An engaging glimpse into a place and time, this is a memoir of some of the truly farcical episodes during Bemelman's time working at the Hotel Splendide. My favorite tale was probably the one about how he ended up with a personal driver ... who couldn't drive (he'd ride shotgun, but in full uniform!), but several had me chuckling out loud. Very interesting as a primary source of the time, the class dynamics are particularly fascinating.

Hotel Splendid is a fascinating look back to the much earlier days of New York City. That being said, it doesn't hold up to modern times.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC for an honest review.

This book offers a charming glimpse into the New York hotel world of the 1920s. Bemelmans skillfully captures the intricacies of the service staff, yet some of the stories lack the desired depth and excitement. These tales function best as brief, whimsical sketches that flourished in a bygone era of clear demarcations. Although an amusing and quick read, it only manages to elicit sporadic smiles from its readers.

"Hotel Splendide" by Ludwig Bemelmans is a delightful and whimsical tale that transports readers to the enchanting world of the fictional Hotel Splendide. With his signature charm and wit, Bemelmans takes us on a whimsical journey through the eccentricities and adventures of the hotel's vibrant cast of characters.

One of the book's greatest strengths is Bemelmans' ability to create a vivid and captivating setting. The Hotel Splendide is brought to life through Bemelmans' evocative descriptions and charming illustrations, immersing readers in a world of opulence, humor, and unexpected surprises. The author's keen attention to detail and his ability to capture the essence of each character and their quirks make the hotel feel like a character in its own right.

The book follows the escapades of young protagonist Ludwig Bemelmans, who finds himself thrust into the world of hospitality when he becomes the assistant manager of the Hotel Splendide. Through Ludwig's eyes, readers are treated to a series of misadventures, mishaps, and encounters with a colorful cast of guests and staff members. Bemelmans' storytelling is infused with humor and wit, offering a delightful and light-hearted reading experience.

One of the standout aspects of "Hotel Splendide" is the author's ability to capture the essence of human nature through his characters. From the eccentric and demanding guests to the endearing and quirky hotel staff, Bemelmans expertly crafts individuals that feel real and relatable. Each character is given depth and personality, adding layers of charm and humor to the story.

However, some readers may find that the plot of the book lacks a clear direction or overarching narrative. Instead, "Hotel Splendide" reads more like a series of interconnected vignettes, which may leave some readers wanting a stronger sense of cohesion or a more developed storyline.

In conclusion, "Hotel Splendide" is a whimsical and charming book that transports readers to a world of hospitality and adventure. Bemelmans' enchanting storytelling and captivating illustrations bring the Hotel Splendide and its inhabitants to life, providing a delightful reading experience. While the book may lack a cohesive plot, its charm and wit make it an enjoyable read for those seeking a lighthearted escape into a whimsical and imaginative setting.

A cute memoir from the author of the Madeline books focusing on his time as a waiter at the (very thinly camouflaged) Ritz Carleton in New York City.

Some of the anecdotes are more charming than others and all of them feel a bit contrived and exaggerated to some degree, but the sentiment feels authentic and it makes for a charming, light read with a lovely sense of place.

Though it’s not on par in terms of overall quality, it reminds me of some of Peter Mayle’s essay collections, at least in spirit.

Fairly charming and completely dated - there are some uncomfortable moments in the chapters regarding Kalakobe (no last name given) and his treatment by Mr. Bemelmans' memoir and the guests of the Splendide that you just kind of have to take as a product of their time and grit your teeth through - but an otherwise pleasant read. There's something to be said in keeping these essays in as an editorial choice but it soured my experience. It's an OK read but not something I will revisit or strongly recommend.

A charming and funny hotel memoir, a telling if the behind the scenes chaos of the Hotel Splendide. A very enjoyable easy Intresting read!

