Throughout history, hotels have become much more than simple settings in the world of cinema — they have even taken on the role of protagonists. Shelters from major catastrophes, deadly traps, gateways to the unknown, or simply ordinary places to stay. Below, we take a look at 10 films where the role of a hotel has become a character in its own right.
Directed by Stanley Kubrick, The Shining features the Overlook Hotel as the soul of this early-80s psychological horror masterpiece. Isolated in the mountains and steeped in a dark history, the hotel becomes a nearly living entity that slowly consumes Jack Torrance’s sanity.
Director Genndy Tartakovsky presents a vision of a luxurious resort hotel for monsters, created by Count Dracula to protect his daughter. A place full of life (literally) and humor, serving as the heart of a story about acceptance and family.
With its unique aesthetic and charming storytelling, this fictional hotel in Eastern Europe stands at the heart of a tale about friendship, war, and legacy. Every corner of the building is infused with style and symbolism — artistic choices shaped by the direction of Wes Anderson.
Directed by Mikael Håfström, this film is based on a short story by Stephen King in which Room 1408 of the Dolphin Hotel takes center stage. A challenge to logic and reality, it traps both the protagonist and the viewer in a loop of psychological horror.
John Madden introduces us to the story of a group of British retirees who move to a hotel in India expecting luxury, but end up finding something far more valuable: personal rediscovery. The Marigold Hotel, though in ruins, becomes a symbol of second chances — proving that it’s never too late to change your life.
Directed by Terry George, this film is based on real events, showing how a hotel manager saved over a thousand refugees during the Rwandan genocide. The hotel becomes a true sanctuary amid the chaos.
Alfred Hitchcock’s Bates Motel is one of the most iconic locations in horror cinema. Its quiet façade hides dark secrets, and its owner, Norman Bates, is one of the most disturbing characters in film history.
The Park Hyatt Tokyo is a space of disconnection and connection for two lost souls in Tokyo, portrayed by Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson. Its silent hallways and panoramic views reflect the loneliness and intimacy of the protagonists.
Directed by Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez, among others, this film tells us four surreal stories that take place in different rooms of the same hotel on New Year’s Eve. The bellhop of the Hotel Mon Signor, played by Tim Roth, is the connecting thread of this dark comedy for the ages.
A classic film marked by the personal touch of director Edmund Goulding, where multiple storylines intertwine within the luxurious Grand Hotel in Berlin. The hotel becomes a microcosm of society, filled with drama, romance, betrayal, and redemption. Based on the novel Menschen im Hotel by Vicki Baum, the film was awarded the Oscar for Best Picture.
