When we think of iconic movie scenes, the settings often play as crucial a role as the characters themselves. From grand, luxurious resorts to eerie, isolated inns, hotels have provided the perfect backdrop for countless blockbuster films. But what about the real-life stories behind these cinematic landmarks? Here, we take a look behind the scenes at some of the most famous movie hotels, uncovering interesting facts and little-known details that make these locations just as fascinating as the movies they starred in.
The Timberline Lodge – The Shining (1980)
The Timberline Lodge, located on Mount Hood in Oregon, became forever etched in cinematic history as the exterior of the Overlook Hotel in Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining. While the film portrays the Overlook as a place of terror and madness, the real Timberline Lodge has a far more welcoming story.
Built during the Great Depression as part of a Works Progress Administration project, the Timberline Lodge opened in 1937 and was designed to showcase the craftsmanship of local artisans. The hotel’s rugged, alpine architecture, with its steeply pitched roof and heavy stonework, made it an ideal choice for Kubrick’s vision of the Overlook. However, Timberline’s management requested that the infamous Room 217 in Stephen King’s novel be changed to Room 237 in the film, fearing guests would be too frightened to stay in the real Room 217. Ironically, Room 217 remains one of the most requested rooms at the hotel to this day.
The Beverly Wilshire – Pretty Woman (1990)
The Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills is perhaps best known for its role in the romantic comedy Pretty Woman. In the film, it’s where Julia Roberts’ character, Vivian, experiences the high life for the first time, under the watchful eye of the hotel’s kind-hearted manager, played by Hector Elizondo. But the Beverly Wilshire’s history is just as glamorous as the movie suggests.
Opened in 1928, the Beverly Wilshire has hosted numerous celebrities, royalty, and dignitaries over the decades. Elvis Presley, Warren Beatty, and John Lennon are just a few of the famous names who have called the hotel home. The hotel’s rich history and luxurious accommodations made it the perfect setting for Pretty Woman, a film that revolves around themes of transformation and newfound luxury.
Interestingly, the interior shots of the hotel were actually filmed on a soundstage, with only the exterior and the lobby featured in the movie. Despite this, the Beverly Wilshire has embraced its connection to the film, offering “Pretty Woman” packages that allow guests to recreate some of the movie’s most memorable moments.
The Chateau Marmont – La La Land (2016) and Somewhere (2010)
The Chateau Marmont, perched on Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles, is as famous for its history as it is for its appearance in movies. This Gothic-inspired hotel has been a haven for Hollywood’s elite since it opened in 1929. Known for its discretion and privacy, the Chateau Marmont has seen it all—scandals, romances, and everything in between.
The hotel’s unique charm and mysterious aura have made it a favorite for filmmakers. In Sofia Coppola’s Somewhere, the Chateau Marmont serves as the setting for a story about a disillusioned movie star living in a self-imposed exile. The hotel’s shadowy interiors and secluded atmosphere perfectly mirror the protagonist’s sense of isolation.
La La Land also uses the Chateau Marmont as a backdrop, albeit in a more romanticized way. The hotel’s iconic exterior and lush surroundings add to the film’s dreamy portrayal of Los Angeles, a city where dreams are made—or broken. The Chateau Marmont’s real-life reputation as a place where anything can happen only adds to its allure on screen.
The Plaza Hotel – Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992)
The Plaza Hotel in New York City is one of the most famous hotels in the world, and it gained even more recognition after its starring role in Home Alone 2: Lost in New York. In the film, young Kevin McCallister, played by Macaulay Culkin, manages to outwit the hotel staff and enjoy a luxurious stay in the heart of Manhattan—all while evading two bumbling burglars.
The Plaza Hotel has been a symbol of luxury and opulence since it opened its doors in 1907. Over the years, it has hosted countless celebrities, politicians, and dignitaries, and its grand architecture and prime location have made it a favorite for filmmakers. The hotel’s elegant lobby and lavish suites are instantly recognizable, making it a perfect fit for the over-the-top adventures of Kevin McCallister.
In real life, the Plaza has capitalized on its connection to the film, offering a Home Alone 2 package that includes a complimentary ice cream sundae cart, just like the one Kevin orders in the movie.
Hotels That Tell Stories
The hotels featured in these films are more than just movie sets—they are places with rich histories and unique stories of their own. From the glamorous Beverly Wilshire to the mysterious Chateau Marmont, these hotels have left an indelible mark on both the film industry and popular culture. Their real-life stories, filled with fascinating facts and anecdotes, only add to the allure that these iconic locations bring to the big screen.
