Fun Spanish series, which owes quite a lot to "Downton Abbey". Great villains (almost everyone is morally dubious at some point), interesting characters and a nicely twisty plot line, with emotion, suspense and humor all mixed in. With slight reservations over to the number of people who found themselves lurking in exactly the right place at the right time and the fact that the hero never actually seemed to do any work, we really enjoyed the whole thing....until the last 5 minutes of the last episode which were (a) inexplicable (b) unexplained and (c) a real letdown. However, don't let this detract from the other 30 odd hours of entertainment. Thoroughly enjoyable and borderline addictive.
109 Reviews
Move Over Downton Abbey!
lilly-benavides18 October 2014
Gran Hotel has it all; gorgeous historical drama, romance, mystery, intrigue, even a serial killer. Yes, it's a bit over the top but I couldn't get enough and wish there was more. I am Spanish so speak the language but since I was born here I often needed to refer to the subtitles which was a bit annoying because I didn't want to tear my eyes away from the action. So, I understand the hesitance to watch a subtitled show but it is worth it! If you love shows like Downton Abbey or The Paradise, Watch the first episode of Gran Hotel and you will be hooked...ENJOY! P.S. This is a show made in Spain, not to be confused with "The Grand" which was a very good British variation, but not as good as "Gran Hotel".
AMAZING SHOW
lisahernandez-lh3 December 2019
This is one of the shows that no matter how mnay times you watch it or how many years it goes by one remembers the greatness of the show. Love every bit. Loved every element. I wish more shows were like this. A very entertaining story, and it has a unique mix of suspense, comedy, drama, and romance.
This is one of all time favorite!!
So Delicious and Addictive.
heather-190-36477919 December 2014
OK, all of you fans of Downton Abbey, I have found an even better show: "Gran Hotel" http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2006421/ It is so addictive and wonderful you forget you are reading subtitles and begin craving each new episode. Yon González is the sexy Spanish young Matt Dillon. Llorenç González is the Spanish Jake Gyllenhaal. I just love everyone in this show. The connection between the leads is palpable and I am always lost in their dilemma. This may be my favorite series ever! I get it, the Spanish win the telenovela.
I just saw the first two seasons on Netflix and am craving the third. Please say there is an ending!
I just saw the first two seasons on Netflix and am craving the third. Please say there is an ending!
Everything you never knew you wanted in a tv show
marielledeheij26 August 2018
Rewatched this show numerous times and it gets me every time. The setting of the show (early 1900's), the clothes, a forbidden romance and no character without a secret or two. It all fits together somehow and makes me want to watch another episode and another and another. And each episode ending with a major cliffhanger doesn't help either!
The two main characters, Alicia and Julio, forbidden love is the main story of the show and the chemistry beteren them is obvious. The actors are well-casted and really convinced me of the story they're telling
One of the best series I have ever watched.
georgepap12343 January 2015
Gran Hotel is an amazing TV show, that contains all the right elements in perfect balance: Mystery, drama and comedy. I have concluded watching all the episodes, and I was impressed by the fast pace of the most of the original 75-min episodes. The pilot episode can make even the most demanding viewer addicted. I had never watched a Spanish TV show, and I decided to give it a try. And I was instantly hooked, I remember my face when the first episode finished. I was amazed. The script is fantastic, the most characters on the show are unique and unforgettable, the actors that are playing them are top, the costumes are well made and the mysterious scenery is breathtaking! The direction is exactly what this series needs. As many of the viewers, I thought that Gran Hotel would be an imitation of the Downton Abbey. I'm glad I was wrong, it is one hundred times better. If you have the chance, simply watch the first episode. I guarantee that you will not move your eyes from TV!
Wow! Highly recommended!
jerryjeff19 July 2014
This is one addictive show! It grabs you from the start, thanks in particular to the charismatic leads, Amaia Salamanca, who plays Alicia and Yon González, who plays Julio. The other actors are also compelling and excellent; the location, a beautiful old Spanish estate on the water, is glorious; the costumes are a delight; the scenes of old Spanish towns, with cobblestone streets and lanes lighted by torches, are wonderfully atmospheric! The plot swings from some truly touching moments to flights of operatic grandeur but it is the love story of Julio and Alicia that keeps the whole thing grounded and keeps you glued to the screen. Awesome!
