Hotels, with their transient guests, opulent settings, and hidden secrets, make for the perfect backdrop for riveting television. From high-stakes drama to laugh-out-loud comedy, these must-watch TV shows set in hotels capture the essence of hospitality, the complexity of human interactions, and the intrigue behind the scenes. Here’s a list of some of the most engaging hotel-based series you shouldn't miss.
1. The White Lotus (HBO)
One of the most celebrated modern hotel dramas, The White Lotus blends sharp satire, mystery, and dark comedy. Created by Mike White, the anthology series follows guests and staff at luxurious resorts, where beneath the facade of paradise lies an undercurrent of tension, class struggle, and personal turmoil. The first season, set in Hawaii, and the second season in Sicily, feature star-studded casts including Jennifer Coolidge and Aubrey Plaza. Each season unravels a mystery, offering a brilliant commentary on privilege, entitlement, and human frailty.
2. Fawlty Towers (BBC)
A timeless British classic, Fawlty Towers remains one of the greatest comedies ever made. Starring John Cleese as the irascible and incompetent hotel owner Basil Fawlty, the series is set in a dysfunctional English seaside hotel where everything that can go wrong, does. The combination of slapstick comedy, misunderstandings, and Cleese’s razor-sharp wit creates hilarity that endures decades after its original 1975 airing. Each of its 12 episodes is a masterclass in comedic timing, making it a must-watch for humor enthusiasts.
3. Hotel Portofino (PBS/BritBox)
Set in the 1920s on the Italian Riviera, Hotel Portofino is a sumptuous period drama focusing on Bella Ainsworth, who runs a luxurious hotel catering to wealthy British guests. The series intertwines themes of societal change, romance, and political unrest, offering a picturesque escape alongside deeper historical context. Gorgeous scenery, lavish costumes, and intricate characters make this show a visual and emotional treat for lovers of period dramas.
4. American Horror Story: Hotel (FX)
For those who love the dark and macabre, American Horror Story: Hotel is a chilling option. This fifth installment of the anthology series, created by Ryan Murphy, stars Lady Gaga, Kathy Bates, and Sarah Paulson. Set in the haunted Cortez Hotel in Los Angeles, the season weaves together murder, addiction, and supernatural terror. The ornate, gothic setting and twisted storylines make this season a haunting exploration of both human and supernatural horrors.
5. Grand Hotel (ABC)
An adaptation of the Spanish series Gran Hotel, ABC’s Grand Hotel offers a modern, glamorous spin on the concept. Set in a luxurious Miami Beach hotel owned by the Mendoza family, the show is filled with secrets, scandals, and intrigue. The series balances drama, romance, and mystery while exploring themes of family loyalty and deception. Although short-lived, its addictive storylines and diverse characters make it worth a watch.
6. The Night Manager (BBC/AMC)
While not solely focused on the hotel industry, The Night Manager heavily features hotel settings and hospitality as a crucial backdrop. Based on John le Carré's novel, this espionage thriller stars Tom Hiddleston as Jonathan Pine, a former soldier working as a hotel night manager who becomes entangled in a dangerous mission against a notorious arms dealer, played by Hugh Laurie. The series masterfully blends luxury, intrigue, and high-stakes espionage, earning critical acclaim for its tension and performances.
7. Paradise Hotel (Reality Series, FOX)
For a dose of reality TV drama, Paradise Hotel offers a mix of romance, strategy, and competition. Guests stay in a luxurious tropical resort and must pair up to avoid elimination. The blend of sun-soaked luxury, shifting alliances, and personal drama creates a binge-worthy guilty pleasure for fans of reality television.
Transitioning from a successful career predominantly focused on urban corporate brands, the brand’s new marketing leader looks forward to directing his expertise towards championing wellness and advocating the benefits of outdoor travel.
A renowned commercial leader with a diverse work experience in sales and business development shares his insights on how smooth guests experience strengthens the brand.
From wearable devices that monitor vital signs in real-time to AI-powered health apps offering personalised wellness plans, technology is empowering individuals to take greater control over their health journeys. These innovations provide more accessible, efficient, and data-driven solutions, allowing for a more proactive stance on well-being.
As the wellness industry continues to embrace these innovations, the focus remains on enhancing well-being while addressing the ethical and practical challenges that come with it. The future of wellness promises to be more connected, personalised, and insightful than ever before. We are talking to the industry experts Laura Montesanti and Kate Leff who share their views of the future of wellness.
Laura Montesanti, Founder of Synergy
LM: “We have seen plenty of new concepts being developed in the wellness space that have included AI and technology. AI and technology will play a central role in shaping the future of wellness in hotel spa experiences by enabling deeper personalization, enhancing the guest experience, and driving operational efficiency. This evolution will make wellness more accessible, inclusive, and seamlessly integrated into guests' lifestyles, both during their stay and beyond.
Key trends integrating technology, include:
Full body analysis. Technogym one of our partners has just launched a full body scan machine to review people system and then advise them on the best workouts. Technogym Checkup is a fundamental element of the Technogym Ecosystem, and uses advanced measurement technologies and artificial intelligence to provide an assessment of physical and cognitive condition.
