To think it’s not sad to go for dinner at a fancy hotel used for filming?

[tarregone]

We are on holiday in Sicily and near a hotel used for filming of a famous tv show. It has a very well rated restaurant located in said fancy hotel.

I thought it might be fun to go for a nice dinner at the hotel. DP says it’s sad to only want to go somewhere because it was used for filming. He thinks it’s a bit sad really, especially because we couldn’t afford to stay at the hotel. He thinks it’s wannabe to go and snoop around a posh place where we could only afford dinner

Chip shops in Barry Island are packed with people that watched Gavin and Stacey!

Sorry, I realise I never said 'in Love Actually'!

It depends what was being filmed.

If it was something that you and DH watch and love, then it’s not sad.

If it’s something that you and DH don’t watch or don’t like, then yes it’s sad.

Your DH is the sad one in this scenario as PP’s have said luxury hotels often depend on non residents having food or drinks to increase revenue.
Me and DH have stayed at Gleneagles ( Scotland but not been on TV though) for a significant birthday and on another occasion we went just for afternoon tea there, the staff treated us exactly the same (impeccable service) whether we were staying or not. Their job is to serve customers not to judge if you are worthy or not.
edited for spelling

30 years ago I went to Hong Kong and wanted dinner at The Peninsula. I was staying elsewhere. Took a car to the hotel, white liveried doormen opened the door and I was escorted to the restaurant. Same when I dined at The Crillon/Paris. Nice to see these places. They have beautiful restaurants and they don't care if I stay there as long as the bill gets paid. Perhaps the OPs husband isn't comfortable living the life. My glass is half full at least if I can eat there

We've done that all round the World!
A very large number of people visiting Sicily 15 years ago were there because of Montelbano, we met Australians, New Zealanders Americans etc there for that reason, we all have our photos of his house and the little slipway at the side.

You’re not sad. We have lived Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous by enjoying a drink, tea or dinner at famous hotels around the world. These places depend on that trade and, indeed, price accordingly to make the most of it.

What is life for if not to enjoy a little escapism sometimes?

My son was in Singapore with the RAF last month and went to Raffles for a Singapore Sling!

I loved that hotel! We didn’t stay there but I spent nearly the whole day there. DH went hiking and I curled up with a book and a hot chocolate and watched the snow.

So he never goes anywhere he couldn't afford to stay? He wouldn't go round the Uffizzi or go to a stately home? Or go on a trip somewhere he could not holiday? How odd.
Go and have fun.

I must be the only person ever to have been to Singapore without going to Raffles, it was wrapped in scaffolding and miserable OH wouldn't go in! We did go in the Peninsula though when we were in Hong Kong, got Pringles with our very expensive drinks.

He would hate my Granny. Her Darby and Joan club once stayed in a hotel in Bray, Dublin, where Mel Gibson had stayed when he filmed Braveheart. All these Elderly ladies asked the staff to let them into the room he had stayed in so they could take in turns lying on the bed, just so they could go home and tell everyone that had been in the same bed as Mel Gibson! They were three sheets to the wind after a few G&Ts at bingo night and they were having a great time, queuing up in the hallway for their turn! He's a miserable sod, just go and have a lovely meal.

When we went to Sicily a few years ago now we went to the Four Seasons for sunset cocktails most evenings. It’s lovely. And that was before it’s White Lotus fame. Regardless of it being on a TV show, it’s a lovely spot to spend the evening.

Leaving aside the fact that it's a filming location (which personally I think is as good a reason as any to visit somewhere), DH and I have had all sorts of meals, drinks and coffees in hotels we couldn't afford to stay in around the world. They often have beautiful architecture or views and why shouldn't we enjoy those within our means?

He didn’t send pictures of outside just inside! Went with his mates on the ship.I think half the crew went (on different days.. 🤣)

In general hotel restaurants want and need the custom of non residents to keep going. If this hotel didn't want bookings from none residents it would say so.

Absolutely this ^
DH is being ridiculous.

Ditch your fun sponge DH and go anyway. What a misery!!

Your DH sounds odd. Hotel restaurants are open to all sorts of guests, not just residents. And film tourism is a huge thing!

Was it in Kandelama by any chance?

Your granny sounds like an absolute icon @krustykittens

DH and I once had a sandwich lunch and a glass of wine at a very fancy hotel we could not have afforded to stay in in Cornwall when we were on a camping holiday. It was LUSH and to this day is one of our favourite holiday moments (25 years later)! Using the loo there was good too. :)

We once stayed in a place in Cornwall for the weekend because a tv programme was filmed there and it was gorgeous, not at all touristy.

Thank you, she was. She died a few years ago and I miss her very much.

Your husband’s inferiority complex is showing. He’s besieged by feelings of inadequacy, and wants to stay within his small comfort zone.

Now THAT is sad.

If it's open to non-residents, then it would be the norm for diners to go and enjoy a meal there not just those staying and so who, prey tell, is going to be the ones thinking you're sad? Methinks DH has a bit of an insecurity.