James Bond as business traveler: Hotels worthy of 007

Retro chic: La Suite 007 exudes James Bond style, at Seven Hotel Paris.

By Mark Chesnut

If you think about it, James Bond—the world’s most famous secret agent—is nothing more than a very talented business traveler. His business might be a bit different from most frequent flyers, but the places that he’s stayed in many movies aren’t out of reach for more common, real-life globetrotters. And now, as fans celebrate the 50th anniversary of the popular movie franchise and a new film is about to debut this fall, the timing is perfect for making that next trip a bit more like a 007 assignment. Here are some hotels that Bond has booked.

Las Vegas Hotels
James Bond hasn’t spent too much time in so-called Sin City. But in Diamonds Are Forever, he checked into the Whyte House, a casino-hotel owned by a reclusive billionaire. The hotel was really the Las Vegas Hilton, which is today known as the LVH – Las Vegas Hotel and Casino, a revamped property that’s great for gaming and entertainment, while more than 9,000 square feet of meeting space serves the needs of business-minded travelers looking to make deals and negotiate—though most likely not with movie villains.

Jamaica Hotels
It’s no surprise that Jamaica figures heavily into James Bond’s travel itinerary. After all, this is where author Ian Fleming wrote the books that brought him to life. You can soak in some of the glamour at Half Moon, a RockResort, which serves up international luxury—and more than 27,000 square feet of meeting space—near Montego Bay, and not far from the settings of movies like Dr. No and Live and Let Die.

London Hotels & Paris Hotels
James Bond seems likely to forever serve in Her Majesty’s Secret Service, so to speak, so he will always need a convenient and comfortable place to rest and take care of business in England’s capital. Among the choices are the Langham Hotel, which used the stage name “Grand Hotel Europe” in Goldfinger, the Royal Horseguards Hotel, a member of Preferred Hotels and Resorts that had a role in Octopussy, and the  Ritz Hotel London, a member of Leading Hotels of the World that appeared in both Diamonds Are Forever and The Man With the Golden Gun.

Of course, if you really want some 007-style visuals, you can check into the retro-chic Seven Hotel Paris. This boutique hotel, located in the heart of the Latin Quarter, hasn’t made it into a single James Bond movie. But it’s home to La Suite 007, a luxury suite dedicated to the world’s best-loved secret agent. You can even slip on the spy’s tailored suit and pose for photos.

Mark Chesnut is a travel writer, editor and publisher of LatinFlyer.com,which focuses on travel to Latin America. James Bond is a big reason why he became a travel writer. 

Tagged: Europe, Hotels, Las Vegas