From the sun-drenched beaches of the Caribbean to the snowy peaks of the Alps, resorts have always been places of escape, luxury, and sometimes, incredible stories. This curated list of biopics delves into the lives of visionaries who built these havens, the challenges they faced, and the legacy they left behind. Whether you're a history buff, a travel enthusiast, or simply love a good story, these films offer a fascinating look at the world of resorts.

The Grand Hotel (1932)
Description: This classic film, set in a Berlin hotel, provides a glimpse into the lives of its guests, reflecting the opulence and intrigue of pre-war Europe.
Fact: The film won the Academy Award for Best Picture in


The Hotel New Hampshire (1984)
Description: Based on John Irving's novel, this film follows the Berry family as they manage a series of hotels, including one in Vienna, providing a quirky look at the hotel business.
Fact: The film features a young Jodie Foster in one of her early roles. The story's dark humor and eccentric characters make it a unique entry in resort-themed biopics.


Hotel Rwanda (2004)
Description: This film tells the true story of Paul Rusesabagina, the manager of the Hôtel des Mille Collines in Kigali, who sheltered over a thousand Tutsi refugees during the Rwandan genocide.
Fact: The film was shot on location in Rwanda, with many scenes filmed at the actual hotel. Don Cheadle received an Academy Award nomination for his role.


The Diving Bell and the Butterfly (2007)
Description: While not directly about a resort, this film tells the story of Jean-Dominique Bauby, who, after suffering a stroke, dictates his memoir from a hospital bed, which could be seen as a metaphorical resort for his mind.
Fact: The film uses a unique visual style to represent Bauby's condition, with scenes shot from his perspective. It won the Best Director award at Cannes.


The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2011)
Description: This heartwarming film showcases a group of British retirees who move to a seemingly luxurious hotel in India, only to find it's not quite what they expected.
Fact: The film was inspired by the book "These Foolish Things" by Deborah Moggach. The hotel in the film is fictional but was inspired by real-life hotels in India.


The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)
Description: While not strictly a biopic, this Wes Anderson film captures the essence of a grand European resort and the eccentric characters that inhabit it, offering a whimsical take on the resort life.
Fact: The film's pastel color palette was inspired by the works of Austrian painter Gustav Klimt. The hotel itself was constructed as a set in Görlitz, Germany.


The White Lotus (2021)
Description: Although a TV series, it's included for its deep dive into the lives of guests at a luxury Hawaiian resort, offering a satirical look at wealth and privilege.
Fact: The series was filmed at the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea. It received critical acclaim for its writing and performances.


The Hotel in Amsterdam (1971)
Description: This British film, based on a novel by Elizabeth Taylor, explores the lives of guests at a hotel in Amsterdam, offering a snapshot of the era's social dynamics.
Fact: The film features a young Helen Mirren in one of her early roles. The setting provides a rich backdrop for the character studies.


The Hotel (2002)
Description: This British film explores the lives of staff and guests at a hotel, capturing the behind-the-scenes drama and the unique atmosphere of a resort.
Fact: The film was shot at the real-life Grand Hotel in Eastbourne, England. It offers a realistic portrayal of hotel life.


The Hotel New York (1984)
Description: This film, set in a New York hotel, delves into the lives of its residents, showcasing the diversity and complexity of urban resort life.
Fact: The film was shot on location at the real Hotel New York in Manhattan, providing an authentic backdrop for the story.
