Where was Last Holiday filmed?
2006
City Locations
Karlovy Vary (Czech Republic); New Orleans (USA)
Location Types
Hotels/Motels, House, Church/Temple
Location Styles
Greek/Neoclassical, Foreign, Luxury Hotel, Mountain Huts, Creole
About Last Holiday
Picture this: a movie that captures the essence of life with new beginnings, pure joy, and the power to transform others. It's a delightful blend of comedy and drama called Last Holiday. The film, directed by Wayne Wang, boasts an impressive cast, including Queen Latifah, Timothy Hutton, LL Cool J, Giancarlo Esposito, Gérard Depardieu, and Jane Adams.
In the film, Queen Latifah portrays Georgia Byrd, a reserved woman from New Orleans working in the cookware department of an upscale gourmet supply shop. She harbors feelings for her co-worker Sean (LL Cool J) but lacks the courage to express them. Despite her exceptional culinary skills, she leads a frugal life. However, her life takes a drastic turn when she is diagnosed with a rare medical condition and given only three weeks to live.
Embracing the philosophy that life is short, Georgia decides to make the most of her remaining days. She cashes out her life savings and embarks on a European adventure, indulging in luxury and experiencing life to the fullest. From flirting with a powerful politician (Giancarlo Esposito) to befriending a four-star chef (Gérard Depardieu), Georgia's journey is self-discovery and joy. When Sean learns of Georgia's condition, he rushes to find her, hoping to confess his feelings before it's too late.
Last Holiday, a remake of a 1950 British comedy that starred Alec Guinness, is an uplifting story about embracing life and living every moment to its fullest. Although the movie did not win any major awards, it was well-received by audiences for its heartwarming story and Queen Latifah's charismatic performance.
Last Holiday Locations
Last Holiday showcases a variety of picturesque and culturally rich locations that significantly contribute to its charm. Most scenes were filmed in two primary regions—Karlovy Vary in the Czech Republic, and New Orleans.
The crown jewel among these locations is the Grandhotel Pupp, a magnificent five-star hotel in Karlovy Vary. This grand palace-like hotel has been a favored setting for numerous movies, including the James Bond film Casino Royale, where it was portrayed as Hotel Splendide in Montenegro. The beautiful backdrop of the hotel, its luxurious rooms, and lush gardens provide a stunning setting for Last Holiday.
In addition to the opulence of the Grandhotel Pupp, the film also brings viewers to the vibrant city of New Orleans. This bustling city, known for its unique blend of cultures and lively atmosphere, serves as the home of the film's protagonist, Georgia Byrd.
Additional scenes were shot in charming locales, such as Tirol in Austria and Ticino in Switzerland, further enhancing the film's visual appeal. The market scenes, square, and cemetery were filmed around Karlovy Vary, providing an authentic and immersive viewing experience.
A trip to the filming locations of Last Holiday would undoubtedly be worthwhile for fans of the film and travelers alike. From the grandeur of the Grandhotel Pupp and the vibrant streets of New Orleans to the quaint charm of Karlovy Vary, Tirol, and Ticino, these locations offer a mix of culture, history, and natural beauty that promises a memorable journey.
Georgia performs in the Baptist choir scene in Last Holiday
First Street United Methodist, 2309 Dryades St, New Orleans, LA 70113, USA
The opening scene is set in a lively Baptist church where Georgia performs with the choir. Despite the energetic atmosphere and the joyous singing, Georgia appears to be lost in her thoughts, setting the stage for the introspective journey that her character embarks on throughout the movie.
This scene, both touching and indicative of the film's narrative arc, was shot at the historic First Street United Methodist Church at 2309 Dryades Street, New Orleans. The church, constructed in 1894, was modeled after the Christ Church Cathedral on St. Charles Avenue. In 1972, it was recognized as a Historic Landmark Site in the city, further adding to its significance.
The exterior and interior of the church are prominently featured in the film, providing a visually stunning and authentic backdrop for the scene. The church is still operational today and is open to the public, allowing movie fans to visit the site and immerse themselves in the location where a key part of Georgia's story unfolds.
You can take a direct flight to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport to get to this location. From there, the church is about a 30-minute drive away by private car. You can rent a car, hire a taxi, or use public transportation to reach the church.
Georgia’s house scenes in Last Holiday
1210 Vallette St, New Orleans, LA 70114, USA
Georgia is a reserved salesperson at Kragen's Department Store in New Orleans. Outside her mundane job, she harbors a passion for gourmet cooking and dreams of becoming a professional chef. She often replicates recipes from TV chef Emeril Lagasse, serving these culinary delights to her neighbor while denying herself the pleasure of tasting them.
Her dreams and aspirations are captured in a scrapbook labeled "Possibilities," a poignant symbol of her unfulfilled desires and hope for a better life. These scenes provide a touching glimpse into Georgia's character—her humility, hidden talents, and longing for a life beyond her current circumstances.
Georgia's house scenes were filmed at a private residence located at 1210 Vallette Street, New Orleans, Louisiana. The charming house and its surroundings perfectly capture the essence of Georgia's modest lifestyle and the lively spirit of New Orleans. While fans of the movie are not permitted to visit the house as it is privately owned, they can still explore the vibrant neighborhood and soak in the local culture.
