With the Bond producers on the cusp of announcing the next James Bond actor - it's time to look at the best Bond hotels …
So, in celebration, BusinessClass.com has put together a list of our favourite luxury hotels that Bond has visited on his international adventures. Bond certainly has taste – choosing some of the world’s finest hotels - from The Peninsula in Hong Kong to the Ocean Club, a Four Seasons Resort in the Bahamas.
In addition to this fabulous list, we have more special Bond-related articles & reviews that include the airlines that 007 favours and a look at some of the international locations that have graced the many films:
- Virgin Atlantic Upper Class – as flown by Bond in Quantum of Solace
- The Ocean Club, a Four Seasons Resort, the Bahamas – as featured in Casino Royale
- From Norway to India and Egypt to Japan we look at some of the fantastic destinations Bond has visited
- 007 loves his accessories – check out what luggage he carries, shoes he wears and cars he drives
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The BusinessClass.com guide to the 11 best hotels featured in 62 years of James Bond blockbusters:
Film: Licence to Kill - 1989
Bond: Timothy Dalton
Great quote:
M: Effective immediately, your licence to kill is revoked, and I require you to hand over your weapon. Now. I need hardly remind you that you're still bound by the Official Secrets Act.
Bond: I guess it's, uh... a farewell to arms.
Setting the scene:
Old War Office is the home to the British Secret Service - M, Q and indeed, Bond. Bond has had his “licence to kill” revoked as he goes on a personal mission to kill Sanchez - who had murdered his best friend's new wife. Grumpy M is looking for Bond - comes out of his office (OWO) and glowers, glares at a sheet of paper and barks at Moneypenny - “Five typing errors on the first page alone, what's got into you?”. She replies “Sorry sir”. She is worried about Bond … who she obviously loves!
Old War Office (OWO) was built in the early 20th century and used by the UK Government until 2016. Its close proximity to 10 Downing Street - the British Prime Minister's office in London - and its stunning architecture - allowed OWO to standout from many of the other grand Heritage buildings in Whitehall.
OWO was once filled with spies-in-training, career soldiers, experts in espionage (including Ian Fleming - the creator of James Bond), parliamentarians and Heads of State. It was a very private & secret, and imposing building, situated right in the heart of London's political landscape. Now, it's very public - with all-comers offered the chance to stay, eat, drink, enjoy, and explore one of the city's most important landmarks.
There are just 120 rooms & suites in Raffles London at The OWO, a Guerlain Spa, Pillar Wellbeing health club - complete with a magnificent 20-metre underground heated indoor swimming pool, The Drawing Room, Pillar Kitchen, The Spy Bar, and The Guards Bar and Lounge. All the hotel's food & beverage offerings are overseen by one of the most talented chefs in the world, Mauro Colagreco. He has already earned three-Michelin stars for his Mirazur restaurant in the South of France. Mauro has brought his incredible talent - and Team - to Whitehall and heads up Mauro Colagreco at Raffles London at The OWO, Mauro’s Table and Saison by Mauro Colagreco - all as magnificent as each other.
The Old War Office appeared in five James Bond outings. As the home to MI6 and the fictional Head of Secret Intelligence Service - M, the building featured in Octopussy, View to a Kill, Spectre, and Licence to Kill. And finally in Skyfall - Bond (Daniel Craig) is seen glaring over London from a nearby Whitehall building and one of OWOs' domed towers is clear to see.
Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, Thailand
Film: The Man with the Golden Gun – 1974
Bond: Sir Roger Moore
Great quote:
Bond: I mean sir, who would pay a million dollars to have me killed?
M: Jealous husbands! Outraged chefs! Humiliated tailors! The list is endless!
Setting the scene:
Bond meets up with fellow MI6 agent Mary Goodnight (Britt Ekland) at the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok to discuss how to destroy The Man with the Golden Gun – Scaramanga (Christopher Lee).
Located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River - Mandarin Oriental Bangkok - features 331 rooms and suites, most offering floor-to-ceiling windows and river or city views. Rooms are located in the River, the Garden, and the Authors’ Wings - last of which has been an inspiration to a host of world-renowned writers. All rooms benefit from butler service, high-speed internet access, 530-thread count linen, luxury goose down bedding, silk bathrobes, fresh fruit and flowers and biodegradable and glass water bottles. A hotel was established here in 1876 as The Mandarin – the first luxury hotel in the Kingdom of Siam.
The Mandarin Oriental Bangkok is featured on the BusinessClass.com list of The Best Luxury Hotels In Bangkok.