In this charming and uproariously funny hotel memoir, Ludwig Bemelmans uncovers the fabulous world of the Hotel Splendide—the thinly disguised stand-in for the Ritz—a luxury New York hotel where he worked as a waiter in the 1920s. With equal parts affection and barbed wit, he uncovers the everyday chaos that reigns behind the smooth facades of the gilded dining room and banquet halls.Three cheers for the author… I opened this book and I was lost straight away… brilliant story… 5 stars, of course.

"Hotel Splendide" by Ludwig Bemelmans is a charming and whimsical book that takes readers on a journey through the eccentric world of a fictional European hotel. The story follows the misadventures of its staff, guests, and owners as they navigate the ups and downs of running a grand hotel in the 1920s.

Bemelmans is known for his whimsical illustrations and witty prose, and "Hotel Splendide" is no exception. The characters are colorful and quirky, with distinct personalities and quirks that make them memorable. The writing is full of humor and irony, and the pacing is just right, with enough action and intrigue to keep the reader engaged, but also enough quiet moments to allow the characters to develop.

One of the strengths of this book is its vivid portrayal of the grandeur and extravagance of European hotels in the early 20th century. Bemelmans' descriptions of the hotel's architecture, decor, and atmosphere are rich and detailed, transporting the reader to a bygone era of luxury and refinement.

Despite its whimsical tone, "Hotel Splendide" also touches on more serious themes such as love, loss, and the human condition. The characters are flawed and complex, and their struggles and triumphs will resonate with readers of all ages.

Overall, "Hotel Splendide" is a delightful and entertaining book that will appeal to fans of Bemelmans' other works, as well as anyone looking for a charming and witty story set in a bygone era. The writing is excellent, the characters are memorable, and the overall atmosphere of the book is enchanting.

A pleasant enough read, I suppose, but certainly not “uproariously funny”, not even mildly amusing, in fact, unless you like the sort of humour that makes fun of other people’s foibles and eccentricities. A behind-the-scenes exposé of life in an upscale New York hotel – in reality the Ritz but here called the Hotel Splendide – by Ludwig Bemelmans who worked there as a waiter in the 1920s. A series of increasingly unlikely vignettes and anecdotes about guests and employees, most of whom are caricatures rather than rounded characters, with stereotypes abounding. Originally published in 1941, and not surprisingly somewhat dated in its attitudes, with whimsical illustrations heading each whimsical chapter. This was not a book I was engaged by and it’s so-called “charm” passed me by.

Ludwig Bemelmans recalls his time as a waiter at a fabulous hotel in New York City, complete with lots of humor, tragedy, and a cast of colorful coworkers.

I picked up this book because I love behind-the-scenes stories, and because I was interested in learning about the fabulous excess of 1920s New York City from a working-class perspective. It was only after I started reading it that I realized that the Bemelmans also wrote the Madeline series, about the little girls who lived "In an old house in Paris that was covered in vines." The writing style is, of course, very different, but I do feel we get to see some of that same mischievous spirit here.

The book is comprised of a series of interconnected vignettes, introducing us to some of the many bizarre coworkers Bemelmans had while working at the Ritz and relating various incidents involving them and guests. There's a subtle and often dark humor threaded through the whole book, which sometimes made me laugh and sometimes left me disturbed. I most enjoyed the stories centered around Fritzl, the homesick busboy, and Kalakobé, the Black casserolier.

While I enjoyed the various stories, I felt that there wasn't enough of a narrative continuity to keep me properly interested, and the abrupt endings of some sections left me a little cold. Some of the people that Bemelmans hung out with were rather unpleasant too, which did not help matters. Overall there was a sense of something being left unfinished.

So charmed! Happy to include this forgotten and now revived title in “High Society,” the rich, royal, and aristocrat-themed gift list about the good life, as part of the holiday books package in Zoomer magazine’s Zed Books section.

