I've been working on submitting some older reviews on my reading list, and this one caught my attention. This is my generic review for books where too much time has passed for me to recall very specific details, but this is what stood out in my memory. Overall, I found it to be a decent read. The character development is well-executed, giving the story depth and making the characters relatable. The pacing of the narrative is steady, keeping me engaged without feeling rushed or drawn out. While it may not be a standout favorite, it's a solid book that I'm glad to add to my library.

This was an interesting take on a career in the hotel industry. It was very entertaining and insightful. I would recommend this to anyone that travels and stays at hotels.

Read if you want to know what goes on behind-the-scenes of your hotel stay… But perhaps wait until after you’ve come back from vacation (or as research to plan accordingly)!

Heads in Beds: A Reckless Memoir of Hotels, Hustles, and So-Called Hospitality by Jay Tomsky practically called my name. It called to me and I picked it up. I heeded the call.

In this memoir, Tomsky recounts his experiences in the hospitality industry starting as a valet and working his way up to seniority on the front desk. He finds himself in New Orleans after college taking a job at a brand new luxury hotel as a valet--and soon he is bumped up by management to the front desk. He excels there and is quickly bumped up to again--as the night housekeeping manager, that is. Lower pay and longer hours. When he has had enough, he bums around Europe for a while before searching for a new industry in New York City. He soon discovers his skill set doesn't lend itself to much--except hospitality. Off he goes, and we get to ride the fun train with him.

I had a great week-long stay with this book. Tomsky writes the way I believe he would sound in conversation, so I was drawn in by the friendliness yet formality of his tone. He treated me like one of his honored guests of which he speaks--it's like he gave me his personal email. I loved hearing about his adventures, the guests about whom he came to deeply care, and his decline into frustration with new management. I was as horrified as he was by the new management at his New York hotel--it was clear that the decline in service was parallel to Tomsky's declining love for his job.

I have definitely been there, so I was able to completely relate to this read and to Tomsky's experience. I love the little twist that came in at the end (of which I will not spill the beans) because it gave me a little giggle. I appreciate the tips that Tomsky passed on (re: tipping and general appreciation), which I hope I was already doing but I will ensure to do moving forward. There was a great tip on what to do when booking through a third party hotel booking site which I will not share with you since you need to read the book for yourself. I am now in the know--will you be too?