Ever wondered what the most famous film hotels look like in real life? There’s a world of difference between admiring a perfect film setting on screen and actually waking up in it. A night at an iconic hotel from your favourite film or TV series can easily cost hundreds or even thousands of euros. Film tourism has become big business, and luxury resorts know exactly how to make the most of it. And if you’re looking for hotels for cannes film festival, you’ll find one famous example in this guide too.
On the other hand, you might be surprised to learn that you can enter most of these famous buildings for a fraction of the cost. All you need to do is book a table for an afternoon coffee or an evening cocktail. You don’t have to splash out on a presidential suite to walk the same carpets as Hollywood stars. You just need to know the rules for visiting these exclusive places.
We put this list together with one goal: to help you figure out where to go, what you’ll actually find there and how to get inside without taking out a mortgage. So which hotels were used only for their facades, and where can you find the actual rooms from the screen?
At a glance
- Most iconic location: San Domenico Palace in Taormina sparked a worldwide frenzy after season two of The White Lotus.
- Most affordable: Norway’s mountain hotel Finse 1222 and Germany’s Schloss Lanke offer the experience at much more reasonable prices.
- An easy European option: Grandhotel Pupp in Karlovy Vary is less than two hours by car from Prague, if your travels take you through the region.
- Where only the exteriors were filmed: Don’t expect to find the movie interiors inside the famous Timberline Lodge (The Shining) or Hotel del Coronado.
- Only accessible by train: There is no road for cars leading to Norway’s Finse 1222, where Star Wars was filmed.
- Top booking tip: Prices fall off-season; for European locations, rainy November can be ideal.
- How to get in without a room: Booking a table at the hotel bar and observing the dress code is your best ticket into the world of luxury.
- Watch out for: Once a hit like The White Lotus premieres, accommodation prices in its filming location can jump almost overnight.
Before you book: three surprises about film hotels
If you’re thinking of following in your favourite characters’ footsteps, there’s something I should warn you about. Movie magic can be surprisingly deceptive, and what you find when you arrive may be very different from what you saw on screen. These are three things that can put a slight damper on your trip if you aren’t prepared for them.
Most interiors were built on sets
The biggest disappointment for film fans often comes when they walk through the front door and discover that the inside looks completely different. Productions frequently use nothing more than a building’s majestic facade, the surrounding landscape or its beach for spectacular exterior shots. For practical reasons, the rooms and corridors are then built in huge film studios, where lighting and sound are easier to control.
The Shining is a perfect example. If you arrive in Oregon expecting to walk those eerie corridors with the geometric carpet, you’re in for a surprise. Inside, you’ll find a cosy wooden mountain lodge with none of the film’s chilling, maze-like atmosphere. It’s always worth checking exactly what was filmed at a location before you go.
Prices soar after a show’s premiere
In travel circles, this phenomenon has become known as the White Lotus effect. As soon as a luxury resort becomes the main setting of a popular TV series, interest in it skyrockets. Prices inevitably follow. Places that were once within reach of ordinary middle-class travellers suddenly move into an ultra-luxury bracket for the fortunate few.
And it’s not just the famous hotel itself. Prices rise across the entire area. Guesthouses and smaller apartments around Taormina or in Hawaii have doubled or even tripled their rates simply because they’re a short distance from a famous filming location. So if you know an eagerly awaited show is filming somewhere, your best bet is to book before it even reaches the screen.
You can get inside without staying the night
Lots of people worry they won’t even be allowed through the gates without a valid room key. But that’s usually not how it works. Most historic and luxury hotels run excellent restaurants and bars, and non-resident guests make up a significant part of their trade.
Book a table in good time and follow the dress code, and the staff will welcome you with the same grace they’d show a film star. For the price of one slightly extravagant cocktail, you can cross the very same grand entrance hall, snap a photo on the iconic staircase and soak up the atmosphere. It’s the most elegant way to experience set-jetting for yourself.
When to book and when prices drop
Timing is everything when you’re visiting filming locations. Try your luck in the peak summer season and you’ll face astronomical rates and dates that are completely sold out. Prices start falling sharply once the summer holiday crowds head home. Sicily in Italy and the French Riviera, for example, often offer the best value during the damper days of November.
For tropical destinations such as Thailand, don’t be afraid of the rainy season: often it just means a heavy afternoon shower lasting an hour, followed by calm. In Hawaii, September through November tend to be the most affordable months, after the peak US summer holiday rush has passed. For popular American ski resorts such as Timberline Lodge, you’ll need to book at least three months ahead, even for an ordinary weekday.
16 Film Hotels: Hotels for Cannes Film Festival & More
Let’s take a closer look at the places that have made television and cinema history. Ready? Sixteen places, a range of budgets and several continents, from a Norwegian glacier to a Sicilian clifftop.
