Reviews

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.

niccakicca's review against another edition

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4.0

Loved this book - very interesting format that you can read further online.

miramanga's review against another edition

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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 against another edition

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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

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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

razalar's review against another edition

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3.0

I generally enjoyed this book. The characters were well drawn and unique, and the story was vivid and memorable. I felt that once the ending had started it rushed towards it despite events that happened that could have altered it, and it could have been more carefully considered or explained. I found Graham's steady and slightly confused concierge believable and lovable. I liked Kathleen's character but I felt the "headstrong left wing girl" a bit clichéd and didn't believe that she would have abandoned Chas at the protest or even to move abroad. Overall I warmed to the characters and thought it was a great read.

antheasaw's review against another edition

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I REALLY REALLY wanted to like this book. I've read the previous two novels by Mark Watson and I absolutely adored them. However this one... I just didn't get it. I am pretty sure it's just me. It started off okay with a sense of adventure foreboding

Spoiler

Graham looking for a job and got hired by a quirky employer with his bizarre habits and way of interviewing applicants etc etc

. I was genuinely looking forward and hyped up on what's going to happen next, however, I felt let down? Maybe I expected too much I don't know but it wasn't what I expected so I didn't know how to feel.

The characters were endearing and I really liked them all a lot. I quite liked the premise of the book whereby people come and go from the hotel with all their stories and adventures but I just didn't get that satisfying feeling from reading this novel.

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