Why Grandhotel Pupp is a Hollywood Favorite

The hotel offers a perfect blend of luxury and drama. Its grand halls and ornate ceilings look amazing on camera. Directors love the timeless feel of the rooms. It can easily double for locations in France, Montenegro, or imaginary lands. The hotel is also the center of the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival.

This event brings A-list stars to the city every summer. Many actors stay in the same suites seen in their films. The local staff is used to large film crews and complex sets. This makes it an easy choice for big studios. You can learn more about the area on the Karlovy Vary Official Tourism website. The city itself is a UNESCO World Heritage site, which adds even more value to the location.

9 Famous Movies Filmed at Grandhotel Pupp Karlovy Vary

The following list highlights the most notable films and experiences at the hotel. Each one showcases a different part of this massive complex. Use this guide to plan your own cinematic tour of the property.

• Best for Bond fans: Casino Royale
• Best for foodies: Last Holiday
• Best for history buffs: I Served the King of England

1. Name: Casino Royale (2006) Type: sight Why go: This is the most famous movie filmed here. The hotel played the "Hotel Splendide" in Montenegro. Best for: Action movie fans and James Bond enthusiasts. Where: The main facade, the parking lot, and the Grand Restaurant. Time: 1 hour for a walk-around. Cost: Free to view the exterior; price of a drink at the bar. Getting there: Walk to the end of the main pedestrian zone. Tip: Order a Vesper Martini at the Becher's Bar inside the hotel.
2. Name: Last Holiday (2006) Type: experience Why go: Queen Latifah stays here in this heartwarming comedy. The hotel plays itself in the movie. Best for: Families and fans of feel-good comedies. Where: The presidential suite and the hotel kitchens. Time: 2 hours for a meal. Cost: Typical luxury hotel prices for dining. Getting there: Easy walk from the city center. Tip: Try the "Pupp Cake" in the hotel café, just like in the film.
3. Name: The Grand Budapest Hotel (Inspiration) Type: sight Why go: While not filmed here, Wes Anderson used Pupp as a primary visual reference. You will recognize the pink facade and hill setting. Best for: Design lovers and Wes Anderson fans. Where: The overall exterior view from the hill. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Take the funicular to the Diana Observation Tower for the best view. Tip: Compare photos of the movie hotel to the real Pupp facade.
4. Name: Shanghai Knights (2003) Type: sight Why go: Jackie Chan and Owen Wilson filmed several action sequences in Karlovy Vary. The hotel appears in the background of many city shots. Best for: Fans of martial arts and comedy. Where: The streets surrounding the hotel. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow a self-guided Karlovy Vary walking route. Tip: Look for the narrow alleys where the chase scenes happened.
5. Name: La Vie en Rose (2007) Type: sight Why go: This Edith Piaf biopic used the hotel's ballroom for elegant party scenes. Best for: Fans of musical biopics and French history. Where: The Festive Hall. Time: 20 minutes (if accessible). Cost: Free to peek in, or cost of an event ticket. Getting there: Located in the main hotel building. Tip: Check the hotel schedule to see if the hall is open for visitors.
6. Name: The Ring (2002/2003) Type: sight Why go: Some interior shots for the franchise were captured in the moody hallways of the older wing. Best for: Horror movie fans. Where: The corridors of the Parkside wing. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free for hotel guests. Getting there: Enter through the side lobby. Tip: Visit at night for a truly spooky atmosphere.
7. Name: I Served the King of England (2006) Type: experience Why go: This famous Czech film captures the golden age of European service. Best for: Those interested in Czech culture and history. Where: The Grand Restaurant dining room. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Price of a lunch or dinner. Getting there: Main dining area of the hotel. Tip: Read the book by Bohumil Hrabal before you visit.
8. Name: The Philanthropist (2009) Type: sight Why go: This TV series used the hotel to represent various European high-society spots. Best for: TV drama fans. Where: The hotel lobby and reception area. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk through the main entrance. Tip: The lobby is perfect for people-watching.
9. Name: The Mill Colonnade Type: day trip Why go: This nearby spot is a frequent filming site for period dramas. It is a must-see near the hotel. Best for: Architecture fans. Where: Mlýnské nábřeží, Karlovy Vary. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: A 10-minute walk from Grandhotel Pupp. Tip: Learn about the Mill Colonnade architecture history while you explore.

Plan Your Visit to This Movie Star Hotel

Visiting Karlovy Vary is easy from Prague. You can take a bus or a train for a scenic trip. Most people arrive at the Karlovy Vary railway station. From there, a short taxi ride brings you to the hotel gates. The best time to visit is during the summer film festival. However, the hotel is beautiful in the winter too. Snow makes the building look like a fairy tale palace.

You do not have to be a guest to enjoy the hotel. Many visitors come just for coffee or a meal. This allows you to see the famous interiors without a high room rate. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes. The city is best explored on foot. You can follow a historic walk in Karlovy Vary to see other sights. Always check the official Visit Czechia site for the latest travel rules.