The Hotel by Pamela M. Kelley

The Hotel Reviews

• 
  Barbara

  
  
  3.5 stars
  
  Nantucket's Whitley Hotel, the epitome of luxury, caters to the rich and famous.
  
  
  
  The resort is a family business founded by Wynn Whitley, and his children started their careers there.
  
  
  
  Now Wynn's grown grandchildren work there as well: Nick is a chef;
  
  
  
  Lucy is in customer service;
  
  
  
  Paula is an accountant;
  
  
  
  and Andrea is the general manager.
  
  
  
  When business starts falling off because of a rival hotel, Wynn decides to make some changes. He appoints Paula general manager and moves Andrea to head of concierge services. Andrea resents the switch, becomes a bit spiteful, and starts looking for employment elsewhere.
  
  Wynn also hires a hotel consultant named David Connolly, to help prepare Paula for her new general manager position. David - who travels widely for his job - welcomes the opportunity to work at the Whitley because his parents live on Nantucket and his mother has Alzheimer's.
  
  
  
  Meanwhile, a famous romantic-comedy actress, who's going incognito as Bella Bryant, checks into the Whitley for a long vacation. To hide her identity the beautiful star turns her long platinum blonde hair into a brunette chin length bob, wears sunglasses, and dons a hat.
  
  
  
  Bella is in Nantucket for a much needed rest, and she gets the opportunity to relax, go fishing, tour the island, go shopping, try various restaurants, etc.
  
  
  
  The story is mostly about family relationships, the running of a luxury hotel, and romance. All the young Whitleys are attractive and available, and they have plenty of opportunities to socialize. They go to parties, have drinks with fellow hotel employees, and meet hotel guests.
  
  
  
  Thus Nick, Lucy, Paula, and Andrea all meet at least one 'someone' in the story, and we follow along as things develop (or don't).
  
  It's interesting to see the workings of a luxury hotel, where the guests expect (and pay for) first class service. The pool, beach, spa, bars, room service, breakfast room, restaurant, etc. all sound wonderful.
  
  
  
  The hostelry also sponsors wine tastings and food tastings, and it all seems very inviting.
  
  
  
  This is a pleasant light story with a fairy tale vibe, reminiscent of a Hallmark movie. Perfect for a vacation read.
  
  Thanks to Netgalley, Pamela Kelley, and ‎ Piping Plover Press for a copy of the book.
  
  You can follow my reviews at
  https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot.com
• 
  Lucy

  This was an easy and fun escape to Nantucket. There are plenty of secrets amongst the Whitley family to keep the story interesting throughout. What I really enjoyed though, was the beautiful Nantucket setting and easy-going plot. Perfect for a simple and relaxing summer read. I found this story to be reminiscent of
  Elin Hilderbrand's earlier works. Overall, this is an enjoyable story about family and new beginnings.
• 
  Lori

  The author is right about one thing! This book made me hungry and I found myself drooling right from the beginning! Oh my!
  I loved " being" on Nantucket once again. I enjoyed my "visit" so much that I didn't want to leave.
  I even like the name of the hotel The Whitley Hotel. I had an awesome visit and made new friends as well.
  I felt that the author did an excellent job with the mother's progressing disease. Not a whole lot or not too much. It's a terrible thing. Made me want to cry.
  I think my favorite character was Paula. I enjoyed reading about her. The way she took everyday life and handled it like a pro. Even though there were things she didn't like she took it very well. (Something I don't think I can do.)
  In my opinion, Paula's grandfather was the coolest character of all. He knew what he was about and I loved how he encourages people to do their best and works with those that are not so good. I wish we had more people like him in the restaurant world. I think things would go so much better and that people would want to get out and work more.
  I "felt" for Andrea. Her thoughts and feelings would have been exactly like mine at first. So I sort of understood her a lot! But she really didn't have to go out of her way to be ornery.
  I learned quite a few things from this book and I definitely loved the author's note at the end of this book.
  I think it would be awesome to try a job like that!
  Anyway, a wonderful book and one that I finished on a day because it was so good!
  Fans of foodie's will definitely love this book!
  I recommend!
  My thanks for a copy of this book.
  I was NOT required to write a positive review and all opinions are my own.
• 
  Susan

  Every time I opened my Kindle, an ad for one of Pamela Kelly’s books would be there. I was instantly drawn to her beautiful covers and when I saw the cover for THE HOTEL I knew I had to read it. I’ve now ordered her whole Nantucket series. That’s how much I loved THE HOTEL and this is my very first time reading Ms. Kelley. I can’t wait to read more of her stories!
  