Watched this on Netflix and am waiting breathlessly for them to add Season 3 so I can see the resolution of the plot!
Watched this on Netflix and am waiting breathlessly for them to add Season 3 so I can see the resolution of the plot!
Love, love loved it!
missymill3 March 2015
Warning: Spoilers
I'm not one to give top ratings easily, but with Gran Hotel, I couldn't help it!
That's not to say that the series doesn't ever have little things that make you say, "Huh?" It's important to suspend your logical side and just GO with it! Yes, it's odd that clothing changes are done too quickly, characters show up just in the nick of time, people don't realize they're being followed and, does Julio ever actually WORK? Also, the characters are not perfect. Of the main characters (at the hotel,) the only one I can think of that had a spotless character to my view was Alfredo for the Netflix episodes.
The reason I still think this is worth 10 stars is that I have never before been so obsessed and intrigued by a show. There's the cinematography, the gorgeous costumes, top-notch acting, the music, and the humor. I can't stop watching - to the point that when I finally found the final episodes in Spanish - with no subtitles - I watched and enjoyed them without understanding a word!
Gran Hotel is a romantic trip back in time and and to a beautiful location - well worth the "trip!"
That's not to say that the series doesn't ever have little things that make you say, "Huh?" It's important to suspend your logical side and just GO with it! Yes, it's odd that clothing changes are done too quickly, characters show up just in the nick of time, people don't realize they're being followed and, does Julio ever actually WORK? Also, the characters are not perfect. Of the main characters (at the hotel,) the only one I can think of that had a spotless character to my view was Alfredo for the Netflix episodes.
The reason I still think this is worth 10 stars is that I have never before been so obsessed and intrigued by a show. There's the cinematography, the gorgeous costumes, top-notch acting, the music, and the humor. I can't stop watching - to the point that when I finally found the final episodes in Spanish - with no subtitles - I watched and enjoyed them without understanding a word!
Gran Hotel is a romantic trip back in time and and to a beautiful location - well worth the "trip!"
excellent drama
jamaud19 March 2014
An excellent drama, full of romance, murder, mystery and mayhem. Although some suspension of disbelief is required for some parts (eg following people and not being seen), it is well written and acted enough that it does not impact and I am truly hooked. It is compelling and one of the best things on TV at present. To say it is the Spanish Downton abbey does it a disservice, as this is so much imore with all the intrigue involved.
At present I am part-way through season 2 and I will be very sad if it ends after season 3. That said, if it were to continue it might lose something as it could be difficult to stretch the story further.
At present I am part-way through season 2 and I will be very sad if it ends after season 3. That said, if it were to continue it might lose something as it could be difficult to stretch the story further.
A very suspenseful Soap Opera
fuljah18 August 2018
This series is full of action. The story line is full of characters, crime, murder, suspense, intrigue etc. They say that it is a "drama series" but it is actually a "soap opera".
The plot swirls around a young man who passes as a waiter at a "Grand Hotel" to investigate about the whereabouts of his missing sister. Then he finds himself collaborating with the police to catch a serial killer.
I must admit it is an engaging series. However, i gave it 5 stars out of 10 because it is too long. 66 episodes, each 45 minutes was too much for my taste. They have created a very good early 1900s setting, very good costumes, a well planned set etc. So inside of each episode there are mini "procedural stories" that are not very related to the main story. I assume they wanted to have a long run to make sure the costs of the costumes, set pays off.
Unfortunately, the series ends up with a story line that could be packed up in 24 episodes max. But they just water it to the point where it loses too much of its quality. Final verdict: it is watchable in hot summer nights when one is cooling with their lemonade / beer. But dont be so carried out by the other reviews.
Just a side note: I watched it in German over Netflix to develop my skills in that language - i believe it paid off. I quickly built vocabulary and grasped a lot of daily conversations!
The plot swirls around a young man who passes as a waiter at a "Grand Hotel" to investigate about the whereabouts of his missing sister. Then he finds himself collaborating with the police to catch a serial killer.