All the different measurements converge in Wellness Age™ — a simple yet powerful metric that is easy to compare to your actual age, providing a clear indicator of your progress. Technogym Coach's artificial intelligence adjusts training programs accordingly to maximize results, increasing satisfaction and level of engagement in the long term.
Choosing the best nutrition and in this case teas to suit your body. One of our sponsors, a Korean Tea Supplier called Chung-gang-won uses an Energy Reading Machine to advise its clients on teas. Their bio-information measurement device uses harmless microcurrents to visualise one's body’s unique energy distribution, from which they’ll be able to discover which teas or herbs can help balance one's body.
Frequency machines are also being used a lot and doing miracles out there. One of our attendees Wholetone Wellness is a bioenergetic wellness service specialising in the application of frequency-based wellness technologies. Its system identifies, stimulates and balances the energetic terrains of the body and environment, including physical, psychological, and spiritual energy.
Beauty scans. I have also personally tried skin analysis supplied by Biologique Recherche at the Lily of The Valley that would help in detecting the type of skin and in turn the best treatment and products were advised. But also a very interesting scan of my scalp at the Mandarin Oriental in Barcelona by the Miriam Quevedo hair spa, in which a therapist trained in trichology makes a personalised diagnosis with the iMirocam to assess the condition of your scalp and hair fibre to then advise you on the best treatment and products for your hair.
Music. A big one that is being adopted on different levels to enhance wellness journeys. From music apps that welcome you in your room, to music that is made by recording the vibration of nature and is then introduced to relax and feel the healing powers of nature.
Other trends I'm seeing emerging: Floating pods, Light and colour therapy and Sleep pods.
I do feel that the personal touch and warmth that a person can give is irreplaceable, and that a machine cannot pick up on subtlety and feelings that a person would be able to pick up on when assessing a client. But it can definitely help speed up some of the process, improving efficiency and therefore allowing for a smoother and cost effective operation in a SPA. However, implementing technology is also challenging on the side of training and implementation within a business that has been running on pure labour and personal touch."
Kate Leff, CEO at REVIVO Wellness Resorts
KL: "AI and technology are revolutionizing the wellness industry by offering personalized, data-driven experiences. At REVĪVŌ, we see a future where technology not only enhances but also customizes wellness journeys, making them more effective and engaging. Through AI-driven analytics, we can tailor treatments to individual needs, monitor progress in real-time, and offer insights that empower guests to take control of their wellness journey. This level of personalization will set new standards in the industry, transforming how guests interact with wellness services.
Key trends include AI-driven personalization through health data analysis software, which allows us to create more curated and tailored experiences for our guests. Wearable health technology is also leading the way by providing measurable data, such as monitoring sleep patterns and stress levels. In our soon-to-open Vitality Centre, we will be incorporating advanced technology for personalized nutrition, longevity, and sleep treatments, along with diagnostic tools that utilize health data management to offer a comprehensive and measurable approach to wellness.
REVĪVŌ is a luxury wellness resort that embraces a holistic approach to wellbeing, seamlessly integrating technology to enhance our guest experience. One example is our Breathe Luxe Lamp, which offers customizable lighting modes to serve as a personal sleep and wake companion. From soothing amber light for restful nights to invigorating blue light for energetic mornings, the lamp helps align guests' routines with guided breathing exercises and evening meditations.
REVIVO Wellness Resort Bali
The benefits of AI-driven wellness programs include greater personalization, efficiency, and the ability to provide data-backed insights. These programs can adapt to guests' needs in real time, creating a truly bespoke experience. However, challenges include ensuring data privacy, maintaining the human touch that is so integral to wellness, and managing the learning curve for both staff and guests. At REVĪVŌ, we believe in a balanced approach, where technology enhances rather than replaces human interaction. Wearables are particularly transformative, as they provide real-time health data that can be used to tailor treatments to each guest’s unique needs.
The key to balancing technology with human touch is to ensure that technology serves to enhance, not replace, human interaction. At REVĪVŌ, we use technology to gather data and personalize experiences, but we always prioritize the empathetic, human connection that defines exceptional service.
The integration of AI and technology will likely be a major differentiator in the hotel spa industry, setting apart those who innovate from those who don't. As guests become more tech-savvy, they will expect personalized, tech-enhanced experiences. Resorts that can seamlessly integrate these elements while maintaining a high level of human service will lead the way. At REVĪVŌ, we view this as an opportunity to redefine luxury wellness by combining the best of both worlds.
My advice would be to start with a clear vision of how technology will enhance your guest experience and align it with your brand values. Invest in technology that adds genuine value, and ensure that it complements rather than overwhelms the human aspects of your service. Also, be prepared to invest in training and support for your staff to ensure a smooth integration. Finally, always keep the guest at the center of your strategy—technology should be a means to deliver a more personalized, engaging, and impactful experience.
As we look to the future, it’s clear that the wellness industry is on the brink of a technological transformation. However, the core principles of wellness—empathy, connection, and holistic care—must remain at the forefront. At REVĪVŌ, we believe that the most successful integration of AI and technology will be one that amplifies these principles, creating spaces where guests feel both seen and supported, with every technological innovation serving to deepen the wellness journey."