The #1 New York Times–bestselling author of Airport reveals the inner workings of a New Orleans hotel—and the human drama unfolding behind its closed doors. During five sultry days, the lives of the guests, the management, and the workers at New Orleans’ largest and most elite hotel converge. The owner has four days to raise the money to save his financially ailing property. The general manager, … ailing property. The general manager, once blacklisted from the hospitality business, struggles with one crisis after another. A rebellious heiress will do anything to attain her secret desires. The duke and the duchess in the lavish presidential suite are covering up a crime. And within one of the many guest rooms hides a professional thief.
Filled with memorable characters and authentic detail about the inner machinery and secrets of a five-star hotel, this gripping New York Times bestseller sold millions of copies and was adapted for both film and TV. Set in a time when travel was still glamorous and grand independent hotels set the standard for luxury, it’s a read like a vacation in itself, from the author of such behind-the-scenes blockbusters as The Moneychangers and Wheels.
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A little dated now, but honestly, for pure entertainment, you just can’t beat Arthur
Hailey. I first read this book decades ago and I still vividly remember parts of it. I learned so much about New Orleans from this book and thought of it when I visited that city so many years later.
I got through this so quickly because it pulls you in right away. Interesting characters and just very entertaining. Keeps you on the edge. I recommend it for a fast read on an airplane or beach.
One of the classics of several decades ago.
This book takes place in 1965. Doesn’t matter. It’s still a great read about the crazy, unpredictable issues that the hotel manager has to deal with. Though mostly serious, I found myself giggling out loud at some of the goings on and consequences of such. I’ve been reading some older books as his and find them very interesting.
Ok, let’s address this first: Yes, the book is old. It was written in the 60s. People smoked cigarettes and called African Americans by words we find offensive now. That was then, this is now, and although the constant references to people as “negro” (no, happily, he never used the N word) and lighting up a smoke is grating, at the end of the …
Historical fiction, Hailey writes a great book!
I found it informative since I knew little about the hotel industry.
One of the best authors of his generation for story telling. Have never read a book he wrote that I did not get totally immersed in.
I am so glad I read this book! Entertaining story that was informative and kept me coming back to finish it quickly as I wanted to see how each character unfolded-I even thought about them during the day when I wasn’t reading the book! Highly recommend!
CLASSIC
Classic Arthur Hailey!
Absolutely loved this book. Fun to read about the social norms of the 60s and 70s. Still very relevant to today.
This book is a fun look at a bygone era of grand hotels, the wealthy who frequented them, and the amazing services provided by the staff.
I enjoyed this book!
A classic worth re reading it
I loved this read. I could hardly put it down. It was one of those books you just had to get to the end to see how everything turns out but knew you would hate to be finished with the book.
Many aspects of the book will be “dated” by modern standards, but as with all of Hailey’s books that I have read, the plot and characters will keep you intrigued as you also discover the ins-and-outs of the workings of one of the last “grand hotels” of its day. Hailey’s trademark of realism and well-researched detail shines strongly in this novel. …
Kept you insteredbgb
Although I enjoyed this book it is not one of my favorites by this author.
Fun read