I must admit it is an engaging series. However, i gave it 5 stars out of 10 because it is too long. 66 episodes, each 45 minutes was too much for my taste. They have created a very good early 1900s setting, very good costumes, a well planned set etc. So inside of each episode there are mini "procedural stories" that are not very related to the main story. I assume they wanted to have a long run to make sure the costs of the costumes, set pays off.
Unfortunately, the series ends up with a story line that could be packed up in 24 episodes max. But they just water it to the point where it loses too much of its quality. Final verdict: it is watchable in hot summer nights when one is cooling with their lemonade / beer. But dont be so carried out by the other reviews.
Just a side note: I watched it in German over Netflix to develop my skills in that language - i believe it paid off. I quickly built vocabulary and grasped a lot of daily conversations!
Enjoyable
vivbish-1754626 February 2017
Loved watching this series. The subtitles were sometimes rather amusingly bad. The fascination for me was in the Spanish language , the characters were well-portrayed and actors did their best with script. The story line though - what a joke. It just got worse and worse, until it stretched any credulity at all. Mills and Boon on the screen. If that's what you enjoy reading then you will greatly enjoy the series. Otherwise its a good way to enjoy learning Spanish.
Couldn't stop at just one episode.
iammelba27 June 2018
This show is sooooooo addicting. The twists and turns throughout every single episode leaves you sitting on the edge of your seat. The show is so riveting that you forget you're reading subtitles. And just when I thought I had every character figured out, another twist happens.
I enjoyed this series so much that I just may go back and watch it all again.
I enjoyed this series so much that I just may go back and watch it all again.
Interesting series with some characters bad ends
atefsony25 October 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Most of mysteries were very good , may be you can Predict most of event, however the series was Interesting and entertaining ,but there are some bad point in my opinion:
1- Sophia was the most bad character in the series (big Liar, cheating her husband who sacrifice a lot for her , killed two women), come on there is no punishments' for that crime at all ????!!!!!!!
2- Romantic scenes were a little comparing to mysteries and unnecessary event specially for the lead characters.
3- it is logic to Andreas to go back to Camila which was truly loved him and he was unfair with her ,instead of woman he know that she is in love with his best friend.
any way go and watch it is my first Spanish series and I like most of it.
Started well but too many loose ends and silly coincidences
nnn-2346310 June 2015
Warning: Spoilers
SPOILERS AHEAD
I was gripped by the first few episodes but am now in Season 2 and quite disappointed. There are just too many loose ends and silly coincidences and that is a turn off.
For example: this famous letter in a red envelope that everyone is dying and killing for: how is it that the mother of the illegitimate kid, who knows everything about the matter, is not brought into this plot at any point? It's odd that she never sought to press a claim and even more odd that neither Belen nor Cristina nor Julio ever even look at her in any different way, let alone asking her about it. How come Alicia's mother and Diego don't seem to view her as anything other than a servant? They never even talk about her in relation to the letter. This is just plain weird, a big gaping hole in the story.
There are lots of other big gaping holes like this. So this one-armed guy shows up, is dancing and playing music with the entire staff, and then suddenly claims he has not only worked there but was married to a key character and the father of another. None of his old colleagues, not even his ex-wife sees him or recognizes him or says hello? He's just hanging around making merry in the servant's quarters and doesn't run into his ex-wife or any of the long time staff? WEIRD.
And what the hell happens to the gold-knife killer? Just vanishes and then it's bye bye. Ridiculous.
Just seems sloppily put together and an increasing pain to watch, for these reasons.
I was gripped by the first few episodes but am now in Season 2 and quite disappointed. There are just too many loose ends and silly coincidences and that is a turn off.
For example: this famous letter in a red envelope that everyone is dying and killing for: how is it that the mother of the illegitimate kid, who knows everything about the matter, is not brought into this plot at any point? It's odd that she never sought to press a claim and even more odd that neither Belen nor Cristina nor Julio ever even look at her in any different way, let alone asking her about it. How come Alicia's mother and Diego don't seem to view her as anything other than a servant? They never even talk about her in relation to the letter. This is just plain weird, a big gaping hole in the story.
