New York,
16
February
2021
|
18:00 PM
Europe/Amsterdam

Five checkmate destinations fit for a Queen

Capturing the imagination of viewers from around the world, who would have thought that one of the top viewed series of the last few months would be a coming-of-age period drama about chess? Set in the mid-1950's, the series follows the triumphs and tribulations of a female orphaned chess prodigy on her quest to become the best chess player in the world, taking her to incredible destinations in every corner of the globe.

According to recent Booking.com research, 35% of U.S. travelers are inspired to travel to a destination because of what they saw in a movie or TV show. With a mission to make it easier for everyone to experience the world, Booking.com shares five checkmate destinations fit for a Queen's gambit, whenever it’s safe to travel again.

Paris

The series kicks off in the charming French capital, Paris. Known for its iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe and the Notre-Dame cathedral, Paris has always been on many travelers’ bucket list. With so many incredible sights the city has to offer, it’s not surprising that Paris is highly endorsed by Booking.com travelers for sightseeing, architecture and city walks.

Where to stay: Located in central Paris, The Chess Hotel is a design hotel offering guests a glimpse into the world of chess. The black and white squares from the board game can be found throughout the property - from the hotel lobby to the room’s bathrooms, and guests are even invited to play a game of chess by the cozy fire in the lobby. Its central location offers great opportunities for guests to explore the city by foot and visit some of the city’s highlights. The hotel is just a short walk away from Opéra Metro Station, which provides direct access to the Louvre Museum.

Las Vegas

In episode three, the lead character heads to Sin City to play in her first U.S. Chess Championship. Surrounded by desert, this lively city is a true bucket list experience for many. The Las Vegas Strip is not to miss, with many luxury (casino) hotels and music performance venues located on this neon-lighted street. Las Vegas is also a great destination for food lovers, from mainstream restaurants to fine dining options, Vegas has tasty options for all taste buds.

Where to stay: Marriott's Grand Chateau is centrally located on the Las Vegas Strip with retro styled rooms that will transport guests back in time to the era the show was set in. The luxury rooms offer comfort to all guests, and panoramic views of the Las Vegas Strip or the city can be enjoyed from several rooms. Guests can enjoy some bites in the well-designed Lobby Bar and enjoy sunset views of the Strip from the rooftop Sky Bar.

Mexico City

The series also follows the lead character as she travels to Mexico City to attend another international chess tournament. Known for its great architecture and a beautiful old town filled with history, it’s no surprise that it’s endorsed by Booking.com travelers for culture, city walks and history. The city is also highly endorsed for food, with fifty regional cuisines from across the country feeding into the cities. A perfect getaway to indulge local culture in many ways!

Where to stay: When entering Hotel Geneve CD de Mexico, the black and white tiles on the floor will have guests immediately feel as if they are standing on a life-size chess board. The classy hotel interior with historic elements also sends guests back in time to the era that the series was set. This historic hotel is located in Juarez, Mexico's Pink Zone, with many shops, restaurants and attractions in the nearby area.

Moscow

Russia’s capital city, Moscow, is the scene of the climatic final episode, where the lead character competes against the world's best and most serious chess players. According to Booking.com endorsement data, Moscow is highly recommended for sightseeing Travelers will be amazed by all the incredible historical sights the city has to offer and for those eager to learn more about chess, a visit to Moscow’s Chess Museum is worth a visit.

Where to stay: Located opposite of the Chess Museum, Russo-Balt Hotel is a perfect stay for travelers to easily explore the city. The elegant building of the hotel dates back to 1876, giving guests the ultimate feeling of being part of a moment in history. The hotel features Art Nouveau-style rooms with high ceilings and large windows that offer amazing views of the city. The nearby metro station gives visitors access to easily visit other city highlights such as the Kremlin and the Red Square.

Berlin

While in the series the lead character travels to amazing places all around the world, most of the actual filming locations were in Berlin, Germany. While the city has a rich history with many historical sites, including Checkpoint Charlie and the iconic Brandenburg Gate, throughout the city, Booking.com travelers also highly endorsed Berlin for its alternative culture and modern art. Not only was the city a great backdrop for this dramatic chess-inspired miniseries, but the city also has a vibrant culture and nightlife, making it a great city to explore for travelers of every age.

Where to stay: Within walking distance from the Bode Museum, one of the main filming locations of the show, Nook Rooms & Apartments offers its guests an ultimate stay for a city trip in Berlin. The property is centrally located in the heart of Berlin's Mitte district and offers modern and fully furnished apartments of various sizes with easy access to public transportation, making it easy for guests to travel and explore different parts of the city.

For those travelers who got inspired and look forward to travel whenever it’s safe to do so again, with a mission to make it easier for everyone to experience the world, Booking.com is sharing Early 2021 Travel Deals for travelers to use when booking their early 2021 trips. Discounts start at 20 percent and are valid for stays until March 31, 2021.

*Research commissioned by Booking.com and independently conducted among a sample of 47,728 respondents across 28 markets (1,997 from USA, 1,987 from Canada, 1,999 from Mexico, 2,003 from Colombia, 1,996 from Brazil, 2,002 from Argentina, 1,994 from Australia, 985 from New Zealand, 1,993 from Spain, 1,993 from Italy, 1,993 from France, 1,984 from UK, 1,989 from Germany, 1,977 from Netherlands, 983 from Denmark, 986 from Sweden, 998 from Croatia, 1,997 from Russia, 999 from Israel, 1,997 from India, 1,992 from China, 991 from Hong Kong, 1,991 from Thailand, 1,977 from Singapore, 998 from Taiwan, 953 from Vietnam, 1,990 from South Korea, 1,987 from Japan). In order to participate in this survey, respondents had to be 18 years of age or older, had to have traveled at least once in the past 12 months and be either the primary decision maker or involved in the decision making of their travel. The survey was taken online and took place in November 2020.