Discover the stunning locations where the romantic comedy Maid in Manhattan was filmed.
If you’re a fan of the movie and have been wondering where Maid in Manhattan was filmed, you’re in the right place.
In this article, we’ll take you on a journey through the different filming locations of Maid in Manhattan and give you all the details you need to know about each spot.
The Iconic Hotel
One of the most iconic locations in the movie Maid in Manhattan is the luxurious hotel where the main character Marisa works as a maid. The hotel’s exterior, lobby, and presidential suite are all featured prominently throughout the film.
The Exterior
The hotel used in Maid in Manhattan is the legendary Waldorf Astoria New York. The Waldorf Astoria is a landmark hotel located in Manhattan, New York City. Its iconic Art Deco architecture and prime location make it a popular destination for tourists and celebrities alike.
The exterior of the hotel is featured in several shots throughout the movie, showcasing its grandeur and beauty. If you’re a fan of the film and happen to visit New York City, be sure to stop by the Waldorf Astoria and take a picture in front of its iconic facade.
The Lobby
The Waldorf Astoria’s grand lobby is one of the most famous hotel lobbies in the world. Its ornate decor, including the iconic clock, has been featured in numerous movies and TV shows over the years, including Maid in Manhattan.
Keep in mind that the Waldorf Astoria is currently closed for renovations, but its lobby is set to reopen in 2022 as a public space with restaurants and shops.
The Presidential Suite
In the movie, the presidential suite at the Waldorf Astoria is where the main character Marisa is mistaken for a wealthy hotel guest and falls in love with a politician played by Ralph Fiennes.
The Waldorf Astoria’s presidential suite is known for its luxury and opulence. The suite has hosted numerous famous guests over the years, including presidents and royalty. Unfortunately, the suite is not available for booking during the hotel’s renovation, but keep an eye out for its reopening in 2022.
The Elegant Ballroom
If you are a fan of the romantic comedy Maid in Manhattan, you might remember the elegant ballroom scene in which Marisa Ventura, played by Jennifer Lopez, dances with Christopher Marshall, played by Ralph Fiennes. In this scene, the two characters fall in love, despite their different social backgrounds. But have you ever wondered where this memorable scene was filmed? Keep reading to find out!
The Filming Location
The ballroom scene in Maid in Manhattan was filmed at the Waldorf Astoria New York, a luxurious hotel located in Midtown Manhattan. The Waldorf Astoria was a popular filming location for many movies and TV shows, thanks to its elegant and iconic interiors. Unfortunately, the hotel closed its doors in 2017 for a major renovation and conversion into luxury condominiums. However, the ballroom scene in Maid in Manhattan will always be remembered as one of the most romantic and glamorous moments in the hotel’s history.
The Scene
The ballroom scene in Maid in Manhattan is a pivotal moment in the movie, as it marks the beginning of the romance between Marisa and Christopher. The scene was beautifully choreographed and filmed, with Jennifer Lopez and Ralph Fiennes dancing to the tune of “Come Away with Me” by Norah Jones. The ballroom itself was decorated with stunning floral arrangements, crystal chandeliers, and gold accents, creating a truly magical atmosphere.
Behind the Scenes
According to the movie’s production team, filming the ballroom scene in Maid in Manhattan was a challenging task, as they had to transform the Waldorf Astoria’s real ballroom into the perfect setting for the movie. This involved bringing in additional lighting, sound equipment, and decorations, as well as coordinating the movements of the actors and the camera crew. Despite the difficulties, the end result was a scene that captured the essence of romance and glamour, and left audiences swooning.
The Department Store
One of the most iconic locations in the movie Maid in Manhattan is the department store where Marisa Ventura, played by Jennifer Lopez, works as a maid and where she meets politician Chris Marshall, played by Ralph Fiennes. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the department store in the movie, including the real-life store it was based on, the fictional store in the movie, and the filming experience.
The Real-Life Store
The department store in the movie is based on the real-life luxury department store, Bergdorf Goodman, located in New York City. Bergdorf Goodman is famous for its designer clothing, accessories, and beauty products. The store was founded in 1899 and is still one of the most prestigious department stores in the world.
The Fictional Store
In the movie, the department store is called The Beresford and is depicted as a high-end department store with a grand entrance, luxurious interiors, and exclusive designer brands. The Beresford was named after the Beresford Hotel, a historic hotel located on Central Park West in New York City.
