(Chelsea Update would like to thank Emily Meloche for this book review.)
Maybe you’ve never wondered what happens behind the scenes in the hotel industry, but after reading Heads in Beds, you won’t book a room without at least giving thought to the insider information author Jacob Tomsky shares.
Luckily, though, you may learn some not entirely appealing things, Heads in Beds doesn’t make you want to swear off hotel stays in general. Instead, Tomsky helps to make you a better and more savvy guest, for both the staff’s and your benefit.
Remarkably funny, this part memoir, part exposé, part guidebook is a page turner, despite the lack of a driving plot. Jacob is a likeable narrator – especially for someone entrenched in the service industry. He shows very little bitterness.
Heads in Beds chronicles his experiences working as a valet, front desk clerk (and manager), and housekeeper, giving glimpses into many different areas of hotel life.
Even if, like me, you’re not much of a traveler, Heads in Beds is still worth the read.
I know I’ll never stuff a pillow into a pillowcase the way I used to again. And those times I do stay in a hotel, I’ll be a little better prepared.
