Lights, Camera, Vacation: 7 Iconic Hotels Around the World Where Your Favorite Movies Were Filmed

Imagine waking up in a lavish hotel room that feels strangely familiar, though it's your first visit. The realization dawns - this is the same suite that featured in that pivotal scene of your favorite movie! If you've ever dreamed of stepping into the settings of your beloved movies, then get ready for the ultimate cinematic journey.

At Travelmyth, we believe that every trip you take should be as unique and memorable as your favorite film. With our extensive and meticulously categorized collection of hotels, you can do just that. From luxury establishments that played host to epic romances to cozy lodges that provided the backdrop for thrilling suspense, our advanced search engine brings the silver screen to life.

In this blog post, we'll take you on a whirlwind tour of seven iconic hotels from around the globe that have played starring roles in some of Hollywood's biggest blockbusters, beloved classics and acclaimed indie films. We'll not only uncover the movies that brought these hotels to fame, but with Travelmyth’s comprehensive information, we'll also guide you through the distinctive features that make each of these hotels an ideal choice for your stay. So, get your popcorn ready and prepare for a close-up on these famous movie locations!

Our cinematic voyage begins in the bustling epicenter of New York City at the iconic The Plaza. This grand landmark, a symbol of luxury for over a hundred years, also played host to the unforgettable antics of a certain Kevin McCallister in Home Alone 2: Lost in New York.

The Plaza, one of the family friendly hotels in New York, features the bespoke "Escape to New York" special which lets you retrace Kevin's footsteps, immersing you in his adventure-filled experience - thankfully, without the accidental family abandonment! Your adventure begins with a 4-hour private limousine ride around New York City, visiting all the famed filming locations from the movie. These include the towering Empire State Building, dazzling Rockefeller Center, verdant Central Park, prestigious Carnegie Hall, and iconic Radio City Music Hall. As you take in these sights, you'll also get to relive Kevin's epic limo pizza scene with your very own mouth-watering hot cheese pizza. After exploring the city, retreat to your suite equipped with a mini refrigerator, indulge in an "extra-large bed," and spoil yourself with a sundae of epic proportions - 16 scoops of assorted ice cream, topped with whipped cream, maraschino cherries, M&M's, brownie bits, and an assortment of decadent sauces. After all, when you're living the Home Alone life at the Plaza, why stop at two scoops?

Jetting from the Big Apple to the Land of the Rising Sun, our next stop is the magnificent Park Hyatt Tokyo, a shining star of Lost in Translation. The unforgettable romantic comedy-drama, Lost in Translation, featuring Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson, has etched itself into the hearts of viewers globally, simultaneously binding the hotel's identity with Tokyo's enchanting charm and pulsating energy.

Perched atop the final 14 floors of the Shinjuku Park Tower, making it one of the skyscraper hotels in Tokyo, the Park Hyatt Tokyo presents an experience deeply infused with the Lost in Translation ambiance. You can dive into the inviting pool, just like Bill Murray's character, or emulate Scarlett Johansson's contemplative moments by curling up on a window ledge, overlooking the mesmerizing cityscape. For an exclusive touch, consider booking the famed Diplomat Suite. Known for its grand piano, sumptuous living space, and corner bathroom boasting breathtaking views, it's the suite that played host to most of the film's intimate hotel room scenes. The suite is also a bibliophile's dream with thoughtful libraries in both the living and bedroom, filled with books on exotic travel and culinary delights. Unlike hotels that scatter coffee table books as mere decor, the Park Hyatt Tokyo's collection feels curated and purposeful, further enhancing its charm. Despite hosting numerous VIPs, the suite's claim to fame remains its starring role in Sofia Coppola’s award-winning Lost in Translation.

Next, we set our sights on the heart of Europe, in the picturesque spa town of Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic. Here stands an architectural gem with over 300 years of history - the illustrious Grandhotel Pupp. An emblem of first-class service, grandeur, and timeless hospitality, the hotel serves as a splendid connection between the past and the present, echoing the ambiance of the "good old times", while also being one of the hotels with spa in Karlovy Vary.

Bond fans will instantly recognize Grandhotel Pupp as the 'Hotel Splendide' from the 2006 blockbuster, Casino Royale. Starring Daniel Craig and Eva Green, the film used this historic venue for some of its most memorable scenes. From Bond and Vesper's arrival and check-in to the tension-filled poker game and their intimate late-night dinner, these moments were beautifully captured on location at Grandhotel Pupp. Its close proximity to other film locations such as the Mill Colonade and the Kaiserbad Spa, which doubled as the Casino Royale, makes the hotel a central character in Daniel Craig's debut Bond film. So, when you step into the Grandhotel Pupp, you're not just checking into a hotel, but walking onto the set of a cinematic masterpiece.

Our film-inspired voyage takes us next to the exquisite The Dolder Grand - City and Spa Resort Zurich, a luxurious city resort nestled in the picturesque city of Zurich, Switzerland. Established in 1899, The Dolder Grand has epitomized luxury, standing tall as a prestigious retreat featuring 175 lavish rooms and suites, top-tier dining experiences, an expansive 4,000 square-meter spa, an extraordinary art collection of over 100 pieces, including works from artists like Takashi Murakami and Salvador Dalí, while also being one of the hotels with infinity pool in Switzerland. Here, guests are pampered with stunning vistas of Zurich, the tranquil lake, and the imposing Alps, all while being a stone's throw away from the bustling center of one of Europe's most picturesque cities.

