Welcome to the intriguing world of the Haludovo Palace Hotel, a once-glorious luxury resort
nestled on the stunning Croatian island of Krk.
In this article, we delve into the captivating rise and fall of this abandoned masterpiece,
uncovering its rich past, the challenges it encountered, and the ongoing discussions
surrounding its potential rehabilitation. Join us on a journey through time as we explore the
haunting remnants of the Haludovo Palace Hotel and the echoes
Where Is Haludovo Palace Hotel Located?
The Haludovo Palace Hotel is located on the Croatian island of Krk, north of Malinska. It is
situated near a beach of the same name.
Who Is Haludovo Palace Hotel Owner?
Throughout its history, the Haludovo Palace Hotel has had numerous owner changes. The
Brodokomerc ‘business’ in Rijeka formerly controlled the hotel because the foreign investment was
restricted in communist Yugoslavia. Refugees were housed in the hotel during the Yugoslav
Wars. The hotel underwent a privatization process in 1995 and had many owners.
There have been rumors of several investors showing interest in the Haludovo Palace Hotel’s
reconstruction, although it is unknown exactly who the hotel’s present owners are.
History Of Haludovo Palace Hotel
Inception
On the Croatian island of Krk, north of Malinska, construction on the Haludovo Palace Hotel
started in 1971. The founder of Penthouse magazine, Bob Guccione, became interested in this
ambitious endeavor.
Guccione was intrigued by the possibility and put a sizeable 45-dollar million into the
construction of the hotel, intending to create a luxurious resort for visitors to enjoy.
Existence
The Haludovo Palace Hotel, which was formally inaugurated in 1972, rapidly won acclaim for its
opulent features and amenities. The Penthouse Adriatic Club Casino served as the hotel’s focal
point and brought excitement and entertainment to the establishment. Guests were treated to
a great experience, enjoying the beautiful surroundings, the nearby beach, and the hotel’s
various facilities.
Destruction or Abandonment
Unfortunately, the success of the Haludovo Palace Hotel was short-lived. Within a year of
opening, the casino suffered financial problems and filed for bankruptcy. The hotel failed to
remain profitable despite efforts to turn things around. The hotel’s condition and appeal
deteriorated over time due to numerous ownership changes.
The Haludovo Palace Hotel eventually became abandoned and neglected as the years passed.
The structures themselves were unharmed, but the resort’s inside was severely damaged. The
once-grand building was reduced to a mere shell of what it once was.
The hotel still stands as an eerie reflection of its former self. Visitors who accidentally come to
the deserted resort experience the unsettling feeling of a place stuck in time. Despite its
abandoned state, signs in the neighborhood still display directions to the hotel complex as a
flashback to when the Haludovo Palace Hotel was a popular tourist attraction.
Redevelopment Efforts
In October 2018, information about the Haludovo Palace Hotel’s redevelopment plans was
released. A potential investor expressed interest in turning the location into a closed resort
with outside funding. However, the City of Malinska, the state government, and the local
populace opposed these proposals.
The main issues were the future closing of the public beach access and the interruption of the
uninterrupted beach promenade that connected Malinska and Njivice. These criticisms
emphasized the value of conserving open areas and the natural beauty of the nearby coastline
area.
The Haludovo Palace Hotel’s future is currently being determined since it is torn between the
need for redevelopment, the desire to maintain public access to the beach, and the integrity of
the local environment.
The Penthouse Adriatic Club at Haludovo Palace Hotel [1972-1973]
Design of Buildings
Croatian architect Boris Maga created the Haludovo Palace Hotel’s Penthouse Adriatic Club.
Maga was granted the artistic leeway to investigate the well-liked Brutalist building style of the
time. The architecture exhibited strong geometric shapes and the Brutalist movement’s stark,
concrete appearance.
Building and Completion
The Penthouse Adriatic Club and the rest of the hotel complex’s construction were completed
in the summer of 1972. The hotel’s official opening on June 15th, 1972, signaled the start of
operations. A little time later, on July 7th, 1972, a formal “inauguration ceremony” to mark the
beginning of the Penthouse Adriatic Club was held.
Luxurious Facilities
For hotel visitors, The Penthouse Adriatic Club provides some luxurious services. Visitors might
relax in the Great Lounge’s opulent décor or take advantage of the bowling alleys and tennis
courts. The lounge exuded luxury and tranquility with its gorgeous hanging gardens, exquisite
fountains, and lavish pools. The club’s interior decor embraced modern aesthetics and was
reminiscent of the chic furniture seen in the renowned Eames catalog.
Cold War Promotion and Penthouse ‘Pets’:
Penthouse ‘pets’ were used as hostesses at the Haludovo Palace Hotel’s Penthouse Adriatic
Club during its first year of existence, capitalizing on the brand of the Penthouse magazine. The
creator of Penthouse magazine, Bob Guccione, marketed these “pets” as the “new soldiers of
the Cold War.” This innovative marketing strategy gave the hotel experience a touch of intrigue
and mysticism, attracting visitors during this time.