  THE HOTEL is a slow burn contemporary story that I was pulled in to from the very first page. To be honest, I fell in love with the cover the minute I saw it. I knew I would read it anyway, because I had been seeing Ms. Kelly’s books over and over, but the cover really pulled me in. I would love to stay at this beautiful inn! I loved everything about this beautiful story and I’m excited to recommend it to my reading friends. Pamela Kelley has a way of grabbing her readers and she never lets us go. I am truly hoping that Pamela Kelley will turn this into a series because I wasn’t ready to say goodbye.
  
  THE HOTEL really takes a turn that will have you unable to put this beautiful story down. Neither Paula or David are looking for a relationship, but they can’t seem to ignore their growing feelings. It was cute watching these two dance around their feelings for each other. You will also get to meet a famous actress who needs to get away from her crazy life and be alone for awhile. One of the reasons the Whitley Hotel is so popular is because they are very quiet about who is staying there. If you are a fan of Debbie Macomber, you are going to love this author’s books!
  
  THE HOTEL is filled with twists and turns and had me staying up way too late one night to finish! I had to know where Pamela Kelley was taking us and what would happen to David and Paula. I really loved how the whole community came to Paula and David’s aid and only wanted them to feel loved and realize that they were home. There is so much heart in Pamela’s writing that I was left with a huge smile on my face and my heart very happy. I could totally see THE HOTEL becoming a Lifetime movie and I would love to see it. All of the characters are very interesting and believable, so much so that I felt as if I’ve known them for a long time. I would love to hang out with The Whitleys. I’m sure they could teach me a thing or two and I know they would keep my laughing all day long!
  
  I received a complimentary copy of this book through Prism Book Tours. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.
• 
  Jypsy

  Thank you Prism Book Tours and the author for a complimentary copy. I voluntarily reviewed this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
  
  THE HOTEL
  By: Pamela Kelley
  
  
  REVIEW ☆☆☆☆
  
  In Pamela Kelley's THE HOTEL, the setting is Nantucket, and the hotel is The Whitley. For years, The Whitley has been a Nantucket staple, famed for its discretion, luxury and exclusivity. The Whitley maintains the distinction of being a family-owned establishment, but are fractures opening up in the family?
  
  Hotel founder, Wynn Whitley, is shaking up things, but his granddaughter, Paula, doesn't quite understand why. He certainly has his reasons. As someone greatly impacted by the changes, Paula is filled with consternation, but what choice does she have?
  
  Family drama, as you can imagine, ensues as uncertainty settles in because the bigger picture isn't clear. The most fascinating component of this story is the behind the scenes look at the luxury hotel world. Glimpses, not only into Paula's life, but other family members as well serves to create an overall visual of prevailing attitudes, schemes, personal agendas and misgivings.
  
  THE HOTEL is an intriguing romp through luxurious family drama in an idyllic setting. It is also a stark reminder of what matters. This book is an ideal beach read, so grab a refreshing drink, chill out, and enjoy!
• 
  Carolyn

  I have loved all the books this author has written and I have read them all. However, I am taking a disappointing star off this one. Really? After we have been watching the building of that very important relationship which was the crux of the whole thing, despite those two lovely side stories, that is how she ended it? Really?
• 
  Mary Jackson _TheMaryReader

  I have now read every one of Kelly's books and I have to say I could live in Nantucket with all the friends I have gotten to know. She is such a great author. I can't wait to see what she writes next.
• 
  Carla

  The Hotel is a contemporary story with some romance, family, community and forgiveness. It is about life and finding your place. Paula Whitley is happily working behind the scenes at the Whitley Hotel on Nantucket. Her cousin has been managing the place, but her grandfather and patriarch, Wynn Whitley, decides he needs to make some changes. He moves Andrea to the concierge desk and appoints Paula as manager. There are some family members who think this is a great move, but others, especially Andrea, are not happy with these changes. Not only that, but Wynn has hired a hotel consultant, David Connolly, to help Paula with this transition. David is a local boy, who is returning not only to help Paula, but to be with his family as his mother has been diagnosed with Alzhheimer's and he needs to help his dad decide what to do next. As everyone moves forward, there are some aha moments for many of the characters.
  
