We’ve all got our fave 007 moments but here’s how I spy Bond over 60 years through his exotic travel.
I was there where it started in Casino Royale. Not when (steady), but there at the casino where James first cashed in his chips.
Pupp love
At the Grandhotel Pupp in Karlovy Vary in the Czech Spa Triangle.
The world’s most famous spy has only stayed in the swankiest hotels since.
And all you need is a tux/cocktail dress and a bundle of cash to live like Bond.
Bite-size Hamburg
Or know your way around Marriott Autograph Collection… and Hotel Atlantic Hamburg from Tomorrow Never Dies.
Where 25 years ago James seduces Paris, girlfriend of his nemesis Elliot Carver.
Not for James the Reeperbahn which of course is the heart of Saint Pauli.
And what Hamburg is best known for although Germany’s Port City has high culture too with the Elbphi.
And spy culture too with the Alter Elbtunnel which would be ideal for a Bond chase.
Anyone for Venice?
This James has also crossed swords with 007 in the shadow of The Bridge of Sighs in Venice.
Where like myself I went back for a second helping.
The action switches in From Russia With Love at the end to Venice where Sean Connery’s Bond checks into the Hotel Danieli.
Roger Moore outdouble entendres Big Sean in Moonraker ten years later delivers the line “Bollinger? If it is a ’69 you were expecting me” to Dr. Holly Goodhead in the lavish Suite del Doge.
London calling
Now we all know that James is a man for all seasons so it’s probably little surprise that like us he is a fan of the Four Seasons.
For Londonwatchers they’ll spot the location trickery with the Four Seasons Hotel Canary Wharf doubling for Shanghai.
When Daniel Craig swims in the turquoise rooftop pool with water views.
Before showering and sizzling (if you like that sort of thing).
Miami advice
Of course perhaps the most memorable hotel scene was in Goldfinger though not perhaps for Goldie’s girl Jill Masterson.
Who James found dead on the bed covered in gold paint.
This being Miami Beach and the Fontainebleu Hotel nobody’s asking what you want to do in the privacy of your own room. Just enjoy.
No doubt we’ll find the next Bond whoever that is living it up in fancy rooms around the world in the next six decades.
It’s just these are the ones where I spy Bond over 60 years.
