I really wanted to love this. Grace Curtis' last novel Frontier was wonderful and unique. Floating Hotel was an engaging read, but there seemed to be something missing. The characters were well fleshed out, and the premise of a travelling space hotel was a novel one, but it awkwardly straddled being a mystery type story with the more cozy elements of the hotel itself. I would have rather it leaned in heavier to the runnings of the hotel and the characters without the mystery elements, but I understand Curtis may have wanted a more succinct plot. I would still recommend it, and I did enjoy it, but I wish it had been a slightly different novel.

I can see myself keenly revisiting Floating Hotel, sooner rather than later. At first I was unsure about the novel's structure, with POVs cycling through the whole cast of characters. However, each character was so fully formed and distinct, and the story linking them all remained clear. I adored all of the characters, and - despite a big overarching plot with hints of mystery and even spy novels - Floating Hotel is at its core a character study. I really enjoyed reading this, although it felt very different to Frontier, and I'm eagerly awaiting whatever Grace Curtis writes next. As a side note: I also really enjoyed the mini-playlist in the acknowledgments, which somehow perfectly captured the vibe of the book as a whole.

This engaging story is set on a spaceship with a difference, and features stories of the crew members interwoven with those of selected guests. The Grand Hotel Abeona is a floating Starship that moves from planet to planet in the various solar systems of the Galaxy, offering its customers a unique opportunity to experience a different quality of life, in addition to the travel experience itself, and the unique exposure to exotic places.

That is partly because, in addition to the undeniable luxuriousness of the experience, the Abeona also offers a welcome respite from the continuous demands of technology. It employs, for example, a circulation system of written notes on paper that circulate through a system of pneumatic tubes rather than a more conventional computerised intranet system.

The story is told from multiple POV - largely involving only one time for each one person to speak. But thanks to referencing other characters and the wider story framework, this turns out not to be too confusing.

There is more to the Abeona than meets the eye. As devoted manager Carl, who has worked his way up from once being a stowaway, and concerned sous chef Dunk discover, there is a deeper plot taking place which involves the totalitarian Empire, infamous for raping planetary resources and crushing rebellions. So how will it all play out for the ship and crew?

Between the smaller mysteries of love sonnets circulating in the pneumatic tubes - who are they for, anyway? - and the new rules at the Problem Solvers Conference currently underway, there is plenty to keep readers occupied in this charming story, where rooting for runways and misfits who make up the found family operating the Abeona becomes part of the pleasure.

Floating Hotel was an intriguing book to read. It felt like a series of short stories strung together and connected through the luxurious Grand Abeona Hotel. A hotel of fading splendour floating through space. Carl is the manager, who worked his way up from his beginnings as a small boy who stowed away on the ship. Each chapter introduces us to a new character and their background. Some
are staff, some are guests. They all have a story to tell. Central to it all is the mystery of who is writing seditious articles critical of the imperial government and is it someone onboard?

I enjoyed reading this book although I would have liked each story to have been a little bit longer. I was a little surprised by the dystopian world portrayed as I was expecting something lighter from the blurb. But this is a world, (or should I say worlds? )Where the rich lead a pampered and decadent life and the poor are powerless and downtrodden. There does not seem to be an in between..

After loving Curtis’ first book, Frontier, of course I was going to jump at the chance to read her second one. And a book set on a hotel spaceship certainly sounded like something I would love. As the five star rating gives away: I did!

Like Frontier, this book is heavily character driven. We meet a new character each chapter, dipping into their world and their story. While it was the main character’s journey that helped string the previous book’s chapters together, in this book it is the hotel, Abeona. Each chapter gives insights not only into the characters, but the hotel. You could argue the hotel is the main character.

All the characters are great, in that I loved learning about them, but did not love everything about them. They were flawed, and that made them so real. Every member of staff ended up stuck there by accident and chose to stay on purpose. Their love for the hotel and each other was beautiful and, like each of them, imperfect. I wanted to see more of characters who didn’t get their own chapters, too. Reggie, Mataz… Nina.

The non-staff characters were more hit and miss for me. Some I warmed to while others I didn’t. Though they all had something to add to the bigger plot weaving between the chapters, it was the staff and their connections to the hotel and each other that I enjoyed the most.

Talking of the plot. It was slow at first. Small hints at something. Then several somethings cropping up. Not all of which mattered to the main thread, but all fed into it. It was the last 100 pages or so where things really got going, and only the last 25 where all the threads pulled together. I love the part of a story when everything comes together.

