If you’re looking to rub shoulders with celebrities or enact scenes from your favourite movies, we round out the most famous hotels and resorts from the big screen.
The allure of a luxury hotel is undeniable, offering an escape into a world of elegance, comfort, and impeccable service. However, for cinephiles, certain hotels hold an extra layer of charm—they have been immortalised on the silver screen, serving as iconic backdrops in some of the most beloved movies and TV shows. We talk a look at some of the famous hotels that have played cameos in cinematic history, inviting you to step into a world where fiction meets reality.
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Juvet Landscape Hotel, Valldal, Norway
Ever wondered about the remote sanctuary of tech billionaire Nathan Bateman (Oscar Isaac) in sci-fi film Ex Machina. It’s actually the Juvet Landscape Hotel in Norway, which blends minimalist architecture with stunning natural surroundings (the hotel also cameos in Succession). The isolated, glass-walled “landscape rooms” offer a unique luxury experience at this remote lodge, which is closed December till March.
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You’ll be able to plan your next corporate raid in the secluded Bath House, which overlooks the river, or find inspiration in the Writer’s Lodge, a two-bedroom escape with picture windows that look out to birch and pine forests.
The Plaza Hotel, New York City
One of the Big Apples most famous addresses, The Plaza Hotel, with its opulent architecture and storied history, has been a favourite of filmmakers for decades. In Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, young Kevin McCallister enjoys the luxury of the Plaza, ordering room service and navigating the hotel’s grand hallways.
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The hotel’s lavish décor (it’s home to one of the world’s most coveted penthouses) also provided the perfect setting for North by Northwest, Crocodile Dundee to Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, and Baz Luhrmann’s extravagant adaptation of The Great Gatsby (there’s even a Gatsby Suite, designed by Oscar winner Catherine Martin as a tribute to the Jazz Age and F. Scott Fitzgerald, complete with a curated library), while Hitchcock fans will recognise it from North by Northwest, where Cary Grant’s character is mistaken for a spy. Families might want to check out the new Very Important Children programme.
Hotel del Coronado, San Diego, California
This Victorian beachfront beauty became legendary thanks to Billy Wilder’s classic comedy Some Like It Hot, starring Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis, and Jack Lemmon. The hotel’s charming and whimsical design perfectly matched the film’s playful tone, making it an iconic location that continues to attract film buffs and luxury travellers alike. Be sure to book ahead for one of the coveted beachfront cabanas and greet the sunset with a private bonfire cocktail session.
Park Hyatt Tokyo, Japan
Sofia Coppola’s Lost in Translation introduced the world to the tranquil yet kind of moody elegance of the Park Hyatt Tokyo (the hotel’s currently closed for a much anticipated renovation. Occupying the top 14 floors of the 52-story tower, the hotel’s serene ambiance and panoramic views of Tokyo and Mt Fuji create a stark contrast to the bustling city below. Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson’s characters find solace in the hotel’s New York Grill & Bar (as should you), with its breathtaking skyline views and sophisticated atmosphere.
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Grandhotel Pupp, Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic
The Grandhotel Pupp is synonymous with luxury and was a centrepiece in the James Bond film Casino Royale, where it played ‘Hotel Splendide’ (the hotel has also played a part in the Karlovy Vary Film Festival for 50 years, attracting plenty of film stars). Its grand halls and exquisite design, which have been thrilling the well-heeled since 1701, served as the perfect backdrop for high-stakes poker games and all that blissful espionage and intrigue.
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Located at the heart of the timeless spa town, the hotel’s elegance and opulence capture the essence of the Bond lifestyle, making it a must-visit for fans of the franchise. After a day taking the waters of Karloff Vary, be sure to book a coveted table in the Grand Restaurant, a popular spot for visiting celebrities – notable guests have included Gregory Peck, Tim Robbins, Taika Waititi, Uma Thurman, Andy Lau, Willem Dafoe, and of course, Daniel Craig.
Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur, India
Another James Bond classic, Octopussy, features the stunning Taj Lake Palace in Udaipur. Set in the middle of Lake Pichola, the white marble palace – which played the role of the Octopalace, lair of cult-leading, jewel smuggling Octopussy (played by Maud Adams) – appears to float on water, creating a magical and surreal setting.
