You can't always jet off to your favorite destinations to stay at the best hotels, but that doesn't mean you can't experience them from home. Movies and television shows are the ideal way of transporting oneself to properties around the globe. And sometimes you even get to travel back in time.
From the rolling hills of Scotland to the glamour of 1950's Miami, luxury hotels have served as the backdrop for some of the most iconic films and television shows. Here are eight such hotels and the shows you should watch to see them.
Faena Hotel Miami Beach
Formerly the historic Saxony Hotel, Faena Hotel Miami Beach, an American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts property, was the epitome of glamour in the '50s and '60s. Icons Frank Sinatra, Marilyn Monroe, and Dean Martin entertained the crowds here, and the modern update is still attracting Hollywood. The intimate Faena Theater, marked by gold-leaf and red velvet decor, a dramatic curtain, and a gorgeous statement chandelier, can be seen in season three of Amazon's Emmy award-winning show, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.
St. Regis New York
The St. Regis New York, another American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts property, founded in 1904, has long served as the home-away-from-home for movie stars, fashion designers, entertainers, and royalty. Beyond the hotel's undeniably impressive list of celebrity clientele, the property has been featured in iconic scenes of many modern classics from the famed closing scenes of the acclaimed Francis Ford Coppola film, The Godfather Part I, to bar scenes in the 1996 comedy, The First Wives Club. Blake Lively sipped martinis in front of the hotel's iconic King Cole mural in Gossip Girl, and Sarah Jessica Parker filmed in the Presidential Suite for the final episode of Sex and the City.
Park Hyatt Tokyo
The Park Hyatt Tokyo, an American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts property, is pretty much the main character in the 2003 drama Lost in Translation. Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson's characters develop a unique relationship at the hotel's New York Bar with sweeping views of Tokyo. Scenes were also shot at the pool and in the contemporary rooms with those same panoramas.
Gleneagles
Named best drama series in this year's Golden Globes, Succession's second season sees the entire Roy clan traveling to Logan's hometown of Dundee, Scotland, for a celebration of Logan's 50 years in the business. As a part of their trip, the Roys stop at Gleneagles in Scotland, and the stunning hotel serves as a film location and the gorgeous setting for several scenes.
Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel
When you think of the 1990 classic Pretty Woman, three things come to mind: Julia Roberts, Richard Gere, and American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts property The Beverly Wilshire Hotel. The main characters' courtship almost entirely plays out at the five-star property. While many of the interiors were shot on a soundstage, exterior and some lobby scenes were filmed onsite. That's why the famous Beverly Hills hotel offers a "Pretty Woman for the Day" package that includes shopping on Rodeo Drive, a private driver, and more.
The Moorings Village and Spa
Now is the time to binge-watch Netflix's Bloodline for some incredible drama and stunning scenes set at The Moorings Village and Spa in Islamorada, Florida. The entire grounds of the property are featured in the show including the cottage, stunning beaches, various verandas, and the docks. Even the hotel's restaurant, The Morada Bay Beach Cafe, makes a few appearances.
Cesar's Palace
This Las Vegas Strip hotel is an icon all on its own. But it's also been featured in over 20 films. Spend the night watching Ironman, Showgirls, 21, or Rain Main to catch a glimpse of the Roman empire inspired property. Although, you'll get to experience wild Vegas antics and see Caesar's Palace in all its glory by checking out The Hangover. The entrance drive, pools, front desk, lobby, elevators, corridors, and roof were all used to tell the hilarious tale.
Hilton Hawaiian Village
It's impossible to miss the Rainbow Tower at Hilton Hawaiian Village. So, it's no wonder the popular CBS crime drama Hawaii Five-O opted to use it several times throughout the series. The show also used Grand Waikikian by Hilton Grand Vacations Club, Spirit of Aloha catamaran, Hau Tree Bar, the Paradise Pool, Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon, and the property's famous Friday night fireworks show over Waikiki Beach for dramatic and romantic scenes.