1. Four Seasons Resort Maui (Maui, Hawaii): The White Lotus, season 1
This sprawling complex on Maui’s southwestern coast kicked off the modern set-jetting craze. Filming during the pandemic forced the crew to confine themselves to a single location, giving the series its signature claustrophobic mood. Walk through the main lobby and you’ll instantly recognise the spot where manager Armond greeted his VIP guests with a fake smile.
The production made full use of both the exteriors and the real interiors. The famous swimming pool, with its hibiscus-flower design on the bottom, is the very one where Shane spent his days complaining about his room. The beach directly outside is Wailea Beach, where Tanya boarded a boat to scatter her mother’s ashes. It’s the very picture of American-style tropical luxury.
To get here, fly into nearby Kahului Airport, then allow around half an hour for the drive south. In the series, the hotel feels like an isolated island of its own, but in reality it sits in a row of other luxury resorts. Prices are steep: a night in a standard room costs around €1,850–€2,500, and considerably more in high season.
Who’s it for? Anyone who wants a no-compromises Hawaiian paradise and is happy to pay extra to have everything taken care of. You’ll find that the real place is actually a little prettier and sunnier than the show’s slightly yellow-tinted version. 💡 Tip: Hawaiian beaches are public by law. Even if the rooms are out of your budget, you can spread your towel on the sand right where the Mossbacher family sunbathed and enjoy the same ocean view.
2. San Domenico Palace (Taormina, Sicily): The White Lotus, season 2
This architectural gem in Sicily is a former 14th-century Dominican monastery perched on a cliff high above the Ionian Sea. The whole place has a Gothic, fateful atmosphere that gave the second season its distinctive character. You can stroll through its beautiful cloisters and see the same infinity pool overlooking smoking Mount Etna where the series’ biggest relationship dramas played out.
The series took a few liberties with Sicily’s geography and borrowed some filming locations from elsewhere. You won’t find the gorgeous beach club where the characters sip Aperol beside the hotel: San Domenico Palace sits high on a cliff. Those beach scenes were actually filmed in the coastal towns of Cefalù and Giardini Naxos, which you’ll need to travel to separately.
The easiest route is via Catania Airport, followed by a drive up seemingly endless winding roads into Taormina itself. Much of the town is pedestrianised, and parking can be a nightmare. This is firmly top-end territory: expect to pay roughly €2,050–€3,300 for a night, depending on the season and your view.
It’s a perfect match for couples seeking seductive Italian romance and layers of history. Rather than a straightforward beach resort, it’s an artistic and cultural retreat for lovers of another era. Old frescoes are everywhere, and the thick stone walls transport you centuries into the past. 💡 Tip: If you’d like to see the piano where Mia sang, you’ll find it in the hotel’s Anciovi bar. Make a reservation, dress up a little and enjoy a drink with a spectacular sea view.
3. Four Seasons Koh Samui (Koh Samui, Thailand): The White Lotus, season 3
Season three moved the story into tropical seclusion, swapping Western decadence for Eastern spirituality. Instead of huge concrete hotel blocks, this resort consists of beautiful private villas scattered across a steep hillside. Each has its own infinity pool and breathtaking views over the calm waters of the Gulf of Thailand.
Unlike the earlier locations, you won’t be wandering along sprawling shared corridors here. Guests and the show’s characters get around the resort in small electric buggies that weave through thick, lush jungle. The crew filmed mainly in the real outdoor spaces and made use of the villas’ authentic luxury interiors, which create the feeling of being completely cut off from the outside world.
It’s less than half an hour’s drive from Koh Samui’s small but beautiful airport. Given the villas’ exclusivity and privacy, expect a night here to cost around €1,650 or more. The series’ popularity is likely to push those prices significantly higher, with available dates snapped up months in advance.
This resort is made for anyone craving absolute tranquillity, meditation and an escape from civilisation. There’s a sense of Asian Zen in every detail, while the staff make sure you don’t have to think about a thing throughout your stay. In short, it’s the ultimate luxury digital detox. 💡 Tip: Entry to the resort is very tightly controlled. Your only realistic chance of seeing it without a room is to reserve a table well ahead at KOH Thai Kitchen, perched high above the palm trees.
4. Airelles Château de la Messardière (Saint-Tropez, France): The White Lotus, season 4
For the first time, season four left the Four Seasons chain behind and headed to Europe for a taste of old money. This gorgeous 19th-century palace is the embodiment of discreet luxury. Don’t expect vast glass atriums: picture opulent gardens full of mature cypress and pine trees, with staff moving quietly and almost invisibly, like ghosts.
