Hotels are more than just places to rest your head—they’re settings for iconic moments, unforgettable characters, and dramatic plot twists. From timeless classics to modern blockbusters, some of the most famous hotels in film and TV have become stars in their own right. In this post, we’re diving into 10 legendary hotels that have played starring roles in movies and shows you know and love.
These historic landmarks aren’t just about beautiful architecture—they also have rich stories to tell. So, let’s check in to these cinematic gems and explore the history and pop culture behind them!
1. Fairmont Copley Plaza – Boston, Massachusetts
Boston’s Fairmont Copley Plaza has been part of the city’s landscape since 1912. This Renaissance Revival-style hotel is not only a Boston icon but also featured in films like Little Women (2019) and Don’t Look Up (2021). Its Grand Ballroom became the setting for the opulent French ball Amy March (Florence Pugh) attends in Little Women, and its OAK Long Bar + Kitchen was used for a pivotal moment in Don’t Look Up. The Fairmont Copley Plaza is so tied to the Little Women film that it’s included in the Massachusetts Film Office’s Little Women Film Tourism Map—a must-see for fans of the movie.
2. Grand Hotel – Mackinac Island, Michigan
Known for its Victorian charm, the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island is synonymous with romance, especially thanks to Somewhere in Time (1980), where Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour’s characters fall in love. The hotel’s stunning architecture and breathtaking views made it the perfect backdrop for this beloved time-travel film. For super fans, the Grand Hotel offers two Somewhere in Time themed suites, including the Jane Seymour Suite, decked out with memorabilia from the movie. Fans of the film also gather at the hotel every year for a special Somewhere in Time weekend in late October.
3. Palmer House®, A Hilton Hotel – Chicago, Illinois
Opened in 1871, the Palmer House® in Chicago is America’s longest-operating hotel, and it’s been part of countless films and shows. From Curly Sue (1991) to The Fugitive (1993), this hotel has been the backdrop for unforgettable scenes. The Palmer House® also made an appearance in the popular TV shows Chicago P.D. and Chicago Fire, further cementing its place in Chicago’s cinematic history.
4. The Historic Magnolia House – Greensboro, North Carolina
The Historic Magnolia House is a rare gem, not just for its history as a Black-owned motel during the Jim Crow era but also for its place in The Green Book, the guide that helped African American travelers find safe places to stay during segregation. While not directly featured in films, its connection to film history is significant. The hotel was visited by civil rights leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and legends like Ray Charles and Jackie Robinson. It remains a piece of living history, offering a unique perspective on the African American experience during a turbulent time in U.S. history.
5. River Street Inn – Savannah, Georgia
Located along the picturesque Savannah River, the River Street Inn has appeared in films like The Gingerbread Man (1998) and Lady & the Tramp (2019). It’s here that the famous spaghetti scene was filmed in the live-action version of Lady & the Tramp. The River Street Inn, housed in a beautifully restored 200-year-old building, has hosted big names like Robert Downey Jr. and Michelle Pfeiffer and is a favorite for filmmakers looking to capture Savannah’s charm.
6. Omni Royal Orleans – New Orleans, Louisiana
James Bond fans will recognize the Omni Royal Orleans, where Roger Moore’s Bond escapes from Mr. Big in Live and Let Die (1973). Located in the heart of New Orleans, this luxury hotel has appeared in several films and shows, including NCIS: New Orleans and Daisy Jones and the Six. With its elegant atmosphere and central location, the Omni Royal Orleans offers an authentic New Orleans experience with a touch of Hollywood glamour, as some rooms were even used by cast and crew during filming.
7. The Peabody Memphis – Memphis, Tennessee
Known for its iconic Duck March, the Peabody Memphis has appeared in films like The Firm (1993) and Soul Men (2008). The famous rooftop party scene in The Firm was filmed at the hotel, making the Peabody’s grand lobby and rooftop an unforgettable cinematic backdrop. The hotel’s Duck March, which parades live ducks through the lobby, has become an iconic part of the hotel’s charm and has appeared in films and even on Sesame Street for Rubber Ducky Day!
8. The Fairmont Hotel San Francisco – San Francisco, California
A San Francisco icon, The Fairmont Hotel has been featured in films like Vertigo (1958), Towering Inferno (1974), and Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021). Its grand architecture and panoramic views of the city make it a perfect setting for films across multiple genres. Alfred Hitchcock himself stayed at the Fairmont while filming Vertigo. The hotel’s Penthouse Balcony was also the scene of a thrilling chase in The Rock (1996).
9. The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa – Riverside, California
The Mission Inn’s Mediterranean domes, sprawling arcades, and dramatic architecture make it a favorite for filmmakers. Featured in films like The Vampire (1918) and The Man in the Iron Mask (1998), this historic hotel has a cinematic charm all its own. The Mission Inn was also the setting for Eddie Money’s 1982 music video for Think I’m in Love, drawing on the hotel’s gothic and romantic aesthetic.
10. Hotel del Coronado – Coronado, California
The Hotel del Coronado is as iconic as it gets, starring in Some Like It Hot (1959), where Marilyn Monroe filmed one of her most famous scenes. This Victorian seaside resort has hosted many stars and is still as impressive today as it was in 1888. The hotel’s exteriors became famous worldwide after Some Like It Hot, and it’s still considered one of the most beautiful seaside resorts in the U.S. Its sun-drenched Victorian exterior remains a signature feature of this cinematic hotel.
From James Bond’s choice of luxury in New Orleans to the unforgettable Some Like It Hot scenes in Coronado, these hotels have played more than just a place to stay. They’ve been the backdrop to iconic moments in film and television history. Whether you’re a movie lover, a history buff, or just someone looking for a unique travel experience, these hotels are worth adding to your bucket list!
