Ever watched a TV show and found yourself more captivated by the stunning background setting than the unfolding drama? You're not alone. As the third season of HBO’s hit show, The White Lotus, transports viewers to Thailand's luxurious Four Seasons Koh Samui, it's the perfect time to explore other opulent hotels that have graced our screens before. From Parisian elegance to Norwegian modernism, these real-life destinations offer fans the chance to immerse themselves in the worlds of their favourite characters. 

15 Opulent Hotels Featured in Movies and TV Shows: White Lotus Season 3, Emily In Paris, Succession And More

1. Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui – The White Lotus Season 3 

For Season 3 of The White Lotus, we’re heading to Thailand, where the Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui isn’t just a luxury stay, it’s a character in the show’s twisted drama. Think sun-kissed beaches, infinity pools and more tension than what a piña colada can fix.  

2. San Domenico Palace, Taormina – The White Lotus Season 2 

Sicily served up the perfect backdrop for The White Lotus’ second season, with the San Domenico Palace sitting pretty above the Ionian Sea. It’s all about grand views, dramatic sunsets and a whole lot of messy, rich people drama.  

3. The Beverly Wilshire – Pretty Woman 

When Vivian Ward waltzes into the Beverly Wilshire, you can practically hear the soundtrack start playing. This iconic hotel, nestled in the heart of Beverly Hills, is where Hollywood dreams (and romantic comedies) come true. Who wouldn’t want to feel like a million quid in a place that oozes glamour? 

4. Gleneagles, Scotland – Succession 

When the Roy family heads to Gleneagles in Succession, you know things are about to get… tense. This luxurious Scottish golf resort is where power plays and family drama are served with a side of Scottish whisky. It’s been the stage for a few major meltdowns, but hey, the views are gorgeous. 

5. The Plaza Hotel, New York – Home Alone 2: Lost in New York 

Kevin McCallister’s legendary stay at The Plaza Hotel is the stuff of childhood dreams. Think luxurious rooms, a private check-in, and a whole lot of mischief. If you ever wanted to feel like a boss in New York City, this is your chance — no sticky bandits required. 

6. Four Seasons Langkawi, Malaysia – Crazy Rich Asians 

In Crazy Rich Asians, the Four Seasons Langkawi serves as the stunning setting for Araminta’s wild bachelorette party. Who needs a fictional island when you have crystal-clear waters, sandy beaches, and a hotel that makes you feel like a jet-set millionaire? 

7. The St. Regis Bora Bora – Couples Retreat 

If you’re looking for romance, relaxation and maybe some relationship therapy, Couples Retreat takes you to the dreamy St. Regis Bora Bora. Overwater bungalows, turquoise waters, and the ultimate South Pacific escape — it’s the stuff of both movie magic and actual holiday goals. 

8. Amanzoe, Greece – Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery 

In Glass Onion, tech mogul Miles Bron’s opulent mansion isn’t some far-off villa in the middle of nowhere — it’s Villa 20 at the Amanzoe in Greece. It’s all marble floors, sweeping views, and enough mystery to keep you guessing. If you're planning a getaway that screams “I’m rich and I know it,” this is the place. 

9. Hotel Plaza Athénée, Paris – Emily in Paris and Sex and the City 

When in Paris, do as Carrie Bradshaw and Emily Cooper do: book a stay at the Hotel Plaza Athénée. From its Eiffel Tower views to its plush suites, this Parisian gem has been the setting for all sorts of drama, romance, and fashion moments. For fans of Sex and the City and Emily in Paris, this hotel is as iconic as the characters themselves. 

10. Juvet Landscape Hotel – Ex Machina & Succession 

This stunning Norwegian hideaway is the perfect backdrop for Ex Machina’s chilling sci-fi plot, and it also pops up in Succession, where the Roy family gathers to discuss (and, let’s be honest, destroy) their future. With panoramic windows, minimalist design, and nature at its most stunning. 

11. The Ritz London – Notting Hill

When Julia Roberts’ character lands at The Ritz in Notting Hill, we’re all reminded that the ultimate fantasy isn’t just falling in love with a bookshop owner — it’s staying at one of London’s most luxurious hotels. From the grand staircase to the impeccable service, it’s a stay fit for a star (or just someone with a good credit card). 

12. The Waldorf Astoria, New York – Scent of a Woman 

The Waldorf Astoria in Scent of a Woman is as iconic as Al Pacino’s tango. With its elegant, old-world charm, this hotel is a place where big moments and unforgettable characters come to life. It’s perfect for anyone who wants to channel their inner Frank Slade (tango skills optional). 

13. The Fairmont San Francisco – Vertigo 

In Vertigo, the Fairmont San Francisco serves as a symbol of Hitchcock’s dizzying suspense and old-school glamour. The hotel’s majestic presence and sweeping views of the city make it a true cinematic icon — a place where paranoia and luxury collide. 

14. Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur, India – Octopussy 

James Bond’s adventures took him to the floating Taj Lake Palace in Octopussy, where intrigue and high-stakes espionage were always on the menu. Located in Udaipur, this palatial hotel offers romance, mystery, and one of the most unique views in the world. It’s the ultimate Bond getaway. 

15. Armani Hotel, Burj Khalifa, Dubai – Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol 

In Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol, Tom Cruise takes on the Burj Khalifa with gravity-defying stunts. While you’re unlikely to scale the world’s tallest building, staying at the Armani Hotel inside the Burj Khalifa will still make you feel like you’re at the top of the world. Just don’t try to hang off the side.