Exotic locations are a highlight of any Bond film. Here we look at a selection of James Bond’s hotels.
Among the many elements that contribute to the allure of the iconic James Bond franchise, the locations play as much a pivotal role as the heart-pounding action sequences. The films have the power to transport audiences to captivating settings around the world.
In this article, we embark on an exploration of the hotels that have left an indelible mark in the world of James Bond. While sometimes the hotels are meticulously crafted sets, here we look at the real-world establishments that lend an air of authenticity to the films.
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Join us as look at the magnificent hotels that have played host to the legendary 007 on his daring missions, transcending continents and becoming an integral part of the Bond legacy. From Europe to the Americas, Asia to Africa, we delve into the diverse array of hotels that have graced the silver screen, immersing ourselves in their opulence, significance, and the cinematic magic they bring to the James Bond universe.
Europe
Europe, with its rich historical heritage, magnificent architectural wonders, and timeless elegance, has provided a captivating backdrop for numerous Bond films. Within this diverse continent lies a selection of hotels that often exude sophistication and add an irresistible allure to the Bond universe.
Grandhotel Pupp
Mirove Namesti 2, Karlovy Vary 360 01 Czech Republic
Grand Hotel Pupp, with its stunning architecture and rich history, has become an integral part of the Bond franchise’s legacy. As a prominent shooting location for Casino Royale, it served as the backdrop for some of the film’s most memorable scenes. Both exterior and interior shots featured in the film.
The hotel is a renowned establishment that has been in operation since 1701, boasting a long-standing tradition of hosting distinguished guests. Its striking façade and elegant interiors have made it a popular destination for travellers seeking a taste of old-world charm and refinement. Its grandeur perfectly embodies the sophistication and glamour associated with the world of James Bond.
The hotel’s portrayal as Hotel Splendide in Montenegro added an air of exclusivity and luxury to the film, further heightening the intrigue and allure of the story. Although the hotel rooms were sets built for the film, the hotel lobby and dining room were used for filming, as were numerous shots outside the hotel.
Hotel Palácio
Rua Particular, Estoril, Cascais 2769-504 Portugal
The renowned Hotel Palácio, situated in the Portuguese coastal town of Estoril, is where 007 stays at the start of On Her Majesy’s Secret Service. It is also where Ian Fleming once stayed as he travelled back to London from a trip to Washington during World War 2.
During World War 2 the hotel served as a meeting point and gathering spot for both Allied and Axis intelligence agents, who sought to gather information, establish connections, and carry out covert activities. Portugal was neutral in the war and the hotel’s cosmopolitan clientele provided agents with a natural cover for clandestine activities within the international setting of the hotel. Ian Fleming stayed at the hotel during the war and it is rumoured to have served as an inspiration for Casino Royale, after Ian Fleming stayed there during the war.
The hotel served as a key location in the movie, acting as the luxurious retreat where Bond stays while he romances Tracy. The hotel’s elegant lobby and stunning surroundings are showcased, capturing the essence of its real-life opulence.
Hotel Cala di Volpe
Costa Smeralda, 07020 Porto Cervo, Arzachena, Sardinia Italy
Hotel Cala di Volpe, nestled in the picturesque beauty of Sardinia, holds a special place in the Bond franchise as a prominent setting in The Spy Who Loved Me. The hotel’s breath taking location, overlooking the azure waters of the Mediterranean, provided an idyllic backdrop for the film.
Hotel Cala Di Volpe is a prestigious five-star hotel that has been welcoming guests since 1963. With its Mediterranean-inspired architecture, lush gardens, and panoramic views, it has become a sought-after destination for discerning travellers seeking a luxurious retreat.
The hotel’s opulent interiors, luxurious suites, and captivating outdoor spaces created a memorable backdrop in Roger Moore’s third Bond film. Bond’s encounter with Anya Amasova in this stunning setting added an element of romance and glamour to the story. It’s also where Bond drives his Lotus Esprit onto the beach after demonstrating it’s submarine capabilities.
Miramonti Majestic Grand Hotel
Via Pezie’ 103, 32043 Cortina d’Ampezzo Italy
The Miramonti Majestic Grand Hotel, with its stunning Alpine backdrop and elegant interiors, beautifully embodied the snowy mountainous settings portrayed in For Your Eyes Only. Its picturesque location in the Italian Dolomites, coupled with its luxurious amenities and warm atmosphere, offer visitors a memorable and relaxing stay in the heart of the Alpine region.
The hotel boasts a range of luxurious amenities and services to ensure a comfortable and memorable stay. From spacious and beautifully appointed rooms to exquisite dining options that showcase the flavors of the region, the hotel caters to the discerning tastes of its guests.
Today, the hotel’s historical charm and association with the Bond franchise continue to captivate visitors, offering a memorable stay in the heart of the Italian Dolomites.
Hotel Danieli
Riva degli Schiavoni, 4196, 30122 Venice Italy
Hotel Danieli, with its rich history and exquisite architecture provides a sumptuous backdrop when Bond visits Venice in Moonraker. The hotel’s grandeur and unique charm perfectly captured the essence of Venice, providing a backdrop that complemented the film’s thrilling storyline.
