The Hotel: A Week in the Life of the Plaza

Even though the book is somewhat dated, this is a highly entertaining read and full of information and history about the Plaza Hotel. If you are an experienced visitor or not of high end hotels, you will enjoy the tips on how to get the most of your visit at any 4-star hotel. The perceptions and details of the staff positions are eye openers and will certainly give you another view of what takes place to ensure guests are comfortable and happy during their stay. The research that was involved and first hand observance is highly commendable.

This book gives an insider's view of a luxury hotel in New York. The author spends a week at the Plaza Hotel, visiting with various staff and guests. We get vignettes of the entire operation, from the doorman and front desk to the laundry, kitchen, concierge, security, bellhops, housekeeping staff, management, etc. The book is a running interview, the author records whatever was happening at the moment, while talking to the various staff. It also includes a bit of the history of the hotel. The week culminates with the visit of the King and Queen of Sweden. One impression is that a great deal goes on behind the scenes of such apparent effortless luxury, especially dealing with the slovenliness or disorderly behavior of various guests. The reader will gain an appreciation for those who provide hospitality during future stays. The only drawback to this book is that it is now a bit dated (1989), and as such is now more a work of history rather than a depiction of the current facility. One wonders what a modern reprise might include, with new wrinkles resulting from today's business travelers and their computers, cell phones, and post-9/11 security needs, modern concern with communicable disease, information security, etc...

"The Hotel" is a great book that goes behind-the-scenes of the Plaza Hotel. The author interviews maids, chefs, janitors, managers, and many others. The book is set up in chapters that go day-by-day - truly showing "a week in the life of the Plaza."