There are lots of other big gaping holes like this. So this one-armed guy shows up, is dancing and playing music with the entire staff, and then suddenly claims he has not only worked there but was married to a key character and the father of another. None of his old colleagues, not even his ex-wife sees him or recognizes him or says hello? He's just hanging around making merry in the servant's quarters and doesn't run into his ex-wife or any of the long time staff? WEIRD.
And what the hell happens to the gold-knife killer? Just vanishes and then it's bye bye. Ridiculous.
Just seems sloppily put together and an increasing pain to watch, for these reasons.
Thanks for keeping me up night after night!
sdiazsons24 June 2018
A great cast of beautiful and talented actors; gorgeous costumes; gripping story line; and a fine eye for details on the props and scenery.
I loved every minute of this series with its twists and turns; tragedy and humor. Detective Ayala had me cracking up with his dry wit and sarcasm.
I loved every minute of this series with its twists and turns; tragedy and humor. Detective Ayala had me cracking up with his dry wit and sarcasm.
Bravo!
rosirisub5 October 2015
Warning: Spoilers
I felt like going back to 1900 while watching the show. One of the best I've ever seen. The acting was flawless. Thanks to Amaia Salamanca and Yon Gonzalez,such a great couple-on-scene. Concha Velasco kills it. If you're looking for something new, out of the routine of cliché love-drama story I think this is one of the best you can get. I like the fact that they didn't play it out around one thing which makes the show interesting, not-boring and addictive. The way they made out the stage is just awesome. All the mystery involved, the love triangle between Diego, Alicia and Julio is too involving.
I love the fact that neither Diego or Julio are the type of prince charming or Jafar. They are just guys in love, each one on their own way. Alicia is neither the princess who gets everything good in her life; she has to pass through a lot to finally taste a bit of happiness. She risking everything to help Julio without knowing him at all since the beginning, the determination to solve the mystery behind her father's death, how she fights for being free to be and love who she wants to just makes her perfect. I already finished the show and 2 years later they got me wanting for more. Bravo!
I love the fact that neither Diego or Julio are the type of prince charming or Jafar. They are just guys in love, each one on their own way. Alicia is neither the princess who gets everything good in her life; she has to pass through a lot to finally taste a bit of happiness. She risking everything to help Julio without knowing him at all since the beginning, the determination to solve the mystery behind her father's death, how she fights for being free to be and love who she wants to just makes her perfect. I already finished the show and 2 years later they got me wanting for more. Bravo!
One of the best series ever for me
ivanakarasova28 January 2018
Just finished Grand Hotel series on Netflix - binge watching for a few weeks- stayed up to late night just to see as much possible episodes as I could and I cant get over it - will miss many characters- I just fell in love with many of them , had laugh on some humorous situation although they were supposed to be serious but the way actors were portrayed them were brilliant - I cant name just one character particularly as I love equally all of them except of bad ones on the other hand admired their acting. Its just one amazing journey of mysterious, romantic and historic story through the lives of each characters and you just cant find another series who can beat that one - personally for me the best ever I have seen - probably will watch it second time :).
If you love the BBC period drama you will love this!
jennifer-weterings6 July 2014
Out of curiosity I watched an episode on Netfilx and immediately fell in love with the series. The cinematography, acting, costume, location all was most beautifully and convincingly done. The story line is wonderful, and the sexual tension and connection between the romantic leads just draws you in. Some of the story lines carried on a bit (there are a Lot of episodes) and I felt that they sometimes took a turn that was too much out of character, It's wonderfully cast and there is a new standard for portraying simmering evil! the leading couple stayed magnetic and now can't wait for the final season 3! A beautiful period piece.
SO ADDICTIVE!!!
kanchanaabil16 August 2018
This is the first foreign language series i watched and was totally hooked from the very first episode.If you thought Downton Abbey was good would you beleive if i tell you that this is way better!The series is loaded with lots of drama and mystery and is so addictive.Pity there are only three seasons.Definitely one to watch!!!
Moves like un tren de carga rápido!
