Hotel

Summary

«Hotel» is a novel by Arthur Hailey, published in 1965. The story revolves around the life and work of the staff at the fictional grand hotel, the St. Gregory, in New Orleans. At the center of the narrative is Peter McDermott, the acting general manager of the hotel, who faces various challenges, from financial difficulties to internal conflicts among the staff and guests. Alongside Elizabeth Trent, the owner's secretary, he strives to save the hotel from impending bankruptcy, maintain its independence, and restore its former glory. Parallel to this, the novel tells the stories of several guests, including a couple who held their wedding at the hotel and a businessman involved in dubious financial dealings. The novel explores themes of responsibility, personal and professional ethics, as well as the complexities of managing a large service enterprise.

Main Ideas

• Exploration of human relationships against the backdrop of a large hotel complex
• Highlighting the challenges and specifics of managing a large hotel
• Analysis of the impact of various social, economic, and personal factors on the hotel's operations and functioning
• Examination of the influence of the hotel's daily activities on the lives of its staff and guests
• Consideration of moral and ethical dilemmas arising in the process of hotel management and customer service

Style and Technique

Arthur Hailey's book «Hotel» is written in the drama genre with elements of a detective story. The author employs a multi-layered plot, actively using the technique of parallel storylines to describe events occurring in the hotel, allowing the reader to simultaneously follow the development of several stories. Hailey meticulously develops the characters, infusing each story with deep emotions and drama. Special attention is given to the inner world of the characters and their personal growth in crisis situations. The language of the work is rich and varied, characterized by careful use of dialects and slang to emphasize the uniqueness of each character. The narrative structure is built on smooth transitions from one episode to another, ensuring continuity and dynamism. The author addresses social and ethical issues, adding depth and complexity to the text.

Interesting Facts

• The book describes events taking place over five days in a luxurious hotel in New Orleans.
• The main character, Peter McDermott, is the hotel manager and faces numerous problems, including an attempted rape, theft, and the threat of bankruptcy.
• The novel raises important social issues such as racial discrimination and corruption.
• The book provides detailed insights into the internal workings of a hotel, making it interesting for those wanting to learn more about the hospitality industry.
• Each chapter of the book begins with a description of the time of day and weather, helping to create an atmosphere and immerse the reader in the events.

Book Review

Arthur Hailey's novel «Hotel» received high praise from critics for its ability to immerse the reader in the complex and layered world of the hotel business. Hailey masterfully describes the inner life of a luxury hotel, revealing not only its outward glamour but also the behind-the-scenes intrigues, problems, and conflicts. Critics note that the author succeeded in creating vivid and memorable character portraits, each with their own unique story and motivation. Special attention is given to the detailed depiction of hotel operations, making the novel not only engaging but also informative. Some reviewers highlight Hailey's success in conveying the tension and drama inherent in the hotel industry, making the book a gripping read. At the same time, some critics point out a certain predictability in the plot and the stereotypical nature of some characters, though this does not detract from the overall positive impression of the work.