  I really enjoyed this story. The first thing that attracted me was that cover, isn't it gorgeous? The characters are wonderful. They are well developed and even with their flaws, they are likable. I loved the secondary characters and all the guests. It was interesting to see behind the scenes and what kind of decisions are made from minute to minute. Anyone whose life is upended the way the Whitley's are, will have some difficulties and doubts moving forward. I really liked Paula. She wants to make her grandfather proud, but she does not like this arrogant, bottom line man that he has hired. I liked that she kept true to her values and beliefs when it came to running the hotel. The romance that slowly develops between them was well written and believable. Andrea was one of my favourite characters. She felt this change was a slap in the face and was immediately angry with Paula for taking her job, a natural reaction. As she looks for a new job managing a hotel, she begins to see herself, her strengths, and her desire to be home, makes her step back and evaluate what is important in her life. There are so many great moments in this book that I found myself spending time with the Whitleys when I should have been doing something else. There was not one, but three romances in this story and all of them were sweet, slow building and believable. The Whitley is a great place to vacation. They are subtle, elegant and the guests always come first. I want to stay at the Whitley, meet this family and see what is next in all their lives. Leslie Howard narrates this audiobook and I did enjoy it. She is British, but there is no hint of an accent. She has a very pleasant voice and is easy to listen to. Her female voices have differentiation, but her male voices are not that well done, they sound very much like the female ones. That being said, her expression and emotion added to the story. If you enjoy reading contemporary romance, and stories about life, then pick this one up. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating and opinions shared are my own.
• 
  Holli J-D

  The writing style was grammatically sound with a decent flow, but it was so light that the entire book was fluff and not much of anything apart from light conversation. The dialogue was as plain and vanilla as a technical writing piece. No flavor made it a dull read. At least it was never inappropriate or too lusty. I was not at all impressed and skimmed to the finale.
• 
  M João (Livros?gosto)

  Opinião em:
  
  
  
  https://youtu.be/Ew7umcIZOME
• 
  Carrie Schmidt

  3.5 stars
  
  The Hotel is my first read by Pamela Kelley, and I was immediately drawn to the Nantucket setting & the author’s clear love for it. I’m not a beachy person, per se, but I do love the rockier east coast and could happily vacation there. If I could afford to stay at a luxury hotel like The Whitley, even better.
  
  From the description, I expected a bit more drama to this family saga but it’s overall a fairly light read that manages the drama well. Families who work together are bound to have a different sort of tension than families who have separate career paths, and The Hotel highlights this nicely. The Whitleys are a family that care about each other, ultimately, and that goes a long way in keeping the angst relatively minor. So, if you just can’t handle a lot of conflict in your reading right now, this novel is a good compromise. Just enough to keep the plot interesting but not enough to weigh you down.
  
  Some light romance is also on tap in this story, and I confess that I wish it played a larger role overall (because when do I not? lol). The various couples that we follow in The Hotel universe will engage your attention for sure, and you’ll be invested in discovering how it all plays out for each of them. But I didn’t really feel any sparks between the blurb’s “main” couple – Paula and David – until the end, and even then it was just the barest hint of chemistry. Nick & Bella and Andrea & the guy she ends up with (no spoilers!) definitely had more of that ‘zing’ I missed in Paula & David, but mostly the light romance threads served to add layers to the characters as part of the novel’s bigger picture.
  
  Bottom Line: The Hotel by Pamela Kelley is a lovely summer read with a great setting and intriguing characters. Family dynamics are at the forefront, to be sure, but there’s also a significant theme of finding the place where your heart and your talents collide – and embracing it with both. Mouthwatering food, relaxing environments, and a bit of drama and romance for good measure round out the writing, and you may find yourself researching trips to Nantucket by the time it’s over.
  
  (I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
  
  first reviewed at
  Reading Is My SuperPower
• 
  Jane

  I love Pamela Kelley's books as she never disappoints. Nantucket is a great place to visit and The Whitley Hotel is the epitome of quiet elegance. Guests who stay there know that their privacy will not be invaded. It is a family owned and run hotel that makes it so special. Paula has been asked by her grandfather to take over as the general manager of the hotel. David was brought in to aid in the transition for Paula. She was most comfortable behind the scenes but her grandfather felt she had talents to be uncovered. This had been Andrea's position and she was not happy with this change.
  
  Bella is a guest at the hotel. She is in disguise as she is a famous Hollywood star and needs to rest and relax. She has been going non-stop for years and this is to be 'her' time. Paula has introduced her to her brother Nick who is the assistant chef at the hotel restaurant. There was an instant connection that could not be ignored.
  
