Cool series and cool hotels have one thing in common: you want a sequel. These vacation accommodations may not be original locations, but they capture the vibe of the series for me; you get the feeling that a scene could be shot there at any time. Up for some wanderlust streaming with series hotels? And action!
What makes a good, exciting series? First and foremost, a gripping plot and characters that develop over the course of the episodes, which you follow enthusiastically and with whom you sympathize, as in Game of Thrones or House of Money. Another thing that makes a series memorable: great locations, unusual and impressive filming locations and film sets. In reality, many film locations are not open to the public or have a different function – so a museum quickly becomes a hotel. Fortunately, there are quite vacation accommodations that reflect the look and feel of series really well. And such I would like to introduce in this article simply times. In contrast to mathematical equations, the following applies to this story: There are, of course, several different solutions, I have simply chosen an atmospheric and suitable example for me. As with exciting series, the motto here is: To be continued.
Series hotels or vacation with special flair
Skylines, Frankfurt: Roomers
When your gaze falls from the asphalt of the street onto the Main River, glittering at night from the lights of the skyscrapers, and the skyline rises in the background, Frankfurt almost looks a little like Gotham City. Whether the deep canyons of houses between the towers of the banks or the squares in the station district, whose curbs are colored by the red light of the establishments – it is images of contrasts that define its charm. A cinematic backdrop. Imagine these impressions accompanied by a fitting soundtrack – the experience is as appealing as a hotel in the city, where a well thought-out design signature ensures that you keep discovering your accommodation anew, keep being drawn in anew. This pulling in is also what makes a good series – and here we are with “Skylines,” which is set in the Frankfurt setting outlined above.
Atmospherically composed like a good beat: the interior design at Roomers.
The plot can be summarized briefly. A young musical super talent on the verge of a breakthrough, but the onset of success alienates him from friends and family. An overworked commissioner neglects her family. A windy real estate agent who gets involved with the wrong people. And a rap star whose criminal past catches up with him. Mixed together into a handful of episodes that pull in more and more like a catchy song. So in “Skylines,” an aspiring beat maker – the series title obliges – wants to aim high. It’s only logical that matching series hotels also offer a suitable perspective. This could be found very appropriately at Roomers, for example, also a member of the Designhotels.
Clean lines and velvety soft materials: doesn’t just sound like pampering for the eye.
In the interior, elegant but more restrained tones are struck.
A black door and a facade of white concrete and glass lead to a reception area wrapped in polished stainless steel. Sleek, clean lines greet guests as they approach the curved, dark, almost mysterious hotel entrance. The large black doors at street level look as if borrowed from a giant bank vault. Walls of velvet and chandeliers create a wickedly elegant mood, while Cavalli Swan chairs are bathed in dim lighting by Zumtobel. The interior is dominated by dark tones and leather, great lighting accents and, of course, the appropriate views. Not only does it sound like a fancy soundtrack to get away from it all, but it looks the part, too. You could easily shoot glossy music videos, talk record deals or just celebrate your first number 1 single in the space. But you can also do it non-musically, then you just celebrate your life.
Roomers Frankfurt, night starts at 198 Euro, more via www.designhotels.com/roomers
4 Blocks, Berlin: Hotel Provocateur
The series “4 Blocks” is like a hotel in a rough and elegant design, which creeps into the feel-good part of your brain like an earworm, and from which you don’t want to leave, or rather: you want a sequel. As of now, there won’t be a sequel to the series, but the previous episodes should be watched – and the same goes for the Hotel Provocateur. The series and the hotel have their place in Berlin, and for me they fit together very well. In the three seasons, everything revolves around family man and clan member Toni Hamady. For the sake of his wife and daughter, he wants to give up the four blocks he controls in the Neukölln district of Berlin, and with them his criminal activities. But then his brother-in-law is arrested in a raid. Toni gets deeper and deeper into a whirlpool of intrigue, crime, violence and betrayal. There is no escape – especially as a hostile motorcycle gang increasingly causes stress and challenges the Hamady family’s status.