The property offers 11 restaurant and bar choices, from traditional Thai cuisine to two-Michelin starred French fine dining at Le Normandie. The hotel’s famed Afternoon Tea service is offered in the iconic The Authors’ Lounge, whilst The Bamboo Bar is renowned for live jazz and unforgettable cocktails. Private shuttle boats provide access to The Oriental Thai Cooking School, Sala Rim Naam and Terrace Rim Naam, the hotel’s Thai restaurants. Also, across the water, guests have access to the award-winning Oriental Spa - set within a restored teakwood house. Here luxurious treatments are inspired by traditional Thai and western techniques. The Fitness & Wellness Centre offers a state-of-the-art gymnasium, tennis courts, aerobics/yoga studio and even a Muay Thai boxing studio. Complimentary classes are offered twice daily for in-house guests. The Spa Studio offers results driven treatments and Mandarin Oriental Bangkok offers guests two outdoor swimming pools. One of the finest city hotels in the world – and a natural home from home for James Herbert Bond.
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Grandhotel Pupp – Carlsbad, Czech Republic
Film: Casino Royale – 2006
Bond: Daniel Craig
Great quote:
Bond: Vodka-Martini
Bartender: Shaken or stirred?
Bond: Do I look like I give a damn?
Setting the scene:
The hotel is used extensively in the film. Bond arrives here with his “banker” Vesper Lynd (Eva Green) to play in an international high-stakes poker match with Le Chiffre (Mads Mikkelsen) – the movie’s antagonist. Does Bond win? Place your bets…
The Grandhotel Pupp (originally Pop) is a truly iconic five-star property located in the heart of Karlovy Vary. Rich with six generations of Pupp family history, an original Saxon Hall, the building itself dates to 1701 and was first opened as the Grandhotel Pupp in 1894. Today a popular hangout for actors, directors and filmmakers, the hotel has greeted well-known guests including Queen Latifah, Renée Zellweger and John Travolta.
Developed from an amalgamation of residences over the years, the hotel rooms are all unique - comfortable, and luxurious; all include flat-screen televisions, coffee machine and complimentary Wi-Fi. The Riverside wing is of neo-baroque style and is home to the hotel’s restaurant and spa. It also houses 111 rooms and suites. The Parkside wing dates to 1877 and features 117 guestrooms and suites - more suited to families and groups. The Parkside includes the Marble Hall where breakfast and dinner is served. In 2019 the Small Hall was renovated to create Malá dvorana - the all-day restaurant and bar - adorned with Czech crystal and slithers of pure gold. Drinks and dining are also available in Grand restaurant, Café Pupp and Becher’s Bar. The Pupp Royal Spa is a unique luxury wellness and balneotherapy centre – complete with large swimming pool, water jet whirlpools, sauna, and fitness centre. Ayurvedic and hot stone massages are also available.
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Film: The Man with the Golden Gun – 1974
Bond: Sir Roger Moore
Great quote:
Scaramanga: You see, Mr. Bond, I always thought I loved animals. Then I discovered that I enjoyed killing people even more.
Setting the scene:
Bond follows Andrea Anders (Maud Adams) – lover and golden bullet smuggler for villain Scaramanga – from a Macau casino to Kowloon and The Peninsula. He then enters the hotel and steals up to her suite – 602 – where he uses his charms to pump her for information.
Since it opened in 1928, The Pen has become a must-visit tourist attraction in Hong Kong and the hotel prides itself in offering the very highest quality service to both her guests and visitors alike. The Peninsula Hong Kong offers 246 guest rooms and 54 suites set over 36 floors. Offering views of the Island, Kowloon or the Harbour, every guest room at the hotel oozes sophistication, class, and comfort. Contemporary Far East décor is prevalent, and the quality of the furnishings is artisanal; one could spend whole days relaxing in-room while endlessly watching Hong Kong change from day to night - and back again. The marble bathrooms all feature walk-in showers, baths, and wall-mounted televisions. All the accommodations boast complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, tablets, complimentary VOIP telephone calls and ... a nail dryer.
The Peninsula Spa is 1,100 square metres boasting 14 treatment rooms - and two couples suites - an 18-metre indoor swimming pool that enjoys superb views over Victoria Harbour, saunas, aromatherapy steam rooms and relaxation lounges. Choose from 8 restaurants & bars – including Gaddi’s and Spring Moon which both hold a Michelin star, a luxury shopping arcade, Music Room, meetings rooms, ballrooms, a yacht, a fleet of Rolls-Royces, and not one but two helipads on its roof! Very Bond.
