The Continental Hotel is one of the most iconic settings in the John Wick franchise. It was truly the introduction to the larger and secret world that exists within the John Wick universe, of hitmen, assassins, and other underworld ventures. There’s still much mystery surrounding the Continental, but fans have managed to piece certain things together from the John Wick films.
Hitmen always find themselves in the Continental. They find the services they need there, as well as the safety of its grounds. Not only is it a great hotel for a bed and breakfast, but it harbors plenty of secrets audiences might not know.
7 It's Actually A Chain Of Hotels
Although the first Continental Hotel audiences see in John Wick is the New York Continental, that isn’t the only version of the hotel, but one of many. Continental Hotels are a chain that exists around the world. So far in the series, audiences have seen a Continental in New York City, Osaka, Rome, and Casablanca.
Each Continental Hotel has a manager, a person in charge of the hotel that controls the established rules set by those of higher power. The chain of Continental Hotels makes underworld business far easier, and as always, a five-star service.
6 The Deadly Concierge
With every Continental having a manager, it is only right that they are assisted by a Concierge. A Concierge assists their manager in any way they can. Whether that is through scheduling meetings, dealing with clientele, or acting as a talented bodyguard, a Concierge is the next best thing to a bulletproof suit.
Although the concierge is usually seen hosting at the reception desk, it does not mean they should be underestimated. A fan-favorite character in the John Wick franchise, Charon, was the concierge to the New York City branch, a gentleman who was talented with weapons. The other known concierge was Akira, the daughter of Shimazu, the manager of the Osaka Continental. She was true talent with a bow, as well as other weapons.
5 Neutral Sanctuary
“Business” is the term usually used regarding the profession in the John Wick franchise that involves killing another person. However, one of the strictest, and perhaps the only true rule of the Continental, is that no business can be conducted on Continental grounds.
This rule is something to live by. Breaking it is a crime punishable by death, or it could cause someone to be excommunicado. This revokes a Continental member's privileges, and leaves them as nothing more than a common civilian.
4 What It Means To Be Deconsecrated & Condemned
The term “Deconsecrated” means that business can be conducted on Continental grounds. This business is determined by the High Table, and the High Table only. It’s a means to an end, whether the manager of the Continental is not complying, or they are harboring someone that is excommunicado. Many factors can make someone deconsecrated.
For a building to be “Condemned”, the manager of the Continental must evacuate everyone inside, as they are given an hour before their hotel is destroyed. This must be agreed upon by the 12 members of the High Table, who will see one of their iconic hotels destroyed and unusable.
3 High Table Authority
Although the Continental Hotel manager has the ultimate authority within the hotel, that does not mean they are above the High Table. No one is above the High Table, everyone serves under it. The High Table consists of twelve crime lords that govern the underworld with an iron fist. They control politicians, police forces, and more to conduct their business with the upmost impunity.
Since no one is above the High Table, the rules that are in place cannot be broken. Those that do will share the same fate, or worse, as John Wick himself. The High Table uses the Continental Hotels to conduct their business and keep their way of life flowing and privileged.
2 Gold Coin Currency
Not just anyone can stop by the Continental Hotel. Regardless of money or fame, the Continental only uses one currency, and that currency is king. This currency is a Gold Coin, a unique mint that is universal for the underworld business. This is the only currency that is accepted at a Continental Hotel.
These coins are untraceable and universal. A person can spend one coin in exchange for one day in the Continental. Whether it’s booking a room, having a drink, or even using the laundry room, all the services of the Continental require a coin to make sure that the person using those services is indeed a member of its business, and not a tourist looking for somewhere to stay.
1 Continental Services
In exchange for these Gold Coins, it seems that the Continental offers services outside currency for a hotel, and indeed acts as a bank or treasury. This is seen when Winston oversees and watches the distribution of new Gold Coins, and even looks himself for defects and counterfeits.
There are many services that the Continental Hotels offer varies on location, as the location in Rome also has an armory and a gunsmith. Each Continental has a different look, facilities, and features, yet the golden standards remain in place.