We need to talk about The Continental Hotel
Am I taking inspiration from a hotel for assassins? Definitely.
A few months ago I was out with a couple friends, talking about the hotel (it’s going well, lots of conversations about funding +/ with potential partners) and AMARIMA.
”Hey, have you seen John Wick?”
”… that highly gory action movie series with Keanu Reeves?” I said.
“But have you seen the hotel brand in it called The Continental? It sounds like what you’re building, minus the assassins.”
At that moment I whipped out my phone and jotted it down in my ever-growing airtable of hotel ideas.
[“See John Wick.”]
On Saturday morning while on the phone with a friend talking about all of the *a lot* that was on my mind that morning, the assassins hotel brand in the John Wick universe came up again.
“Jenna, you’ve got to see John Wick. It’s absurd in the best way, and it’ll get your mind off of all this. Watch all four.”
“Yeah, some friends were telling me I had to see them for… a hotel brand that is in them?”
“Omg yes. You are trying to start The Continental. Watch all four today.”
So I did.
And I totally get why people are obsessed with this fictional (is it really though?) hotel brand.
Here’s precisely why:
It’s a safe haven: There is no fighting at The Continental
Everyone is welcome here: The Continental staff do not discriminate against guests - no matter how questionable they seem or bloody they show up
Refreshing professionalism: The staff know what high-level, extraordinarily good service means
Global footprint: They have hotels in New York, Casablanca, Rome, and Osaka (and more I’m sure)
Professional friends: We know, love, and are actually friends with the hotel managers and staff - at multiple locations, and they all know and coordinate well with each other
Health services: There is a doctor and well-stocked infirmary available on call 24/7 for injuries (very important service for these particular guests)
Extensive local integration & connections: The hotel manager constantly offers up assistance and highly-valuable local connections needed for guests
Discreet and purchasable high-quality products: There is a store with all the things that guests need (in this case, an armory including weaponry and tactical clothing for the assassins)
Soft sensory design, cozy interiors, warm lighting, vernacular architecture, fireplaces per location: You’re going to have to watch the movies for this. I did find a clip for you (below) showing off the interior of the Casablanca hotel. I’m particularly impressed with the grounds of the Osaka hotel which include cherry blossoms, bamboo forests, and reflective pools --
Dogs are loved and welcome: Self-explanatory. I wonder if they get personalized robes?
I am a woman of “Focus. Commitment. Sheer f@#$ing will.”
x
Jenna
