Based on the Spanish TV series, Gran Hotel, ABC took on creating an American version, Grand Hotel, set in Miami Beach. The Riviera Grand Hotel is the last-family owned hotel to exist on the strip. Owner, Santiago Mendoza (Demián Bichir), lives a luxurious life with second wife, Gigi (Roselyn Sanchez), and their adult children. The hotel welcomes guests of the highest grandeur and success, but not everything is picture perfect in this setting.
Lincoln Younes, who plays the role of Danny, a new waiter at the hotel, tells viewers to pay attention to each episode.
“Everything can change each episode and it does,” he added. “It’s not one of those shows where you can come in halfway and figure out what’s going on in every aspect. I think you need to be watching every single episode. And I do think the payoff at the end is worth watching.”
Executive producer Eva Longoria knew the impact this show could have for different cultures and people of color.
“It adds the rainbow of diversity,” said Longoria. “Our media should reflect the world that we live in, and this show does just that. I loved having representation in television and a family that was Hispanic and affluent and educated and smart and resourceful and runs a large business. I wanted to make sure people saw that.”
For Younes, the show is a getaway from reality.
“I think it’s unlike anything on TV at the moment,” Younes explained. “I think it’s what people need at the moment. I think the landscape in every aspect is very heavy and quite dark, life right now. Whereas this is quite an amazing escape. Everyone can relate because everyone loves vacation. For me, I always go to hotels and I’m like, ‘There is one of every different person in this hotel right now.'”
You can catch new episodes of the Grand Hotel on Mondays at 10/9c on ABC.