The hotel dates back to the 14th century. Its palatial architecture, blending Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque elements, showcases the rich heritage of Venice. Over the years, the hotel has hosted numerous notable guests, including artists, writers, and celebrities, who have been captivated by its timeless charm and luxurious amenities.
In Moonraker, the hotel’s opulent interiors, ornate furnishings, and breath taking views of the Grand Canal create an enchanting atmosphere that adds to the allure of the film. The scenes set in Dr Holly Goodhead’s suite were filmed in the Doge Dandolo Royal Suite, and on its balconies overlooking the Venetian lagoon.
Hotel Atlantic
An der Alster 72 – 79, 20099 Hamburg Germany
Hotel Atlantic appears in Tomorrow Never Dies as the luxurious hotel he visits during his mission in Hamburg. The hotel’s elegant façade and prime location along the Alster Lake provided a perfect backdrop for the film’s thrilling sequences.
The prestigious five-star hotel has a rich history that dates back over a century. Its iconic presence and reputation have attracted numerous dignitaries, celebrities, and discerning travellers seeking a taste of luxury and impeccable service.
In the movie, Bond exits the hotel via the balcony after killing Dr Kaufman, and climbs to the globe on the roof to make his escape.
Additional London hotels
On top of the hotels listed above, there are a number of other hotels in London with Bond connections. Here we look at The Langham, Canary Riverside Plaza and Dukes Hotel.
The Langham
1C Portland Place Regent Street, London W1B 1JA
When Bond drops in on Valentin Zukovsky in Goldeneye he tells him, “I want you to set me up with Janus. Tell him I’m asking about the chopper. You meet me tonight at the Grand Hotel Europe”. Although Grand Hotel Europe exists in the Russian city of St Petersburg, The Langham stood in for the external shot. We then see Bond swimming lengths of the pool.
Canary Riverside Plaza
Canary Wharf 46 Westferry Circus Canary Wharf, London E14 8RS
And when Bond swims lengths of the hotel pool in Skyfall, the 20 metre pool in the health club adjacent to Canary Riverside Plaza stood in for his Shanghai hotel. The hotel’s guests get complimentary access to the health club, which is owned by Virgin Active.
Dukes Hotel
35 St. James’s Place, London SW1A 1NY
While Dukes Hotel doesn’t have a direct connection to James Bond, Ian Fleming frequented the bar there. They claim that it was at Dukes Bar that Fleming originated the phrase “shaken, not stirred” although they have never offered any proof of that. But the cocktails are excellent, including Bond’s very own Vesper.
The Americas
While most of Bond’s hotels are in Europe, his assignments take him to other continents too. Here we look at hotels from the Bond films located in North and South America, as well as the Caribbean.
Fontainebleau Hotel
4441 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33140
At the beginning of Goldfinger, Bond is staying at the Fontainebleau, prominently featuring its distinctive architecture and lavish ambiance.
The legendary hotel is located in Miami Beach, Florida. Known for its glamorous history and luxurious accommodations, the Fontainebleau has been a popular destination for travellers and celebrities alike since its opening in 1954.
In Goldfinger the hotel’s exterior is showcased, displaying its signature curved design and sprawling beachfront location. The iconic pool area, with its unique shape and notable diving board, are all on display and we get glimpses of the interior, revealing the hotel’s elegant lobby, opulent guest rooms, and exquisite dining areas.
Gran Hotel Ciudad de México
Av. 16 de Septiembre #82 Centro, Mexico City 06000 Mexico
Gran Hotel Ciudad de México, located in Mexico City, appears in two Bond films. This historic hotel adds more than a touch of elegance and intrigue to Bond’s on-screen adventures in Licence to Kill and SPECTRE.
The hotel has a rich history and architectural significance. The hotel is housed in a beautifully restored historic building dating back to the early 20th century. Its iconic location on the Zócalo square, surrounded by important landmarks and cultural attractions, adds to its appeal as a destination for visitors to Mexico City.
In Licence to Kill Bond and Pam arrive at their hotel in Isthmus, entering an ornate elevator to go up to Bond’s room, where they encounter Q. In SPECTRE, Bond and Estrella walk through the hotel’s stunning lobby and into an elevator. The hotel’s grand architecture, featuring an impressive Art Nouveau interior with a beautiful stained glass ceiling, adds a touch of glamour to the scene and creates a visually striking backdrop for the encounter.
The Ocean Club
One Ocean Drive New Providence Island
The Ocean Club, located in Paradise Island, Bahamas, appears in Casino Royale as Bond investigates the mysterious Alex Dimitrios. This luxurious resort and its stunning surroundings provide a picturesque backdrop for key scenes in the movie, adding an element of sophistication and tropical allure to the story.
Known for its elegance and exclusivity, The Ocean Club, offers a range of luxurious amenities to its guests. Its refined accommodations, featuring stylish interiors and breath taking views, provide a haven of relaxation and comfort. The resort’s world-class spa facilities, gourmet dining options, and extensive leisure activities contribute to an unforgettable vacation experience.