Read the BusinessClass.com expert review and find the best rates for The Peninsula - Hong Kong
Hotel Danieli, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Venice, Italy
Film: Moonraker 1979
Bond: Sir Roger Moore
Great quote:
Holly Goodhead: I still don't know if I trust you.
Bond: I don't know if I trust you either. That's what makes it more exciting, doesn't it?
Setting the scene:
Bond meets up with his CIA counterpart – Dr Holly Goodhead (Lois Chiles) – in the hotel’s Royal Suite to “pool their resources” in how to destroy Hugo Drax (Michael Lonsdale). She, of course, falls for him and a plan is hatched. Viewers get to see both interiors and exteriors of The Danieli.
The Danieli is a favourite for international luxury travellers. It is located next to the Bridge of Sighs just steps away from St. Mark’s Square and with wonderful views of San Giorgio Maggiore island. This truly is one of the original Venetian Grande Dame hotels. The property is comprised of three beautiful and unique palaces that date from the 14th, 17th, and 19th centuries - The Palazzo Dondolo, Palazzo Casa Nuova and Palazzo Danieli Excelsior respectively. Together they feature 204 rooms & suites – many that overlook the Grand Canal and the islands.
The Hotel Danieli is featured on the BusinessClass.com list of The Best Luxury Hotels In Venice.
The Danieli offers guests a unique chance to step back in time and they can discover historical, artistic touches, frescoes, wood carvings and panelling, Murano glass chandeliers, Venetian mirrors, antique furniture, and furnishings. Modern day comforts include plush Luxury Collection Beds, hi-speed Wi-Fi access, flat screen televisions, mini bar, and exclusive Laura Tonatto bathroom amenities. The fitness centre is open around the clock and features Technogym Cardio equipment, free weights and supply of water and towels. Choose more casual dining in the Danieli Bistro or take a culinary journey inspired by Marco Polo’s voyages in the Terrazza Danieli restaurant. This is one of the most popular all-day dining restaurants in the city offering panoramic views of the Venice Lagoon and island of San Giorgio.
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Film: Octopussy 1983
Bond: Sir Roger Moore
Great quote:
Q: Dissolves all metals (Q is showing Bond how to use a pen that is filled with acid)
Bond: Wonderful for poison pen letters!
Q: Pay attention, 007 ... !
Setting the scene:
The Lake Palace is owned by Octopussy (Maud Adams). She is a beautiful businesswoman and associate of the film’s “Bond baddie” Kamal Khan (Louis Jourdan). Bond arrives at the hotel by water, at night, disguised in a crocodile suit to find out what Khan and Octopussy are up to. Viewers get to see suites and the public spaces of this lavish Indian, Udaipur lake palace.
Originally named Jag Niswas, this island palace hotel was built by Prince Maharana Jagat Sing. It is located on Lake Pichola and was completed in 1746. Known as the Venice of the East, Udaipur features elaborate palaces, serene lakes, and exotic temples. The Taj Lake Palace offers incomparable and breath-taking views of City and Jag Mandir Palaces, the Aravalli, and Machla Magra Hills.
Guests reach the property by boat - it is just a five-minute journey - from the hotel’s private jetty located in the City Palace complex. They can choose from a selection of 66 rooms and 17 grand suites - across 7 categories. The hotel décor is – of course - inspired by Indian royalty with lattice ceilings, Indian silks, and dark teak furniture. All rooms include complimentary Wi-Fi, and a choice of King or twin beds, a choice from the pillow and quilt menu, tea/coffee maker, flat screen television and minibar. A bath menu is available and Cypress waffle bathrobes and slippers are supplied gratis. Dining locations include Neel Kamal for authentic Rajasthani and other regional Indian dishes, Bahairo - a seasonal al-fresco venue for European options and Amri Sagar Bar serving signature martinis and cocktails. Jiva Spa offers a selection of indulgent Signature Ayurvedic treatments including the Jivaniya exotic herb body treatment, Pehlwan Malish dynamic massage and unique Spa Boat experience.
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The Ocean Club, A Four Season Resort, Bahamas
Film: Casino Royale 2006
Bond: Daniel Craig
Great quote:
Vesper Lynd: It doesn’t bother you? Killing all those people?
Bond: Well, I wouldn’t be very good at my job if it did!
