“Hotel” is an American television drama series that aired on ABC from 1983 to 1988. The show was produced by Aaron Spelling, the mastermind behind other hit series like Dynasty and The Love Boat. Based on Arthur Hailey’s 1965 novel of the same name, “Hotel” offers a glamorous and drama-filled look into the operations of a luxury hotel in San Francisco, the fictional St. Gregory Hotel. The series focuses on the lives of the hotel’s staff and guests, exploring the intricate relationships, personal dramas, and occasional scandals that unfold within the upscale environment. With a mix of romance, drama, and intrigue, the show quickly became a staple of 1980s television, appealing to viewers who were captivated by the sophisticated setting and compelling storylines.
The series is centered around the day-to-day operations of the St. Gregory Hotel, with the hotel’s manager, Peter McDermott (James Brolin), at the helm. Each episode introduces new guest stars, with their personal stories intertwining with the hotel staff’s ongoing plots. This episodic structure allowed the show to bring in a rotating cast of familiar faces, giving audiences fresh drama each week while maintaining continuity through the lives of the recurring characters.
Plot Overview
“Hotel” primarily revolves around the St. Gregory Hotel, a five-star establishment located in the heart of San Francisco. The show focuses on Peter McDermott, the hotel’s sophisticated and capable general manager, who runs the day-to-day operations while navigating the complex world of high-end hospitality. The hotel’s owner, Victoria Cabot (Anne Baxter), plays a key role in maintaining the St. Gregory’s reputation as a prestigious destination for the rich and famous. Victoria and Peter, along with their dedicated staff, work to ensure the hotel runs smoothly, but behind the scenes, the personal lives and interactions between employees and guests are anything but calm.
Each episode features new hotel guests, whose personal dramas, romantic entanglements, and hidden secrets become focal points of the storyline. The St. Gregory often serves as the backdrop for these emotionally charged scenarios, offering a blend of romance, mystery, and even suspense. From high-profile celebrities and business tycoons to ordinary travelers with extraordinary stories, the hotel becomes a microcosm of society, with every new guest bringing a fresh narrative to the luxurious setting.
- An elegant hotel in San Francisco is the setting for each multi-plot episode involving employees of the hotel and an entertaining variety of new guests each week
While the guests’ stories form the episodic backbone of the show, the staff’s personal lives provide the continuity that keeps viewers engaged week after week. Peter McDermott’s leadership skills and professionalism are tested as he deals with both professional challenges and his evolving personal relationships. Victoria Cabot, as the hotel’s wealthy and influential owner, adds another layer of intrigue as she navigates the challenges of running a business in a competitive, high-stakes environment. Their loyal staff, including Christine Francis (Connie Sellecca), the assistant general manager, is equally important to the show’s dynamic, as Christine becomes a confidante and sometimes romantic interest for Peter.
The relationships between the staff members also develop over the course of the series. Christine Francis is an intelligent and capable assistant manager who often plays a central role in resolving both hotel crises and guest-related dramas. Her professional rapport with Peter often hints at deeper romantic undertones, and their close working relationship is one of the key emotional arcs of the show. Other staff members, such as bellmen, housekeepers, and concierge staff, provide additional subplots that add depth to the show’s portrayal of life within the luxury hotel industry.
While the overarching focus is on the hotel itself, “Hotel” also delves into various social and personal issues through its guest stars’ storylines. These include themes such as infidelity, love triangles, power struggles, financial crises, and personal redemption. The show’s ability to balance high-society glamour with human vulnerability made it stand out during its five-year run.
Key Characters
- Peter McDermott (James Brolin): Peter is the suave and charismatic general manager of the St. Gregory Hotel. He is dedicated to maintaining the hotel’s impeccable reputation while managing the various challenges that arise, both professionally and personally. As the face of the St. Gregory, Peter is often called upon to solve difficult situations, from guest complaints to staff issues, all while balancing his personal life. James Brolin’s portrayal of Peter McDermott brought sophistication and charm to the character, making him a central figure in the series.
- Victoria Cabot (Anne Baxter): Victoria is the elegant and determined owner of the St. Gregory. She is a strong-willed woman who inherited the hotel and is deeply invested in its success. Victoria’s relationship with Peter is one of mutual respect and partnership, though she often faces her own personal and professional challenges. Her wealth and social status place her at the top of San Francisco’s elite, but Victoria’s vulnerability and determination make her a relatable character. Anne Baxter’s performance adds gravitas to the series, particularly in the early seasons.
- Christine Francis (Connie Sellecca): Christine is the assistant general manager of the hotel and serves as Peter’s right hand. Her competence and loyalty make her indispensable to the hotel’s operations, and her character often takes on a pivotal role in resolving both guest-related and internal conflicts. Christine’s romantic tension with Peter adds depth to her character and provides an ongoing emotional storyline that evolves over the course of the series. Connie Sellecca’s portrayal of Christine helped her become one of the show’s most beloved characters.
- Billy Griffin (Nathan Cook): Billy is the St. Gregory’s head of security, tasked with ensuring the safety of the hotel’s high-profile guests. His no-nonsense approach to his job, combined with his dedication to protecting the hotel, makes him a trusted and reliable member of the team. Billy’s character is often involved in subplots that deal with security threats, crimes, or mysterious happenings within the hotel.
- Mark Danning (Shea Farrell): Mark is the hotel’s bell captain, responsible for managing the bellmen and providing excellent customer service to guests. His role often brings him into contact with the more quirky or demanding guests, and his interactions provide both comedic relief and moments of drama.
Themes and Storytelling
“Hotel” explores themes of romance, personal ambition, and the complexities of human relationships, all set within the glamorous world of a luxury hotel. The series is driven by the concept that every guest who checks into the St. Gregory brings with them a unique story, and these stories often reveal deeper truths about life, love, and the human condition. Whether dealing with a wealthy tycoon who has lost his fortune, a young couple facing relationship issues, or a celebrity struggling with addiction, the show blends the allure of high society with the vulnerabilities that lie beneath.
The show also addresses issues of class and social dynamics. While the St. Gregory serves as a symbol of wealth and success, the struggles of its guests and staff often highlight the challenges of maintaining that image. The relationships between the staff members—particularly Peter, Christine, and Victoria—underscore themes of loyalty, responsibility, and ambition, as each character grapples with their personal and professional aspirations.
Another central theme in “Hotel” is the concept of escape. For many guests, the St. Gregory serves as a temporary refuge from their personal problems. The hotel provides a space for transformation, where people can reinvent themselves, fall in love, or confront their past mistakes. This idea of the hotel as a sanctuary is reinforced by the luxurious surroundings, the attentive staff, and the sense of anonymity that allows guests to explore their desires and confront their dilemmas.
The show’s episodic structure allows for a wide range of guest stars, each bringing their own unique stories to the St. Gregory. From well-known celebrities of the time to character actors, the rotating cast of guest stars kept the show fresh and engaging, while the ongoing storylines of the hotel staff provided continuity and emotional depth.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
“Hotel” became a staple of 1980s television, known for its glamorous setting, romantic storylines, and the high-profile guest stars who appeared in each episode. The series helped define the era’s fascination with wealth, luxury, and high society, much like other Aaron Spelling productions. Its mix of melodrama, romance, and personal intrigue made it a hit with audiences who were drawn to the lavish world of the St. Gregory Hotel.
The show’s success also led to syndication and international broadcasts, expanding its appeal beyond the U.S. market. Its focus on human drama set against a backdrop of opulence and elegance allowed “Hotel” to stand out as one of the most memorable dramas of its time.