In addition to Kida Ramadan and Frederick Lau, the series also features rappers Veysel, Gringo and Massiv, who not only enjoy shooting off fireworks from the barrel of a gun, but are also actively involved in setting the grandiose soundtrack on fire. If that weren’t mood enough, it’s all captured in characterful imagery, lots of blue haze, even more red light, between penthouse lofts, upscale restaurants and run-down ramshackle shacks. Cool drinks, tough talk, fast cars, and the next surprise is always waiting around the corner. This constant change of impressions can be experienced as a guest at the Hotel Provocateur, for example.
Authentic series hotels: Behind the inconspicuously elegant facade, a very unique world of accommodation awaits.
There, the glamour of 1920s Paris is reinterpreted in burlesque Berlin style – think velvet, marble, brass and sparkling chandeliers. The Art Nouveau facade hides, among other things, a restored elevator from 1912. The Provocateur building from 1911 is typical of Berlin’s Charlottenburg district and an example of modern Art Nouveau architecture originally designed by Wilhelm Gutzeit. The residential building was converted into a hotel after the Second World War. The austere facade was recently renovated by TSSB Architects Engineers, reviving the classical character of the building.
It’s not just the drinks that are multi-faceted here.
Everything on red: In the Provocateuer, design meets passion.
Blue velvet instead of blue haze. The design hotel plays attractively with contrasts.
The interior at Provocateur is inspired by 1920s Paris and today’s Berlin. While original stucco elements, marble, brass, and herringbone parquet add elegance, velvet and a burlesque-inspired aesthetic – complete with dim chandeliers – lend a playful touch. A color scheme of dark red, petrol blue, black and brass runs throughout the decor. It’s not just a visual treat. At the Golden Phoenix restaurant, chef The Duc Ngo tempts with Franco-Chinese creations that are second to none. The highlight: Duc is a very good friend of Kida and Frederick, who are regulars at his restaurant – and now really good friends. Well, if that’s not a good spin-off!
Provocateur Hotel, nigth starts at 119 Euro, more via www.provocateur-hotel.com
Narcos Mexico, Mexico City: Downtown Hotel
Who would immediately beam up to this rooftop pool? This accommodation really exudes a dose of true wanderlust, as the Downtown Hotel is located far away from Munich in the middle of Mexico City. I spotted the fancy pool duo and immediately had scenes from the Netflix series Narcos Mexico in mind. The spin-off of “Narcos” portrays the rise of the Guadalajara cartel and the beginnings of the Mexican drug war in the 1980s. First conceived as a sequel to “Narcos,” which was set in Colombia, “Narcos: Mexico” has become a successful series in its own right. The series adheres to the real-life facts of Miguel Ángel Félix Gallardo, who is portrayed by Diego Luna in the Netflix production.
In addition to plenty of action, the series impresses with colorful, opulently printed and too wide-cut short-sleeved shirts, questionable beards and hairstyles, noble dresses, lavish parties and truckloads of tequila, among other things. Just such a feast could be going on up there on the terrace, a gathering, as it were, for a bath of good cheer. At the Downtown Hotel, colonial splendor meets industrial charm; the 17 rooms, a mix of bohemian and elegant, look like country mansions transported to the city. The rooms have a raw, industrial feel, while components of the original building, like the high vaulted brick ceilings, add a sense of drama, and light wood details and tile floors give the rooms a chic flair. At this sun-drenched hotel, guests can relax in luxurious bathrooms, enjoy views of historic buildings and the cobbled streets below, or simply unwind by the pool while sipping a drink at the bar.
When night falls, you are immersed in the special atmosphere of the place.
The interior looks like a luxury villa in the country, transported to the middle of the big city. Where is the house bar again?