Setting the Scene:
Bond arrives at The Ocean Club in a Ford and leaves in an Aston Martin DB5! He is on the trail of Alex Dimitrios (Simon Abkarian) who is working for Le Chiffre. Dimitrios is there with his wife Solange (Caterina Murino) and is plotting to blow up a new aircraft which will unsettle the world stock markets. Bond books a huge Oceanview suite, wins the Aston Martin in a poker game, seduces Solange, and leaves suddenly the hotel without paying the bill! The resort – with its stunning beach - is one of the stars of the film.
Set on eight kilometres of pristine white sandy beach along the North Shore of the aptly named Paradise Island, the ultra-luxurious Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort, Bahamas is located within 14 hectare of verdant gardens and is comprised of 107 rooms, suites, plunge pool villas and villa residences. There are also five restaurants, lounges and bars including gourmet treats from the acclaimed chef, Jean-Georges Vongerichten.
Facing the Atlantic Ocean, facilities are numerous and include three pools – a lagoon style one with refreshing waterfall and aqua toys, perfect for families, an ocean pool ideal for soaking up the rays and the Versailles pool, which offers an elegant, adults-only sanctuary. There is also access to the nearby Atlantic Resort’s waterscape park which is ideal for children with a complimentary shuttle service available. For pampering and relaxation, there are eight award-winning Balinese-inspired spa villas, a Fitness Centre with Techno Gym equipment and dedicated rooms for stretching, Pilates and an outdoor free-weights platform. Other activities include yoga, jogging trails, biking and six tennis courts (three for night play). The Ocean Club Golf Course, complete with views of Nassau Harbour and the Atlantic Ocean, is a challenging yet scenic 18-hole, par 72 course designed by Tom Weiskopf. There is also a golf academy and pro shop. Other amenities include the Carlo Milano Boutique with designer collections from Céline, Chopard, Hublot, Prada, Tom Ford and Versace and a 12th century Augustinian Cloister and classical statuary set in beautifully maintained gardens.
Hotel Atlantic Hamburg, Autograph Collection
Film: Tomorrow Never Dies 1997
Bond Actor: Pierce Brosnan
Great quote:
Elliot Carver: The distance between insanity and genius is only measured by success
Setting the scene:
007 is in Hamburg to meet with Elliot Carver (Jonathan Pryce) – a media mogul who wants to start a war between China and the UK. Carver’s headquarters is in Hamburg. Bond seduces Carver’s wife – Paris (Teri Hatcher) – who is also one of his old girlfriends - in the Hotel Atlantic. Carver finds out and has Paris murdered in Bond’s hotel suite and then tries to have Bond killed too. 007 escapes the hotel via its iconic roof.
Part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection, the Hotel Atlantic Hamburg is nestled on the shores of Lake Alster. This classic grand property first opened in 1909 as a hotel for first-class passengers travelling to and from the Americas. An elegant main entrance features grand marble columns, glass display cabinets of nautical memorabilia and original art. It leads to open, wide public spaces including an elegant and airy central courtyard complete with fountain. Ideally located to explore the city, the hotel is just a 15-minute walk from the Old Town of Hamburg with easy access to harbour cruises, high-end stores, and attractions such as the CHOCOVERSUM chocolate museum. A selection of 221 rooms and suites are offered across 15 categories. Amenities include mattress toppers, featherbeds, tea/coffee maker, mini-refrigerator, complimentary bottled water, and complimentary hi-speed Wi-Fi.
The Atlantic Restaurant serves international gourmet fusion cuisine while the Atlantic Grill & Health offers healthy regional dishes in a maritime country house setting. The Atlantic Bar serves creative cocktails and an elegant Afternoon Tea. Energy Clinic spa boasts an extensive range of body and beauty treatments, features an indoor pool surrounded by relaxation chairs and male & female lounge areas. The lakeside location is ideal for access to biking, jogging and fitness trails, kayaking and sailing facilities are accessible just a few minutes away.
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Four Seasons Hotel London at Ten Trinity Square
Film: Skyfall 2012
Bond: Daniel Craig
Great quote:
M: Regret is unprofessional
Setting the scene:
M (Dame Judi Dench) is summoned by her superior Gareth Mallory (Ralph Fiennes) to discuss Bond and her imminent retirement. The Four Seasons Hotel London at 10 Trinity Square doubles up as a British Government building. You do see Bond running around Trinity Square in the film though – chasing after the bad guys!
