Hotels on TV: must-watch shows for hospitality Intrigue, Drama, and Comedy

Article published at: Nov 10, 2024 Article tag: ideas
Hotels on TV: must-watch shows for hospitality Intrigue, Drama, and Comedy
All Hoteliers Circle Editorial

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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