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snoakes7001's review against another edition
5.0
I always enjoy Mark Watson's books. He writes great stories with engaging believable characters. This one is set in the Hotel Alpha and the chapters alternate between Graham, the Hotel's concierge and the owner's son. Both are equally beholden to the larger than life owner Howard and all along you wonder if he really is all he purports to be.
Highly entertaining, it zips along, much as the years do in the book.
There is a companion volume of 100 stories related to the guests. These were available on a website, but that appears to have gone so you now have to buy it. My kindle version came with a sample of 8 of these, and while I enjoyed them, I don't feel its necessary to buy the rest - the tale stands on its own quite happily.
This would make a good holiday read.
Highly entertaining, it zips along, much as the years do in the book.
There is a companion volume of 100 stories related to the guests. These were available on a website, but that appears to have gone so you now have to buy it. My kindle version came with a sample of 8 of these, and while I enjoyed them, I don't feel its necessary to buy the rest - the tale stands on its own quite happily.
This would make a good holiday read.
eskimosmurf's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Watson has a fantastic ability at writing characters that are engaging and interesting to read even of nothing much is happening.
autisticmisabel's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
terangbulan's review
4.0
I picked up this book at first because the summary reminded me of Wes Anderson's 'The Grand Budapest Hotel'. Although, it's different, I enjoyed it!
What is it about: The hotel Alpha is in of London's posh hotels. Behind every success, there will be stories. The concierge man, Graham and the owner's adopted son tell their stories about what life is really like at the Hotel Alpha.
What I liked: the flashbacks and the diverse characters. You really get to know everyone at the hotel.
What I didn't like: The ending! Seriously?? It's unfinished!
Recommended for : peoole who enjoys drama and British scenes and references.
What is it about: The hotel Alpha is in of London's posh hotels. Behind every success, there will be stories. The concierge man, Graham and the owner's adopted son tell their stories about what life is really like at the Hotel Alpha.
What I liked: the flashbacks and the diverse characters. You really get to know everyone at the hotel.
What I didn't like: The ending! Seriously?? It's unfinished!
Recommended for : peoole who enjoys drama and British scenes and references.
niccakicca's review against another edition
4.0
Loved this book - very interesting format that you can read further online.
miramanga's review against another edition
3.0
A quick pick pre holiday when I only had five minutes to race around the library. Glad this caught my eye. Gloriously imagined the characters were a joy to delve into. The best character was surely Hotel Alpha itself. I'm sure I'd have loved a stay there.
xin's review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
scottishlindsay's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0