The new Amazon Prime Video series “Hello Tomorrow” has been a big hit since it premiered on July 30th, 2021. The story follows the life of an ambitious and optimistic scientist, June, who is struggling with the ethical dilemmas of her job. The show takes place in the 1960s, and it’s set in a watchable motel named “The Vista Motor Lodge.”
The Vista Motor Lodge has become an iconic setting on the show, and many fans are wondering where it was filmed. Was it a real motel, or was it just a set built for the show? In this blog post, we’ll be exploring the answer to that question.
Where was the Vista Motor Lodge Filmed?
The Vista Motor Lodge was a motel that was created for the show. It was not a real motel, and it was built specifically for “Hello Tomorrow.” However, the show’s creators did not just build the motel from scratch. They used an existing venue in Nassau County, New York, as the exterior of the motel.
The Sands on Lido Beach, a now events venue located on 710 Lido Blvd., was chosen to represent the exterior of The Vista Motor Lodge. The crew re-dressed the exterior to make it look like a roadside motel from the 1960s. They also added a more elaborate porte-cochère and a rock-wall façade to the building.
While The Sands on Lido Beach was only used as the exterior of The Vista Motor Lodge, the interior scenes were shot elsewhere. For the interior shots, the production team built a set on a soundstage in New York City.
Why was The Sands on Lido Beach Chosen?
The Sands on Lido Beach is a beautiful beachfront venue that has been used for weddings, banquets, and other events. While it may seem like an unusual choice for a motel, the location was perfect for The Vista Motor Lodge’s exterior.
The venue’s beachfront location gave the illusion of a more remote setting, which was a vital element for The Vista Motor Lodge. Additionally, the building’s architecture was ideal for the motel’s 1960s aesthetic. The building was also large enough to accommodate the show’s crew and equipment.
The beach setting of The Sands on Lido Beach was also used in the show’s story. The beach played a crucial role in some scenes, especially one where June and her coworker, Elliot, have a heart-to-heart conversation on the beach.
Conclusion
The Vista Motor Lodge, the iconic motel featured in the Amazon Prime Video series “Hello Tomorrow,” was not a real motel. The exterior scenes of the motel were filmed at The Sands on Lido Beach, an events venue in Nassau County, New York. The show’s production team redressed the building to make it look like a roadside motel from the 1960s.
While the show’s creators could have easily built a motel set, choosing The Sands on Lido Beach as a filming location was an inspired choice. The beachfront location and the building’s architecture perfectly fit the motel’s aesthetic, while the beach played a crucial role in some of the show’s best moments.