Favorite Hotel Books in Every Genre

Historical

Hotel: An American History - A. K. Sandoval-Strausz

This book recounts the development of the lodging industry in the United States, beginning in Colonial America with George Washington’s presidential tour in 1789. The author discusses the progression of the hotel system (theoretically, judicially, financially, and architecturally) and the hospitality paradigm. He describes the significant role that hotels have played throughout history and the influence the lodging industry has had on major American events all while providing over 120 images from across history to give his story life. Any history buff would enjoy this book and it would also serve as a great reference for an academic project.

Leadership and Management

You Can't Lead With Your Feet on the Desk: Building Relationships, Breaking Down Barriers, and Delivering Profits - Ed Fuller

This book is a quick and easy read. The author, Ed Fuller, is the president and managing director of international lodging for Marriott International. He recounts how he got his start in the hospitality industry and his 40 year journey to become a top executive at Marriott International. He discusses the role he played in developing Marriott into a globally renowned hospitality empire and all of the cultural difficulties and barriers that came along with operating on an international scale.  There are a number of intense, action-filled stories about the crises that Mr. Fuller was responsible for managing, ranging from bombing attacks and natural disasters to contract disputes with international partners. The advice takeaways from this book are applicable to anyone wanting to develop their cultural sensitivity and build their international relation skills.

Fiction/Novel

Hotel - Arthur Hailey

This is a fictional story about the staff of a hotel in New Orleans, Louisiana, called the St. Gregory. The plot spans only five days (Monday – Friday) and details numerous dramatic storylines from the hotel staff and guests as management tries to avoid being bought by the major hotel chain, O’Keefe. This book was on the New York Times Bestseller List for 52 weeks, was made into a movie, Hotel, in 1967, and then into a television series, Hotel, in 1983. This is a well written, dramatic novel and anyone that has worked in hotel operations will be able to identify with at least one character or situation that occurs.

Humorous

The Waldorf Hysteria: hotel manners, misbehaviour & minibars - Fritz Gubler

This book is also a quick and fun read about the more humorous aspects of hotel operations. The title comes from “an imaginary syndrome peculiar to hotels”, based on wild, crazy and humorous events that happen only in hotels. It is full of anecdotes about celebrities, royals, and politicians that have all been eccentric and scandalous hotel guests. There are random and interesting facts peppered throughout the book that make this one of the most unique hotel-related books I have ever read. This is a great book to read to lighten your mood after a stressful day on property. The author, Fritz Gubler, also wrote the book Great, Grand, and Famous Hotels, another gossip style book about legendary hotels and major events that have happened in them.