  Though there are others in this story it mainly revolves around Paula, David, Andrea and Nick and Bella. There is a natural progression to each of their personal relationships with many questions as to whether they can even exist. I loved every minute of The Hotel and did not want it to end. I am looking forward to whatever is next from this author.
• 
  Joanne

  Ah, we deserve better! I had enjoyed Pamela Kelly’s The Restaurant, so I thought I’d find the same charm and escape in The Hotel. Not so much, though. While it shares the same basic plot points-family members running a business in Nantucket-it does not share the same level of storytelling that The Restaurant did.
  
  For instance, I found myself not caring in the least whether anyone would recognize the undercover celebrity in Nantucket (much the same bored reaction I have while reading celebrity news on Page Six.) And what looked to be an interesting family rivalry brewing with two businesswomen just petered out when the guys/romantic interests came along.
  
  Not even remotely clever, all the plot points, to me, seemed lazy: all suspense hinged on whether people were going to leave the island in a week or two, or not. Not impressed at all this time around…! 👎 👎
• 
  Cindy

  3.5 A nice easy soothing read that makes me want to go to Nantucket! The Whitley Hotel sounds amazing! Exceptional wine, yummy food, and beautiful grounds! Who wants to go with me?!
• 
  Aj

  I depend on book ratings of other readers to aid in my selection of my next novel to read. I long ago gave up on Amazon ratings, too many times burned by a 4+ star rating only to find the book a complete dud. The reader ratings on Goodreads seem to reflect a more serious readership, more in tune with my tastes. This time however, I was surprised to find the highly-rated Hotel to be one of the worst books I have read in years. I was bored from the first page. It seems this book is more in the line of Young Adult fiction and I wish it had been designated as such so I could have skipped it. It was written at middle school level. I found a number of grammatical errors, shallow characters, trite, adolescent conversations, way too much talk-talk-talk, and constant minutae. But the poor vocabulary of the author was the last straw. She CONSTANTLY used chat, chatting, chatted, cute clothes, cute hair, cute top, cute guy, cute-cute-cute. Get a thesaurus, lady! And why did all the women have a chin-length bob? Finally, there were so many superfluous people I had trouble keeping them straight. Apparently the author had the same problem; first Hallie is Andrea’s sister, then her cousin. However, for me, there was one redeeming aspect of this book: There was none of the bed-hopping so prevalent in today's popular fiction.
  
• 
  April

  I’ve never read a book that had such low stakes. I kept thinking “Is this made for a hallmark movie?” I couldn’t believe how easily all confrontations or obstacles were resolved so quickly…there were times when potential problems were managed before they occurred! Everything was wrapped up in a nice little bow. I’m very surprised at the high book rating. This wasn’t horrible just a very boring slice of privileged life. If you are looking for a easy read that has zero tension this is the book for you!
• 
  Megan

  If I wanted to read a menu, I would have gone to a restaurant. How many times can an author have the characters eat?
• 
  Mantha Carr

  Loool didn’t realize this was like a hallmark book
  Idk what I thought
  It was so bad but I had to finish. Quickie.
• 
  Page

  
  The HotelThe Hotel
  by: Pamela Kelley
  narrated by: Leslie Howard
  Dreamscape Media
  I'm so refreshed after my five-star stay at the exquisite Whitley Hotel, overlooking Nantucket Harbor, through the pages of Pamela Kelley's lovely and luscious book, The Hotel. After a stroll on the hotel's rolling lawn, readers can sip a summer beverage and savor an appetizer at the outside bar overlooking the ocean. Leslie Howard's voice captured the beauty of this romantic drama perfectly with her calming, tranquil narration.
  Meet the engaging, stellar ensemble cast of people surrounding the Whitely and learn about the past and future of this high scale, yet warm and inviting hotel. Founding family members have various staff positions and live on the grounds of the hotel in cozy cottages. Paula has just replaced her cousin as general manager at the request of her grandfather. Pretty Bella is secretly spending two months at the hotel to escape her stress as an actress. With a plot involving career choices and blossoming romances, plus community and hotel events, Kelley' writing is alluring with vivid descriptions of the locale, food, and family dynamics surrounding this gorgeous hotel.
  Warm and rich descriptions of idyllic date nights, a Taste of the Town food festival, fun summer parties, and a Christmas stroll swept me away in my escape to this Nantucket getaway. My taste buds crave the swordfish with mango salsa at Mimi's Place and Chef Nick's guacamole prepared for a fishing date with Bella. I give five stars to the tasty cuisine, exquisite hotel, budding romances, and absorbing characters in The Hotel. Thank you to Net Galley and Dreamscape Media for the advanced reader's audiobook and the opportunity to provide my review.
  #TheHotel #NetGalley
  
  The Hotel
  Pamela M. Kelley
• 
  Nicinha || Nicinha_book’s

  Um livro leve e simples, daqueles que são tão necessários entre leituras mais pesadas.
  
