If you’ve ever found yourself completely absorbed in a film, you’ll know how immersive the experience can be.
For a couple of hours, you essentially step into another world while you follow compelling characters and lose yourself in stunning sets.
In fact, some films are so evocative that you may feel as though you’ve travelled through the screen and into the story itself.
If you’d like to take this experience one step further, you might consider visiting, or even staying in, one of these iconic locations.
Continue reading to discover five famous film hotels that you can actually stay in.
1. The Savoy Hotel, London
Notting Hill, released in 1999, has become one of the UK’s most beloved romantic comedies.
The film follows the unlikely relationship between independent bookshop owner William Thacker, played by Hugh Grant, and Hollywood actress Anna Scott, portrayed by Julia Roberts.
While much of the story unfolds in the streets of West London, the Savoy Hotel provides the backdrop for many iconic moments.
When you stay at the Savoy, you’re stepping into a location that has welcomed royals, actors, and musicians for more than a century.
You can enjoy views across the Thames, dine in renowned restaurants, and experience a high-class service that has defined the hotel since 1889.
2. Timberline Lodge, Oregon
Few films have left such a lasting impression as The Shining. Directed by Stanley Kubrick and based on Stephen King’s novel, the 1980 classic centres on Jack Torrance, a writer who takes on the role of winter caretaker at the remote Overlook Hotel.
As heavy snow isolates the building, his behaviour becomes increasingly erratic, culminating in one of cinema’s most iconic performances by Jack Nicholson.
While Kubrick filmed many interior scenes on studio sets, the exterior shots of the Overlook Hotel were filmed at Timberline Lodge in Oregon.
During a visit, you can admire the exterior used in the film’s opening sequences, including the initial approach that sets the tone for the story.
However, unlike in the film, you’ll find a welcoming mountain retreat popular with skiers and hikers.
3. Stoke Park, Buckinghamshire
The James Bond franchise has long been a mainstay in British culture, and Goldfinger is one of the most recognisable entries.
Released in 1964, the film sees Sean Connery’s Bond confront the wealthy Auric Goldfinger.
One of the film’s most memorable early scenes takes place at Stoke Park, where 007 and Goldfinger have a tense game of golf.
Stoke Park itself dates back to the 18th century and sits within 300 acres of parkland.
Aside from world-class golf, the hotel offers spa facilities, fine dining, and elegant interiors that perfectly display its heritage.
If you’re a Bond enthusiast, Stoke Park is well worth a visit this year.
4. The Plaza Hotel, New York
For many families, Home Alone 2: Lost in New York is a yearly tradition during the festive season.
In this sequel, Kevin McCallister accidentally boards a flight to New York while the rest of his family heads to Florida.
Rather than panic, he decides to explore the city, and the Plaza Hotel becomes his base of operations.
Using his dad’s credit card, he books a luxurious suite, orders extravagant room service, and explores the hotel’s grand lobby.
The Plaza is one of New York’s most prestigious hotels. Overlooking Central Park, it has hosted a plethora of high-profile guests over the years.
It offers not only a luxurious stay, but also a nostalgic reinder of the beloved festive classic.
5. The Headland, Cornwall
Roald Dahl’s The Witches tells the story of a young boy who stumbles on a secret gathering of witches plotting to eliminate children.
The 1990 film adaptation, starring Anjelica Huston as the Grand High Witch, perfectly balances humour with moments of genuine surprise.
The Headland Hotel serves as the exterior for the fictional seaside hotel where the witches meet.
Its dramatic cliff-top location overlooking the Atlantic and its distinct red-brick Victorian design create an atmosphere that’s both enchanting and ominous.
While the film’s plot is sinister, the real-life location is much warmer. The hotel offers stunning coastal views, comfortable interiors, and access to nearby beaches.
You can explore the Cornish coastline, enjoy spa treatments, or simply relax while watching the sea.
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