To get to this location, one can take a direct flight to New Orleans and hire a cab or use public transportation to reach the neighborhood where Vallette Street is located. Although you won't be able to visit the exact filming location, simply strolling through the streets will give you a sense of the setting that served as the backdrop for Georgia Byrd's life in Last Holiday.
Georgia stays at the luxury hotel scene in Last Holiday
Grandhotel Pupp, Mírové nám. 2, 360 01 Karlovy Vary 1, Czechia
Georgia embarks on a liberating journey to live her dreams in the face of a terminal diagnosis. She quits her job, liquidates her assets, and sets off on an opulent vacation to the Grandhotel Pupp.
Once at the hotel, Georgia fully embraces her newfound freedom. She checks into the Presidential Suite, indulges in a designer wardrobe from expensive boutiques, and fully uses the hotel's luxurious spa facilities. Not stopping there, she tries her hand at thrill-seeking activities like snowboarding and BASE jumping, savors exquisite meals prepared by Chef Didier, and wins a considerable sum at the casino's roulette table.
The Grandhotel Pupp, where these scenes unfold, is an actual luxury hotel in Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic. Hosting 228 rooms and an annual film festival, the hotel boasts a rich history dating back to 1701 when it was known as Saxony Hall under the ownership of Burgomaster Deiml. A stay at the Grandhotel Pupp offers a chance to relive the memorable scenes from Last Holiday while immersing yourself in the charm and elegance of this historic hotel.
If you wish to follow in Georgia's footsteps and experience the grandeur of Grandhotel Pupp, you can plan a trip to Karlovy Vary. The city is well connected by air, with the nearest airport being the Václav Havel Airport in Prague. From there, you can take a train or hire a taxi for the less than two-hour journey to Karlovy Vary. Once in the city, the hotel is easily accessible by local transportation or on foot, depending on your location.
Chef Didier and Georgia visit the market scene in Last Holiday
Vřídelní 100/35, 360 01 Karlovy Vary 1, Czechia
A particularly charming scene unfolds in the beautiful city of Karlovy Vary. This is where Georgia and world-renowned Chef Didier stroll through a bustling market, engaging in deep conversations about cooking, people, and the secret of life. As they peruse the fresh produce and Chef Didier selects the perfect fish for his next culinary masterpiece, he reveals that the key to a perfect life lies in the butter. This delightful metaphor adds a layer of depth to the film's narrative.
This memorable scene was filmed on Vřídelní Street, at 100/35, 360 01 Karlovy Vary 1, Czechia. The street forms part of the historic city center, a well-preserved cultural landscape protected by law as an urban monument reservation. Its picturesque setting and rich history make it a fitting backdrop for this insightful exchange between Georgia and Chef Didier.
Visiting this location offers fans a chance to walk in the footsteps of these beloved characters and immerse themselves in the film's ambiance. While the street no longer houses a market, its beauty and charm remain intact.
To get to Karlovy Vary, you can fly into Václav Havel Airport in Prague, the closest international airport. From there, you can take a train or a bus to Karlovy Vary, a journey that typically takes up to two hours. Once in the city, this location is easily accessible by local transportation or on foot.
Georgia walks near the cemetery scene in Last Holiday
Mozartův Park, Unnamed Road, 360 01, 360 01 Karlovy Vary, Czechia
There's a poignant scene where Georgia takes a reflective stroll through a cemetery park. Alone but appearing peaceful, she contemplates life and death, adding depth to her character's journey and giving viewers a moment of introspection.
This thought-provoking scene was filmed at Mozartův Park in Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic. The park, formerly a cemetery attached to the Church of Saint Andrew until 1864, was converted into a municipal park in 1913. Despite its transformation, it continues to host tombstones from the 18th and 19th centuries, serving as a reminder of its past and those who once graced the city.
Among these tombstones, visitors can find those of prominent figures like Franz Xaver Wolfgang Mozart, son of the legendary composer Mozart, and Friedrich Gilly, a distinguished Berlin architect. Their final resting places add a touch of historical significance to this serene location. The park is open to the public all year round, allowing fans of Last Holiday to visit and experience the tranquility that Georgia found during her stroll.
When visiting Karlovy Vary, Mozart Park at the Church of St. Andrew can be conveniently reached by taking a leisurely walk along the right bank of the Teplá River. It’s located less than a mile from the heart of the city.
Conclusion
Last Holiday is a delightful comedy that skillfully utilizes the innate warmth and charm of its lead actress, Queen Latifah. Though grounded in a well-worn formula, the film's unique charm and humor elevate the plot. The film's strength lies not in its storyline but in its ability to breathe fresh life into a familiar narrative through the sheer likability of its characters.
Queen Latifah delivers an exceptional performance, her radiant personality transforming Georgia into a character who is as endearing as she is relatable. Her presence is so captivating that even scenes that might seem contrived or clichéd in another context feel genuine and engaging. The beautiful filming locations, primarily in Czechia and New Orleans, add a layer of visual appeal to the film. The Grandhotel Pupp in Karlovy Vary, Czechia, is a stunning backdrop for several key scenes, enhancing the film's visual allure.
Director Wayne Wang, known for his successful romantic comedies like Joy Luck Club and Maid in Manhattan, demonstrates his adeptness at crafting stories with a human touch. Last Holiday combines humor, romance, and a dash of life philosophy into a package that is as entertaining as it is thought-provoking. While the story may seem familiar, the film's charm and Queen Latifah's compelling performance make it a worthwhile watch.