Are you a fan of the hit teen drama series Gossip Girl? If you are, then you’ve probably wondered where the stunning hotels featured in the show are located.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Gossip Girl was primarily filmed at The Palace Hotel and The Empire Hotel in New York City. However, there are other hotels that were also used as filming locations.
In this article, we’ll take you on a virtual tour of the iconic hotels featured in Gossip Girl. From The Palace Hotel’s lavish interior to The Empire Hotel’s rooftop bar, we’ll explore the luxurious settings that brought Gossip Girl to life.
The Palace Hotel
The Palace Hotel is a historic luxury hotel located in the heart of Manhattan. It was built in 1882 and has since become a staple in New York City’s skyline. The hotel has undergone several renovations and changes of ownership over the years, but it has always maintained its reputation as one of the most luxurious hotels in the city.
It is worth mentioning that The Palace Hotel has been featured in countless movies and TV shows over the years. However, it is perhaps most famous for its appearances in the hit TV series Gossip Girl.
The History of The Palace Hotel
The Palace Hotel was originally built by Henry Potter Russell, a wealthy businessman who wanted to create a luxurious hotel in the heart of Manhattan. The hotel quickly became popular with wealthy travelers and socialites, and it was known for its opulent decor and luxurious amenities.
Over the years, The Palace Hotel has hosted countless famous guests, including presidents, movie stars, and royalty. Unfortunately, the hotel fell into disrepair in the mid-20th century and was eventually sold to new owners who restored it to its former glory.
Filming Locations at The Palace Hotel
Throughout the six seasons of Gossip Girl, The Palace Hotel was used as a filming location for numerous scenes. The hotel’s grand ballroom, luxurious suites, and stunning lobby all made appearances on the show.
It is interesting to note that while The Palace Hotel was used as a filming location for the show’s fictional hotel, The New York Palace, it was not actually the inspiration for the show’s fictional hotel. The New York Palace was instead based on The Lotte New York Palace, a different luxury hotel located just a few blocks away.
Notable Gossip Girl Scenes at The Palace Hotel
- Blair and Serena’s suite: In season one, Blair and Serena share a suite at The Palace Hotel while Serena is staying in New York. The suite is opulent and luxurious, and it sets the tone for the rest of the show’s depiction of the hotel.
- The cotillion: In season one, The Palace Hotel’s grand ballroom is the setting for the show’s iconic cotillion episode. The ballroom is beautifully decorated, and the scene is one of the show’s most memorable.
- The wedding: In the show’s final season, The Palace Hotel is the site of Blair and Chuck’s long-awaited wedding. The wedding is a lavish affair, and the hotel’s stunning decor provides the perfect backdrop.
The Empire Hotel
The Empire Hotel is a luxurious hotel located on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, New York City. It is featured several times in the popular TV series Gossip Girl, serving as the backdrop for many iconic scenes.
The History of The Empire Hotel
The Empire Hotel was originally built in 1893 as a residential hotel. In 1923, it was purchased by the Empire Hotels Corporation and was converted into a hotel for business travelers. Over the years, it has undergone several renovations to keep up with the changing times and has become a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.
Filming Locations at The Empire Hotel
The Empire Hotel is one of the most recognizable filming locations in Gossip Girl. Many scenes were shot in the hotel’s lobby, bar, and rooftop. The hotel’s elegant décor and luxurious amenities made it the perfect choice for the show’s glamorous setting.
- In season 1, episode 10, Blair and Chuck meet in The Empire Hotel’s bar to discuss their relationship.
- In season 2, episode 1, the hotel’s rooftop was transformed into a fashion show for Blair’s clothing line.
- In season 4, episode 1, Serena stays in The Empire Hotel’s penthouse during her time in Paris.
Notable Gossip Girl Scenes at The Empire Hotel
The Empire Hotel played a significant role in many of Gossip Girl’s most memorable scenes.
| Scene | Description |
|---|---|
| The Chuck and Blair scene | In season 1, episode 10, Chuck and Blair have a heated discussion about their relationship in The Empire Hotel’s bar. |
| The Fashion Show | In season 2, episode 1, The Empire Hotel’s rooftop was transformed into a fashion show for Blair’s clothing line. |
| The Paris Scene | In season 4, episode 1, Serena stays in The Empire Hotel’s penthouse during her time in Paris. |
If you’re a fan of Gossip Girl, it is worth mentioning that The Empire Hotel is a must-visit destination. Unfortunately, the hotel has undergone several renovations since the show’s conclusion, so it may not look exactly the same as it did on screen. Keep in mind that The Empire Hotel is just one of the many iconic hotels featured in Gossip Girl, so remember to visit other popular hotel chains like The Palace Hotel and The Waldorf Astoria.