Today, the historic accommodation in Mexico City is a member of the Design Hotels and lives up to the name with this flair to immerse yourself in this (series) ambience. The perfect location to celebrate your own film-like relaxation vacation.Hotel Downtown, Mexico City, overnight stay from 178 euros, more via www.designhotels.com/downtown
Die Toten von Salzburg: Hotel Stein
Series or crime series, the main thing is Italy, or what was that? Anyway, there are new episodes of Austrian and German series “The Dead of Salzburg” at regular intervals and the series is one of my favorite thrillers. Because exciting, humorous and entertaining clear, but especially because you get such beautiful impressions of the city, which I recently visited for the first time itself. And directly still decided to come more often from now on. There are an outrageous number of cases of pleasure, in which one would have to investigate urgently times practically, in addition a file full of wineries in the proximity, which one should likewise question practically. Only where to get off as a gourmet detective?
Filming location for own pleasure discoveries: The Hotel Stein in Salzburg.
The food on the elegant stone terrace is suspiciously – suspiciously good.
The interior design is attractively modern and plays with shapes and surfaces.
Thanks to Hotel Stein’s prime location, you can excellently explore Salzburg’s many cultural treasures: Sights such as Mirabell Palace, Salzburg museums such as the Mozart Museum, the famous Getreidegasse known for shopping and lifestyle in Salzburg and much more are all within easy reach of the hotel. In addition, there is a spectacular as well as casual roof terrace, where you not only have a magnificent view, to relaxed beats can be asked there an excellent menu with wine selection for culinary interrogation. More information about the stone terrace, which is also open to visitors, can be found at www.steinterrasse.com. The rooms are spacious, the design is refreshingly modern, and you have a great view of the Salzach River. Especially at night. Tradition and modernity meet here in contrasting ways, like the two main commissioners from Salzburg and Bavaria, who regularly disagree, only to work as a team in the end. An entertaining hotel that calls for the next episode. Runs!
Hotel Stein Salzburg, night starts at 129 Euro, more via www.hotelstein.at
Der Bergdoktor, Ellmau in Tirol: Hotel Der Bär
What now? Gentlemen’s Journey and the Mountain Doctor? Why not? Those who know me know that I’m open to self-humor, and even if a series tends towards kitsch, the challenge of finding an absolutely unkitschy hotel recommendation for it is all the more exciting. In addition, my blog is aimed at all those who like to be inspired, so: series hotels challenge accepted. If you want to take a closer look at the filming location of the series, you don’t have to worry about finding the right accommodation – it’s in the immediate vicinity.
The view at Hotel Der Bär is truly unique – even more so when you enjoy it from the pool. I know what I’m talking about.
The rooms are designed in alpine look, everything looks clear and high quality.
Film feeling until the doctor comes. The Bergdoktorhaus is located above the hotel.
After 2 hours drive from Munich and a day dose of traffic circle you reach Ellmau am Wilden Kaiser. Close, but at the same time: Whole. Far. Out. High up on the steep slope lies the destination: The Bear. The boutique hotel has a simple concept: tradition kisses modernity. But not kitschy a la Rosamunde Pilcher – more like Justin Timberlake meets lumberjack shirt. Living room atmosphere to-go with an eye for detail: like it! Here there is culinary pampering framed by lots of wood and fine materials in earthy tones, wellness pampering is just as much on the recipe as a dreamlike pool with a mountain view that feels like it helps against all the worries in the world.
The highlight: From June to October, the Ellmau film hike takes place once a month. The good 5-hour hike leads past the Bergdoktorhaus and provides interesting insights into the series. Every Wednesday from May to September (in July and August also additionally on Tuesdays) a film tour to the Gruberhof takes place. Here, guests of the matching series hotel can visit the filming location and enjoy lunch at Alpengasthof Gruberhof. Series feeling until the doctor comes – if that is not worth a trip?
Hotel Der Bär Ellmau, stays at 145 Euro, more via Bergdoktor-Erlebnis findet ihr hier.