  A familia Whitley é dona do melhor hotel de Nantucket, e impulsionados desde cedo pelo avô, todos trabalham no hotel.
  Paula, que até aí se vira na gestão económica do hotel, um trabalho de bastidores, assim a chamam de ratinha. Quando o avô despede a sua prima Andrea, a gerente, o avô convida-a a assumir o cargo. Para a ajudar chega David.
  David que até então vivia em Nova Iorque mas oriundo de Nantuchet, será o responsável por ajudar Paula, enquanto se vê a braços com a doença da mãe.
  Será que Paula e David se vão entender?
  
  Andrea era a gerente do hotel, mas a falta de sensibilidade e de cuidado com os funcionários do hotel, leva a que o avô a retire de gerente, oferecendo-lhe outro cargo à sua medida.
  Na medida do seu descontentamento, acha que a culpa da sua despromoção é da sua prima Paula.
  Assim, começa uma busca para ir trabalhar para Boston ou Nova Iorque como gerente de outro hotel! Mas será que Marco a vai ajudar nessa decisão?
  
  Nick, o chef de cozinha irmão de Paula. Uma personagem descontraída que gosta de cozinhar, pescar e beber copos com os amigos, até que um dia se cruza com Bella.
  Bella, que todos a conhecem como Cami, uma estrela de Hollywood que foge para Nantucket numas férias prolongadas. Quando conhece Nick não lhe conta quem é na verdade, pois gosta de sentir o anonimato e que gostem dela pela pessoa que é e não por ser famosa.
  Será que Nick e Bella se entendem?
• 
  January

  The Hotel by Pamela M. Kelley
  6h 46m narrated by Leslie Howard, 270 pages
  
  Genre: Women's Fiction > Chick Lit; Contemporary Romance, Adult Fiction, Family
  
  Featuring: Nantucket, Massachusetts, Family Business, Food, Hospitality Industry
  
  Rating as a movie: PG-13
  
  My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½
  
  My thoughts: 📱67% 4:31:44 Ch. 24 - I'm loving this book. I added every Kelley book I could find to my TBR.
  
  I wanted the story to be longer. I thought surely there must be a second book, but it's a standalone. I couldn't give it 5 stars because parts felt rushed and incomplete, but I really enjoyed this book. I'm going to spend November reading her catalog. I should start with standalones like this one, but I really want to get back to Nantucket, so I might do the Nantucket Beach Plum Cove series next.
  
  Recommend to others?: Yes. This book is fun but light and quick. Like Elin Hilderbrand meets Denise Hunter.
• 
  Kayla

  3.5*
• 
  Suzie Waltner

  There are several people to keep track of in Pamela Kelley’s The Hotel, but the author does a good job of not losing the reader with the multiple storylines.
  
  I enjoyed visiting the prestigious Whitley Hotel and the beauty and activity of Nantucket through the eyes of the Whitley family. And oh boy, will the descriptions of the food in this book make your mouth water. From the chocolate-covered cranberries to the seafood dishes and everything in between, Kelley delights imaginary tastebuds with her delectable descriptions.
  
  And while The Hotel is an escape of sorts, it’s also a story of family and all the dynamics involved, of discovering joy in your occupation, of learning and growing from advice and what may sometimes feel like criticism from others, and romance.
  
  Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
  
• 
  Ann Lavelle

  Another corny Nantucket based book!
  
  Boring, wordy and totally predictable. So many errors. Flying from LA to Nantucket and taking a bottle of champagne out of her bag to celebrate. Yum warm champagne. He said…then she said…. Please yes it is truly a wonderful Island with nice place to eat and drink but you’ve read book that are all the same.
  
  
  
• 
  Laura

  This is just a fun, light book, worth a listen, but nothing special.
• 
  Jennifer

  I cannot believe this book got 5 stars. Terrible writing and dialogue, vapid characters, predictable plot.
• 
  Jay Thompson

  I rarely abandon a book but with 35% complete and no substance in a very basic writing style, there was no reason to continue.