The château isn’t in the heart of noisy, bustling Saint-Tropez; it’s tucked away on a peaceful hill a short distance outside town. The filmmakers made particular use of the beautiful exteriors and gardens, with their stunning views towards the famous Pampelonne Bay. Inside, classic Provençal elegance is carefully blended with modern artistic touches.
The nearest major airports are in Nice and Marseille, followed by a scenic coastal drive of around two hours. With just 86 rooms, the hotel is an exclusive proposition. A night in this fairytale setting can easily cost around €2,500–€4,100, and considerably more in summer.
It’s an ideal hideaway for travellers who want maximum privacy and peace away from the crowds. The château’s seclusion makes it perfect if you’d like to disappear from the world for a few days. That’s precisely why the TV production chose it, too. 💡 Tip: An inconspicuous driveway leads to the château, and security won’t let uninvited visitors through. Try to secure a table at its Matsuhisa restaurant, but check the current rules for non-residents: they often change with the season.
5. Hôtel Martinez (Cannes, France): The White Lotus, season 4
This iconic hotel, which opened in 1929, stands right on the famous Boulevard de la Croisette and offers an entirely different world. It’s a vast, impeccably run luxury operation with more than 400 rooms. Its striking Art Deco facade is visible from afar, while some of the world’s most expensive cars are constantly pulling up outside the main entrance.
The crew deliberately filmed during the film festival to capture its genuine glittering atmosphere. They used real hotel corridors, balconies overlooking the sea and the famous private beach with its distinctive blue loungers. Both in real life and in the series, this is where million-euro deals are made and the grandest social dramas unfold.
You can get here from Nice Airport by car or train in around 45 minutes. Rates are a little more approachable than at the intimate châteaux, but you’re still looking at hundreds of euros per night. During the May film festival, however, prices become astronomical and rooms are often booked up years in advance.
Martinez is absolutely perfect if you love a buzz, a party and full-on festival extravagance. You don’t come here to hide away; you come to see and be seen. The hotel’s Michelin-starred La Palme d’Or restaurant is among the Riviera’s finest dining destinations. 💡 Tip: Unlike secluded resorts, Martinez is relatively welcoming to visitors. Stop by the ground-floor L’Oasis Bar for a coffee or drink, put on your sunglasses and enjoy one of Cannes’ best people-watching spots.
6. Mandarin Oriental Lutetia (Paris, France): The White Lotus, season 4
This beautiful grand hotel on the Left Bank of the Seine brings authentic Parisian city elegance to the series. Lutetia is the only historic palace hotel in this part of Paris, and since its founding it has attracted intellectuals, writers and artists rather than just the usual merchants and businesspeople.
The filmmakers shot scenes here that called for a sense of deep history and classic European charm. The beautiful Art Nouveau and Art Deco interiors lend the images remarkable depth and elegance. In addition to the hotel itself, the crew filmed other urban scenes in nearby Monaco and at more picturesque locations on the streets of Paris.
From either of Paris’s main airports, you can get here comfortably by taxi or public transport. A stay in one of its 184 luxurious rooms starts at roughly €1,650 per night. The hotel recently underwent a major, expensive renovation that restored its original splendour while adding all the conveniences of modern technology.
This is the place for people who come to Paris for its atmosphere, not just the Eiffel Tower. Saint-Germain-des-Prés begins a few steps away, and you can spend hours wandering without any particular plan. 💡 Tip: Set aside a leisurely afternoon and have afternoon tea at the stunning Bar Aristide. You’ll get a feel for the sophisticated, intellectual atmosphere loved by some of France’s greatest stars.
7. Timberline Lodge (Mount Hood, Oregon, USA): The Shining (1980)
Mention a hotel from a horror film and most people picture the famous Overlook from Kubrick’s The Shining. This mountain lodge, built during the Great Depression on the slopes of Mount Hood, provided the filmmakers with its iconic, ominous exterior. Those chilling aerial shots of the snow-covered building at the very start of the film show Timberline Lodge.
But if you’re hoping to stroll across that famous geometric-patterned carpet, prepare to be disappointed. All the interiors were built at Britain’s Elstree Studios. Inside, there is no maze of endless corridors and no Gold Room. And here’s another twist: the dreaded room 237 doesn’t even exist at the hotel. Kubrick deliberately changed the number from the real room 217 because hotel management worried nobody would want to sleep there afterwards. Ironically, room 217 is now the most sought-after of them all.
The lodge is roughly an hour’s drive from Portland, Oregon, at an altitude of more than 1,800 metres. It’s a working ski resort visited by almost two million people a year. You can find a room for a comparatively reasonable €250–€410 a night, but you need to plan far ahead. Book around three months in advance, even if you’re visiting on an ordinary weekday.
