Hotel Cocaine

I just finished watching Hotel Cocaine and have to say I really enjoyed it. I love these narco, drug cartel type shows so this was made for people like me. It was created by the same people that made the amazing Narcos & Narcos: Mexico series on Netflix and the very good Godfather of Harlem. While this isn't anywhere near as good as those three shows it's still good enough to spend your time watching. It's a true story about a Cuban exile named Roman Compte (Danny Pino) who is the general manager of a hotel called The Mutiny, he's also the brother of one of the biggest drug dealers in Florida at the time named Nestor Cabal (Yul Vazquez). When a DEA agent (Michael Chiklis) makes Roman help him arrest his brother all hell breaks loose. As long as you're not expecting it to be as good as Narcos then I think you'll enjoy it.

Roman manages the infamous Mutiny Hotel, which isn't your average accommodation - it's the epicentre of Miami's cocaine empire, teeming with criminals, DEA agents, and partygoers. When a DEA agent forces him to spy on his estranged older brother and feared drug lord Nestor Cabal, Roman is thrust into the murky and wildly dangerous world of drug dealing.

From the very first episode, it's clear that Hotel Cocaine is heavily influenced by Narcos. The gritty realism, complex characters and relentless pacing are reminiscent of the hit series. However, Hotel Cocaine brings a fresh perspective by focusing on the hotel as a microcosm of the larger drug war. Pino, known for his roles in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit and Cold Case, brings depth and intensity to the character of Roman that keeps viewers glued to the screen. His nuanced performance captures the internal conflict of a man torn between familial loyalty and survival, making Roman one of the most complex and relatable characters in recent TV viewing.

The supporting cast is equally impressive. Michael Chiklis, as the hard-nosed DEA agent, brings his usual intensity and gravitas to the role, creating a formidable counterpart to Roman.

Yul Vazquez as Nestor Cabal, Roman's brother, adds another layer of tension and drama to the story. Their fraught relationship, marred by betrayal and conflicting loyalties, adds a rich, emotional depth to the gritty narrative.

Jess Lynch Jess Lynch June 23, 2024 Share via facebook Share via twitter Share via e-mail Leave a comment Listen Now

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Sex. Nudity. Scandals: We Need To Talk About The Olympics CANCELLED But what truly sets Hotel Cocaine apart is its unique setting. The Mutiny Hotel is more than just a backdrop; it's a character in its own right.

The hotel's opulent yet seedy ambience perfectly captures the paradox of Miami during this era - a city where glamour and danger coexist in a delicate balance.

The review is made after the pilot E01... Some people are stuck in the past, in their favorite movie, and want there to be only one masterpiece that should stand alone and be hailed forever... I say NO! To that... I want fresh stuff and good entertainment, and Hotel Cocaine is exactly that. It's fresh, fun, entertaining and intense, a well balanced series, full of interesting and well played characters that build a solid backbone for this great show, yeah.. I love this, and it got me hooked right from the start. Well made, waiting for more... Give it a try, and see if you get hooked wink wink. Well, I think you will get hooked... :)

Hotel Cocaine has everything you want in a good crime thriller about drug cartels. It has plenty of action, drama, twists, etc. This more than held my attention as I binged watched all 8 episodes over a weekend with my brother. Like others have already said, this isn't as good as Narcos, Queen of the South or some of the other great cartel shows out there but it's still pretty good. My only complaints are the production and editing could be a little better and Michael Chiklis is just flat out awful here. I'm a fan of Chiklis ever since he starred in The Shield but I don't know who this was because it was some of the worst acting I've seen this year. I thought this was going to be a one season show and that's it, but with that cliffhanger at the end it looks like we'll be getting another season which I'm looking forward to.

Well what can I say?

Hotel Cocaine is a thrilling dive into the hedonistic and dangerous world of 1970s Miami, centered around the infamous Mutiny Hotel, where the lines between luxury and lawlessness blur. The series immediately sets itself apart with its vibrant energy, drawing viewers into a whirlwind of decadence, crime, and high-stakes drama.

Danny Pino shines as Roman Compte, the hotel's general manager, delivering a compelling performance as a man caught between family loyalty and the demands of the DEA. His portrayal of Roman is layered, showing both the character's cool competence and the cracks that form as he navigates the treacherous waters of the Miami drug trade. The Mutiny Hotel, with its kaleidoscope of colours and constant buzz of activity, becomes a character in its own right, serving as the perfect backdrop for the chaotic events that unfold.

One of the standout aspects of Hotel Cocaine is its ability to maintain a high level of excitement and tension throughout. The show's directors infuse the series with a sense of exuberance and excess that mirrors the wild atmosphere of Miami during this era. The creative team's choice to embrace a more colourful and lively aesthetic, as opposed to the often dark and gritty tones of similar shows, breathes new life into the crime drama genre.

Despite its intense subject matter, Hotel Cocaine manages to balance its drama with moments of levity and humor, especially through its portrayal of real-life celebrities who frequented the hotel. These moments provide a refreshing contrast to the otherwise high-stakes narrative, making the series as entertaining as it is thrilling.

For fans of shows like Narcos, Queen of the South, and Snowfall, Hotel Cocaine offers a fresh, vibrant take on the crime drama, with enough twists and turns to keep viewers hooked from start to finish. It's a series that not only captures the spirit of its time but also delivers a captivating story full of intrigue, danger, and unexpected moments of fun.

If you're a film junkie like myself then you'll appreciate the time and effort that Chris Brancato and everyone else put in to make this happen.

I enjoyed it. Not my place to say where it could have been improved. It is what it is.

Thank you.