This grand hotel also has a notable cinematic credential - it served as an elegant backdrop for David Fincher’s The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. It's in the sumptuous Masina Suite where Rooney Mara, playing her Oscar-nominated role, filmed one of the movie's pivotal scenes. Named after Giulietta Masina, actress and wife of Federico Fellini, this 1,790-square-foot suite features two bedrooms, a sauna and steam shower, a billiard table, a plush Fendi sofa, and screens showcasing Fellini movies in a continuous loop. When you stay in the Masina Suite, you not only experience unparalleled luxury, but also a slice of cinema history.

Our next cinematic destination takes us to the sun-kissed shores of Malaysia, to the stunning Four Seasons Resort Langkawi. Nestled within Langkawi's UNESCO Global Geopark, this retreat is a luxurious haven flanked by a mile-long beach and dramatic limestone cliffs. Here, the day starts with a refreshing dip in your plunge pool, followed by exploration of the captivating mangrove forests, meandering rivers, and ancient sea stacks that grace the landscape. The grounds are a sanctuary for tropical bird species, including the vibrant hornbills, and the Geo Spa offers elemental wellness experiences. With each sunset painting the sky in a spectacle of colors, you'll find each day promises new wonders to explore.

This idyllic location was thrust into the Hollywood spotlight as one of the opulent settings in Crazy Rich Asians, the first Hollywood film to feature an all-Asian cast in 25 years. The resort played host to the bachelorette getaway of Araminta Lee, portrayed by Sonoya Mizuno, adding an extra layer of glamor to the already luxurious locale. The Four Seasons Resort Langkawi prides itself on its breathtaking beachfront views and the award-winning GeoSpa, offering guests a soothing escape among nature - a true embodiment of the extravagant charm showcased in Crazy Rich Asians.

Venturing into the realm of classic horror, our next stop takes us to the atmospheric Ettington Park Hotel, Stratford-upon-Avon, in the UK. This location may send a chill down your spine as it served as the eerie backdrop for the 1963 British horror film The Haunting, directed and produced by Robert Wise. This film, adapted from Shirley Jackson's novel "The Haunting of Hill House" (which also inspired the 2018 Netflix series of the same name), chose Ettington Park from a list of British haunted houses for its spine-chilling exterior shots.

The only AA 4 Red Star hotel in Stratford-upon-Avon, Ettington Park is nestled within 40 acres of verdant parkland, with the serene River Stour gracefully winding its way through. An impressive Neo-Gothic mansion built from six types of Cotswold stone, the hotel stands as a beacon of grandeur, drawing guests with its history-steeped aura and top-tier hospitality. The interior boasts a collection of fine paintings and friezes that narrate its rich heritage. Whether you're indulging in the finest seasonal cuisine at its 2AA Rosette restaurant or reveling in the unique charm of its lavish, character-filled bedrooms, Ettington Park blends historic opulence with contemporary comfort. It's one of the luxury hotels in the UK where you can not only enjoy an unmatched stay but also step into a haunting piece of cinematic history.

Our final cinematic destination transports us to the realm of indie cinema and the ethereal beauty of Ireland. Presenting the Parknasilla Resort & Spa, the coastal sanctuary that served as the quirky, surreal backdrop for Yorgos Lanthimos’s The Lobster. This dystopian comedy-drama presented a bizarre reality where guests at a hotel have 45 days to find a romantic partner or face transformation into an animal of their choice. Colin Farrell's character, David, checks in and chooses his potential animal avatar to be a lobster, as the sea appears to be his preferred habitat.

Located in Sneem, County Kerry, on Ireland's stunning southwest coast, the Parknasilla Resort & Spa is actually a far cry from the somber retreat depicted in the film. In reality, it's a four-star luxury haven nestled in a 500-acre estate on the Wild Atlantic Way, offering breathtaking views of the Atlantic coast, as well as one of the hotels in Ireland near golf courses. The resort's proximal charm includes the colorful village of Sneem to the West, the vibrant town of Kenmare to the East, and the famous lakes and jaunting cars of the Killarney National Park - all within a delightful drive. So, while the film The Lobster might have put a dystopian spin on this location, the Parknasilla Resort & Spa truly stands as a gem of Irish hospitality and a haven of natural beauty. Staying here, you are not just indulging in luxury, but also experiencing a piece of indie film history.

As we've journeyed through these seven incredible hotels around the world, we've not only explored fascinating destinations but also delved into the world of movies. From family-friendly blockbusters to classic horrors, and even indie surrealist films, we've seen how these cinematic treasures have brought out the unique charm of each location.

But the magic doesn't have to end here! If you've enjoyed reading about these movie-famous hotels, why not make your next trip an adventure straight out of your favorite film? With Travelmyth, you can explore over 60 specific categories, letting you find accommodations that fit your unique needs and preferences. Whether you're looking for a castle hotel in Europe, a dog-friendly resort, or a hotel with a rooftop pool for a cinematic city view, Travelmyth is your key to unlocking these experiences.

So why wait? Start your cinematic journey with Travelmyth today and "Find your perfect stay, your way!" Who knows, your next hotel might just be the setting of the next big movie hit. Safe travels, film buffs and adventurers alike!

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