6 LITERARY GEMS SET IN HOTELS
To celebrate Sant Jordi or International Book Day, we want to recommend six novels with a hotel as the protagonist. And the fact is that in the vast panorama of literature, hotels are not simply places to pass through, but also settings where stories of intrigue, romance, mystery and self-discovery unfold. From luxurious five-star establishments to cozy roadside havens, hotels have been witnesses and participants in narratives that captivate and thrill readers.
1. "The Grand Budapest Hotel" by Stefan Zweig
Stefan Zweig transports us to interwar Europe with his masterpiece "The Grand Budapest Hotel". In this tale, the titular hotel becomes much more than just a setting: it is a character in its own right. Through the corridors and halls of this splendid establishment, Zweig weaves a web of interwoven stories starring a variety of guests and employees, each with their own dreams, aspirations and tragedies. From the meticulous concierge to the enigmatic owner, Zweig immerses us in a world of decadent elegance and raw emotions. "The Grand Budapest Hotel" is an unforgettable journey through the ups and downs of human life. In 2014, the filmmaker Wes Anderson adapted this work for the big screen with a luxury cast led by Ralph Fiennes, Bill Murray or Tilda Swinton.
2. "The Bombay Sky" by Shrabani Basu
Shrabani Basu takes us to the vibrant city of Bombay in colonial India with "Bombay Heaven." Set in the majestic Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, the novel follows the intertwined lives of several people during the turbulent days leading up to India's independence in 1947. Through evocative prose and rich attention to historical detail, Basu immerses us in a world of love, betrayal and hope amid chaos and political turmoil. "Bombay Heaven" is an ode to the resilience of the human spirit and a reminder of love's ability to transcend social and political barriers.
3. "The Gambler" by Fyodor Dostoyevsky
Dostoevsky's masterpiece, "The Gambler," takes us to a small hotel in the fictional German town of Roulettenburg, where gambling and passion go hand in hand. The plot follows the young tutor Alexei Ivanovich and his obsession with a woman named Polina. As Alexei plunges deeper into the world of gambling, the hotel becomes a stage where his darkest impulses and inner struggles unfold.
Dostoevsky takes us by the hand through the intricate corridors of the human heart, exploring themes of love, obsession, redemption and despair. With his penetrating prose and deep understanding of human psychology, "The Gambler" leaves us absorbed in the complexity of the human condition and the forces that propel us forward or drag us down. Dostoevsky was inspired by the Nassauer Hof hotel in Wiesbaden. Both the city, which suffered little damage during World War II, and the hotel, still in use today, retain that atmosphere of thermal baths and green carpet of the novel.
4. "Trouble in Pollensa" by Agatha Christie
The queen of mystery, Agatha Christie, takes us to a hotel in the sunny town of Pollensa, Mallorca. In this collection of short stories, Christie presents us with a series of intriguing enigmas that take place in and around the Golden House Hotel. From burglary mysteries to murder mysteries, the hotel becomes the perfect setting for the ingenious investigations of Belgian detective Hercule Poirot, the celebrated investigator from the mind of the English writer. With her keen observation and astute wit, Christie immerses us in a world of deception, secrets and unexpected twists and turns. "Trouble in Pollensa" is a showcase of Christie's unique talent for creating intricate puzzles that keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very last moment.
5. "Hotel New Hampshire" by John Irving
In "Hotel New Hampshire," John Irving invites us on an epic journey through the lush corridors of a crumbling hotel in New Hampshire. The novel follows the lives and loves of the eccentric members of the Berry family, from the idealistic patriarch to the intrepid and mysterious Franny. With his trademark witty narrative style and unforgettable characters, Irving weaves a story filled with humor, tragedy, and redemption. Through the ups and downs of the Berry family over three distinct decades, "Hotel New Hampshire" takes us on an exploration of the darkest and brightest corners of the human soul as we navigate the complexities of family, love and destiny.
6. "Hotel World" by Ali Smith
Ali Smith immerses us in a world of dreams and awakenings in Hotel World. Set in a hotel in an unnamed city, the novel follows the intertwined lives of five women, each touched by tragedy in a unique way. Through lyrical prose and innovative narrative structure, Smith invites us to explore themes of loss, loneliness and human connection. With a unique sensitivity and an ability to capture the complexities of the human experience, "Hotel World" is a masterful work that leaves us reflecting on the fragility and beauty of life.
On Book Day, we celebrate literature's ability to transport us to unknown worlds and give us a new perspective on life. These six exceptional works, set in hotels, invite us to explore the intricate labyrinths of human existence, where every room hides secrets and every corridor is full of possibilities. May we continue to explore the mysteries of the world through the magic of the written word, where each story takes us to a new horizon of discovery and wonder.
We invite you to write the next chapter of your life at Hotel Alimara. Who knows if someday you will be the protagonist of a famous novel.
