The unsettlingly beautiful and perpetually haunted Hotel Cortez, the setting for the fifth season of American Horror Story, is not a figment of Ryan Murphy’s imagination alone. While a fictional establishment steeped in dark history, its external façade is very much rooted in reality: the James Oviatt Building in downtown Los Angeles, California. The interior, however, is largely a product of meticulous set design and sound stage construction, blending Art Deco elegance with a palpable sense of dread.
Behind the Cortez: A Real-World Inspiration
The Oviatt Building, located at 617 South Olive Street, Los Angeles, CA 90014, served as the primary inspiration for the Hotel Cortez’s external appearance. Constructed in 1928, this iconic landmark showcases stunning Art Deco architecture, reflecting the glitz and glamour of the era, which ironically serves as a stark contrast to the horrors that unfold within the show’s fictional walls. The building’s distinctive features, including its intricate facade, opulent lobby, and overall grandiose scale, heavily influenced the Cortez’s visual aesthetic, contributing to its eerie yet captivating allure. While fans can visit the Oviatt Building, they should remember the interiors of the Hotel Cortez were constructed entirely on sound stages and do not reflect the actual interior of the building.
American Horror Story: Hotel FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the setting and design of American Horror Story: Hotel, offering further insight into the creation of this unforgettable location.
FAQ 1: Was the Entire Hotel Cortez Filmed in the Oviatt Building?
No. While the Oviatt Building provided the external shots and served as a visual reference for the overall design, the interior scenes were predominantly filmed on meticulously crafted sets built on sound stages. This allowed the production team complete control over the environment and the ability to incorporate the supernatural and gruesome elements that define the show.
FAQ 2: Who Designed the Hotel Cortez Sets?
The set design for American Horror Story: Hotel was a collaborative effort led by production designer Mark Worthington. He, along with his team, drew inspiration from various sources, including the Oviatt Building, classic horror films, and the Art Deco movement, to create the Cortez’s distinctive and unsettling atmosphere.
FAQ 3: What Architectural Style is the Hotel Cortez?
The Hotel Cortez, both in its external inspiration and internal design, heavily incorporates Art Deco elements. This style, popular in the 1920s and 1930s, is characterized by geometric shapes, opulent materials, and a sense of grandeur. The Oviatt Building itself is a prime example of Art Deco architecture, which greatly influenced the Cortez’s overall look and feel.
FAQ 4: Is the Oviatt Building Open to the Public?
Yes, partially. The Oviatt Building is a mixed-use building. While some areas are accessible to the public, such as the lobby and certain retail spaces, other parts are private offices and residential units. Be respectful and mindful of the building’s tenants and guidelines when visiting.
FAQ 5: Are There Any Real-Life Hotels Similar to the Cortez?
While no hotel perfectly mirrors the Hotel Cortez’s blend of Art Deco elegance and sinister history, some establishments share similar architectural styles and eerie atmospheres. Hotels with a rich history and reputed hauntings, often built during the early 20th century, can evoke a similar sense of mystery and intrigue. Examples include some older hotels in Los Angeles and New York City, although they are not directly linked to the show’s inspiration beyond a shared architectural era.
FAQ 6: How Did the Design Team Create the Hotel’s Eerie Atmosphere?
The design team employed several techniques to create the Cortez’s unsettling atmosphere. This included the use of dark color palettes, intricate patterns that bordered on claustrophobic, contrasting textures, and strategic lighting to create shadows and highlight disturbing details. The overall goal was to evoke a sense of unease and psychological discomfort, making the hotel feel both beautiful and menacing.
FAQ 7: What is the Significance of the Hotel Cortez’s Numbering System?
The Hotel Cortez’s room numbering system, particularly room 64, holds symbolic weight within the narrative. While not explicitly detailed as a specific historical reference in every instance, numbers throughout the show, and especially the notorious room 64, often allude to significant dates, historical figures, or events related to the hotel’s history of murder and violence. These details are often subtle Easter eggs for dedicated viewers.
FAQ 8: Did the Actors Feel Uncomfortable Filming on the Hotel Cortez Sets?
Many of the actors involved in American Horror Story: Hotel have spoken about the unsettling atmosphere on set. The meticulously designed sets, coupled with the show’s dark themes, created a palpable sense of unease. Some actors even reported feeling a lingering sense of dread even after filming wrapped for the day, suggesting the immersive environment contributed to the psychological impact of the show.
FAQ 9: How Much Did It Cost to Build the Hotel Cortez Sets?
The exact budget for the Hotel Cortez sets has not been publicly disclosed. However, considering the scale and complexity of the designs, as well as the high production value of American Horror Story in general, it’s safe to assume that the construction of the sets required a significant investment. The show is known for its elaborate sets and costume designs, which are crucial to creating its distinctive visual style.
FAQ 10: Were Any Real-Life Crimes or Events the Basis for the Hotel Cortez Story?
While the Hotel Cortez and its inhabitants are fictional, the show draws inspiration from real-life true crime stories and infamous hotels known for their dark histories. The Cecil Hotel in Los Angeles, with its documented history of suicides, murders, and unexplained events, is often cited as a significant influence on the Cortez’s backstory. The show frequently incorporates elements of urban legends and historical crimes to create a heightened sense of realism and horror.
FAQ 11: How Did the Art Deco Design Influence the Characters’ Costumes?
The Art Deco aesthetic of the Hotel Cortez extended beyond the sets and into the characters’ costumes. Elegant silhouettes, geometric patterns, and luxurious fabrics were incorporated into the wardrobe, reflecting the glamour and opulence of the era while also contributing to the characters’ individual personalities and motivations. The costume design served to reinforce the show’s visual style and enhance the overall narrative.
FAQ 12: Can I Visit the Sound Stages Where the Interior Scenes Were Filmed?
Unfortunately, access to the sound stages where the interior scenes of American Horror Story: Hotel were filmed is generally not open to the public. Sound stages are typically restricted areas used for film and television production, and public tours are not typically offered. Your best bet to experience the architectural inspiration is still a trip to downtown Los Angeles.
The legacy of the Hotel Cortez, a fictional haven of horrors inspired by the very real beauty of the Oviatt Building, continues to captivate fans. It serves as a chilling reminder that beauty and darkness can often reside side by side, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of modern horror.