Movies Filmed in Real Hotels: A Behind-the-Scenes Look
![Movies Filmed in Real Hotels: A Behind-the-Scenes Look Movies Filmed in Real Hotels: A Behind-the-Scenes Look](/media/gallery/2023-03-21/image_73.webp)
Movies have the power to transport us to different worlds, and for some films, that means taking us on a journey through real-life hotels. From luxury resorts to dingy motels, hotels have played a significant role in movies throughout the years. In this long read, we'll take a closer look at some of the most iconic movies filmed in real hotels and explore the behind-the-scenes stories that make these movies unforgettable.
The Shining (1980)
No list of movies filmed in hotels would be complete without mentioning The Shining. Stanley Kubrick's adaptation of Stephen King's novel is a horror classic and was filmed almost entirely at the Timberline Lodge in Oregon. The hotel's exterior, as well as the lobby, were used in the movie, but the rest of the hotel's interior was recreated on a soundstage in England.
The Timberline Lodge has embraced its association with the movie and even has a room dedicated to The Shining, complete with an ax and a typewriter. Fans of the movie can book a stay in the room, which has become one of the most popular rooms at the hotel.
Lost in Translation (2003)
Sofia Coppola's Lost in Translation is a love letter to Tokyo, and one of the movie's most memorable scenes takes place at the Park Hyatt Tokyo. The hotel's New York Bar, which is located on the 52nd floor, serves as the backdrop for the scene where Bill Murray's character meets Scarlett Johansson's character for the first time.
The hotel has become a popular destination for fans of the movie, and many visitors try to recreate the scene by having a drink at the bar. The Park Hyatt Tokyo has also embraced its association with the movie and offers a "Lost in Translation" package that includes a stay in the same room used in the movie.
The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)
Wes Anderson's The Grand Budapest Hotel is a whimsical tale set in a fictional hotel in a fictional country. However, the hotel's exterior is real and was filmed at the Görlitzer Warenhaus, an abandoned department store in Germany. The interior of the hotel was created on a soundstage in England.
The Görlitzer Warenhaus has since been renovated and turned into an event space, but fans of the movie can still visit the location and see the exterior of the hotel.
Psycho (1960)
Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho is a horror classic, and the Bates Motel has become one of the most iconic movie locations of all time. The motel's exterior was filmed at the Universal Studios lot, but the interior was recreated on a soundstage.
The Bates Motel set was almost destroyed after filming wrapped, but Alfred Hitchcock insisted that it be preserved. The set was eventually moved to the Universal Studios Hollywood backlot and can still be visited today.
The Darjeeling Limited (2007)
Another Wes Anderson movie on our list, The Darjeeling Limited is set on a train traveling through India. The train used in the movie is the real-life Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, also known as the "Toy Train." The train travels through the Himalayas and offers stunning views of the Indian countryside.
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway has become a popular destination for tourists, and visitors can book a ride on the train to experience the same views seen in the movie.
Hotels have played a significant role in movies throughout the years, and these are just a few examples of movies filmed in real hotels. From horror classics to whimsical tales, these movies have used real-life locations to transport us to different worlds. Whether it's staying in the same room as Bill Murray or visiting the Bates Motel, these movies have left a lasting impact on both the film industry and the hotels themselves.