Vacation Like A Movie Star – 23 Famous Hotels From Films And TV
Ever dreamed of sleeping in the same bed as your favorite movie character? Hotels around the world have become stars in their own right, appearing in blockbuster films and hit TV shows.
From luxury resorts to quirky motels, these iconic establishments offer fans a chance to step into the silver screen and experience movie magic firsthand.
Pack your bags as we explore 23 famous hotels that have left their mark on Hollywood history.
1. The Plaza Hotel – Home Alone 2
Kevin McCallister’s luxurious adventure in New York wouldn’t be complete without this iconic hotel. Located on Fifth Avenue, this century-old landmark became an instant must-visit after young Macaulay Culkin explored its marble hallways.
The opulent lobby and presidential suite featured prominently as Kevin splurged on room service and outsmarted the bumbling burglars. You can actually book the “Home Alone 2 Package” during holiday seasons and recreate Kevin’s ice cream sundae extravaganza!
2. The Overlook Hotel – The Shining
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy—but staying at the hotel that inspired Stephen King’s nightmare might make you anything but dull. While the interiors were sets, the exterior shots featured the magnificent Timberline Lodge in Oregon.
Perched on Mount Hood, this historic retreat offers breathtaking mountain views rather than ghostly apparitions. Unlike in Kubrick’s masterpiece, you probably won’t find creepy twins in the hallways or elevators gushing with blood, but the atmospheric isolation might still give you goosebumps.
3. Beverly Wilshire Hotel – Pretty Woman
Where Vivian Ward transformed from streetwalker to sophisticated lady, this Beverly Hills landmark played a starring role in the romantic comedy. Though the film refers to it as the “Regent Beverly Wilshire,” you’ll instantly recognize the Mediterranean-style building and elegant interiors.
Fancy recreating Julia Roberts’ shopping spree on Rodeo Drive? The hotel sits at its southern end. Many scenes were filmed in the actual lobby, though the penthouse suite was a Hollywood set. For true fans, the hotel occasionally offers a “Pretty Woman for a Day” experience package.
4. Park Hyatt Tokyo – Lost in Translation
Floating 52 floors above Tokyo’s bustling streets, this sleek hotel became the backdrop for Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson’s unlikely friendship. The film captured the hotel’s minimalist elegance and panoramic city views that seem to stretch forever.
The famous New York Bar where the characters repeatedly meet still serves the Suntory whisky that Murray’s character advertised. Many travelers make pilgrimages just to sip drinks while gazing at the twinkling Tokyo skyline, hoping to recreate that perfect moment of connection amid jet-lagged isolation.
5. Fontainebleau Miami Beach – Scarface
“Say hello to my little friend!” before this iconic Miami hotel became the backdrop for Tony Montana’s rise to power. The sweeping staircase where Pacino’s character first meets his future wife remains one of the property’s most photographed spots.
Built in 1954, this curved modernist masterpiece has hosted countless celebrities beyond its film appearances. The distinctive poolscape and lobby have been meticulously preserved despite renovations. For movie buffs, standing in the exact spots where Pacino delivered his legendary lines brings an undeniable thrill that’s worth the premium room rates.
6. Caesars Palace – The Hangover
Thanks to the Wolf Pack’s misadventures, this Las Vegas landmark gained even more notoriety. The luxury resort’s actual lobby, entrance, and rooftop feature prominently as the guys try to piece together their wild night.
While you (hopefully) won’t wake up with a tiger in your bathroom, you can book the actual “Hangover Suite” where Zach Galifianakis and company stayed. The hotel embraced its film fame by creating special packages for fans. Even if you don’t splurge on the suite, walking through the grand Roman-themed casino instantly transports you into the chaotic comedy.
7. The Grand Budapest Hotel – Wes Anderson’s Masterpiece
While technically fictional, this pink Alpine resort was inspired by several real European hotels. The Grandhotel Pupp in the Czech Republic served as a primary influence for Anderson’s visually stunning creation.
With its distinctive pink façade and old-world charm, the real hotel doesn’t disappoint fans of the film. Located in Karlovy Vary, this historic spa town offers the same mountainous backdrop and European grandeur. Though you won’t find lobby boy Zero or concierge Gustave H, the hotel’s Belle Époque elegance and thermal spas provide plenty of aristocratic vibes.
8. The Roosevelt Hotel – Mad Men
Don Draper’s temporary home wasn’t just a set—it was the actual Roosevelt Hotel in Midtown Manhattan. This 1924 landmark hosted numerous scenes from the award-winning series as Don’s life unraveled during his separation from Betty.