If, like me, you love to read about the excesses of the time between the wars and learn a little history in the process, you will love this collection of reminiscences. Ludwig Bemelmans (1898-1962) was a splendid raconteur and bon vivant, a fabulous illustrator and author, but before all that, he worked in hotels. Hotel Splendide is a collection of stories he wrote based on his life behind the scenes in top hotels in New York, particularly the Ritz-Carlton, where the rich and famous went to stay and visit the glamorous restaurant and ballrooms. Bemelmans focusses on the people who made those excesses possible: the waiting staff, kitchen staff and the entertainers. And a very entertaining lot they are, though full of quirks and some very dubious behaviour. I adored this book!

the 16-year-old Ludwig found himself a job as a busboy at a fancy hotel. And his experiences there formed the basis for this wonderful collection of stories of behind-the-scenes life at Hotel Splendide, a thinly disguised version of the Ritz-Carlton. Each story is a perfectly observed tale of characters and incidents which you can imagine Bemelmans telling as tall tales from his past.

“Monsieur Victor used our tables as a kind of penal colony to which he sent guests who were notorious cranks, people who had forgotten to tip him over a long period of time and needed a reminder, undesirables who looked out of place in better sections of the dining-room, and guests who were known to linger for hours over an order of hors d’œuvres and a glass of milk while well-paying guests had to stand at the door waiting for a table.”

In the first story, we are introduced to the incompetent waiter Mespoulets who was always a great animal lover, until he took Bemelmans to his house and unexpectedly did something horrific to a canary. We also meet the tyrannical maître d’ Monsieur Victor. Later we learn that Victor randomly fired staff every so often just to keep everyone on their toes. As Bemelmans progressed up the ranks, he was able to protect certain people by moving them to positions which better suited their abilities, or lack of them. Eventually, Mespoulets remained only because of his beautiful handwriting, used for menus and place cards. But eventually, he was sent away and suspected of using his talents for more sinister purposes, or so Monsieur Victor was led to believe. And finally his story has a wonderful sting in the tail to finish the collection.

Another story, Easy Money, tells of how men in power let down their guard and gave waiters inside information, either on purpose whilst drunk or unwittingly by leaving an imprint on the waiter’s notepad. One of the hotel’s valued guests was the germaphobic Mr Tannenbaum, an investor for a university and several charities, who provided sound investment advice to Monsieur Victor. But Bemelmans also comments on the Wall Street Crash of 1929. “So sage was the advice he received there that in the late fall of 1929, when we read of a great many of our guests jumping out of windows and a great many others were beginning to talk to themselves in the street, Monsieur Victor rubbed his hands together with joy, was debonair with his guests and employees, and thought of building himself a villa on the Riviera.“

In another wonderful story, Bemelmans tells us about the magician, the ballet dancers and the dog. Biographical detail: Bemelmans’ first wife was a ballet dancer. The impression you get is of a man who, from a very early age, was a wonderful friend and always in search of adventure. The stories give a marvellous picture of life in a fancy hotel at a time when there were more members of staff than guests and money was no object, at least for the ruling classes. Humour, tragedy and everything in between, all told with Bemelmans’ light touch.

A delightfully humorous look at life for restaurant and banquet staff at a high-class NYC hotel y the author of the Madeline books. You'll love the eccentric characters that run through this book.

This is a "backstage memoir" if you will: behind the scenes at a grand, or not so grand New York Hotel where Bemelmans lead character is initially a busboy. Though the character graduates to other jobs through the collected short stories, there is always a sense of shifty piecemeal work, the camaraderie of those on their uppers trying to get by. So given this setting, and being set in New York in the Roaring '20s, it was surprising how the stories often ended up feeling rather tame and inconsequential.

What Bemelmans (author of Madeline if you want context), excels is in sketching his kitchen and service staff. The petty martinets who are formed by the smallest taste of hierarchy, who can order who about and therefore who can also pull one over on each other. But the minor scams and scrapes barely register, possibly the most interesting story here is the one of the inherited car, where our lead gets a car, and another staff member wants to be his chauffeur. The chauffeur doesn't know how to drive, but can wear the uniform, open the door etc. That has the right level of absurdity that I felt the stories were often reaching for. Perhaps the issue is with the crispness of tone, the New York service setting inevitably put me in mind of PG Wodehouse. And that's a comparison that is never going to do anyone any favours.

