“Hotel Cocaine,” a thrilling MGM+ crime series that whisks us away to the lively and dangerous streets of 1970s Miami. At the heart of the story is Roman Compte, the amiable general manager of Hotel Mutiny. The hotel is a hotspot for a colorful mix of celebrities, smugglers, mobsters, and government agents, all crossing paths in its vibrant disco parties. As Compte navigates the shadows of his past and the pressures from the CIA and his brother’s criminal activities, the series showcases a city drenched in the thrills of disco, the allure of beaches, and the dark trails of the drug trade.
Filming Locations of Hotel Cocaine
Even though the series is set in Miami, most of the filming was done in the Dominican Republic. This location choice brilliantly captures the spirit of 1970s Miami with its historical charm and modern facilities.
Juan Dolio, Dominican Republic
Lantica Studios
A major chunk of the filming for “Hotel Cocaine” happened at Lantica Studios in Juan Dolio. Situated just a short drive from Santo Domingo, this studio offered the perfect setting for many of the series’ stunning scenes.
Horizon Water Tank: Lantica Studios boasts one of the largest horizon water tanks in the world, used extensively for the show’s water-based scenes. This expansive tank creates the illusion of an endless ocean, adding a layer of realism to the series’ coastal visuals.
Soundstages: The elaborate interiors seen in “Hotel Cocaine,” such as hotel rooms, dance floors, and secret meeting spots, were meticulously crafted on the studio’s soundstages. These advanced facilities allowed the production team to build and control intricate sets that reflect the luxury and danger of the era.
Juan Dolio itself, with its serene beaches and local charm, provided an ideal backdrop for scenes requiring a blend of tranquility and authenticity, reminiscent of the Caribbean vibe of the 1970s.
Address: Autovía del Este KM. 55, Juan Dolio, Dominican Republic
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Filming in the Capital
Santo Domingo, the capital city of the Dominican Republic, served as a prime location for shooting many of the series’ exterior hotel shots and beach scenes.
Historical Aesthetic: The city’s older areas offered a convincing stand-in for 1970s Miami. Modern-day Miami is too developed to portray its past self accurately, but Santo Domingo’s vintage architecture and scenic beauty helped recreate the feel of the era.
Hotel Mutiny Recreation: Instead of using the fully rebuilt Hotel Mutiny in Miami, the production team created a precise copy in Santo Domingo. This allowed them to capture the real appearance and feel of the original hotel and its legendary nightclub, Mutiny, which was a cultural landmark at the time but has since closed.
The city’s bustling streets and historical charm helped bring the 1970s Miami setting to life, making it an ideal site for this throwback thriller.
Behind the Scenes
Creating a 1970s Atmosphere
The production team went to great lengths to recreate the exuberance of the 1970s. Here’s how they did it:
Colorful Costumes and Sets: Using a lively color palette and era-appropriate costumes, they transported viewers back to the disco era. The vibrant outfits and detailed set designs reflect the period’s exuberant style and energy.
High-End Equipment: Filming with high-quality RED cameras equipped with French Angénieux lenses ensured a visually rich experience. These tools allowed the crew to capture the intricate details and dynamic scenes that make the series so captivating.
Cultural Authenticity
The casting and crew decisions sought to capture an authentic ethnic experience while reflecting Miami’s eclectic culture of the 1970s. With over 150 extras and dedicated dancers, the presentation reproduced Hotel Mutiny’s vibrant nightlife, emphasizing its importance as a vital nexus in the city’s party scene.
Production Insights
Director Guillermo Navarro praised the Dominican Republic for its versatile filming locations and modern studio facilities. He appreciated the multilingual crew, who communicated seamlessly in both English and Spanish, enhancing the authenticity of the show’s setting and capturing the cultural diversity of the era.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Hotel Cocaine
Q: Where was “Hotel Cocaine” filmed?
A: “Hotel Cocaine” was primarily filmed in the Dominican Republic. Locations such as Lantica Studios in Juan Dolio and various spots in Santo Domingo served as the backdrop for this 1970s Miami-set series.
Q: When was “Hotel Cocaine” filmed?
A: Principal photography for “Hotel Cocaine” began in early January 2024 and wrapped up by the end of March 2024 for its first season. The filming process spanned several months to capture the series’ intricate scenes and settings.
Q: What is the release date of “Hotel Cocaine”?
A: “Hotel Cocaine” was released on June 16, 2024.
Q: Why did the production team choose the Dominican Republic for filming?
A: The production team chose the Dominican Republic for its versatile locations that could authentically recreate the vibrant atmosphere of 1970s Miami. Additionally, the country offered modern studio facilities and a supportive infrastructure conducive to large-scale productions.
Q: Will “Hotel Cocaine” feature real historical locations from 1970s Miami?
A: While “Hotel Cocaine” recreates the ambiance and aesthetics of 1970s Miami, some key locations, like Hotel Mutiny and its famed nightclub, Mutiny, are recreated in Santo Domingo due to modern renovations in their Miami counterparts.
