<P> According to creators Brad Falchuk and Ryan Murphy, thematically, Hotel is much darker than previous seasons . Inspiration came from old hotel horror films and actual hotels situated in downtown Los Angeles with a reputation for sinister events, including the Cecil . The cycle also marks a return to filming in Los Angeles, where the first two seasons were shot . Hotel features one of the most expansive sets in American Horror Story history, with production designer Mark Worthington building two stories on a soundstage, along with a working elevator and stairway . In July 2015, FX launched a marketing campaign for the series, with most trailers and teasers touting Gaga's involvement . </P> <P> Although Hotel was originally reported to consist of thirteen episodes (à la Asylum, Coven, and Freak Show), that number was later revised to twelve (à la Murder House). The season garnered a total of eight Emmy Award nominations, including two acting nominations for Paulson and Bates . It was the first time, however, that a season of American Horror Story was not nominated for Outstanding Limited Series . In addition, Gaga won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress--Mini-Series or Television Film while Hotel received a nomination for Best Mini-Series or Television Film . </P> <P> The fifth season of American Horror Story focuses on the Downtown Los Angeles Hotel Cortez which has been recently purchased by a New York fashion designer, Will Drake (Cheyenne Jackson). The 90 year old hotel is haunted by demons and mysterious ghosts including the founder, James Patrick March (Evan Peters); heroin junkie Sally (Sarah Paulson); and the strap - on - wielding Addiction Demon . Staff and residents of the hotel include the 111 - year - old "vampire", Elizabeth / The Countess (Lady Gaga), and her longtime paramour, the former drug - addict Donovan (Matt Bomer), as well as Donovan's mother, the manager and front desk clerk Iris (Kathy Bates); the eccentric transgender bartender Liz Taylor (Denis O'Hare); and the Countess' vengeance - obsessed lover, Ramona Royale (Angela Bassett). </P> <P> As the season unfolds, the information and backstory of each character is revealed . Elizabeth was married to James March and had an illegal abortion at the Murder House (of AHS Season One) back in 1926 . Ramona was a Hollywood actress who had a romantic past with Elizabeth, before the latter killed Ramona's new boyfriend in a jealous rage . Liz was formerly known as Nick Pryor and lived in Topeka, Kansas up until 1984 when she was given a makeover and christened as Liz Taylor by Elizabeth . Sally, after supplying Donovan heroin, was shoved out a window by an angered Iris . Finally, James tortured and murdered many visitors to his hotel, which he built with a series of secret chutes and hallways used primarily for covertly disposing the bodies of his victims . </P>

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