This stay will delight anyone travelling through the American West, lovers of high mountains and, of course, devoted fans of the horror classic. Inside, the wonderful scent of wood and stone, enormous fireplaces and that cosy old-lodge atmosphere make it perfect for winter skiers and summer hikers alike—not to mention anyone who’s watched The Shining more than once at home. 💡 Tip: Plenty of beautiful, publicly accessible hiking trails run around the lodge. You can take a fantastic photo of its iconic exterior without spending a cent on a room.
8. Schloss Leopoldskron (Salzburg, Austria): The Sound of Music (1965)
This breathtaking Rococo palace beside a lake near central Salzburg is a pilgrimage site for fans of the famous musical. Its terrace and lakeside facade became the sprawling gardens of the von Trapp family home on screen. Remember the famous scene where Maria and the children tip out of their boat into the water? It was filmed right here.
Once again, though, film illusion is at work: the von Trapp villa is a cinematic patchwork. While the gardens belong to Leopoldskron, the house’s front facade is actually Schloss Frohnburg, and every interior scene was created on a studio set. So don’t expect to step through the glass doors and find yourself in the living room where the children sang goodnight.
The palace, where the celebrated Salzburg Festival was born, has 55 rooms in the adjoining Meierhof building and 12 luxurious suites in the historic palace itself. Double rooms start at approximately €410 per night, while a palace suite costs around €615 (checked July 2026). Guests can freely explore the magnificent library and palace chapel, and breakfast is served in a wonderful historic hall.
It’s a fantastic retreat for families with children and lovers of the classics who want to experience Salzburg in a quieter, less conventional way. The view across the lake to the surrounding Alpine peaks is magical in every season. The palace also organises tours of nearby musical filming locations, so if you know every tune by heart, this is a dream come true. 💡 Tip: Access to the palace’s private grounds is reserved for paying guests. But if you walk along the public shore on the opposite side of the lake, you’ll get exactly the sweeping view you remember from the film.
9. Hotel del Coronado (San Diego, California, USA): Some Like It Hot (1959)
When this giant 1888 Victorian landmark with its distinctive red turrets rises before you, you feel as though you have travelled back in time. The wooden building stands right on a perfect Californian beach, and in 1958 Billy Wilder filmed his legendary comedy starring Marilyn Monroe here. Interestingly, the hotel plays a Florida resort in the film, even though it is located on the west coast of the United States.
Only the exteriors were filmed here: the beautiful beach, the wooden promenade and that unmistakable red silhouette. Inside? A pure Hollywood studio set, as usual. The designers nevertheless recreated the interiors so carefully that they look completely authentic, even down to the placement of the lifts and the grand staircase in the lobby, which perfectly matches the Californian reality.
Generations of American presidents and major celebrities, from Charlie Chaplin to Sarah Bernhardt, have stayed in this enormous 700-room complex. A night in this historic gem costs roughly €600 to €1,000, depending on whether you want a courtyard view or a room overlooking the ocean. The hotel has undergone numerous renovations, but it has retained its old-world character.
Who is Coronado right for? Definitely families on a major California road trip and lovers of historic American architecture. The wooden panelling and historic details make their presence felt at every turn, while the wide beaches with their soft sand are perfect for long afternoon walks with views of the Pacific waves. 💡 Tip: You do not need to take out your wallet to enjoy the atmosphere. California’s beaches are open to everyone, so you can walk along the sand completely free of charge and photograph that famous red roof from the very best viewpoint.
10. The Plaza (New York, USA): Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992)
On the corner of famous Fifth Avenue and the southern tip of Central Park stands a building almost everyone recognises. It was in this 1907 hotel that young Kevin McCallister enjoyed his freedom and spent his father’s credit-card money. Unlike many other locations on our list, both the exteriors and plenty of real interiors were filmed here, including the main lobby and the long corridors.
Today, the hotel is part of the luxury Fairmont brand and still makes clever use of its film fame in its marketing. Every now and then, it offers special themed packages where an enormous cheese pizza and a giant ice-cream sundae await you in your room, just like Kevin’s spectacular menu in the film.
Staying here is synonymous with the ultimate New York luxury. Bring a generous budget, because a single night in a standard room costs roughly €1,000 to €1,400, even outside the busiest dates. In the weeks before Christmas, when New York is at its most magical, prices climb much higher and availability drops sharply.
It is an obvious choice for anyone who wants to fulfil their big American dream. Families with children who know the film by heart will be thrilled by every corner. Its location right by the entrance to Central Park makes it the best possible base for exploring all of famous Manhattan. 💡 Tip: You can comfortably enter the grand main lobby and the famous Palm Court even without booking a room. Have the traditional afternoon tea there; it is not exactly cheap, but it costs only a fraction of a regular night’s stay.
