When it comes to cinematic thrills, few settings can match the claustrophobic intensity of a hotel during a disaster. These films not only provide edge-of-your-seat entertainment but also explore themes of human resilience, survival, and the unexpected chaos that can erupt in what's supposed to be a sanctuary of luxury and relaxation. Here's a curated list of 10 disaster films where hotels become the epicentre of catastrophe, offering a unique blend of suspense, drama, and sometimes, dark humour.

The Poseidon Adventure (1972)
Description: Although the disaster occurs on a ship, the aftermath involves survivors navigating through the upturned luxury liner, which becomes their temporary hotel. It's a thrilling tale of survival against all odds.
Fact: The film was a major success, leading to a sequel and a remake, showcasing the enduring appeal of disaster narratives.


The Towering Inferno (1974)
Description: This classic disaster film showcases a high-rise hotel engulfed in flames, trapping guests in a desperate fight for survival. It's a perfect example of how a hotel can turn from a place of luxury to a deadly trap.
Fact: The film was nominated for eight Academy Awards, winning three, including Best Cinematography and Best Original Song for "We May Never Love Like This Again."


The Ghost and the Darkness (1996)
Description: While not a traditional disaster film, the hotel in this movie becomes a refuge from man-eating lions, creating a unique survival scenario.
Fact: The film was inspired by real events, though the story was dramatized for cinematic effect.


The Perfect Storm (2000)
Description: Although the main action takes place at sea, the film's beginning and end involve a hotel where the crew gathers before and after their fateful journey, highlighting the contrast between safety and peril.
Fact: The film was based on the book by Sebastian Junger, which itself was based on real events.


The Day After Tomorrow (2004)
Description: While not exclusively set in a hotel, a significant portion of the film's climax takes place in a New York City hotel where survivors seek refuge from a sudden ice age. The hotel becomes a microcosm of society under extreme stress.
Fact: The film's special effects were groundbreaking at the time, earning it a nomination for Best Visual Effects at the Academy Awards.


The Finest Hours (2016)
Description: Although not set in a hotel, the film's rescue operation involves a hotel-like structure on an oil tanker, where survivors are trapped, making it a fitting addition to this list.
Fact: The film is based on a true story of the most daring rescue in Coast Guard history.


Hotel Artemis (2018)
Description: Set in a near-future Los Angeles, this film features a secret hospital for criminals known as Hotel Artemis, which becomes a battleground when riots break out. It's a unique take on the disaster theme with a twist of crime and action.
Fact: The film was shot in Los Angeles, with the hotel's interior designed to reflect a retro-futuristic aesthetic.


The Day the Earth Caught Fire (1961)
Description: This British film features a hotel as one of the settings where journalists gather to report on the impending global catastrophe caused by nuclear testing. It's a classic example of how a hotel can be a focal point during a crisis.
Fact: The film was praised for its realistic portrayal of journalism and its speculative science fiction elements.


DeepStar Six (1989)
Description: While primarily set in an underwater military base, the film's climax involves a desperate escape to a nearby hotel-like structure, showcasing the theme of a safe haven turned perilous.
Fact: The film was part of a wave of underwater-themed movies in the late '80s and early '90s.


Hard Rain (1998)
Description: A heist film set during a catastrophic flood, where a small town and its hotel become the battleground for looters and law enforcement. The hotel's role in providing shelter and becoming a strategic point is central to the plot.
Fact: The film was one of the first to use digital water effects extensively, which was quite innovative for its time.