The ornate lobby with its tiled floor and grand columns remains largely unchanged since the 1960s setting of the show. Fans often visit the hotel bar to order an Old Fashioned in tribute to the troubled ad executive. The Roosevelt’s classic New York elegance perfectly captured the transitional period of American culture that Mad Men portrayed so brilliantly.
9. Bellagio – Ocean’s Eleven
Planning a casino heist? The spectacular fountain-fronted Bellagio became the ultimate target in this slick caper film. George Clooney and Brad Pitt’s crew meticulously planned their robbery around the hotel’s actual layout and security features.
While the vault scenes were filmed on sets, many sequences used the real hotel casino floor and iconic fountain show. The Bellagio embraced its film connection, with some tour guides pointing out filming locations. Standing in front of those dancing fountains, you can’t help but hum the movie’s theme music and contemplate how you’d pull off the perfect heist.
10. Mountain Lake Lodge – Dirty Dancing
Nobody puts Baby in a corner at this Virginia resort where the summer romance classic was filmed. Though called “Kellerman’s” in the movie, the real Mountain Lake Lodge embraces its film heritage with “Dirty Dancing Weekends” throughout the summer.
The gazebo where Baby practiced her dance moves still stands, and the lake where Johnny taught her the famous lift is on property (though sometimes dry due to natural geological cycles). Guests can take dance lessons in the same dining hall where Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey performed their iconic finale. Having the time of your life is practically guaranteed!
11. Hotel del Coronado – Some Like It Hot
Marilyn Monroe’s iconic beachfront frolic happened at this stunning Victorian resort near San Diego. The distinctive red turrets and wooden construction of this 1888 masterpiece created the perfect backdrop for the classic comedy.
Though set in Florida, the film captured California’s Hotel del Coronado in all its glory. The beach where Monroe seduced Tony Curtis remains virtually unchanged. The hotel celebrates its cinematic history with memorabilia displays and themed cocktails. Walking through the grand wooden lobby feels like stepping back into Hollywood’s golden age.
12. Millennium Biltmore – Ghostbusters
When the Ghostbusters weren’t battling Zuul, this Los Angeles landmark served as the exterior of the haunted “Sedgewick Hotel” where they captured their first ghost. The ornate interior has appeared in countless films beyond just the paranormal comedy.
Built in 1923, the hotel’s Renaissance-style lobby and crystal chandeliers scream vintage Hollywood glamour. The grand staircase and ballrooms have hosted Oscar ceremonies and presidential dinners. Film buffs will recognize it from dozens of movies including “Vertigo” and “The Sting.” Slimer may be gone, but the hotel’s cinematic aura remains hauntingly present.
13. Timberline Lodge – The Shining
Despite being called the Overlook Hotel in the film, this Oregon lodge provided the unforgettable exterior shots for Kubrick’s masterpiece. Perched on Mount Hood at 6,000 feet elevation, its snow-covered facade perfectly embodied isolated terror.
Interestingly, only the outside appears in the movie—all interior scenes were shot on soundstages. The management specifically requested that Kubrick change the haunted room number from 217 (as in King’s book) to the non-existent 237 to avoid scaring guests. Today, brave visitors can book Room 217 to test their courage, though reports of actual hauntings are surprisingly rare.
14. Chateau Marmont – La La Land
Sebastian and Mia’s romance blossomed at this legendary Hollywood hideaway in Damien Chazelle’s musical masterpiece. The hotel’s pool area served as the backdrop for key scenes, showcasing its timeless California cool vibe.
Since 1929, this castle-like building on Sunset Boulevard has been the ultimate celebrity sanctuary. The Chateau’s mystique comes from its notorious privacy and countless star-studded scandals. While the bungalows are famously exclusive, visitors can still enjoy drinks on the garden terrace. The hotel’s bohemian spirit and old Hollywood atmosphere make it a pilgrimage site for film lovers.
15. Park Hyatt Chicago – Home Alone
Before Kevin got lost in New York, the McCallister family’s mad dash through this luxury hotel kicked off their original Christmas disaster. The film used both the actual hotel and studio recreations to capture the family’s pre-vacation chaos.
Located on Michigan Avenue’s Magnificent Mile, the elegant property contrasts wonderfully with the film’s slapstick comedy. Though remodeled since filming, the hotel maintains its sophisticated atmosphere. Many travelers book Christmas stays specifically to recreate the McCallister family experience—minus abandoning a child, of course! The hotel occasionally leans into its fame with subtle nods to the holiday classic.
16. The Stanley Hotel – The Shining Inspiration
While Kubrick filmed elsewhere, this Estes Park, Colorado hotel was Stephen King’s actual inspiration for the Overlook. After staying in room 217 when the hotel was nearly empty for winter closing, King experienced the nightmare that became his novel.