11. Ashford Castle (Cong, Ireland): The Quiet Man (1952)
This majestic castle, more than 800 years old, lies on the shores of beautiful Lough Corrib in western Ireland. Its dark stone silhouette appears in the opening credits of the classic film The Quiet Man, which renowned director John Ford filmed here in 1952. Most of the romantic scenes were shot in the castle’s extensive gardens.
This is where fans’ biggest dreams come true, because the film crew, including the actors, actually stayed at the castle during production. You can even book Stateroom 408, where, according to the hotel’s management, actress Maureen O’Hara slept at the time. A beautiful four-poster bed, an antique writing desk and a breathtaking view over the green park await you.
There are 82 rooms today. But do not worry: even at its largest, Ashford Castle has retained nothing of the spirit of a corporate chain. A night costs approximately €700 to €1,000, but in return you get absolutely first-class service, the chance to try traditional falconry and access to a private golf course.
The castle is a perfect destination for couples looking for romance and for anyone travelling through wild western Ireland. The atmosphere of bygone times and deep-rooted traditions surrounds you beside every enormous fireplace. The village of Cong lies just below the castle and works as a living film museum, complete with the specialised Quiet Man Museum. 💡 Tip: Try to arrange a walk around the extensive castle grounds or book a place for afternoon tea. You will have a wonderful opportunity to explore the area around the lake and photograph the castle from every angle.
12. Burgh Island Hotel (Devon, England): Poirot, Evil Under the Sun
Picture a beautiful white Art Deco hotel from 1929 perched on a small tidal island off the lovely south Devon coast. This place has a completely unique atmosphere because at high tide, a special sea tractor on enormous high wheels takes you to the hotel. The journey to reception alone is an experience you simply cannot have anywhere else in the world.
The famous writer Agatha Christie also fell in love with the island and regularly stayed here in the 1930s. In the special garden house known as the Beach House, which served as her retreat, she wrote the novels Evil Under the Sun and And Then There Were None. In 2001, a television adaptation of Evil Under the Sun starring the brilliant David Suchet as Poirot was filmed in the renovated hotel itself.
The hotel is committed to preserving the glamour of the 1930s, so guests in evening attire are a common sight. A night in this unique setting costs approximately €500 to €650, depending on the room size and view of the stormy sea. Over the years, it has also hosted the Beatles, who hid here from hysterical fans after a concert nearby.
Who is it for? Definitely passionate fans of classic British detective stories, Art Deco architecture and couples looking for an unusual romantic escape. The island is genuinely tiny, so it is best to stay for two nights, giving you time to slow down and fully absorb its wonderful sense of island isolation. 💡 Tip: If you arrive in Devon at low tide, you can walk to the island across the sand completely free of charge. A fantastic public footpath runs around the hotel, offering views of the most dramatic cliffs and waves crashing against the rocks.
13. Finse 1222 (Finse, Norway): Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back
When George Lucas was looking for the right location for the ice planet Hoth, he sent his crew to the enormous Norwegian Hardangerjøkulen glacier. The mountain settlement of Finse and its surroundings proved to be the perfect backdrop. Harrison Ford had to reach the hotel on a railway snowplough, because in the middle of a huge blizzard there was simply no other way to get there.
The most important thing to know about this place is that you still cannot reach Finse by car. The settlement lies at the highest point of the famous railway line between Oslo and Bergen. You can therefore get here only by train, or in summer on foot or by bicycle along the popular Rallarvegen mountain route. The famous scenes in which Luke wanders through the blizzard were filmed just a few steps behind the hotel, because the weather was too extreme.
Hotel Finse 1222 is still operating, and authentic photos from the challenging shoot proudly hang in the foyer. It is one of the most affordable experiences on our list. A double room costs approximately €165 to €250 per night, which is a very reasonable offer by Norwegian standards. In March, fans dressed in perfect Rebel costumes also often gather here.
The place is made for adventurers travelling by train on one of Europe’s most beautiful railway lines, and of course for die-hard Star Wars fans. In winter, it is a fantastic base for cross-country skiers and snowkiters on the frozen lake; in summer, you will find pristine mountain trails and rugged Nordic nature in all its glory. 💡 Tip: Since no roads lead to the settlement, a train ticket from Oslo or Bergen is the best investment. Even if you do not stay overnight, the journey itself and a short stop at the snowy station will give you the true feeling of planet Hoth.
14. Grandhotel Pupp (Karlovy Vary, Czechia): Casino Royale
This monumental spa hotel in Karlovy Vary confidently represents Czechia on our list. When Daniel Craig, as the newly minted 007, arrived at a luxury hotel in Montenegro, he parked his Aston Martin directly in front of this entrance. Pupp created a perfect illusion of old-world Central European luxury, and its opulent reception appears in the film in all its glory.
