These A-list hotels all have famous connections to films, music or television, and now you can experience their splendor too.
1. As seen in… Death on the Nile
The Old Cataract, Aswan, Egypt, recommended by Steve
Step back into the glamour of a bygone age. The Old Cataract has hosted luminaries such as Winston Churchill and Agatha Christie; it's also where the 1978 film of the latter’s Death on the Nile begins, before the characters’ fateful embarkation.
Today the property is a luxurious hotel set in Aswan. Its views are striking, looking out over the First Cataract of the Nile River, and its opulent rooms showcase this panorama to its best advantage. Breakfast and high tea are taken alfresco on the classical terrace, which has views to the river over the palm trees.
2. As seen in… Out of Africa
Angama Mara, Masai Mara, Kenya, recommended by Mark
Forget Out Of Africa’s two striking leads, for Kenya aficionados the landscape steals every scene. Angama Mara perches on the very kopje where Robert Redford’s Denys Finch-Hatton charms Meryl Streep’s Karen Blixen in many of the most memorable shots, and a stay here gets you the same never-ending views over the Masai Mara that are showcased in the film.
The luxury lodge's views are the main draw, but it’s just as pretty on the inside, with stylish, modern design and flashes of red to match the shuka garments of the local Maasai.
3. As seen on… Rick Stein’s India series
Brunton Boatyard, Kerala, India, recommended by Hannah
Full of character and well-located for sightseeing, Brunton Boatyard is a beautiful hotel set on the Fort Cochin waterfront — the complimentary sunset cruises are a great way to see the harbor and iconic fishing nets.
The terracotta floor tiles and antique furniture dotted around the rooms make them all feel unique; the 17th-century influences make the hotel a favorite of mine. But the main highlight is the food, which attracted Rick Stein to visit in 2013 for his BBC India series, cooking the hotel’s signature dish: first-class railway mutton curry.
4. As seen in… Fly Down to Rio
Copacabana Palace, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, recommended by Fiona
An Art Deco classic overlooking Copacabana Beach, a wall of fame in the hotel’s lobby features the stars who have stayed, including Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. The pair were guests at the hotel during the filming of Flying Down to Rio and the hotel also featured heavily in the film.
Nowadays it’s home to some of the most comfortable hotel rooms in Rio, but my favorite experience while staying here was dining in the city’s only Michelin-starred restaurant. Belmond Copacabana Palace provides guests with a touch of historic luxury from which to explore.
5. As seen in… Love in the Afternoon
Ritz Paris, Paris, France, recommended by Leanne
When Billy Wilder shot Love in the Afternoon, he chose to set it in Paris’s grand and graceful Ritz hotel. Since its founding in 1898, the Ritz has been synonymous with French elegance. Celebrities, world leaders and royalty have all flocked to the prestigious hotel — Ernest Hemingway and Coco Chanel lived there long enough to have modern-day suites named after them. The rooms are decorated in a classical French style, using muted palettes of cream, gold, pale peach and imperial blue.
The hotel restaurant, L’Espadon, boasts two Michelin stars, and the clubby Ritz Bar evokes the 1920s with leather chairs and dark wooden walls. The hotel is located in the heart of the city on the fashionable Place Vendôme, a brief stroll from the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay.
6. As seen in… Lost in Translation
Park Hyatt, Tokyo, Japan, recommend by Tesia
Made famous by Scarlett Johansson and Bill Murray in Lost in Translation, the stylish and luxurious Park Hyatt, Shinjuku is every bit as elegant as it seems in the film. The hotel takes the top 14 floors of the Shinjuku Tower and offers breathtaking views and a serene retreat from the chaos of the city below.
It is located in the heart of the bustling Shinjuku business and entertainment district, and has excellent access to Tokyo's many attractions. The popular New York Grill on the 52nd floor, also featured in the film, lives up to expectations with its dramatic backdrop, live jazz music and creative cuisine.
Follow in the footsteps of the famous
Start thinking about your experience. These itineraries are simply suggestions for how you could enjoy some of the same experiences as our specialists. They’re just for inspiration, because your trip will be created around your particular tastes.
Was this useful?