The Penthouse Adriatic Club at Haludovo Palace Hotel personified the opulent lifestyle of the
1970s. Its brief existence was a significant attraction thanks to its outstanding architectural
design, opulent amenities, and creative marketing techniques.
The Haludovo Palace Hotel
This hotel emerged from bankruptcy under the ownership of Brodokomerc without the
Penthouse Association. The hotel was now called the Haludovo Palace Hotel after a local beach.
Although the hotel tried to cut back on its extravagant spending, it maintained its reputation as
a luxury resort.
The Haludovo Palace Hotel hosted noteworthy visitors during the 1970s, including dignitaries
and heads of state worldwide, like Olof Palme and Saddam Hussein. Additionally, the hotel
hosted musical performances by Western artists, including the Golden Gate Quartet in 1975.
Although Bob Guccione’s original idea for the Haludovo Palace Hotel was only partially realized,
it did recover its profitability and continued to be in business for nearly two more decades.
The start of the Yugoslav Wars, however, resulted in a decline in the hotel’s fortunes.
Yugoslavia experienced civil war by 1991 after the turmoil in the late 1980s turned into an
armed conflict. The conflict had a significant impact on the Croatian tourism economy, which
included the Haludovo Palace Hotel. The once-thriving industry is now in ruins due to tanks
driving through the streets and a sketchy airport. 1990 was the hotel’s last year of financial
success.
The Haludovo Palace Hotel served as a shelter for refugees throughout the conflict and a haven
for displaced people. After the war, attempts were undertaken to remove the unwilling
squatters who had taken sanctuary inside the hotel. Many stole priceless items from the hotel,
including copper wire, pipes, radiators, and outlets. The nimble migrants also removed
furniture, fountains, phones, and appliances from the building.
The Croatian Privatization Fund oversaw the privatization of the Haludovo Palace Hotel in 1995.
To manage the €27 million property, the fund set up Hotel Haludovo Malinska d.d. as a joint
stock corporation. The hotel was mainly owned by industrialist Bozidar Androcec the following
year. A two million euro down payment was required for the agreement, and the remaining
sum had to be paid in installments. But according to reports, Androcec only completed the first
payment and neglected to complete the other commitments.
To pay off personal obligations, Androcec sold off over 30% of the hotel complex’s assets
between 1996 and 1999, including the Dubasnica Hotel. The nine works brought in a total of
€5.1 million through sales.
The Haludovo Palace Hotel hosted its final visitors in December 2001.
The hotel’s principal owner during the 2000s was Russian-Armenian millionaire Ara Abramyan,
a diamond dealer and UN Goodwill Ambassador. Two Croatian presidents made several
requests, but Abramyan did nothing to save the hotel. He sold Bitmass Limited, a fictitious
business based in the Isle of Man, an interest in the hotel in 2007. In 2008, Abramyan put the
remaining share up for sale.
How To Get Abandoned Haludovo Palace Hotel
Location: North of Malinska, on the Croatian island of Krk, there is an abandoned hotel
known as the Haludovo Palace. You will need to go to the island of Krk, which can be
reached by various modes of transportation, to get to the hotel.
By Air: Rijeka Airport (RJK), also known as Rijeka-Krk Airport, is the closest airport to the
Haludovo Palace Hotel if you want to go by air. You can plan a taxi or rental car to drive
you to the hotel from the airport. Usually, it takes 20 to 30 minutes to get from the
airport to the hotel.
By Ferry: Taking a ferry to the island of Krk is an additional choice. Boat connections are
available from some surrounding cities, including Baska, Cres, Rab, and Valbiska. After
reaching the ferry terminal in Krk, you can continue traveling to the hotel by taxi or
rental car.
By Road: The Krk Bridge, which links the island to the mainland, provides motorists
access to Krk Island. The city of Rijeka has access to the bridge. You can use navigational
tools or follow the signs to the Haludovo Palace Hotel in Malinska.
Local Transportation: You can use local transportation to travel to the abandoned hotel
once you’ve arrived on the island of Krk. There are taxis nearby, and you can rent a car
or a scooter to tour the island at your own pace.
The Haludovo Palace Hotel is now closed to the public and should be noted. Visitors should
exercise caution and adhere to any posted limits or private property signage. The hotel’s
fascinating past and remaining architectural elements can be looked at by exploring the area
around it.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Haludovo Palace Hotel on the Croatian island of Krk has a captivating history
reflecting its rise and fall. The hotel enjoyed a brief era of glory, from its ambitious construction
by Penthouse magazine founder Bob Guccione to its sumptuous facilities and prosperous early
years.
However, it fell into decline and was eventually abandoned because of financial issues,
ownership changes, and the start of the Yugoslav Wars. There are continuing discussions
concerning the hotel’s potential rehabilitation and the preservation of the surrounding area’s
natural beauty, which serves as an eerie reminder of its former magnificence. The Haludovo
Palace Hotel remains attractive to visitors who trek to its isolated location despite being close
to the general public and providing a look into its intriguing past.