Oh, the marketing complications of selling a holiday at a former Nazi hotel.
Such is the dilemma faced by the PR team at Prora, a three-mile-long vacation resort originally built for the erstwhile Aryan nation. Adolf Hitler had hoped it would draw like-minded souls from across his would-be empire for a few days of R&R; as the German military effort fumbled and then failed, the complex, known then and now as Prora, was left to decay.
Five years ago, it opened as a 400-bed youth hostel, with the German Youth Hostel Association crowing that the hostel was located “in the world-famous Prora KdF buildings,” according to Der Spiegel. (Nazis will recognize “KdF” as “the Nazi organization “Kraft durch Freude” — “Strength Through Joy” — which sought to promote Nazi ideals through leisure activities such as mass tourism.”)
In this latest iteration, Prora will operate as both a resort destination (with views of the Baltic Sea from balconies) and high-end residence. The complex is so big, in fact, that they’ll only take up a portion of Prora’s eight units. Real estate agents will need to pursue buyers with not only a blinkered view of history but also some money in the bank: basic models are expected to fetch around $400k.
We’re sure the vibe will be amazing. Photos — of a place none of us should ever go except to make a documentary about the worst travel ideas ever — below.
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