Built in 1909, the isolated mountain retreat embraces its spooky reputation with ghost tours and paranormal investigations. The hotel runs the original uncut miniseries version of “The Shining” (filmed on location there) on a continuous loop in guest rooms. For the ultimate scare, request the allegedly haunted room 217 or join one of their popular night ghost tours.
17. Hotel Regina – The Bourne Identity
Jason Bourne’s Parisian cat-and-mouse game with assassins centered around this elegant Belle Époque hotel opposite the Louvre. The distinctive wrought-iron balconies and period details made it the perfect backdrop for the spy thriller.
Matt Damon’s amnesiac assassin used the hotel’s location to evade capture in several tense sequences. Built for the 1900 World’s Fair, the hotel maintains its classic French luxury while embracing modern amenities. Guests can book rooms with direct views of the Eiffel Tower or Louvre. Film fans might recognize the distinctive entrance where several pivotal scenes took place.
18. Beverly Hills Hotel – California Suite
Known as the “Pink Palace,” this iconic hotel served as the central location for Neil Simon’s interwoven tales of visitors to Los Angeles. The distinctive pink stucco exterior and lush gardens have made it instantly recognizable in numerous films.
Founded in 1912, the hotel predates the actual city of Beverly Hills and has hosted Hollywood royalty for generations. The famous Polo Lounge and poolside cabanas remain virtually unchanged from their cinematic appearances. Even the hotel’s signature green and pink color scheme has become part of pop culture. Celebrity spotting remains almost guaranteed at this legendary establishment.
19. Waldorf Astoria – Serendipity
Kate Beckinsale and John Cusack’s magical New York romance featured this legendary hotel as a key location. The distinctive clock in the lobby served as a meeting point in the film’s quest for destiny and connection.
Founded in 1893, the Waldorf Astoria represents the pinnacle of Manhattan luxury and has appeared in countless films. The famous art deco interiors and Peacock Alley restaurant maintain their timeless elegance. Currently undergoing renovations, the hotel promises to reopen with its cinematic heritage intact. The famous Waldorf salad was indeed invented here—a culinary souvenir from your movie location visit.
20. Fairmont San Francisco – Vertigo
Alfred Hitchcock’s psychological thriller featured this Nob Hill landmark as the Empire Hotel where Kim Novak’s character resided. The distinctive exterior and San Francisco setting created the perfect atmospheric backdrop for Jimmy Stewart’s obsession.
Opened in 1907, the hotel survived the famous 1906 earthquake and has maintained its elegant Beaux-Arts architecture. The famous scene where Stewart follows Novak through the lobby was filmed on location. Today, the hotel offers a “Vertigo Suite” decorated in the film’s distinctive style. The rooftop offers the same stunning Bay views that made the film’s location shots so memorable.
21. Hotel Bristol Vienna – Mission Impossible
Ethan Hunt’s impossible mission took him to this historic Viennese hotel for a crucial opera house sequence. The hotel’s old-world elegance and proximity to the Vienna State Opera made it perfect for the high-stakes spy thriller.
Founded in 1892, the hotel has hosted everyone from Theodore Roosevelt to George Gershwin. The ornate façade and crystal chandeliers appear briefly but memorably in the film. Located on the famous Ringstrasse, the hotel offers the same views of Vienna’s historic center that provided the backdrop for Tom Cruise’s stunts. The staff remains discreetly silent about any secret agents who might still visit.
22. Taj Lake Palace – Octopussy
James Bond’s adventures took him to this floating marble palace in Udaipur, which served as the mysterious lair of Octopussy and her female cult. Rising from Lake Pichola like a mirage, this 18th-century summer palace became an instant 007 icon.
Originally built in 1746 as a royal pleasure palace, it’s now one of the world’s most distinctive luxury hotels. Guests arrive by boat just like Roger Moore did in the film. Every room offers lake views and period furnishings that maintain the palace’s regal heritage. The lily pond courtyard where Bond scenes were filmed remains virtually unchanged since the movie’s 1983 release.
23. Giraffe Manor – The Constant Gardener
This extraordinary Kenyan boutique hotel with resident giraffes that peek through windows featured prominently in this political thriller. The distinctive colonial-era mansion and its unique animal interactions created unforgettable visuals for Ralph Fiennes and Rachel Weisz’s scenes.
Built in the 1930s, the hotel maintains its Karen Blixen-era charm while offering the unique experience of breakfast with giraffes. Located near Nairobi, the property serves as a conservation center for endangered Rothschild giraffes. The hotel’s combination of luxury and wildlife conservation draws visitors from around the world. Booking requires planning months in advance due to limited rooms and massive popularity.