The Cortez is a mysterious hotel built in the last century. After the original owner March (Evan Peters) died, the hotel was stained with mystery. Today's owner, the Countess (Lady Gaga) and her lover Donovan (Matt Bomer) seem to have a more unknown secret. The hotel's store managers Lizzie Taylor (Denis O'Hare) and Iris (Kathy Bates) seem to have other plans. Everything that seems peaceful is broken by a serial murder case. Policeman John (Wes Bentley) enters the hotel to investigate, but finds that the truth seems even more terrifying.