Michael_Linder28 March 2018
The forty-four reviews preceding mine have taken the air from most of what I could offer in praise of this extraordinary series. But as a producer, I've never before seen an episodic -- especially a period costume drama -- that moves at such a wonderfully ferocious pace with a superlative cast that rises to the challenge with skill and dexterity.
Executive Producers Ramón Campos and Teres Fernández-Valdés, and Bambú Producciones' directors, have redefined both a genre and the art of the arc. They have created an industry game-changer by packing each episode with an unprecedented number of plot twists that supercharge their storyline. There's an undeniable hint of telenovela here, but Gran Hotel has built on its roots to create exceptional television that's perfect for these times.
Time for TV storytellers everywhere to despierta y huele las rosas!
Executive Producers Ramón Campos and Teres Fernández-Valdés, and Bambú Producciones' directors, have redefined both a genre and the art of the arc. They have created an industry game-changer by packing each episode with an unprecedented number of plot twists that supercharge their storyline. There's an undeniable hint of telenovela here, but Gran Hotel has built on its roots to create exceptional television that's perfect for these times.
Time for TV storytellers everywhere to despierta y huele las rosas!
It gets better!
bhiggins-1122227 December 2020
I thought it was terribly cheesy at first, but this show improves astronomically throughout its three seasons, and I am so glad I pushed through to finish it. Some of the plot twists are absolutely iconic, and the storyline just gets more and more enthralling as the show goes on. Season 1 is a sleeper but it gets better, I promise!
Best series I've ever seen.
derstevenhenning10 July 2019
Nice but overrated
harshada_shewale27 September 2018
OK it's nice but not that great as the ratings say. Honestly, Downton Abbey was better. It's slow, and they leave story lines hanging. Also, the plot is disappointing with no wins for the protagonist/ "good people". So the rich always win? Meh.
But not altogether bad. The mother Don is quite intimidating.
But not altogether bad. The mother Don is quite intimidating.
Bad Melodrama to the Max
rdgreid18 August 2016
Horribly contorted story lines that make no sense whatsoever, offered up for effect alone and arising out of nothing. Worse than a highly melodramatic afternoon soap opera. You've got to feel sorry for these actors who are slaves to the contrived and illogical twists and turns of what passes for a "plot." To a person though, they are all fine actors giving solid performances--more credit to them for being able to deliver this utter nonsense.
So don't be fooled by an auspicious first couple of episodes. The contrivances soon take over and will numb your brain like no opiate ever could. Plot threads vanish off into the night, never to be seen again. All the mysteriousness gets held together by actors playing what have to be the most unobservant and moronic characters to have ever roamed the earth. Time sequences skip around butter on a hot skillet. Things happen, then suddenly it's the day before.
Do not get your sleeve caught in this. You'll be very sorry you did.
So don't be fooled by an auspicious first couple of episodes. The contrivances soon take over and will numb your brain like no opiate ever could. Plot threads vanish off into the night, never to be seen again. All the mysteriousness gets held together by actors playing what have to be the most unobservant and moronic characters to have ever roamed the earth. Time sequences skip around butter on a hot skillet. Things happen, then suddenly it's the day before.
Do not get your sleeve caught in this. You'll be very sorry you did.
Fantastic Show!!!
Richinlove5367217 October 2018
Have not watched a Spanish show before and just randomly started watching first show, I believe because of the picture that goes with the title. Sounds crazy, but am I glad I did because this is probably the best modern produced show (though set in 1905) that my wife & I have watched in a while (we really liked Chuck too) ! You get use to the Subtitles. The acting, the setting, the costumes, the storylines, the people come together to create a wonderful show, with cliffhangers on most shows that make you binge watch. There will be at least 1 face slap in each show, which we have come to expect, and can be somewhat humorous. We have started into the 3rd Season and are already regretting that soon it will be over. From the servants to the owners, everybody seems to be watching everybody else and most have secrets they try to hide. It really is a thrilling show, with only a few racy scenes thus far and few obscenities (though you have to read them, since we don't understand Spanish). Take a chance! (Though we haven't gotten to the end, maybe the producers will see how popular this is and have a reunion set of shows.)
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