1. Harry Potter's Chambers at the Georgian House
Located in central London — and not too far from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry’s supposed location in the Scottish Highlands — the 165-year-old Georgian House hotel offers guests (magic and muggle alike) two Harry Potter-inspired options: the gothic-style Wizard Chambers, which is accessed through a concealed bookcase door and meant to feel like a Hogwarts dorm room, and the Enchanted Chambers, a smaller space that features many of the same details — including a hidden entrance, stained glass windows and plenty of cauldrons — that's better suited for couples.
2. The Eloise Suite at The Plaza Hotel
Few characters in literature — children’s or otherwise — are as closely associated with hotel living as Eloise, the mischievous six-year-old at the heart of Kay Thompson’s beloved book series who also happens to be The Plaza’s most famous resident. As such, there’s an entire two-room suite dedicated to the fun-loving tyke, boldly designed in pink and white and decked out with all sorts of funky furnishings — think zebra-striped rugs and sparkly pink headboards — courtesy of famed fashion designer Betsey Johnson.
3. The 007 Suite at Seven Hotel Paris
In James Bond’s world, hotels are as ubiquitous as shaken martinis, with world-renowned properties like The Peninsula, Hong Kong and Venice’s Hotel Cipriani making cameos throughout the film series. So it seems only appropriate that France’s Seven Hotel Paris would dedicate an entire suite to the suave super-spy. The room’s mix of retro design and futuristic pieces pays tribute to both the old-style Bond films of Sean Connery and the more modern approach that Daniel Craig has taken. The metallic-hued bathroom makes it feel as if Goldfinger got there first.
4. Thomas & Friends Suite at the New York Hilton Midtown
A new addition to the lineup of pop culture-themed hotel rooms is the Thomas & Friends suite at the New York Hilton Midtown, which pulled into Manhattan on August 1. Geared toward families (obviously), the pop-up suite holds up to two adults and two children, is packed with plenty of fun paraphernalia from the Island of Sodor — including toys, books, games and coloring books — and offers a sneak peek at the yet-to-be-released movie, The Great Race. But you’d better hurry; the suite will depart on September 4.
5. Lord Vader’s Quarters at Hotel Pelirocco
Brighton, England may not be a galaxy far, far away, but it’s about as close as you can get if you opt to spend the night in Lord Vader’s Quarters at the Hotel Pelirocco, which calls itself “England’s most rock 'n roll hotel.” The room is a true treat for Star Wars fans, regardless of which side of the Force they're rooting for. We’re not sure if the real Darth Vader slept in a bunk bed, but that’s what this room, which is designed as a “father and son cabin,” is equipped with — not to mention authentic movie memorabilia and a Darth Vader costume and light saber, for added authenticity.
6. Alice in Wonderland at the Wonderland House
Just about a mile down the road from Hotel Pelirocco, Brighton’s Wonderland House is a whimsical interpretation of all things Alice in Wonderland, with several themed accommodations, including Alice’s Bedroom and the Queen of Hearts Room. All that quirkiness extends to the hotel’s common areas, too, especially in its Madhatter Dining Room.
7. The Oscar Wilde Suite at L’Hotel Paris
First things first: The Oscar Wilde Suite at L’Hotel Paris is more than just a tribute to one of the world’s wittiest writers: it’s in this actual room that the author spent his final years and, yes, it’s the same room where — on his deathbed — he famously declared, “My wallpaper and I are fighting a duel to the death. One of us has got to go.” On November 30, 1900, the wallpaper won. Not much has changed about the suite since Wilde’s passing (not even the wallpaper), but we doubt that Wilde’s nightly rate included free Wi-Fi, an iPod dock or a flat-screen TV.
8. The Star Trek Suite at The Curtis
“Live long and prosper — and have a great stay” should be the motto for the Star Trek room at The Curtis hotel in Denver. Though the bulk of its thematic nods to the iconic sci-fi series are on the walls — with an enormous mural of the crew of the Starship Enterprise and a reminder to “Live long and prosper” hanging over the bed — that's probably enough, for even the most ardent Star Trek fans probably weren’t expecting to see a transporter. For non-Trekkies, it’s worth noting that the hotel has a range of what they deem “hyper themed rooms,” including odes to Lucy and Desi, one-hit musical wonders, Jimmy Buffet, Ghostbusters and Talladega Nights.
