Stripped of aristocratic privilege, Count Alexander Rostov is sentenced to life imprisonment at the Metropol Hotel. Contending with allies and foes alike, it’s nine-year-old Nina and her unexpected friendship that changes his life.

The Count reckons with his past when old friend Mishka turns up at the hotel; he meets Anna Urbanova for the first time, embarking on a passionate affair; his friendship with Nina deepens, but their time together may be cut short.

When someone close to him suffers a terrible accident, the Count resolves to save them at any cost, making a decision that endangers his life; as the hotel rallies to protect him, the crisis forces Anna to confront her true feelings about the Count.

Russia stands on the brink of change in 1953, as someone close to the Count is granted a major opportunity. But when the return of an old friend makes the Count see clearly, he's confronted with a difficult choice about the future.

The Count and Anna devise an elaborate plan, with huge consequences should it fail. However, things quickly start to unravel. An inevitable showdown is set between the Count and an old enemy.