The Filming Experience
The department store scenes in Maid in Manhattan were actually filmed in two different locations. The exterior shots of The Beresford were filmed at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City, which is known for its luxury accommodations and elegant ballrooms. The interior shots were filmed at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in Times Square, which is famous for its iconic atrium and panoramic views of the city.
According to the filmmakers, filming in the real-life locations added authenticity to the movie’s depiction of New York City’s high-end fashion and hospitality industries. The department store scenes also showcased the glamour and elegance of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
The Subway Station
One of the most iconic scenes from the movie “Maid in Manhattan” is when Marisa Ventura, played by Jennifer Lopez, meets Chris Marshall, played by Ralph Fiennes, at the subway station. This scene was filmed at the Brooklyn Bridge/City Hall subway station in New York City.
It is worth mentioning that this subway station is one of the oldest in New York City, dating back to 1904. It is also one of the busiest stations in the city, serving several subway lines, including the 4, 5, and 6 trains. The station’s unique architecture, with curved ceilings and ornate tiles, has made it a popular filming location for many movies and TV shows.
The scene in “Maid in Manhattan” where Marisa and Chris meet at the subway station is a pivotal moment in the movie. In the scene, Marisa is wearing a maid’s uniform and is mistaken for a wealthy guest at the hotel where she works. Chris, who is running for political office, is immediately drawn to her and strikes up a conversation with her on the subway platform.
The subway station provides a romantic backdrop for their conversation, with the hustle and bustle of commuters and the rumble of passing trains adding to the atmosphere. This scene is a classic example of how a movie can use a real location to create a memorable cinematic moment.
-
The Brooklyn Bridge/City Hall station is not open to the general public and can only be accessed by special tours.
-
The station has been featured in several other movies and TV shows, including “The Godfather: Part III” and “The Taking of Pelham 123.”
-
“Maid in Manhattan” was not the first movie to use the subway station as a filming location. The 1995 movie “Money Train,” starring Wesley Snipes and Woody Harrelson, also filmed scenes at the station.
The Romantic Park
One of the most memorable scenes from the 2002 romantic comedy film, Maid in Manhattan, was filmed in a beautiful park. This scene is where the two main characters, Marisa Ventura and Christopher Marshall, played by Jennifer Lopez and Ralph Fiennes respectively, have a romantic interlude. Here is a comprehensive guide to the park where this iconic scene was filmed.
The Location
The romantic park featured in Maid in Manhattan is the Central Park Conservatory Garden. It is located on the east side of Central Park, between 104th and 106th streets. The garden is divided into three sections, each with its unique features, including the French garden, the Italian garden, and the English garden. The park is open daily from 8:00 am until dusk, and admission is free.
The Scene
The scene filmed in the Central Park Conservatory Garden is undoubtedly one of the most romantic moments in the movie. The couple is shown walking through the beautiful French garden, which is adorned with a fountain, hedges, and flowers. They then sit on a bench and have a heart-to-heart conversation, which leads to a romantic kiss.
Fun Facts
It is worth mentioning that the Central Park Conservatory Garden is not the only location in New York City where Maid in Manhattan was filmed. Other filming locations include the Waldorf Astoria Hotel, where Marisa works as a maid, and the Empire State Building, which makes an appearance in the movie’s opening sequence.
Furthermore, the Central Park Conservatory Garden is a popular spot for filming movies, TV shows, and music videos. Some of the other productions that have used this location include Gossip Girl, Law and Order, and Sex and the City.
| Location | Opening Hours | Admission |
|---|---|---|
| Central Park Conservatory Garden | 8:00 am until dusk | Free |
Lastly, keep in mind that the Central Park Conservatory Garden is just one of the many beautiful parks in New York City. Unfortunately, due to its popularity, it can get quite crowded, especially during peak tourist season. Remember to plan your visit accordingly to avoid large crowds and fully enjoy the beauty of this iconic location.
Sources: https://www.centralparknyc.org/locations/conservatory-garden
Conclusion
Maid in Manhattan was filmed in some truly stunning locations, from the iconic hotel where the movie’s most memorable moments took place, to the grand ballroom and the bustling department store.
We hope you enjoyed this comprehensive guide to where Maid in Manhattan was filmed and that it has inspired you to visit some of these beautiful locations in person.
Whether you’re a fan of the movie or just love exploring new places, there’s something for everyone in these stunning filming locations.