The St. Regis New York
The St. Regis New York is an iconic hotel located in the heart of Manhattan’s Midtown East neighborhood. Its rich history dates back to 1904 when John Jacob Astor IV opened the doors to the luxurious hotel. The St. Regis New York has since become a destination for high-end travelers, celebrities, and business leaders, offering unparalleled luxury and service.
Throughout the years, The St. Regis New York has been featured in numerous films, TV shows, and advertisements. One of its most notable appearances was in the hit TV series Gossip Girl, where it served as the backdrop for some of the show’s most iconic scenes.
Filming Locations at The St. Regis New York
The St. Regis New York was featured in several episodes of Gossip Girl, including the memorable season two finale where Blair Waldorf and Chuck Bass finally tie the knot. The hotel’s grand ballroom served as the setting for the extravagant wedding reception, complete with stunning chandeliers, elegant décor, and a live band.
The hotel’s King Cole Bar & Salon also made an appearance in the show when Blair and Serena van der Woodsen met up for drinks. The bar’s famous mural, “Old King Cole,” served as the perfect backdrop for the scene.
Notable Gossip Girl Scenes at The St. Regis New York
Aside from the wedding scene, The St. Regis New York was also featured in several other memorable Gossip Girl moments. In one episode, Blair and Chuck meet in the hotel’s iconic lobby, where they engage in a heated argument. In another episode, Serena and Nate Archibald share a romantic dance in the hotel’s ballroom.
If you’re a fan of Gossip Girl, a visit to The St. Regis New York is a must. Not only will you get the chance to stay at one of the city’s most luxurious hotels, but you’ll also get to experience the iconic locations featured in the show. Keep in mind that The St. Regis New York is not just a filming location, but a world-renowned hotel that offers unmatched luxury, service, and style.
The New York Palace Hotel
The New York Palace Hotel is a luxurious hotel that has been around since 1980. The hotel is an iconic landmark of New York City and has been featured in many movies and TV shows. One of the most notable TV shows to feature The New York Palace Hotel is Gossip Girl.
The History of The New York Palace Hotel
The New York Palace Hotel was originally built as the Villard Houses in 1882. The Villard Houses were a series of six brownstone townhouses that were built for Henry Villard, a railroad financier. The townhouses were later turned into a hotel in 1899 and were renamed The New York Palace Hotel. The hotel has undergone many renovations over the years, but it still maintains its historic charm.
Filming Locations at The New York Palace Hotel
The New York Palace Hotel was used as a filming location for many scenes in Gossip Girl. The hotel’s grand staircase was featured as the entrance to the Constance Billard School for Girls and St. Jude’s School for Boys. The hotel’s courtyard was also used as a filming location for many outdoor scenes.
Notable Gossip Girl Scenes at The New York Palace Hotel
One of the most notable Gossip Girl scenes that was filmed at The New York Palace Hotel is when Chuck Bass and Blair Waldorf get married. The scene takes place in the hotel’s courtyard and is one of the most memorable scenes from the show.
Another memorable scene that was filmed at The New York Palace Hotel is when Serena van der Woodsen and Blair Waldorf have a confrontation at the hotel’s grand staircase. The scene is a pivotal moment in the show and is a great example of the hotel’s grandeur.
It is worth mentioning that The New York Palace Hotel is not only a popular filming location, but it is also a popular destination for tourists. The hotel’s luxurious rooms and prime location make it a great choice for anyone visiting New York City.
Other Gossip Girl Filming Locations
While the hotels featured in Gossip Girl certainly stole the show, the series also utilized other iconic New York City locations for filming.
- The Standard Hotel: This trendy hotel located in the Meatpacking District was used for several scenes in the show. Notably, it was the site of the infamous Chuck Bass and Blair Waldorf rooftop scene in the pilot episode.
- The Lotte New York Palace Hotel: While not a mainstay in the show, this upscale hotel was featured in several episodes as the location of various events and meetings.
- The Plaza Hotel: Another iconic New York City hotel, The Plaza was used in several episodes as the site of various events and parties. Its grand ballroom was featured prominently in the show.
- The Waldorf Astoria New York: The Waldorf Astoria was used in several episodes as the location of various events and meetings. Fans of the show will remember it as the site of Blair Waldorf’s wedding to Prince Louis.
It is worth mentioning that many of these locations have become popular tourist destinations as a result of their appearances in the show. Keep in mind that some of these locations may have changed since filming took place, so it’s always a good idea to check ahead of time before making a trip. Unfortunately, not all of the locations used in the show are accessible to the public, as some were filmed on private property.
On the other hand, for those who want to fully immerse themselves in the world of Gossip Girl, there are several tour companies that offer guided tours of the show’s filming locations. These tours typically include stops at the iconic hotels as well as other popular filming locations around the city.
Conclusion
And there you have it! A comprehensive guide to the iconic hotels featured in Gossip Girl. We hope you enjoyed this virtual tour and that it has inspired you to visit these luxurious destinations in real life. Who knows, you might even bump into a Gossip Girl character while you’re there!