These probably work better as impressionistic sketches and probably worked better back in the day when there was a more significant line between guests and those behind the scenes. The revelation that in the kitchen of the grandest hotel (not that the Spendide makes that promise) are murderers and other shady miscreants is probably not so much of a revelation anymore. A fun, droll, quick read but it only really summoned up the odd smile here and there.

Absolutely charming, and such a transportive read. Beautiful.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Pushkin Press for this delightful ARC.

Hotel Splendide, a little gem by Ludwig Bemelmans, was originally published in 1941. It tells the story of the author’s years working in a luxury hotel in New York City. How much is true and how much is artful storytelling is unclear, but for a reader from 2022, it is a delightful excursion to a world long gone. And yes, this is the man who later became famous for the series of children’s books starring Madeline.
The concept of deluxe for the privileged involved an army of staff constantly at their beck and call. No whim was too frivolous to be denied. Working in this capacity was more a calling than a job. There was a hierarchy of dining and kitchen positions commanded by managers with fearsome power. Bemelmans worked his way from lowly busboy to assistant banquet manager with stories to tell at every stop along the way.
What made this book such a delight was the recounting of these extravagant tales without judgment. While the author introduces us to characters exhibiting the most dangerous madness or delightful charm, he does it with such blandness that each story becomes part of a chain of history in a rarified world, and the reader is borne along to the next chapter with curiosity and pleasure. The rich descriptions and exquisite details make you wish you could be a visitor to that long-gone world, but only as a guest, not an employee.

This was incredibly good. I really enjoyed the cover, characters, and plot line! I highly recommend this one.

What a treat this re=issue is! It may have originally been published in 1941 but it holds up, It's oddly comforting that the foibles of hotel guests in the 1920s and 30s weren't all that different from the demands of today (well, there wasn't WI-FI and other "modern conveniences") but people are people. Thanks to netgalley for the DRC. It's a charming period piece.

Ludwig Bemelmans was the author of the famous “Madeline” book series, but before he found fame, he worked as a waiter in the Ritz Hotel in 1920s New York City, which is barely camouflaged in the book as the “Hotel Splendide.” There he was an observer, and picked up on the affectations of the hotel eschelon, which included the characters of Monsieur Victor, the arrogant matre d’hotel, Mespoulet, the incompetent waiter, and Fritzl, the homesick busboy. As the narrator who climbs the ranks from busboy to assistant banquet manager, he uncovers the grand and famous Hotel to expose its inner workings. His observations also include in great detail a sardonic look at the Hotel restaurant’s wealthy, demanding clientele. Bemelmans has been compared to Anthony Bourdain for exposing the hotel industry’s inner workings, as Bourdain exposed the underbelly of restaurant life in “Kitchen Confidential.”

While Bourdain believed his exposé would be limited to those who worked in the restaurant industry, Bemelmans “Hotel Splendide” seems to have been intended for the average reader. It shows the flip side of the image one conjures when thinking of a grand hotel, showing not the opulence, but the people and images behind the scenes in all of their raw beauty and ugliness. I don’t believe Bourdain vs. Bemelmans is a fair author comparison, but I understand that the two men saw and wrote about some similar issues and situations of which the average restaurant or hotel client would otherwise be unaware. I found the book a little convoluted at times, and I was most disappointed at the abrupt ending, when the reader is led to believe a murderer has been stopped only to find out in the last sentence the killer is still at large. Additionally, I was deflated that I didn’t find the book as hilarious, engaging or “riotously entertaining” as promised.

I’d like to thank NetGalley, Ludwig Bemelmans (c), and Pushkin Press for the ability to read and review this ARC.