Summer is just around the corner, which means there’s some extra time for pleasure reading. Do you have your summer reading list yet?
We find that when traveling, books always go best when read in a similar setting to the plot. For example, a beach vacation goes great with a tropical themed mystery! In our case, we love books set in a hotel or small inn! To go with the bed and breakfast vibe.) In light of this idea, we have surveyed some our staff to find their favorite classic reads, with stories set in a hotel. We promise you will not be disappointed!
Check out our list of great classic summer reads, set in a hotel.
Book: And Then There Were None
Author: Agatha Christie
Location: Burgh Island Hotel
If you’re looking for a murder mystery, you can’t get better than author Agatha Christie. Her compelling characters and complex plots will pull you in and keep you guessing from start to finish.
And Then There Were None is a thrilling “who-dunnit”, in which 10 strangers are invited to a hotel (under mysterious circumstances) and must solve a murder together. While this is now a well-known mystery trope, Christie was one of the first to pioneer this plot device. But, don’t be fooled in to thinking you already know the ending! This story has an amazing twist that could only be crafted by the master mystery writer herself.
Book: Lady Almina and The Real Downton Abbey
Author: Fiona, 8th Countess of Carnarvon
Location: Highclere Castle (The real Downton Abbey)
For those of you that love historic literature, this is a sure fit for you! This story is more than fiction, as it follows the actual life events of Lady Almina, the 5th Countess of Carnarvon and her life at Highclere Castle (the real Downton Abbey). While this castle was not an official “hotel”, it did have many great Lords and Ladys stay as guests, with all the hospitality of the finest 5-star hotels today.
Book: The Great Gatsby
Author: F. Scott Fitzgerald
Location: The Plaza, New York City
Book: The Great GatsbyThere are few things more decadent than the grand parties of the 1920s. No book better portrays this than The Great Gatsby. While most of us read this one in high school, you may want to consider picking it up for a re-read this summer.
While this book focuses mostly on Gatsby’s large estate, full of hospitality and grandeur, the plot also takes the characters to spend an afternoon at the Plaza Hotel in New York City. The romance, spectacle, and beauty of the locations painted by Fitzgerald will be enhanced while staying at your own small inn or boutique hotel.
Book: North and South
Author: Elizabeth Gaskell
Location: Boarding House
Book: North and SouthNorth and South is a classic love story, akin to Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. Set in Great Britain during the industrial revolution, this story speaks not only of romance but also of class struggle and industry. The boarding houses, parties, and hospitality running through the pages of the book make this the perfect selection when staying at a bed and breakfast. In addition, this book is a bit longer, but easily captivates the readers attention, making it a great choice for an extended vacation or when you only want to pack one or two books.
What about you? What’s your favorite book set in a hotel or bed and breakfast?