Although many tense scenes took place here, one important detail needs to be clarified. The casino itself was not filmed at Pupp. The filmmakers set those scenes in the nearby Imperial Spa building, only a few minutes’ walk from the hotel. Even so, you can walk through the same corridors where Bond walked and soak up the atmosphere of the film.
A night here costs approximately €200 to €330, making it a luxurious but still attainable experience for a pleasant weekend. The town has enormous charm in every season, and walks along the surrounding colonnades are guaranteed to leave you feeling refreshed.
Who is it for? Anyone who wants to experience top-tier Bond-style luxury without having to buy an expensive flight. The combination of wellness, excellent food and film history works perfectly here. Pupp has also long been at the heart of the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, so its unique atmosphere is palpable at every turn. 💡 Tip: You do not have to book a room straight away. Stop for coffee and the famous cake at Becher’s Bar, right on the hotel’s ground floor. You can even order the same drink as the famous agent and enjoy the tasteful interior.
15. Lanke Castle (Brandenburg, Germany): Dark
Our list concludes with a place that has a very specific, dark atmosphere. Hidden deep in the forests northeast of Berlin, this historic German castle played the Waldhotel Winden in the successful Netflix mystery hit. It is less than four hours by car from major European hubs, while the journey from central Berlin takes roughly an hour.
Unlike other commercial resorts, this place is much more intimate. The castle primarily serves overnight guests and tries to protect their peace and quiet. You will not find huge halls packed with tourists here, but rather quiet corridors and renovated apartments that retain the historic character of the building while adding modern comfort.
Accommodation prices are very reasonable: you can find an apartment from approximately €125 to €205 per night, making it one of the cheapest options on the list. It is ideal for autumn trips, when the surrounding forests take on exactly the slightly gloomy, misty mood that fans of the series love and seek out.
This accommodation will delight anyone looking for a peaceful escape from the city combined with a pop-culture curiosity. Combining a trip to Berlin with a night in the Brandenburg forests works wonderfully. You can wander along the surrounding nature trails and wonder whether you might happen upon a time anomaly. 💡 Tip: Since access to the building is reserved for guests only, booking a room really is the best way to see inside. Compared with luxury resorts on the Riviera, it will not cost you a fortune.
16. La Casa di Montalbano (Punta Secca, Sicily): Inspector Montalbano
This tip is to Italy what Grandhotel Pupp is to Czechia. Every viewer of Inspector Montalbano knows the low white house with a terrace directly above the sea in the fishing village of Punta Secca in southern Sicily. Director Alberto Sironi chose it as the home of the main character, and it has been a place of pilgrimage ever since.
The famous terrace where Montalbano goes swimming in the morning and eats breakfast overlooking the sea is completely real. It stands a short distance from a historic Saracen tower and looks out over the open Mediterranean. The house now operates as a bed and breakfast, so you can rent a room, make yourself a coffee in the morning and lean against the same wall as the inspector.
⚠️ Bear in mind that the fictional town of Vigàta does not exist. The filmmakers assembled it from several Baroque towns in southern Sicily, particularly Ragusa and Scicli, where scenes at the police station and in the streets were filmed. Punta Secca is home only to Montalbano’s house and beach. The living room in the B&B is furnished with the original furniture from the series, however, so the illusion holds up here.
The nearest airport is Comiso, or alternatively Catania, about a 90-minute drive away. This is the most accessible option on the entire list, costing in the low hundreds of euros per night rather than thousands. It is ideal for detective-story fans, slow travellers and anyone wanting to experience southern Sicily away from the crowds.
💡 Tip: The house operates seasonally and is usually closed over winter; reservations for the next season open as early as the end of December. If you do not want to stay overnight, the terrace and beach are freely accessible from public areas, and you can easily photograph them from outside.
Comparison table: which hotel is right for whom?
