Jami Belushi Talks ‘Hotel For The Holidays’

Managing a hotel is a lot easier with a best friend, which is where Jami Belushi’s Kiki comes in in. Alongside Riverdale’s Madelaine Petsch and Aladdin’s Mena Massoud, Belushi stars in the upcoming Christmas movie, Hotel for the Holidays, about a young woman (Petsch) who dreams of owning her own hotel but already has her hands full keeping the one she’s currently managing afloat. Luckily, she has a best friend to help and it was great to be able to ask Belushi some questions about her role.

Rachel Bellwoar: A lot of Christmas movies are being released this month. What do you think sets Hotel for the Holidays apart from the rest?

Jami Belushi: I believe what sets Hotel for the Holidays apart from the rest of the films out there was the ability to intertwine so many storylines in such a wholehearted and loving way. It reminds people what the holiday season is about; friendship, family, and the people and places you love. I think Hotel for the Holidays does an amazing job of bringing all of those important factors together.

Bellwoar: Kiki spends most of Hotel for the Holidays trying to realize her dream of a “12 Days of Christmas” theme for the Jingle Mingle party. Were there any scenes that were especially hard to get through due to laughing?

Belushi: There was tons of laughter throughout the shooting process, but the one in particular I remember laughing through was when I had to carry live chickens in my hands and they kept moving around. It was hilarious.

Bellwoar: While ’tis the time of year for watching Christmas movies, filming Christmas movies usually happens earlier. What was it like trying to capture the Christmas spirit off-season?

Belushi: It was so easy to capture the Christmas spirit in our little world. The set design was so authentic and beautiful, until you stepped outside you would have no idea you were not in the winter season. Christmas is the best time of the year and I got to live it twice!

Bellwoar: What part of Kiki’s personality were you most excited to play?

Belushi: I loved every part of Kiki, but I think I was most excited to play her determination to get her Christmas party planned. She is such a mover and a shaker and knows how to get things done, that was really fun to try and capture.

Bellwoar: How was it working with Kayleigh Shikani (who plays popstar, Pandora)?

Belushi: Kayleigh is amazing. She really brought Pam/Pandora to life in such a fun way. I had a blast working with her.

Bellwoar: Are there any go-to holiday films that you try to watch every year?

Belushi: I watch Love Actually every single year right as it starts to get cold. It is my all-time favorite movie and I can’t wait to watch it.

Bellwoar: Thanks for agreeing to this interview, Jami!

Hotel for the Holidays starts streaming December 2nd on Freevee (formerly IMDb TV).