When a movie transports you to another world, it’s not just the story or the actors that capture your imagination—it’s also the setting. Some of the most memorable moments in film history have been brought to life within the walls of extraordinary hotels. These architectural wonders don’t just serve as backdrops; they are integral to the atmosphere and storytelling of the films in which they appear. Let’s explore some of the most visually striking movie hotels around the world and see how their design contributes to the magic of cinema.
The Overlook Hotel – The Shining (1980)
Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining is one of the most iconic horror films of all time, and the Overlook Hotel is just as much a character as Jack Torrance himself. The exterior shots of the hotel were filmed at the Timberline Lodge in Oregon, a striking building with a steeply pitched roof and rugged stonework that adds to the isolation and foreboding atmosphere of the film. Inside, the labyrinthine hallways, vast ballroom, and eerie, empty spaces create a sense of dread that is central to the movie’s impact.
The design of the Overlook Hotel, with its blend of grandeur and desolation, plays a critical role in building tension. The opulent yet outdated décor, combined with the sheer size of the hotel, makes the setting feel both luxurious and terrifying. It’s a place where you can easily lose yourself—both physically and mentally—a concept that Kubrick masterfully exploits throughout the film.
The Grand Budapest Hotel – The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)
Wes Anderson’s The Grand Budapest Hotel is a visual feast, and the hotel at the heart of the film is no exception. Inspired by the grand European hotels of the early 20th century, the fictional Grand Budapest Hotel is a pastel-colored, Art Deco masterpiece. The building, with its symmetrical lines, ornate details, and vibrant color palette, perfectly encapsulates the whimsical and nostalgic tone of the film.
Anderson’s meticulous attention to detail is evident in every corner of the hotel, from the candy-colored exterior to the lavishly decorated interior rooms. The architecture and design of the hotel reflect the elegance and decadence of a bygone era, which is central to the film’s themes of memory and loss. The Grand Budapest Hotel is not just a place—it’s a portal to a different time, and its design is key to transporting viewers to that world.
The Beverly Hills Hotel – The Graduate (1967)
The Graduate is a film that captures the spirit of 1960s America, and the Beverly Hills Hotel is a fitting symbol of the era’s glamour and excess. The hotel’s distinctive pink façade and lush surroundings have made it a Hollywood icon, and its appearance in the film adds a layer of sophistication and allure to the story.
In The Graduate, the Beverly Hills Hotel serves as the setting for several pivotal scenes, including the famous moment when Benjamin Braddock (played by Dustin Hoffman) has an affair with Mrs. Robinson. The hotel’s luxurious design, with its artfully landscaped gardens and elegant interiors, contrasts with Benjamin’s feelings of confusion and disillusionment, highlighting the tension between appearance and reality that runs throughout the film.
Park Hyatt Tokyo – Lost in Translation (2003)
Sofia Coppola’s Lost in Translation is a film about loneliness and connection, and the Park Hyatt Tokyo is the perfect setting for this story. Perched high above the bustling city of Tokyo, the hotel offers breathtaking views of the skyline, creating a sense of both awe and isolation. The sleek, modern design of the hotel, with its minimalist aesthetic and expansive windows, reflects the film’s themes of alienation and introspection.
The hotel’s architecture plays a crucial role in establishing the mood of the film. The vast, open spaces and clean lines of the Park Hyatt Tokyo emphasize the characters’ feelings of detachment, while the city’s vibrant lights outside the windows remind them of the life that exists just beyond their reach.
The Chateau Marmont – Various Films
The Chateau Marmont in Los Angeles is more than just a hotel—it’s a legend. This Gothic-inspired castle has been a favorite haunt of Hollywood’s elite for decades, and its aura of mystery and exclusivity has made it a popular location for filmmakers. The hotel’s unique design, with its turrets, archways, and dark, moody interiors, lends itself perfectly to films that explore the darker side of fame and fortune.
Films like Somewhere (2010) and La La Land (2016) have used the Chateau Marmont as a backdrop to tell stories of longing, ambition, and the price of success. The hotel’s architecture, with its blend of old-world charm and Hollywood glamor, creates an atmosphere that is both romantic and haunting.
Architecture as a Storyteller
The hotels featured in these films are more than just beautiful buildings—they are integral to the stories being told. Their architecture and design help to establish the tone, enhance the narrative, and create a sense of place that draws viewers into the world of the film. Whether it’s the eerie grandeur of the Overlook Hotel or the whimsical elegance of the Grand Budapest, these architectural wonders have left an indelible mark on cinema, proving that in the world of film, setting truly is everything.