Beyond the Silver Screen: Stay in a Hotel from Your Favorite Film

Have you ever watched a classic film and found yourself more captivated by the stunning hotel backdrop than the plot itself? For a true movie buff, a hotel isn’t just a setting—it’s a character in its own right, a place where iconic scenes were made. Why just watch the magic on screen when you can stay in it? This guide will help you trade the couch for a concierge by highlighting some of the most famous hotels from beloved movies and TV shows.

1. The Plaza Hotel, New York City – Home Alone 2: Lost in New York

This legendary hotel is arguably New York’s most famous on-screen character, but its role in Home Alone 2 is its most cherished. When Kevin McAllister finds himself in the “Big Apple,” The Plaza becomes his personal playground.

• The Experience: You can’t sing “O Holy Night” in the ballroom or order a hot fudge sundae to your room (well, you can, but it won’t be as dramatic), but you can walk through the stunning lobby where Kevin cheekily checked in. The hotel’s opulence and grand scale are just as enchanting in person.
• Other Appearances: The Plaza’s cinematic history is extensive, with prominent roles in Sleepless in Seattle, The Great Gatsby, and Crocodile Dundee. It’s been a setting for romance, comedy, and drama, making it a must-visit for any film fan.

2. The Bellagio, Las Vegas – Ocean’s Eleven

The climax of the 2001 heist film is inextricably linked to the dancing fountains of the Bellagio. The hotel’s elegance and the iconic fountain show serve as the emotional backdrop for the crew’s triumphant farewell.

• The Experience: You can stand right where George Clooney, Brad Pitt, and the rest of the crew stood as they watched the heist unfold. The Bellagio’s fountain show is a showstopper in its own right, and seeing it in person brings the movie’s final scene to life.
• Beyond the Fountains: While the fountains are the star, the entire hotel is a work of art, from the Chihuly glass sculpture in the lobby to its world-class casino and restaurants. It’s an easy-to-reach, high-stakes destination for any fan of the film.

3. The Stanley Hotel, Estes Park, Colorado – The Shining

For fans of classic horror, this is the ultimate destination. While much of the film The Shining was shot on a soundstage, the Stanley Hotel’s eerie grandeur and stunning isolated location served as the inspiration for Stephen King’s novel.

• The Experience: The Stanley leans into its reputation, offering ghost tours, a “Ghost Hunt” program, and even a paranormal investigation experience. You can book a stay in one of the allegedly haunted rooms, including room 217, the setting for one of the most famous scenes in the book. It’s a spine-tingling experience for those brave enough to check in.
• A Word of Caution: The Stanley is a real, historic hotel. The horror is just a part of its identity, making it a truly immersive experience for fans of the genre.

4. The Park Hyatt Tokyo, Japan – Lost in Translation

This hotel is the quiet, contemplative soul of Sofia Coppola’s film. Perched high above the bustling city, the hotel’s New York Bar provides a literal and figurative sanctuary for Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson’s characters.

• The Experience: You can have a drink at the New York Bar, listen to jazz music, and look out over the sprawling city lights, just as the characters did. The views are just as breathtaking as they appear in the film, and the serene, intimate atmosphere is perfect for a moment of quiet reflection—or to strike up a conversation with a fellow traveler.
• The Ultimate Mood: The hotel perfectly captures the film’s feeling of beautiful loneliness and quiet connection. It’s the ideal choice for a solo traveler or anyone looking to soak in the atmosphere of Tokyo from a peaceful, elevated perspective.