Hotels where celebrities did weird things

You know we’re all about design hotels here at The Hotel Journal, but we also need a little gossip now and then to keep things interesting. To that end, we’ve heard rumours about some spots across the globe where interesting things have happened with a-listers. Take a look at our round-up of hotels where celebrities did weird things.

Hotels where celebrities did weird things

1. Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin AKA Where Michael Jackson dangled his son out the window

The Kempinski brand is synonymous with classic style and overt luxury, but when Michael Jackson made its Berlin property hit the headlines back in 2002, it was for something a little different. That’s right Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin was the very spot where he famously hung his son Prince Michael II over the railings in an alleged effort to further connect with his fans below.

The captivating image of Jackson in a red shirt holding the then nine-month-old son in such a precarious position was seen around the world, with many questioning the ability of the star’s parenting skills. Just a few days later, he issued an apology saying he got caught up in the moment and would never put his child in danger. The irony was that he was in Germany to accept an award for his philanthropic work with children.

Read our story on the best boutique hotels in Berlin too.

Find out more about Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin

2. The Mira Hong Kong AKA The place Edward Snowden hid out when in Hong Kong

Nestled away in the heart of Hong Kong, The Mira Hong Kong was the city’s first design-led hotel and is known for its rooftop bar and iconic indoor swimming pool. And what more could an American in hiding from his government ask for when looking for the perfect place to lay low?

That’s right, in 2013, after Snowden had leaked documents on the National Security Agency (NSA), he fled to Hawaii and then on to the neon-filled streets of Hong Kong. Alas, Snowden only stayed for three weeks at the property, and many believe that he moved on because of the high price, having likely racked up a bill of at least $50,000HKD.

P.S. you might want to take a look at our full guide to the best design hotels in Hong Kong and the coolest affordable hotels in Hong Kong.

Discover more about The Mira Hong Kong

3. MGM Grand Las Vegas AKA An affair to remember for Tiger Woods

Does what happens in Vegas ever really stay in Vegas? Maybe. But not if you’re a world champion golfer with a tidy bank account.

In 2007, Tiger Woods is alleged to have met Jaimee Grubbs (i.e. not his wife) at a nightclub in Las Vegas. When the night was getting to a close, apparently he asked her back to his suite at MGM Grand Las Vegas, a decision that was said to be the start of an 18-month affair.

Find out more about MGM Grand Las Vegas

4. Hotel Bristol Vienna AKA The King and the socialite’s hideaway

There’s nothing like a bit of royal tea to perk our ears up, and Hotel Bristol Vienna has it in spades. Word on the street is that King Edward VIII and American socialite Wallis Simpson called the hotel home both before and after his abdication from the throne.

Given their love for castles, it’s really no surprise that they chose such a luxurious and elegant place to rest their heads after leaving England. What is interesting is that around this time the pair were suspected of being Nazi sympathisers, and in 1937, they did actually travel to Germany for a meeting with Adolf Hitler.

Learn more about Hotel Bristol Vienna

5. The Mark Hotel, New York AKA Where Johnny Depp embraced his inner bad boy

We couldn’t have a list about hotels where celebrities did weird things without having an actor trash the place. Everyone’s favourite scissor-handed recluse Johnny Depp made quite the scene in 1994 at The Mark Hotel.

Apparently, the superstar smashed up a glass coffee table, a lamp stand and other expensive pieces of furniture in the room before being arrested. With the suite he was staying in costing $1,200USD per night, we think he should have saved his money and opted for a motel that night instead.

You’ll find The Mark on our guide to the best boutique hotels in New York too.

Learn more about The Mark Hotel

But wait, there’s more…