The Four Seasons Hotel London at Ten Trinity Square is the sister property of the Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane. Opened in January 2017, The Four Seasons Hotel London at Ten Trinity Square offers 89 guest rooms, 11 suites and 10 stunning residences. The hotel has a delightful indoor heated swimming pool, spa, ballrooms, and meeting rooms. Ten Trinity boasts a 2-Michelin starred restaurant – La Dame de Pic London – offering superb French cuisine under the gastronomic auspices of acclaimed chef and restaurateur, Anne-Sophie Pic. The hotel also offers two other dining experiences - Mei Ume - fast becoming one the most popular Oriental restaurants in the city and the Rotunda Bar and Lounge for all-day dining.
Ten Trinity offers guests The Spa. With 8 treatment rooms every kind of massage and treatment is available to guests. There is also a 14-metre vitality swimming pool, steam, and sauna room. The hotel is situated just a few metres north of the River Thames and the magnificent Tower of London. The Four Seasons group co-created this City hotel – suitable for both the business and leisure traveller – in a historic building dating back to the 1920s – and it is now, unquestionably, a masterpiece.
Bond actors: Sean Connery, Sir Roger Moore, George Lazenby, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan and Daniel Craig (not forgetting Barry Nelson and David Niven)
Great quote - from the novel Casino Royale:
“A dry martini,' Bond said. 'One. In a deep champagne goblet.' ... Just a moment. Three measures of Gordon's, one of vodka, half a measure of Kina Lillet. Shake it very well until it's ice-cold, then add a large thin slice of lemon-peel. Got it?”
GoldenEye was the name of the 1995 Bond film – that starred Pierce Brosnan as 007. However, the resort itself is intrinsic to every James Bond story. Located on the northeast coast of Jamaica between Snorkeler’s Cove and rustic Button Beach – GoldenEye was once the home of Ian Fleming - the renowned author of the James Bond novels.
It is now a luxury hotel designed by noted Jamaican architect Anne Hodges. Guests can choose from a selection of villas, cottages and beach huts all inspired to feel like a “home away from home”. Features include hardwood floors, high ceilings, oversized furniture, and cool white linens. Villas all have an outdoor shower, full kitchen and outdoor table for al fresco dining. The cottages are nestled in jungle garden foliage or lapped by the Lagoon, some with a private dock for easy kayaking.
Beach huts have an outdoor shower, high ceilings and louvred windows - allowing for the ultimate outdoor living experience. Choose poolside breakfast at Bizot which also serves pasta salads and burgers alongside Jamaican specialities, the barbecue is lit at Bamboo Bar where grilled fish is served straight from the Ocean, relaxed cocktails and drinks are served from a rooftop lounge down by the beach huts at Shabeen. Evening private dining is available by torchlight at the end of the peninsula. Treatments such as Warming Pimento and ginger massage, and Blue Mountain Coffee scrub including island inspired ingredients are available at the Field Spa Cottage. Fans of Bond can stay in the Fleming Villa – where all the magic was created all those years ago.
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Film: The Man with the Golden Gun – 1974
Bond: Sir Roger Moore
Great quote:
Bond: A midnight snack might be just the thing
Mary Goodnight: I’ll keep the wine properly chilled
Bond: And everything else warm … I trust.
Setting the scene:
Bond has spent the night in a fancy suite at The Ritz Hotel and makes a call to speak to his superior M - who is in his Whitehall office - while dressed in pyjamas, from his bed!
Since opening in 1906, The Ritz London has become one of the most recognisable brands in the world of luxury hotels. The brainchild of legendary Swiss hotelier César Ritz, the property is renowned for its exemplary service, stunning interiors, comfortable & comforting accommodation, and its Afternoon Tea – a culinary experience essential on any visit to London. The Ritz is located on Piccadilly in the heart of Mayfair.
The Ritz London offers 111 well-appointed rooms and 25 individually designed suites set over seven floors. The design of all the rooms is in keeping with the Louis XVI decoration exhibited throughout the hotel. Pink, blue, peach, and yellow are the colours of choice used to make the look & feel comfortable, light, airy and luxurious. The high ceilings, spacious bathrooms, and floor to ceiling windows – along with the choice of views of either Piccadilly or the Park – help to give a guest a truly ritzy luxury hotel experience. The Ritz Restaurant boasts a single Michelin star and is a superb “celebration dining” offering. The hotel also features The Palm Court – home to the Afternoon Tea – the Rivoli Bar and The Ritz Club where guests can enjoy the gaming salon and a cigar tasting room.
Read the BusinessClass.com expert review and view more images of The Ritz Hotel, London
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Top photo courtesy of United Artists / Columbia Pictures
