Why Some Hotels Have Secret Tunnels

The Hidden Passages of Hospitality

Beneath the plush carpets and behind the gilded elevators of some of the world’s most luxurious hotels lie secrets—hidden tunnels designed for purposes both practical and mysterious. These concealed passageways, often unknown to the average guest, serve a variety of functions, from ensuring the safety of high-profile visitors to facilitating discreet operations. But why do hotels invest in such elaborate hidden infrastructure? The reasons are as intriguing as the tunnels themselves.

A Discreet Escape for the Elite

One of the most common reasons for secret tunnels in hotels is to provide VIPs—celebrities, politicians, and dignitaries—with a secure and private means of entering or exiting the premises. High-profile guests often require protection from paparazzi, overzealous fans, or even potential threats. Hotels like The Beverly Hills Hotel and The Plaza in New York have long been rumored to have underground passages that allow celebrities to move unseen from their suites to waiting vehicles, avoiding the public eye entirely.

A Relic of Prohibition and Organized Crime

Some secret tunnels date back to the Prohibition era, when hotels and speakeasies used hidden corridors to smuggle alcohol and evade law enforcement. Establishments like Chicago’s The Drake Hotel allegedly feature remnants of these covert pathways, originally built to shuttle illicit liquor between basements and secret bars. In cities where organized crime once flourished, these tunnels sometimes served dual purposes—helping both bootleggers and mobsters disappear quickly if a raid occurred.

Emergency Evacuation and Security

In modern times, secret tunnels are often integrated into a hotel’s security and emergency protocols. Five-star hotels, particularly those in politically unstable regions, may include escape routes for guests in case of terrorist threats or natural disasters. Some luxury resorts in conflict-prone areas even collaborate with security agencies to design evacuation tunnels that lead to safe houses or undisclosed locations.

Urban Legends and Ghostly Tales

Not all secret tunnels have practical explanations—some exist purely in the realm of myth and ghost stories. Historic hotels, especially those with long, checkered pasts, often circulate rumors of hidden corridors used for illicit affairs, espionage, or even supernatural occurrences. The Stanley Hotel in Colorado, famous for inspiring The Shining, is said to have underground tunnels originally built for servants but now linked to eerie paranormal activity.

The Allure of Mystery

Ultimately, secret tunnels add an air of mystique to hotels, transforming them from mere accommodations into places of intrigue. Whether serving a functional purpose or existing as relics of a bygone era, these hidden pathways captivate the imagination, inviting guests to wonder what else might be concealed behind the walls of their temporary home.

So the next time you check into a historic or high-end hotel, take a moment to glance down at the floor—you might just be standing above a secret world.