Sonny Kleinfield gives readers a glimpse of luxury, exploring the goings-on of New York’s Plaza Hotel

Considered the world’s finest luxury hotel upon opening its doors in 1907, the Plaza has hosted kings and queens, tycoons, legends of culture, and world leaders. In The Hotel, Sonny Kleinfield dives into the world of luxury accommodation, focusing not on the A-list guests but the thirteen hundred–plus employees who tote luggage, change light bulbs, and clean rooms. The fine detail that goes into running the legendary Plaza emerges, as does the juicy hotel lore of crime, suicide, cons, and drunken mayhem from decades in business.

In this behind-the-scenes account, award-winning reporter Kleinfield takes readers through a typical week at the Plaza, showing exactly what goes on behind the front desk of one of the grandes dames of hospitality. From the managers to the maids, The Hotel is a revealing tour of the backstages of luxury living.