Sky Rojo: Seaside Palm Beach
After fateful events in a brothel, three women with a dark past flee from their pimp and his henchmen – “Sky Rojo” tells this story in the finest Tarantino style, fast images, lots of red light, less blue light, lots of desert, sun, sand and chases across Tenerife. Hard, honest, from the unusual point of view of the women, who are at the mercy of their boss without the retained passports – and fight back. It’s no surprise that the series also features pool and bikini moments. Island, hello?
Big enough to hide inside, and more exciting inside than you’d think from the outside: the Seaside Palm Beach.
Unfortunately, I didn’t find a hotel with the right vibe on the filming island, but on its neighbor Gran Canaria. Located in a palm oasis on the most populous of the Canary Islands, Seaside Palm Beach is equally attractive to savvy world travelers and design lovers. And would it also be for escaping strip club ladies, because in the large complex with concrete flat rate and 328 rooms you could super submerge. In both senses of the word.
Rooms mix California vibes with Spanish island flair.
At the pool you could turn night into day.
Turquoise mosaic pools and public spaces in a muted color palette play with sun and shade. Bold Pucci-style patterns are reinterpreted in a range of different textures and materials, whether sandblasted on mirrors around the bar or transformed into expressive lampshades. Materials like chrome, mirrored glass, travertine and marble set strong accents of old-school luxury and elegance. The walls are bathed in warm tones, while the floors shine in cool colors. The furniture is uncluttered and features clean, rounded lines accented by chrome, lacquer and brass. The overall look is less retro than contemporary, with an emphasis on modern materials. Dancing will have to be done yourself, sunshine will have to suffice instead of red light, but a day by the pool is guaranteed to be entertaining. And you shouldn’t have any thoughts of escaping either.
Seaside Palm Beach, stays at 300 Euros for 2 with half board, more via www.designhotels.com
Game of Thrones: Aman Sveti Stefan
If you still have to explain the fascination of “Game of Thrones”, you’ll have to do a round of detention in the citadel, punishment work in the library and the maesters. To find the incredible diversity of the 7 Kingdoms in one hotel is impossible, the first thought was a design location in the castle, but if it is found, it will be delivered. Dubrovnik in Croatia was one of the main filming locations for the series, and if you sail down the coast for about two hours, you don’t have to be afraid of iron men attacking you, and secondly you end up in this location in Montenegro, which feels like King’s Landing, Dorne or Rose Garden all in one. King’s Landing in miniature, but you could also feel like you’re in Rose Garden or Dorne, and always have the feeling that Tyrrion is coming around the corner with a jug of wine.
Engaging on its own: the village island of Sveti Stefan is reminiscent of King’s Landing.
A hotel like the series: could be watched over and over again.
Here you could imagine the protagonists walking through Rosengarten.
Series hotels can be so real. In the interior, wood and stone merge into a luxurious comfort zone.
Bathing with a view: a royal pool that the kings themselves would probably have liked back then.
Water Palace. Here it’s easy to do what’s difficult with the series: switch off.
The small island of Sveti Stefan, which can be reached via a causeway, is less than two hectares in size and was home to a fishing village for many years. Today, the exclusive luxury resort Aman Sveti Stefan awaits guests here. The historic stone houses and villas of the series hotel with their characteristic red tiled roofs have been renovated with an eye for detail. Now you can enjoy royal comfort in private villas with pools and terraces. And if there are any white walkers, you just have to tear down the bridge. Alternatively, you can opt for one of the spacious suites in Villa Milocer on land, built between pines and olive trees. In this place, worries – in contrast to the series plot – are off the air. Nevertheless, even lying by the pool, I would have the feeling that Tyrion Lannister could come around the corner with a jug of wine. But of course I would politely join in the drinking.
Aman Sveti Stefan, Overnight stays are possible again after the renovation from 2022, more under www.aman.com/sveti-stefan
