Synopsis

While driving through a remote area, estranged spouses David and Amy Fox are forced to spend the night at an isolated motel after their car breaks down. Their uneasy stay turns terrifying when they discover that the violent videos in their room were filmed there. Hidden cameras reveal that the motel is being used to record murders, and the couple must find a way to escape before they become the next subjects.

Factoids & Trivia

• The idea reportedly originated with writer Mark L. Smith after he noticed seemingly deserted roadside motels during a drive through New Mexico and wondered how they remained in business.

• The Pinewood Motel was constructed specifically for the production rather than filmed at an existing motel. The exterior and interior were built as separate sets.

• Filming took place in California, including Santa Clarita and Sony Pictures Studios in Culver City, during September and October 2006.

• The fake snuff films were shot on the first day of production. Their extended versions were included among the home-video special features.

• The film's marketing campaign included the toll-free number 1-888-9-VACANCY, designed to sound like a call to the Pinewood Motel. The recorded message featured screaming in the background and a motel proprietor promoting "killer" deals.

• Sony's home-video release included deleted scenes, a making-of featurette, a trailer gallery, and commentary involving the principal performers and filmmaker.

• A direct-to-video prequel, "Vacancy 2: The First Cut," followed in 2008. It explores the motel's earlier history and how its employees became involved in the killings.