In the 1930's the hotel is a popular European ski resort presided over by the concierge, Gustav H (Ralph Fiennes), Zero becomes Gustav's friend and protege. Gustav prides himself on providing first class service to the hotel guests, including satisfying the sexual needs of the many elderly women who stay there. When one of Gustav's lover's dies mysteriously, Gustav finds himself the recipient of a priceless painting…and the chief suspect in her murder.