Be My Guest

I came across this book while staying at a Hilton in Pittsburgh. I opened the desk drawer and there it was. Accident or syncronicity? (from Webster's dictionary - the coincidental occurrence of events and especially psychic events (as similar thoughts in widely separated persons or a mental image of an unexpected event before it happens) that seem related but are not explained by conventional mechanisms of causality -- used especially in the psychology of C. G. Jung). This book came to my attention just at the right time for me to read. The story is very entertaining, keeps your attention, and inspiring. Conrad Hilton defines what a man can become. He had his feet solidly on the ground. He kept his ears open to hear that still soft voice of intuition give him the answers he needed. No doubt going to church daily empowered him to be still and be centered enough to listen for inspiration and for answers as he describes it in the book (p-196). This he describes as well as I have read anywhere. The man had integrity and faith in his being and doing. He accomplished a lot, and had an impact on many people's lives. By leaving the bulk of his wealth to a foundation his vision of what can be done continues today many years after his death.

I recently finished "Be My Guest". As both a business person and a Christian, this book was a timely blessing to me. Despite all you made read in the gossip rags about his heirs (P. Hilton comes to mind), they are a world away from Conrad "Connie" Hilton. The book tells the story of a man from humble upbringings who makes something of himself. The story begins in New Mexico at the turn of the Century. From his father he learns about honor, honesty, integrity and the will to perservere. From his mother he learns about the Catholic faith "Always remember to pray and take your problems to the Lord," she tells him. While building the world famous Hilton Hotel Chain, Hilton almost always finds time to attend daily Mass and Communion. He manages to achieve what is sorely lacking these days in the modern business world, the balance of integrity with ambition, his principles girded by his faith in his God. As a business memoir it is excellent, as a testimony to one man's upbringing and faith, it is superlative.

I discovered "Be My Guest" at the Hilton San Francisco and couldn't put it down again until I had read the entire book. It's an absolutely riveting read, full of adventure and lessons learned over the course of many years. I was completely surprised that such a special book (really a testament to a hard working man with great ideas and an ability to execute them) isn't more widely distributed. It's choc full of humor and pathos, drama and innocence. More like a novel than an autobiography. From now on, I'm going to position Hilton Hotels as my first choice when traveling. Read this wonderful book if you want to be inspired!

I read this book while staying at the Hilton in Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico. It was in a night table.It was very educaitonal for me in its description of life in New Mexico and west Texas -- where the author grew up -- at the turn of the century, and the erratic economic times caused not only by the Great Depression, but also the financial panics in prior years. It also teaches the very real importance of ethics and honor in business and family relationships. Finding the book in my hotel room was a real treat.

As I'm sitting here in a Hilton Hotel, I see that they have this book by their founder stocked in all the desks for guests to read. Its mostly a motivational memoir of a great business career. He shares many interesting anecdotes.