaps of the site.
The hotel, located in Michigan, USA, is believed to have closed down in 2020 during the first Covid lockdown but according to the explorer, the exact reason why is unknown.
“I think the hotel was already struggling with getting customers and the pandemic completely put them out of business,” the urban explorer from Detroit told NeedToKnow.co.uk .
“I believe whoever owned this hotel also owned many other properties and just left it to be forgotten.
“They didn’t see value in selling everything and trying to sell the building.”
Bobby initially explored the property in 2021, noticing leftover booze, TVs in every room and a piano in the lobby.
Despite being left mostly intact, the venue had already begun to decay, with the full pool gathering mould and the basement holding three feet of water.
Bobby said: “It was one of the freshest abandoned places I have explored.
“Very apocalyptic type of feeling, like being in a walking dead episode without the zombies.
“Everything was left behind.
“Very interesting but also very upsetting knowing that all the stuff left behind just went to waste.”
Returning in 2023, he was horrified by the sight, finding the hotel completely vandalised – and social media users have reacted strongly too.
One person said: “Idk why people destroy these beautiful abandoned places.” [sic]
Another added “it’s just weird that some people take their precious time from their day to destroy these beautiful abandoned places.”
“People can’t leave things alone. It’s said,” said Miguel. [sic]
Yasin commented “I would’ve loved to go there with my friends.”
“Of course. It’s awful what people do to these places. That’s why when I find something, I only tell close friends who I would normally bring with me,” said Amara.
Due to the damage caused to the building, the hotel has since been boarded up, with high-security measures to keep unwanted guests out.
Bobby said: “It’s sad because real urban explorers like myself want to preserve the places, not destroy them.”
ENDS
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