Top 10 Thrillers Set Inside a Hotel

Hotels are meant to be places of rest, but in the hands of skilled storytellers, they transform into stages for suspense and danger. The confined spaces, mysterious guests, and hidden secrets make hotels perfect settings for thrilling narratives that keep you glued to the screen.

I’ve explored countless stories set in these eerie establishments and narrowed down a list of the top 10 thrillers that unfold within hotel walls. From classic films to gripping TV series, these tales will make you think twice before checking in.

10. ‘The Night Clerk’ (2020)

Bart, a young hotel clerk with autism, spends his nights watching guests through hidden cameras to study human behavior. When a murder happens during his shift, he becomes entangled in a dangerous web of suspicion and secrets.

The film’s strength lies in Tye Sheridan’s portrayal of Bart, whose unique perspective drives the suspense. It’s a slow-burn thriller that keeps you guessing about who’s watching whom.

9. ‘Hotel’ (2004)

Irene takes a job as a desk clerk at a quiet Austrian hotel, only to discover the previous employee vanished under mysterious circumstances. As she digs deeper, the hotel’s eerie atmosphere and uncooperative staff fuel her paranoia.

This lesser-known gem leans on psychological tension rather than jump scares. Franziska Weisz’s performance as Irene pulls you into her growing dread, making every creak in the hotel feel ominous.

8. ‘Bad Times at the El Royale’ (2018)

In 1969, seven strangers with dark secrets check into a rundown hotel on the California-Nevada border. As their pasts unravel, a violent night of betrayal and deception unfolds.

The star-studded cast, including Jeff Bridges and Cynthia Erivo, delivers gripping performances. The film’s nonlinear storytelling and retro vibe create a thrilling puzzle you can’t look away from.

7. ‘Vacancy’ (2007)

A couple stranded at a remote motel discovers hidden cameras in their room and realizes they’re the next targets in a snuff film operation. Their fight for survival turns the night into a heart-pounding ordeal.

Kate Beckinsale and Luke Wilson bring raw desperation to their roles. The film’s claustrophobic setting and relentless pace make it a modern classic of motel terror.

6. ‘The Halcyon’ (2017)

Set in a luxurious London hotel during World War II, this series follows the staff and guests as they navigate love, espionage, and betrayal amid the chaos of war. Secrets lurk in every room, threatening to unravel lives.

The show’s rich period details and ensemble cast, led by Steven Mackintosh, create a tense atmosphere. Each episode feels like a mini-thriller, blending personal drama with historical stakes.

5. ‘Hotel Babylon’ (2006-2009)

This British series dives into the chaotic world of a five-star London hotel, where the staff juggles demanding guests, scandalous secrets, and dangerous schemes. From blackmail to illicit affairs, every shift brings new thrills.

The fast-paced storytelling and sharp wit keep you hooked. Actors like Dexter Fletcher shine as they navigate the hotel’s underbelly, making each episode a wild ride.

4. ‘Identity’ (2003)

Ten strangers find themselves trapped at a desolate Nevada motel during a storm, only to be picked off one by one by an unknown killer. As they scramble to survive, shocking truths about their connections emerge.

John Cusack leads a stellar cast in this twisty neo-noir thriller. The film’s clever plotting and surprising reveals keep you on edge until the final frame.

3. ‘1408’ (2007)

A skeptical writer checks into a notorious hotel room rumored to be haunted, intending to debunk its myths. Instead, he faces a night of psychological horrors that test his sanity and survival.

John Cusack’s intense performance anchors this Stephen King adaptation. The room itself feels like a character, turning every moment into a nerve-shredding experience.

2. ‘Psycho’ (1960)

Marion Crane, on the run after stealing money, checks into the Bates Motel, where she meets the unsettling Norman Bates. Her decision leads to one of cinema’s most iconic and chilling encounters.

Alfred Hitchcock’s masterpiece redefined thrillers with its shocking twists and Anthony Perkins’ unforgettable performance. The Bates Motel remains a legendary symbol of suspense.

1. ‘The Shining’ (1980)

Jack Torrance takes a job as the winter caretaker of the isolated Overlook Hotel, bringing his family along. As the hotel’s dark forces awaken, Jack descends into madness, endangering everyone around him.

Stanley Kubrick’s haunting visuals and Jack Nicholson’s unhinged performance make this a timeless thriller. The Overlook’s eerie presence lingers long after the credits roll.

Which hotel thriller kept you up at night, or is there another gem I missed? Drop your thoughts in the comments!