Hallmark’s latest Countdown to Christmas movie, “A Suite Holiday Romance,” premieres Saturday, December 13 at 8 p.m. Eastern/7 p.m. Central, with encores airing throughout the season. The movie stars Jessy Schram and Dominic Sherwood.
Although the story’s premise unfolds around the glittering backdrop of Manhattan, this is not actually where the movie was filmed. Read on to learn all about where the movie was made and see behind-the-scenes cast stories.
‘A Suite Holiday Romance’ Was Filmed in Winnipeg, Canada
“A Suite Holiday Romance” was filmed in Canada around Easter time. The Winnipeg, Manitoba region doubles for New York. Of course, smart cinematography work helped make the location feel more authentic, including some Manhattan skyline post-production insets blended into the movie, 4Filming reported.
According to Tourism Winnipeg, the fictional Grand Fairbanks Hotel was filmed at Winnipeg’s historic Fort Garry Hotel. Fort Garry’s website and Tourism Winnipeg note that some of the specific filming locations at the hotel included:
- The Crystal Ballroom for a dance sequence, holiday parties and receptions scenes
- The Oval Room for day and night scenes, capturing the beauty of its domed ceiling
- Grand lobby and main entrance for the Fairbanks’ lobby and entrance
- Period guest rooms and suites were adapted into New York suites
- Fort Garry’s grand staircase
Maria Cefali, Fort Garry Hotel’s director of marketing, told Tourism Winnipeg: “This was possibly the only time that Hallmark took over during the day, in our lobby. Set up took place before Easter weekend and needless to say, our Easter Brunch guests were pleasantly surprised to see it decorated for Christmas when they arrived with their families all decked out for the Easter Bunny.”
But, Cefali added, guests were confused when they were dropped off at Fort Garry and signage said it was the Fairbanks Hotel, due to filming.
Schram told Decider that they “tried to bring as much of New York to it (the movie) as we possibly could,” recreating a New York feel with taxis, extra traffic, and numerous background artists.
Meet the Cast
Hallmark’s synopsis reads: “It’s Christmas week when Sabrina Post, arrives at the iconic Grand Fairbanks Hotel in New York City, ready to accept the ghostwriting position for the memoir of Grayson Westcott – a famous art dealer. As a struggling writer, Sabrina can’t believe her luck: a paycheck and a stay in her own suite at the hotel. She feels like Cordelia, the heroine from her favorite series of children’s books written by Hazel Holley. What promises to be a perfect week is complicated when Sabrina meets Ian Turner, a handsome British visitor, at the hotel bar. When Ian assumes Sabrina is another wealthy guest at the hotel, she doesn’t correct him – a decision she doesn’t regret after learning that Ian is a member of the British aristocracy. Or so she thinks. The truth is that Ian is not a wealthy lord but is the personal secretary of Lord Spencer Braxton. Ian is in town for the holidays to oversee the installation of an exhibit featuring the Braxton Royal Jewels at the Avalon Museum. As the week unfolds, Sabrina shows Ian Christmas in New York and the two start to fall for each other.”
Jessy Schram is Sabrina. She’s currently starring as Dr. Hannah Asher in NBC’s “Chicago Med.” She’s also known for “Jane Doe,” “Last Resort,” “Falling Skies,” “Nashville,” “Mad Men,” “Lizzie Borden,” “Once Upon a Time,” and more. Her history with Hallmark is prolific as well, covering credits like “A Royal New Year’s Eve,” “Harvest Moon,” “Road to Christmas,” “Country at Heart,” “Time for Them to Come Home for Christmas,” and more.
Dominic Sherwood is Ian. He’s well known for his role in “Partner Track” on Netflix, and other productions like the “Eraser” revival, “Penny Dreadful,” “Shadowhunters,” and more. He also starred in Hallmark’s “Haunted Wedding.”
Also starring in the film, according to IMDb, are:
- Reena Jolly (Tabitha)
- Lauren Cochrane (Hazel Holley)
- Al Sapienza (Grayson Westcott)
- Ameymae Swift (self/Christmas party guest)
- Chase Winnicky (Barry)
Jeff Beesley directed and Andrea Canning wrote the film.
When you film in Canada, it looks like Canada, not New York City, stock shots, and Canadian accents give it away.