| Hotel | Film or series | Country | Price level | Who it is for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Four Seasons Resort Maui | The White Lotus (S1) | Hawaii (USA) | Extremely high | Discerning travellers and guests looking for full beach service |
| San Domenico Palace | The White Lotus (S2) | Sicily (Italy) | Extremely high | Couples seeking romance, history lovers and anyone wanting views of Mount Etna |
| Four Seasons Koh Samui | The White Lotus (S3) | Thailand | Very high | Anyone looking for zen-like peace, jungle seclusion and a digital detox |
| Château de la Messardière | The White Lotus (S4) | France | Extremely high | Lovers of old money, privacy and Provençal style |
| Hôtel Martinez | The White Lotus (S4) | France | Very high | Film-festival fans and anyone drawn to the Riviera’s buzz and extravagance |
| Mandarin Oriental Lutetia | The White Lotus (S4) | France | Very high | Admirers of Parisian elegance, art and café culture |
| Timberline Lodge | The Shining | Oregon (USA) | Medium | Mountain enthusiasts, skiers and fans of cult horror films |
| Schloss Leopoldskron | The Sound of Music | Austria | Higher | Families with children, fans of classic musicals and Alpine lakes |
| Hotel del Coronado | Some Like It Hot | California (USA) | Higher | Families road-tripping along the West Coast and history lovers |
| The Plaza | Home Alone 2 | New York (USA) | Very high | Fans of Christmas in New York and families with children |
| Ashford Castle | The Quiet Man | Ireland | Higher | Lovers of old Hollywood and travellers exploring wild western Ireland |
| Burgh Island Hotel | Poirot, Evil Under the Sun | England | Higher | Fans of Art Deco and Agatha Christie mysteries |
| Finse 1222 | Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back | Norway | Affordable | Adventurers, cross-country skiers and sci-fi fans seeking rugged nature |
| Grandhotel Pupp | Casino Royale | Czechia | Medium | International visitors looking for a luxurious weekend without flying |
| Lanke Castle | Dark | Germany | Affordable | Fans of mystery series and travellers exploring the area around Berlin |
| La Casa di Montalbano | Inspector Montalbano | Italy (Sicily) | Low hundreds of euros per night | Detective-story fans and lovers of southern Sicily |
Where to eat
A visit to a famous hotel would not be complete without tasting something delicious. Most of these five-star complexes offer fantastic food that is often worth the trip in its own right. And the best part? You can get into many of them without booking an expensive room, just as we have already mentioned.
If you are heading to Cannes in France, do not miss the legendary Michelin-starred restaurant La Palme d’Or at Hôtel Martinez, or stop for coffee at its L’Oasis Bar. In Paris, the Aristide bar at the Lutetia will charm you, and you can enjoy an elegant afternoon tea there. And if you want to stay in Czechia, Grandhotel Pupp welcomes you to its iconic Becher’s Bar, where they serve excellent cakes and, of course, Bond-style drinks.
How to get inside when you are not staying there
Spending hundreds or thousands of euros on a single night simply is not for everyone. The good news is that it often is not necessary. The most useful trick used by seasoned film travellers is not looking for secret entrances, but making the right use of hotel services open to the public. Here are the best ways to soak up a film location’s atmosphere without spending a fortune.
The easiest and most reliable option is to make a reservation at the hotel restaurant or main bar. At places such as the Martinez in Cannes or Sicily’s San Domenico Palace, this is perfectly normal. Ideally, book several weeks ahead and be prepared for one cocktail to cost around €30. In return, you get full access to the lobby, can settle into comfortable armchairs and enjoy exactly the same service and luxury as the hotel’s overnight guests.
Remember to follow the required dress code strictly. A five-star resort is unlikely to let you past the entrance in beach shorts, flip-flops or a sweat-soaked tourist T-shirt. Most of these places require smart casual attire: long trousers for men, an elegant shirt and closed-toe shoes. If you dress well and carry yourself confidently, the staff will treat you impeccably.
If you do not even want to pay for a drink, make the most of public space. The laws of many countries, particularly in Hawaii and France, do not allow beaches to be fully privatised. This means you can put your own blanket on the sand right beside the hotel zone with its expensive loungers. You will swim in the same ocean and have exactly the same view of the building as people who paid €2,000 for a night.
It is also worth checking public paths around the grounds on a map. Sometimes they run directly below a resort’s windows, and the views of the façades are better from there than from the hotel reception. No one will think of asking you to leave.
What it all costs: three budgets
To be clear, film tourism does not have to cost a fortune. Here are three realistic ways to approach it. All the prices below are approximate and have been converted to euros.
1. The backpacking fan: an experience for free This scenario is for anyone who wants to see famous places without spending unnecessarily. You fly to the destination and stay in an ordinary budget hostel or guesthouse a few streets away. For a hotel such as California’s Coronado or the Hawaiian resort, you walk along the public beach and take perfect photos of the façade from outside. The experience of the impressive architecture and beautiful scenery costs you nothing extra; you pay only for your regular trip. Total extra cost: €0.
2. The middle ground: one iconic evening This is the ideal compromise. You stay in attractive but affordable accommodation, such as an ordinary hotel in central Taormina, which you can find through Booking.com. For one particular evening, dress up and head to the famous hotel bar for two luxurious cocktails. Walk through the illuminated lobby, take photos in the places where the cameras stood and soak up the true old-money atmosphere. Total extra cost: approximately €60 to €80 for drinks for one person.
