TV shows that took place in a hotel

The best hotels are often located in paradise. It's a place where you go to experience rest and rejuvenation. But, in the world of TV, not all is as it seems. Guests check in with dark secrets and that sets the premise for a gripping show. Let’s look at TV shows that did just that. 

Hotel  

A major throwback. This 1983 soapie starred James Brolin (yes, the James Brolin) and Anne Baxter. The series centred around the life of aristocrat Victoria Cabot (Baxter) owner of the St Gregory Hotel, the hotel’s general manager Peter McDermott (Brolin), and the guests that checked in. Each episode brought drama, mystery, and of course romance. Throughout the series, the lives and scandals of the hotel staff were explored, as each character often faced with some sort of dilemma. Brolin won over many fans as the beloved Peter. And he was easy on the eyes. 

 

The Night Manager  

Tom Hiddleston and Hugh Laurie went head-to-head in this very dark British spy thriller. Former military officer Jonathan Pine (Hiddleston) was a night manager of a luxury hotel in Cairo. But life took an unexpected turn when he was assigned a risky task by an intelligence operative. What was the task? The answer: to spy on the ruthless arms dealer Richard Roper (Laurie), a regular guest at the hotel. Filled with suspense, conspiracy, mystery, and action, this show was a perfect "on your couch getaway" for spy thriller enthusiasts. 

 

Grand Hotel  

This juicy drama starred Eva Longoria, Roselyn Sánchez, and Demián Bichir. The show focused on widower Santiago Mendoza (Bichir) the owner of the luxurious Riviera Grand Hotel and his two adult children, Alicia and Javi, who often  rebelled against their father. After the death of their mother, Beatriz (Longoria) the family's life was intertwined with their staff and guests, with shocking revelations. Every episode was packed with twists and turns, so much so, you wouldn't want to check out while watching.  

Fun fact: Eva Longoria was also a director of the show.  

 

American Horror Story: Hotel 

Now this is one hotel you simply did not want to check into. The fifth season of American Horror Story took place in Hotel Cortez, and its guests were in store for a deadly stay. The season had an ensemble cast with the likes of Kathy Bates, Chloè Sevigny, Sarah Paulson, Angela Bassett, Lady Gaga, and more. So, what went down in Hotel Coretz? Well, for starters, the story focused on The Countess, the owner of the hotel (played by Lady Gaga), who was haunted by a vicious ghost from her past. Meanwhile, several gruesome murders took place in the hotel. No guest was safe, as the spirits were downright ruthless. The Countess had to survive her haunted hotel, protect her children, and please her guests.

 

The White Lotus  

The White Lotus franchise took place in different White Lotus hotels each season. The White Lotus season 3 is set in The White Lotus hotel in Thailand. This time, new characters are whisked away to paradise, but in true White Lotus fashion, scandals, murder and mayhem are not far behind. The series stars Leslie Bibb, Carrie Coon, and Michelle Monaghan, who play a group of friends who check into The White Lotus – in hopes of having a dream holiday. Avid fans will be pleased to know that a familiar face returns. Natasha Rothwell reprises her role as Belinda Lindsey, the spa manager from season 1. There are plenty of other interesting and eccentric characters that’ll be checking in, so you don’t want to miss it.   

 

The White Lotus season 3 starts Express from the US on Monday 17 February at 21:00 on M-Net. Join the conversation on Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok.