This was a fun, cozy(ish) slice-of-life space book, with a few mysteries thrown in. It's a quieter story that focuses on the characters but I loved just getting to follow these characters throughout the spaceship and their daily lives. I would say there might be too many characters/povs to follow, as sometimes it was hard to keep them all straight and remember certain subplots. The worldbuilding isn't vast, but enough to build interest in what's going on. This didn't quite fill the Becky Chambers-shaped hole in my heart but it came close. If you love character-driven found family stories, then this is for you.

3.5 STARS

CW: blood, violence, murder, death, torture, colonization

I received a free ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!

This is pitched as a cozy story about a spaceship hotel and the staff and guests and it was pretty much that. Each chapter is about a different person and we get a mosaic view of the hotel and what is happening. In that way, it reminded me of The Ten Percent Thief by Lavanya Lakshminarayan but I'm sure there are a plethora of other books which also choose similar narrative situations.

I must admit from the get-go, that I was probably in the wrong mood for this book. I think, had I been in the right reading mood, I would have loved this but as it stands, I was more or less bored throughout much of the story. I liked the characters, liked learning about their pasts, how they came to the hotel and what their tasks were and who they had (good or bad) relationships with. One thing that I would have wished for a bit more is having the hotel stand out more as an independent character. I have to draw parallels to The Ten Percent Thief again because in that book the city that was written about was great and through each chapter, the character of the city became more fleshed out. And that was missing for me in this book.

There was also this other plot of someone on board distributing messages that criticize the Empire which obviously is a big no-no and then agents turn up to find out who it is and arrest that person. There's also some world building about movies and media about aliens being outlawed, which was honestly talked about so little I can't really tell you more about it even if I wanted to. I thought that was a very interesting theme but it wasn't explored as much as I hoped so I was left a little disappointed.

As opposed to my disappointment about that particular aspect of the story, I was pleasantly surprised with the ending and I found it very engaging. I did predict who the secret dissenter was (because it was fairly obvious) but I wasn't necessarily bothered that I did. The end also definitely left some openings for a potential sequel and I would definitely be interested in that because the story would surely be very different from this one and I really want to know some more worldbuilding aspects about this universe and the Empire and some things that are revealed over the course of this book.

Overall, I think this book is recommendable for anyone looking for some cozy sci-fi. The story, albeit rather slow, keeps readers engaged with a little mystery and features charming characters that you'll grow fond of in no time.

Since I love the Wayfarer books by Becky Chambers, I was ready to dive into this! And oooh, this checked all the boxes! Cozy sci-fi, found family, and a bit of mystery! ✨ I'll be purchasing this as a physical copy so I can display it on my shelf and force-feed it to friends. Lovely!

A fun and cozy sci-fi romp. I liked how low-stakes things felt; it was just what I was looking for. If you're looking for the sci-fi equivalent of Legends & Lattes, this is your book!

Floating Hotel is a cozy sci-fi that moves at a pace not unlike its time jumps. It is reminiscent of Hotel Magnifique and a little bit Cloud Atlas but with less action and plot movement. Rather than a continuously linear story, it is more of a character anthology that moves across stories through the linking of one character to the next - seemingly frozen in time.

3.25

Curtis's debut novel [book:Frontier|62807190] was a surprise hit for me when I read it last year, and while I didn't like this quite as much I still really appreciate what Curtis brings to the sci-fi genre. Like Frontier, Floating Hotel features a vignette style narrative in this case introducing workers and guests on the Grand Abeona Hotel. The book starts as almost a character study and then transitions into a spy thriller. It's charming with a cozy atmosphere that makes the gory details even more jarring and I had such a great time reading this. I cannot wait to see what Grace Curtis comes up with next!

Thanks to DAW Books and Netgalley for the ARC.

3.5/5

I love the premise of this novel, an old school, grand hotel spaceship that travels the solar system and has now seen better days but tries so hard to keep up appearances. Over the years it has collected an eclectic group of dysfunctional employees who do their best to soldier on. Throw in some rebellion, mystery and murder and hard times are here for the Abeona Hotel. Each chapter in the story highlights a different employee and their backstory and eventually weaves these together with the mystery and murder. The only issue I have with this approach is that it doesn't really allow you to spend much time with any one character and so you really don't feel connected to any one of them in particular. There are only a few instances where they spend much time together, so it feels like a bit of a missed opportunity to build up the found family feelings. I liked the search for the meaning of the messages and would have loved to spend more time with Ooly. The hotel itself is a marvelous character and the story wrapped up in a really heartfelt way,

excellent book. was so excited to receive this ARC. it became one of my top favorite reads. cannot wait to read more from this author.

3.75 rounded up

In "Floating Hotel," Grace Curtis weaves a compelling space opera that combines the warmth of a found family with the thrilling undertones of a mystery in a world wary of imperial restrictions. Set aboard the Grand Abeona Hotel—a luxury spaceship that traverses the stars—this novel offers interstellar intrigue amidst the everyday life of guests and staff.

Carl, the hotel's manager, is at the heart of the story, whose destiny is deeply entangled with that of the Abeona. Characters like Uwade, Dunk, and Ooly enrich the narrative with colourful backstories, making the hotel a nexus for their individual and collective arcs. The contrast between guests and staff also highlights the huge inequalities in this world that echoes the wealth gap in our world.

Curtis ambitiously navigates multiple perspectives, which, while broadening the narrative scope, occasionally - for me - detracted from deeper character development. I love character-driven plots and wanted to get much closer to Carl. While I like knowing more about each staff member, the frequent shifting of viewpoints initially led me to set the book aside. I'm glad I picked it up again because I found myself more immersed in the plot's progression as the story progressed.

Despite its early hurdles (in my opinion), "Floating Hotel" is punctuated with memorable scenes and thoughtful dialogues. The lyrical narrative style stands out in this genre, and the mystery and dynamics aboard the Abeona eventually make for a compelling read that culminates in a satisfyingly peculiar ending.

Overall, I rate "Floating Hotel" 3.75 out of 5 stars. This novel is perfect for readers who appreciate a backdrop of mystery with a foreground rich in character vignettes set within grand, fantastical settings. It's a cosy yet occasionally sharp read—the kind that, as you'll discover, truly "has teeth." ;)

I've now bought Grace Curtis's "Frontier" and will look out for her future publications.

I'm incredibly late in reviewing this book. But I read it exactly when I needed it, to the point where, the second I finished my free review copy, I rushed to order a special edition online.

It was poetry. I can't find another word to describe it. A lullaby of a book that wove the lives of so many people into a gentle song. So many perspectives, so many people, each with a yearning, each connecting.

I have been looking forward to reading this for a while. I'm not even sure how I heard of Grace Curtis, but once I read the premise I was hooked. Talk about a story which feels like straight out of a Doctor Who episode. Featuring multiple POVs, Floating Hotel is like a Space Titanic with a dose of rebellion. While there's a slow build up to the impetus of the story, the first half reads more cozy SF about the hotel guests. The things we hide from others, how we appear in one interaction, and all our motivations.

What a cute, interesting read! A cozy scifi that focuses on a different passenger or crew member every chapter! I haven't read anything like this yet, so I fully enjoyed this! I look forward to what else this author does!

This was fantastic!! It was part mystery, part heist, with a wonderful cast of colorful characters. The author does a fantastic job of painting a picture of each of the characters as well as the Grand Abeona Hotel. The book follows a different character from the crew or guests for each chapter, which I personally loved. It was really nice to get a different perspective from a bunch of different people. I also loved that each chapter gave us some insight into the character's back story. I felt like we really got to know them. I am not a sci-fi person by any means but this was so good. I would recommend checking it out even if you're not into sci-fi, you'll still love this.

As I lost myself in the world of the floating hotel, I found myself swept away by its magic, forgetting the cares of the world outside its walls. It's a reminder of the transformative power of fiction to transport us to new and wondrous places. The "Floating Hotel" is a captivating and unforgettable read that will linger in my mind long after I've turned the final page. Grace Curtis has crafted a masterpiece that is equal parts enchanting and thought-provoking. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone in search of an immersive and uplifting literary escape. I received a complimentary copy of this book from DAW through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you so much!

Unfortunately I could not get into this book and did not finish it. I did not enjoy the format, finding too many POVs detracted from the overall coherence and point (or at least, interest, for me) of the story. I also do not feel the 'cozy' vibe is correct as I stopped reading when Dunk's POV veered into a segment describing ox slaughtering. (I can not read books containing animal abuse).

Thanks in any case for the opportunity to read and review this book.

The Grand Abeona Hotel flies from port to port, staffed by an eccentric cast and hosting guests with strange stories. Each chapter of this fantastic novel is a vignette from a different character from the hotel, slowly revealing the world, plot and the mysteries of the Hotel itself. Fascinating, engaging, and incredibly well written, this book is perfect for fans of Becky Chambers.

In Brief
In this cozy science fiction novel, Curtis paints a picture of a crumbling luxury space hotel that has seen better days and gently weaves a bit of mystery in as agents are onboard to find the anonymous Lamplighter spreading supposed truths about the Emperor. The Grand Abeona Hotel was the epitome of luxury, but, years later and under the management of Carl, a boy the ship’s late owner took in long before her death, it’s falling into disrepair and now travels on a fixed orbit. But it’s the characters who step to the forefront, crew members and guests telling their stories, detailing their daily lives, and unwittingly piecing together the identity of the Lamplighter. But it all also comes back to Carl, who stands at the center of these stories, who loves the Abeona more than anything, but who will have to face the hardest choice of his life. Despite the very real stakes in Floating Hotel, it also managed to feel very low stakes. The characters shine, though they never really step out of their assigned roles. The story moves in a flowing, fluid way, always moving forward, but also uncovering tidbits that were unknown in previous chapters. The pieces are deftly mixed together, offering softness and coziness among the sharp pieces that make things exciting now and then. This is a fun, easy read, and it really lets the characters shine.

Extended Thoughts
One of my favorite topics to read about in science fiction is interstellar travel. Set almost entirely on a hotel that travels around in space, Floating Hotel was not one I could pass up. This might not be set in any patch of space I know, but the idea that space is populated and has a massive space ship that travels around, picking up guests all over the place, fascinated me. I went into this knowing it would be a cozy sci-fi story, but I was unprepared for the subtle story of rebellion, a chapter with almost too many numbers for me, and a novel where nearly every chapter was told by a different character.

The Grand Abeona Hotel simply appeared one day, the guests greeted by Nina, the women who created it. Frequented by those who could afford it, it wasn’t a place for runaway child Carl, but Nina found a place for him. Years later, Nina is gone and Carl is in charge. He doesn’t strike anyone as the most capable manager, but he cares about the people, picking up something of a ragtag crew. It’s a luxury space hotel that now appears to be showing its age and wear and tear, and it currently hosts an interesting set of guests. There’s a number of guests aboard hunting down the Lamplighter, either to protect them for spreading dispatches against the Emperor and other figures or detain them for the same reason. At the same time, there’s a conference whose members are, strangely, sworn to secrecy and given the task of pairing up to solve a challenging code that might or might not have anything to do with the Lamplighter. Meanwhile, the crew and some guests gather now and then to view illegal films, living their lives and enjoying what they can with this second chance Carl’s given them.

The Abeona was a fascinating place to be aboard. With most of the story set on the space hotel, the reader gets to know the ins and outs of it, the places the guests roam and the ways the staff get around. What was once the height of luxury in its heyday, with an erratic route through space, the Abeona is now little more than a ghost of its former luxury. It’s still ostentatious and caters to the wealthy, but the back corridors show the wear and tear, the orbit is set and no longer varies, and the crew is a motley assortment of people Carl has collected over the years. It’s fascinating, though, and I had a fantastic time wandering the ship with the characters.

There are a number of characters who get to tell their story, some of them guests, but many of them crew members. Most of the chapters were told by one of them, giving their story of how they ended up on the Abeona as well as detailing their daily routines. I enjoyed getting to know them, and I liked that they had different interactions with each other and even different views of Carl. But, as much fun as I had following them around, I never really felt like I got to know any other them. Carl was a little easier to get to know as he always seemed to be everywhere, checking in with everyone and greeting the guests, and, when he wasn’t on page, the crew mentioned him frequently, and not always positively. Everyone else, though, felt a little thin, each given a backstory and a role, but never really stepping out of their boundaries. I did like them, though, and I did like that the crew functioned like a dysfunctional family. It was especially fun to see them interact and let loose a little when they gathered to watch weird science fiction movies.

The story itself is little more than a light imprint. Floating Hotel is very character forward, always pushing the people aboard into the limelight. Through their backstories and their daily routines, and, for some, their missions and reasons for being on the ship, the reader slowly starts to see what this book is about. It also nicely ties into the world beyond the ship, building just enough of the galaxy and how it’s governed for the story to make sense without being overwhelming.

