back to top

The ‘world’s most dangerous hotel’ is a former coastguard station surrounded by sharks – and is only accessible via helicopter

Share post:

- Advertisement -


If you’re looking for a holiday that’s equally thrilling as it is soothing, the world’s ‘most dangerous hotel’ might just be your next destination – so as long as you don’t mind dodging sharks and hurricanes, of course. 

Located 32 miles off the east coast of North Carolina, the Frying Pan Tower is a rustic (quite literally) former U.S. Coast Guard light station that now welcomes daredevil guests for a stay unlike any other.

The hotel – accessible only by helicopter, with a return flight costing around £2,000 – boasts eight bedrooms, one bathroom and a space for up to twelve guests, who enjoy 360-degree sweeping views of the Atlantic ocean from just £460 for the weekend. 

Once a crucial maritime navigation aid, the tower – which rises 85ft above sea level – was decommissioned in the early 2000s and later bought at auction in 2012 by a private owner for little over £60,000. 

Since then, it’s been restored by a team of volunteers and turned into a modest accommodation – perfect for guests looking to switch off and recharge amidst a breathtaking backdrop. 

That is, until they’re reminded of the thrills that lurk below and beyond. 

One of the most daring highlights of a stay at Frying Pan Tower, which is surrounded by deep, shark-filled waters, is the shark feeding experience.

Under strict safety precautions, guests at their own risk can descend from the structure to get up close and personal with the ocean’s most fearsome predators. 

Located 32 miles off the east coast of North Carolina , the Frying Pan Tower is a rustic (quite literally) former U.S. Coast Guard light station that now welcomes daredevil guests for a stay unlike any other

Located 32 miles off the east coast of North Carolina , the Frying Pan Tower is a rustic (quite literally) former U.S. Coast Guard light station that now welcomes daredevil guests for a stay unlike any other

The hotel - accessible only by helicopter, with a return flight costing around £2,000 - boasts eight bedrooms, one bathroom and a space for up to twelve guests, who enjoy 360-degree sweeping views of the Atlantic ocean from just £460 for the weekend

The hotel – accessible only by helicopter, with a return flight costing around £2,000 – boasts eight bedrooms, one bathroom and a space for up to twelve guests, who enjoy 360-degree sweeping views of the Atlantic ocean from just £460 for the weekend

The old U.S. navy base has been restored by a team of volunteers and turned into a modest accommodation - perfect for guests looking to switch off and recharge amidst a breathtaking backdrop

The old U.S. navy base has been restored by a team of volunteers and turned into a modest accommodation – perfect for guests looking to switch off and recharge amidst a breathtaking backdrop

It’s not just sharks or storms guests have to watch out for – the tower also happens to be located directly in the path of frequent hurricanes. 

The site has weathered years of ferocious Atlantic storms, with viral footage leading Architectural Digest to once ask in 2016: ‘Could this be the most dangerous hotel in the world?’

But despite its perilous surroundings, the Frying Pan Tower offers a range of amenities and activities to ensure guests have a comfortable and memorable stay. 

Guests can expect fresh linens, towels and meal supplies, along with a surprisingly homely atmosphere thanks to the dedicated team of volunteers who maintain the tower as a floating hostel.

Evenings are spent fishing, diving, or cooking communal meals, before relaxing in the recreation room that overlooks endless stretches of blue, as reported by Host Unusual.

For those who prefer a touch of luxury, a private chef can even be hired for the duration of the stay.

What began as an isolated light tower in 1964 has now become one of America’s most talked-about destinations – a place where thrill-seekers and curious travellers come to experience an unforgettable stay at sea. 

Meanwhile, if you suffer from a fear of clowns, better known as coulrophobia, you might want to rethink spending the night at America’s ‘scariest’ motel – where guests sleep in themed rooms surrounded by thousands of clowns.

One of the most daring highlights of a stay at Frying Pan Tower, which is surrounded by deep, shark-filled waters, is the shark feeding experience

One of the most daring highlights of a stay at Frying Pan Tower, which is surrounded by deep, shark-filled waters, is the shark feeding experience

But despite its perilous surroundings, the Frying Pan Tower offers a range of amenities and activities to ensure guests have a comfortable and memorable stay

But despite its perilous surroundings, the Frying Pan Tower offers a range of amenities and activities to ensure guests have a comfortable and memorable stay

Guests can expect fresh linens, towels and meal supplies, along with a surprisingly homely atmosphere thanks to the dedicated team of volunteers who maintain the tower as a floating hostel

Guests can expect fresh linens, towels and meal supplies, along with a surprisingly homely atmosphere thanks to the dedicated team of volunteers who maintain the tower as a floating hostel

What began as an isolated light tower in 1964 has now become one of America's most talked-about destinations - a place where thrill-seekers and curious travellers come to experience an unforgettable stay at sea

What began as an isolated light tower in 1964 has now become one of America’s most talked-about destinations – a place where thrill-seekers and curious travellers come to experience an unforgettable stay at sea

The Clown Motel in Tonopah, Nevada, considers itself the creepiest in the world thanks to its extensive collection of 7,000 clowns, spooky horror rooms and a neighbouring cemetery.

Located next to the historic Tonopah Cemetery, the motel has gained its haunted reputation from reported paranormal activity at the site, which houses graves of those who died violently or from the Plague during the town’s early mining boom.

The motel was originally built in 1985 by Leona and Leroy David to honour their father, a clown lover who left behind a collection of 150 toys, ornaments, figures and artwork.

From just $79 (£58) a night, the accommodation now offers guests the chance to experience ‘the excitement of the unknown’ in what many perceive a generally unsettling atmosphere.

- Advertisement -

Popular

Subscribe

More like this
Related