3. Full luxury: a night straight out of a film This is for those moments when you are celebrating something special. You book the actual room in the building where filming took place and enjoy every service on offer. Use the hotel pools, have breakfast in a historic hall and let the staff look after you from the first moment to the last. Naturally, this comfort comes at a price, especially if you choose places such as The Plaza in New York or a French château in Saint-Tropez. Total extra cost: €600 to €2,500 for one night, depending on the hotel.
Where to go next
If film travel has captured your imagination, we have more inspiration for you. Start with our main guide to the phenomenon of set-jetting and the White Lotus effect, where we explain in detail how television hits are changing tourism around the world. If sunny Italy and its culture have enchanted you, be sure to read our guide to Taormina, Sicily or our more general tips in Sicily holidays.
For those who prefer to stay closer to home and want to explore Bond locations for themselves, I recommend our article Things to see in Karlovy Vary. And if you are already dreaming of admiring the luxurious French hotels from the upcoming season, our guide to the French Riviera will come in handy.
And if you want to explore film locations independently, take a look at our Game of Thrones locations itinerary or Where was Mamma Mia filmed?.
Frequently asked questions
Do you feel as though you are still getting a little lost among all these film hotels? We completely understand. During our research, we went through so much information that it could have filled a book. That is why we have selected the most common questions about film hotels and gathered the answers neatly in one place.
Where was the second season of White Lotus filmed?
The central location for the second season was the stunning San Domenico Palace in the town of Taormina in Sicily. This former Dominican monastery provided the series with breathtaking views of the Ionian Sea and the smoking Mount Etna volcano. Some beach scenes, however, were filmed in the nearby towns of Cefalù and Giardini Naxos.
Can you visit The Plaza hotel in New York without staying overnight?
Yes, you can enter the main grand lobby and the famous Palm Court area even without a valid room reservation. The best and most popular way to enjoy this legendary interior from Home Alone 2 is to book a table for traditional afternoon tea.
Where can I find room number 237 from The Shining?
This dreaded room doesn’t actually exist in the Timberline Lodge hotel at all. Director Stanley Kubrick changed the number from the real 217 to the fictional 237 because the hotel management was worried that no one would want to sleep in it anymore. Moreover, all the interiors were filmed in British studios.
When is the best time to visit luxury Italian and French hotels?
If you want to save money and avoid the biggest crowds, go in the off-season, ideally during November. The scenery is exactly the same, the staff is more relaxed, and prices drop to an absolute fraction of summer rates. Plus, you’ll find it easier to get bar reservations.
Can I visit the White Lotus hotels even if I’m not staying there?
Usually yes, but it requires a bit of planning. The best tactic is to book early at their restaurant or bar, where you can have a coffee or cocktail. Just remember that you must strictly adhere to the prescribed dress code, otherwise security simply won’t let you into the most luxurious complexes.
Which movie hotel is closest for international visitors?
One of the most accessible options in Central Europe is Karlovy Vary, where the famous Grandhotel Pupp stands. It played the luxury Montenegrin Hotel Splendide in the Bond film Casino Royale. From major European cities, you can reach it by car or train and walk through the exact same lobby as agent 007.
Are the beaches at luxury Hawaiian resorts private?
No, Hawaiian beaches are by law publicly accessible to everyone. Even if you don’t have the money for an expensive room at the Four Seasons on Maui island from the first season of White Lotus, you can absolutely spread out your towel on the sand right in front of the hotel and enjoy the same view for free.
How do I get to Finse 1222 hotel, where Star Wars was filmed?
There is no road at all leading to this Norwegian mountain hotel. It sits at the highest point of the railway line between Oslo and Bergen, so the only way to get there is by train. In the summer months, you can also hike there on foot or reach it by mountain bike.
What is the so-called White Lotus effect?
It’s a massive surge in prices and interest in accommodation after a television hit has been filmed there. This applies not only to the luxury hotel itself, but also to all the smaller surrounding guesthouses, which very often raise their prices sharply right after the premiere airs.
Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation
Don’t Overpay for Flights
Search for flights on Kayak. It’s our favorite search engine because it scans the websites of all airlines and always finds the cheapest connection.
Book Your Accommodation Smartly
The best experiences we’ve had when looking for accommodation (from Alaska to Morocco) are with Booking.com, where hotels, apartments, and entire houses are usually the cheapest and most widely available.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Good travel insurance will protect you against illness, accidents, theft, or flight cancellations. We’ve had a few hospital visits abroad, so we know how important it is to have proper insurance arranged.
Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (best for everyone) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).
Why don’t we recommend any Czech insurance company? Because they have too many restrictions. They set limits on the number of days abroad, travel insurance via a credit card often requires you to pay medical expenses only with that card, and they frequently limit the number of returns to the Czech Republic.
Find the Best Experiences
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can book guided walks, trips, skip-the-line tickets, tours, and much more. We always find some extra fun there!