For decades, someone called the Lamplighter has been sowing the seeds for revolution, putting out small publications that reveal the truth about the Emperor. There are some wild stories and theories, and then there’s the Lamplighter who supposedly knows the truth. For decades, no one has known who they are or where they are, but signs seems to point to the Abeona as it floats through space. Through each character’s story, the reader gets the chance to start to piece the mystery together. There’s a conference for some bright minds that suddenly takes a twist when they’re paired up, given a code to try to demystify, and sworn to secrecy. Then there’s a couple that doesn’t give the appearance of being a true couple, and some other surprise guests the reader meets later on. They point to a story greater than a slowly crumbling hotel, one that suggests a rebellion in the works and a world on the edge of potential revolution. It’s a fantastic story, and it leads to quite an ending, as bittersweet as it felt. I liked that the reader doesn’t have to be on their toes to catch it, but it’s just nicely and softly woven in, keeping the whole story a relatively low stakes one despite the very real stakes that exist in the world.

Floating Hotel reads like a cozy sci fi story with a rather eclectic crew and strange guests, but there’s quite a story under all of it. I had a fantastic time getting to know the characters, and I loved the way this book ended. I really enjoyed trying to piece the mystery of the Lamplighter’s identity together for myself, and, while I got close, I could never have guessed the why behind their actions. This was a fun read where all the pieces came together while also stressing the characters themselves and giving them the opportunity to tell the story as well as tell their own.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a review copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

Floating Hotel was an unexpected science fiction novel. I’ve read a few cozy fantasy novels so I figured a cozy scifi would be a nice change of pace. I wasn’t disappointed. The author’s prose is beautiful. I loved how the chill vibes mixed with the mystery elements. It was an easy read with even with the shifting POVs each chapter. I thought that was a unique story structure and it worked well with this book. I would recommend this to anyone who loves space and mysteries. Thank you to DAW for providing an eARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The description of Floating Hotel overtly likens it to The Grand Budapest Hotel, and this comparison is both correct and compelling. Recreating the same tragicomic balance with her wandering space hotel, Grace Curtis takes this story places I didn’t expect it to go. Simultaneously heartwarming and heartwrenching, this is a book about doing what you love—and then saying goodbye to what you love. I received a copy in exchange for a review.

Carl is the manager of the Grand Abeona Hotel. This spacecraft makes a circuit of the known galaxy, taking on new guests for a system or two, hosting conferences, etc. Populated by a quirky cast of misfits and the occasional malcontent, the hotel is renowned and beloved by many, yet behind the scenes it has seen better days. The book follows Carl and several employees and guests in a series of interwoven plots, culminating in a confrontation that threatens the survival not only of Carl and his guests but of the Grand Abeona itself.

Curtis is skilled at a kind of shorthand with characterization, and the structure of this novel serves that well. At first, I was annoyed that I didn’t learn more about Carl immediately, didn’t get more of his backstory with Nina and how he came of age aboard the hotel. However, Curtis quickly won me over. With each chapter and each new viewpoint character there is a new opportunity to learn about the hotel through their eyes. I’m not exaggerating when I say that each character’s story has sufficient depth to be its own novel (or at least novella). Although Curtis returns to some of them throughout the novel, others only have a brief moment in the spotlight, and it always felt bittersweet to swipe left and say goodbye.

There are several intersecting mysteries at the heart of this novel. None of them by themselves are particularly deep or intricate. Whether it’s the identity of the Lamplighter or the nature of the mysterious message investigated by the Problem Solvers conference, I thought the solutions were fairly obvious from the start. However, that’s OK—the mysteries themselves are kind of beside the point, for the real reward here is the immersion in the setting and the characters who populate it. The vibe reminds me a lot of Becky Chambers’ Wayfarers series, though less cozy than quirky.

Indeed, the transformation in tone that this book undergoes is perhaps the most enjoyable thing about it. When I reached the chapter with the spies, when there was a scene with the bathtub, I realized this story was turning serious. From there, each chapter turned up the tension, yet the book overall never lost its charm and wit. Once again, a delightful sense of balance infuses Curtis’s writing. After several heavier books—many of which I enjoyed—Floating Hotel managed to be exactly what I needed.

Although I easily guessed the resolution of most of the mysteries, I was surprised by how the book itself ends—and I’m happy about that. Without spoilers, let’s just say that I expected Carl to come up with a very different plan from the one he ends up implementing. I expected something … perhaps more trite, more storybook? And instead, Curtis reminds us that sometimes the only way to win is not to play the game. It would be harsh if it weren’t also so hopeful: this book is a reminder that no matter what you lose, no matter what happens, your life goes on and you can always move forward. You’ll be different, that’s for sure, but you can move forward.

This is a sweet, sometimes sad, always entertaining novel. Highly recommend for people who want some soft, creative, and satisfying science fiction.

I love books that have multiple points of view. This is the story of the Abonea and her crew and how they connect with one another. I very much enjoyed it.