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.

As his old life crumbles, the Count receives some devastating news; blinded by hurt, he embroils his friends in a dangerous plan; his disregard for the state may have consequences; Nina makes a surprise return, as Anna's career takes a turn.

The Count is forced to undertake a dangerous mission, one that will lead to a battle for his soul; Anna's professional relationships are beset by political complications, as Mishka grows increasingly disenchanted with the Party.

The Count's world is turned upside down when an unexpected arrival is placed in his care; as he struggles to attend to his duties, things become more difficult when the Bishop hears of the arrangement and is hellbent on tearing everything apart.

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.