It is while staying here that he wins the keys to Dimitrios’s Aston Martin DB5 in a poker game at the Ocean Club’s Library Bar. In one memorable scene Bond walks through the iconic Versailles Gardens, a meticulously manicured garden that showcases the natural beauty of the Bahamas. We also get to see the pristine white sandy beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters of the island retreat.
Asia
Although Bond’s adventure usually take him to Europe, the Caribbean or America, he has made a number of visits to Asia too. Here we look at those hotels.
The Peninsula
Salisbury Road Kowloon, Hong Kong China
007 visits The Peninsular while on the trail of Scaramanga in The Man With The Golden Gun. Although he doesn’t stay there himself, he does pay a visit to Scaramanga’s girlfriend who is staying in room 602.
The Peninsula Hong Kong, known for its grandeur and impeccable service, has been a landmark in Hong Kong since its opening in 1928. Its prime location in the heart of the city, overlooking Victoria Harbour, adds to its allure as a premier destination for discerning travellers.
Following Andrea Anders, Bond watches as she gets into a green Rolls Royce. Instructing Mary Goodnight to trace the car, he adds “a green Rolls Royce. There can’t be that many in Hong Kong”. She laughs at him as she drives him to The Peninsular, telling him that the hotel runs a fleet of the cars in green.
Shiv Niwas Palace
The City Palace, Udaipur 313001 India
In Octopussy, Bond walks by a swimming pool in the central courtyard of Shiv Niwas Palace before checking in. The luxury hotel is a heritage property located in the heart of Udaipur.
This magnificent hotel is steeped in royal history and was originally built as a guest palace for the Maharanas of Udaipur. It offers its guests traditional Rajasthani hospitality blended with modern amenities and luxurious services to make every stay an unforgettable one. The hotel is beautifully designed in the classic Mewari style and features regal interiors, exquisite courtyards and terraces, and its very own terrace garden.
Vijay picks up Bond from the hotel in his tuk-tuk, driving through the impressive gates at the imposing entrance to the hotel flanked by the statues of two elephants. It is also in here that he dines with Magda.
Taj Lake Palace
Lake Pichola, Udaipur 313001 India
In Octopussy, Taj Lake Palace serves as the residence of the eponymous character, portrayed by Maud Adams. The hotel’s stunning white marble architecture, intricate detailing, and picturesque location make it a visually striking setting for the film.
Taj Lake Palace is a breath taking hotel situated in the middle of Lake Pichola in Udaipur, India. Known for its stunning white marble architecture and picturesque location, it provides a luxurious and enchanting retreat, captivating guests with its opulent interiors, lush gardens, and captivating views of the surrounding lake.
The hotel’s appearance in Octopussy showcases its opulence, the gardens and the views of the surrounding lake. Bond enters the palace by stealth, crossing the water inside a submarine disguised to look like a crocodile.
Hotel New Otani
4-1 Kioicho, Chiyoda 102-8578 Tokyo Prefecture
In You Only Live Twice Bond visits the headquarters of Osato Chemicals while hunting down Ernst Stavro Blofeld. While the interiors were shot at Pinewood, the impressive building was, in fact, the luxury Hotel New Otani.
The hotel has been popular since its opening in 1964 and its unique design elements, particularly the towering central tower with its modernist façade, fit perfectly with the futuristic aesthetic of the film’s villainous base. The hotel also has a revolving restaurant at the top.
The scenes filmed at Hotel New Otani showcase the hotel’s striking visual appeal. The sleek and modernist architecture of the hotel’s exterior is highlighted by its stunning garden, which features a variety of flora and fauna. The sequence when Bond chases Henderson’s assassin through a garden was shot here too.
Bonus – Goldeneye Resort
Race Course Oracabessa Bay, Oracabessa Jamaica
While it hasn’t appeared in a James Bond film, Goldeneye was Ian Fleming’s villa in Jamaica where he wrote all the books. Originally a single house, designed by Fleming himself and built on the site of an old donkey racetrack, today the property has been expanded with numerous bungalows in addition to Ian Fleming’s house.
Goldeneye by Banjoman1
As Ian Fleming’s secluded retreat, Goldeneye provided him with a tranquil sanctuary where he could escape the demands of everyday life and channel his creativity. The lush tropical surroundings, serene beaches, and captivating views of the Caribbean Sea provided an idyllic backdrop for Fleming’s writing process. It was within the walls of Goldeneye that Fleming penned his famous Bond novels, crafting the thrilling adventures of the suave secret agent that would captivate readers worldwide.
Today, Goldeneye stands as a living tribute to Ian Fleming and his extraordinary literary legacy. The estate has been transformed into an exclusive resort that offers guests the opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of Bond and experience the magic of Fleming’s inspiration first hand. It is an essential destination for Bond enthusiasts.
Have you stayed in one of these hotels? Or do you have a favourite Bond hotel not on the list?
Let us know in the comments below!
Updated 10 July 2023 to correct information about the pool that appeared in Skyfall.
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