The latest James Bond novel, “Solo,” opens with a scene set in London’s opulent Dorchester hotel. This isn’t a new trend, however. The secret agent franchise has a long-standing love affair with luxurious hotels, featuring them prominently in countless films and novels. Let’s explore 10 of the most memorable hotels that have graced the Bond universe.
A Touch of Macau and Hong Kong Luxury at The Peninsula
In “The Man With the Golden Gun,” Roger Moore’s Bond encounters the Peninsula hotel in Macau and Hong Kong. The iconic Rolls-Royce Silver Shadows, synonymous with the hotel’s elegance, are featured prominently. The scene unfolds as Bond chases Bond girl Andrea Anders, who checks into room 602 at the hotel. The Peninsula’s majestic facade makes several appearances throughout the film, adding a touch of grandeur to the story. The cast and crew even enjoyed the hotel’s hospitality during filming, experiencing its world-class service firsthand.
The Peninsula Hong Kong, Salisbury Road, Hong Kong; +852 2920 2888; from $603 per room per night
SPECTRE’s Headquarters: The New Otani in Tokyo
The New Otani hotel takes center stage in “You Only Live Twice,” serving as the headquarters of Osato Chemicals, the Japanese front for Ernst Stavro Blofeld’s nefarious SPECTRE organization. This iconic hotel, built in 1964 by former sumo wrestler Yonetaro Otani, is famous for its revolving restaurant and sprawling Japanese gardens. These features add a unique blend of modern sophistication and traditional Japanese aesthetics, creating an unforgettable backdrop for Bond’s adventures.
Hotel New Otani, 4-1 KioI-Cho, Chiyoda-Ku, Tokyo, 102-8578, Japan, +81 3 3265 1111; from $303 per room per night
Casino Royale’s Ocean Club: A Paradise Island Getaway
In the 2006 remake of “Casino Royale,” the luxurious One&Only Ocean Club in the Bahamas serves as the backdrop for some of the film’s most captivating scenes. Bond girl Solange makes a grand entrance at the resort, checking into Villa 1085. The stunning property is seen throughout the film, from the reception area to the elegant library, showcasing its breathtaking views and opulent interiors. The hotel’s Versailles-themed gardens also feature prominently, providing a picturesque setting for Bond’s escapades. The Dune restaurant, perhaps unsurprisingly, now boasts a “Casino Royale” cocktail, a perfect blend of vodka, gin, and wine, honoring the film’s legacy.
One&Only Ocean Club, One Casino Drive, Paradise Island, Bahamas; +242 363 2501; from $555 per room per night
Venice’s Hotel Cipriani: A Romantic Setting for Bond
Daniel Craig’s Bond chooses Hotel Cipriani in Venice as a luxurious retreat in “Casino Royale.” He moors his yacht at the hotel’s private marina, a testament to the hotel’s exclusivity and impeccable service. The film’s crew took over the Cipriani’s restaurant to film this scene, capturing the elegant ambiance of the terrace. The cast and crew enjoyed the hotel’s hospitality during filming, with Craig even indulging in a Bellini or two with co-star Eva Green at the hotel’s bar. The hotel’s sophisticated atmosphere and stunning views of Venice offer a captivating backdrop for Bond’s escapades.
Hotel Cipriani, Giudecca 10, 30133 Venice, Italy; +39 041 240 801; from $1,547 per room per night
London’s The Langham: A Blend of History and Glamour
In “GoldenEye,” the first James Bond film not based on Ian Fleming’s novels, The Langham in London doubles as St. Petersburg’s Grand Hotel Europe. Built in 1865, The Langham is one of London’s first purpose-built hotels. The hotel has appeared in other films, including Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen’s “Winning London,” adding a touch of whimsy to its distinguished history. The Langham’s elegant architecture and opulent interiors offer a unique blend of historical charm and modern luxury.
The Langham, 1c Portland Place, Regent Street, London, W1B 1JA T; +44 20 7636 1000; from $454 per room per night
Hamburg’s Atlantic Kempinski: A Rooftop Showdown
Pierce Brosnan’s Bond scales the iconic globe-adorned rooftop of the Atlantic Kempinski in Hamburg during “Tomorrow Never Dies.” The hotel’s exterior and the Atlantic Suite, where Bond resides, are prominently featured in the film. Brosnan, director Roger Spottiswoode, and Desmond Llewelyn, who played Q, all enjoyed the hotel’s hospitality during filming. The Atlantic Kempinski’s sleek design and impressive views of Hamburg’s Alster Lake provide a dramatic setting for Bond’s adventures. The hotel is also a testament to Hamburg’s status as one of the world’s most livable cities.
Hotel Atlantic Kempinski Hamburg, An der Alster 72-79, 20099 Hamburg; +49 40 28880; from $213 per room per night
India’s Taj Lake Palace: Octopussy’s Lair
The Taj Lake Palace in Udaipur, India, transforms into Octopussy’s lair in the film of the same name. The film showcases the hotel’s dining room, terrace, and hotel barge, highlighting its grandeur and picturesque location. The hotel’s lily pond also features prominently in the film, where Bond girl Octopussy enjoys a nude swim. The Taj Lake Palace, with its captivating blend of traditional Indian architecture and serene lake setting, provides a stunning backdrop for Bond’s encounters with the enigmatic Octopussy.
Taj Lake Palace, Lake Pichola, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India; +91 294 2428800; from $446 per room per night
Miami Beach’s Fontainebleau: A Glamourous Icon
The Fontainebleau in Miami Beach, the largest hotel on the United States’ Eastern Seaboard, makes a memorable appearance in “Goldfinger.” The film’s opening credits showcase a breathtaking aerial shot of the hotel, capturing its iconic architecture and luxurious ambiance. Bond girl Jill Masterton is tragically found dead at the hotel, adding a touch of intrigue to the setting. The Fontainebleau has also featured in other films, including “The Bodyguard,” “Police Academy 5,” and “A Hole In the Head,” starring Frank Sinatra, solidifying its place as a Hollywood icon.
Fontainebleau Miami Beach, 4441 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, Florida; +1 305 538 2000; from $300 per room per night
Sardinia’s Cala di Volpe: A Mediterranean Paradise
In “The Spy Who Loved Me,” Roger Moore’s Bond shares a passionate encounter with KGB agent Amasova in the piano bar of the Cala di Volpe in Sardinia. The bar doubles as Bond’s hotel room, adding a touch of romance to the scene. The Cala di Volpe, known for its luxurious amenities and stunning views of the Costa Smeralda, has hosted celebrities like Heidi Klum and Denzel Washington, solidifying its reputation as a haven for the elite. The hotel’s charming atmosphere and breathtaking Mediterranean setting provide a romantic backdrop for Bond’s escapades.
+39 0789 976111; from $763 per room per night
London’s Four Seasons Canary Wharf: A Modern Marvel
The opening scene of “Skyfall,” featuring Daniel Craig’s Bond enjoying a swim in the rooftop pool of Four Seasons Canary Wharf in London, showcases the hotel’s stunning views of the city. The film’s crew blacked out the pool’s floor-to-ceiling windows, cleverly transforming the hotel’s setting into a futuristic Shanghai hotel. The film also includes a racy shower scene filmed in room 712, adding a touch of intrigue to the property. The Four Seasons Canary Wharf, with its modern design and breathtaking city views, provides a striking contrast to Bond’s usual haunts, highlighting the evolution of his world.
Four Seasons Canary Wharf, 46 Westferry Circus, Canary Wharf, London; +44 20 7510-1999; from $273 per room night
