As one of the characters in this BBC series explains early on: in the hotel business, image is everything. The same is not completely true of Hotel Babylon itself, but certainly the sleek, glossy look is one of its major selling points. Loosely based on Imogen Edwards-Jones' “tell-all” U.K. bestseller—drawn from the gossipy reminiscences of an “anonymous” industry insider—Hotel Babylon focuses on the staff of a ritzy, five-star establishment in the heart of London, who contend with demanding guests and challenging situations, as well as personal problems and occasional romantic interactions. The eight episodes of the 2006 first season mix drama and comedy in fairly equal measure but also demonstrate a flip, even cynical attitude (especially in the narration by the newly appointed assistant manager), generating dark humor over one guest who's potentially suicidal and another suspected of murdering his wife, while also raising more serious issues such as employing illegal immigrants in menial jobs, and the threat of deportation. The cliffhanging season finale places a major character's life in jeopardy, by which time many viewers will be sufficiently hooked to look forward to the second season of this glitzy trifle, which is done up so stylishly that most will find that it offers very hospitable accommodations, indeed. DVD extras include a “making-of” documentary and an audio commentary on the first episode. Recommended. (F. Swietek)
Hotel Babylon
BBC, 3 discs, 471 min., not rated, DVD: $39.98 June 9, 2008
Hotel Babylon
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