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The hotel’s ethereal beauty and intricate architecture – conceived between 1743-1746 by Maharana Jagat Singh II, the illustrious 62nd custodian of the House of Mewar – make it one of the most romantic and picturesque locations in the Bond series (and you can even travel with luggage themed on the movie). End a day of exploration with a signature cocktails at the Amrit Sagar bar, or melt into submission at the luxurious J Wellness Circle spa.
The Beverly Wilshire, Beverly Hills, California
The Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel, became famous worldwide as the setting for the romantic comedy Pretty Woman. The hotel’s luxurious suites (we’re quite partial to the Veranda Suite, with its expansive outdoor area and hidden entrance) and impeccable service play a significant role in the film, where Julia Roberts’ character experiences the high life. The iconic scene where Roberts’ character receives a royal treatment is one that has enchanted audiences and elevated the hotel’s status as a symbol of Hollywood glamour.
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Today you can sip a Feeling Pretty cocktail, made with Moët & Chandon Brut Champagne, Belvedere Vodka, Combier Pêche De Vigne Liqueur, raspberries and aquafaba, and topped off with a delicate rose, in the THE Blvd bar or have your nails done while sipping Champagne and watching the film in the spa’s Nail Bar. No stranger to the big screen, the hotel, which was given a luxurious refresh in 2022, has also appeared in Escape from the Planet of the Apes, Clueless, and Sex and the City: The Movie.
Timberline Lodge, Mount Hood, Oregon
Stanley Kubrick’s horror masterpiece The Shining showcased the Timberline Lodge as the ominous Overlook Hotel. The exterior shots of the lodge, set against the backdrop of Mount Hood, create an unsettling and isolated atmosphere that is central to the film’s horror. While the interior scenes were shot elsewhere, the Timberline Lodge remains a must-visit for fans of the film seeking a thrill as well as alpine sports lovers.
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After a day on off piste head for the Ram’s Head Bar & Restaurant, with its spectacular views of Mt Hood and great selection of craft brews from the Mt. Hood Brewing Co.
Fontainebleau Miami Beach, Florida
The Fontainebleau Miami Beach is another hotel that graced the James Bond series, specifically Goldfinger. Its distinctive design and luxurious amenities made it the ideal setting for Bond’s actions, as he spies Goldfinger cheating at cards and seduces the lovely Jill Masterson (Shirley Eaton). The hotel’s striking architecture and vibrant atmosphere capture the essence of Miami’s opulent lifestyle and while it’s been given a facelift since the golden age of the 1960s, it remains an icon of the Miami Beach scene. In addition to its mesmerising pool, the resort is also home to LIV, one of the hottest clubs on the coast.
The Ritz London, United Kingdom
It’s hard to watch Notting Hill and not notice The Ritz London, one of the most iconic hotels in the world, known for its opulence, historical significance, and timeless elegance. This grand establishment has played host to royalty, celebrities, and dignitaries since its opening in 1906 and was where famous American actress, Anna Scott (played by Julia Roberts) stayed as she developed her relationship with humble London bookseller, William Thacker (played by Hugh Grant). The film captures the quintessential charm of London, and one of its pivotal scenes is set in the luxurious surroundings of The Ritz London, which was designed by the renowned architect Charles Mewès (a scene from Downton Abbey was also filmed here).
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If you’d like to channel your inner movie actress, check into one of the hotel’s Executive Suites, which boast stunning views over Green Park or Piccadilly, as well as a separate lounge and bedroom, and a sublime bathroom. Then dodge the paparazzi by popping into the stylish Rivoli Bar, home to bespoke cocktails favoured by the city’s A listers, or book in for the Caviar & Champagne Experience, held in the Long Gallery and Lounge, a decadence any diva will appreciate.
Chateau Marmont, Los Angeles, California
The Chateau Marmont has long been a favourite of Hollywood’s elite, both in the movies and in real life, with its impressive list of past guests including Anthony Bourdain, Johnny Depp, Tim Burton, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Anthony Kiedis, Hunter S. Thompson. In 1982 Duran Duran guitarist Andy Taylor married the band’s hairdresser Tracey Wilson at the hotel, which has appeared in everything from La La Land and Sofia Coppola’s Somewhere to Dangerous Game, Laurel Canyon, and The Night Walker.
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Known for its old Hollywood charm and exclusivity, the Chateau Marmont remains a quintessential LA landmark where the past and present of Hollywood intertwine. Check into the hotel’s Penthouse, where many fashion and magazine photo shoots have taken place.