The end was extremely bittersweet. I knew things weren’t as simple as they seemed and that my man Carl was working some kind of ploy. The outcome for Abeona and her staff wasn’t as safe and happy as I had hoped, but it wasn’t as dire and bleak as I had feared, either. It was sad and hopeful and perfect. I want to follow the hotel and join it on its next adventure.

Floating Hotel - or more like wandering hotel, at its inception - was a nice surprise: what at first seems more like a collection of stories gradually paints a picture of the galaxy as a whole, with its numerous societies and traditions, issues and disasters, culminating in a fun plot twist that is way larger in scale than any space hotel could ever hope to be.

Normally, I would probably object to the type of narrative structure that involves almost every chapter being told from a different POV, with an inevitable deep dive into that character’s background, but here it really works. There is a strong undertone of misfits and found family, quite a bit of levity but also a lot of simply being human - imperfect, and often traumatized to this or that extent, but carrying on and finding joy regardless. A character study, you might say, and definitely recommended if you’re looking for a space story of a slower, gentler kind.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy.

I read an eARC of this book so thank you to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for this.

Grace Curtis is a wonderful writer. In Floating Hotel and Frontier we find just the right amount of detail to create a rich and unusual setting while letting our imaginations take the reins. I really like this about their writing style. I find myself so immersed in these worlds because I seem to have been given the perfect details to bring them to life.

While this book is set on a hotel that travels through space, the story is very people focussed. We read chapters from a range of different characters with their own histories and motivations, all distinct. They are loosely connected via Carl the hotel manager. Curtis manages to say a lot in just a chapter editing her stories so well to give you exactly what you need to connect with the character.

There is an undercurrent of something more sinister that we see dappled throughout what almost feels like loosely linked short stories. Betrayal, theft, conspiracy, murder all appear throughout the course of this book.

I continue to be impressed with this author and will read anything written by them in the future.

Interesting premise.
Floating Hotel is a story of a floating hotel in space, Abuena, and its motley crew traversing the vastness of space. The human civilization is ruled by the emperor and iron fist. Life is hard everywhere. But not on Abuena. Managed by Carl, it is a place to relax, enjoy, and savor the wonders of the universe. This is the story of its crew.
Good things first, this is the story of stories. With each chapter, we get to know each crew, their past, their stories, and their interconnectedness. Every crew member has a past that they are running from and a place that they find in the hotel. It was good to understand them, understand their precariousness, and hope with them for a better future.
The problem? The plot. Or more accurately the lack of it. It's not that the plot moves slowly but it's non-existent. What was supposed to be an intriguing story of mysteries, big secrets, and letting go, the author let go of the plot. There are not many mysteries, no sense of adventure or unraveling the mystery.
The second problem - Usually understanding a character's backstory helps understand their actions and behavior. Here, we get loads of backstories but their actions/behavior are non-existent. It was food to know each character but would have helped if it was tied back to the main story. That doesn't happen so each chapter is just that - an introduction of all characters. Would have liked it better if it culminated in something.

Thanks Hodder & Stoughton & Netgalley for providing an ARC.

This one was a bit of a mix for me; it was structured like a series of short stories, each one looking at the background of one of the staff or one of the guests on the Aboena, a floating hotel spaceship that travels around in space. It is beautifully, decadently described and reminded me of a glorious 1920’s style hotel - it really was the Grand Budapest Hotel in space!

Throughout the story, there is a mystery about a dissident troublemaker who is a stowaway on the ship who is allegedly working as one of the hotel staff (although no one can seem to find any evidence of this). This mysterious thread weaves throughout all the stories and ties them together.

So yeah, I thought it was cleverly structured, a little different and lots of fun… the only reason I have only given it 3 stars is for a few main reasons:
- It was slow… the world-building was impeccable, but there seemed to be sections of the book where it was all descriptions and no real actions. That being said, people who love Becky Chamber’s Wayfarer series are likely to absolutely LOVE this style of writing in this book. I sadly DNF’d Angry Planet and I am well aware that, whilst some people love it, this style of fly-on-the-wall watching every day activities isn’t something I enjoy.
- I couldn’t connect to a lot of the characters. Some of them I loved; Ooly, Mara, Sasha… all fabulous and I read their sections with glee. But there were some characters where I just didn’t care so much about them or their stories and had to fight not to jump over whole sections.
- It jumped all over the place in time; I don’t know if it’s because I have an ARC copy, but there were a lot of time-skips in the book which I feel could have benefitted from having sub-headings to tell us we were ten years in the past or whatever… trying to keep up with what was present and what was past was exhausting!

Overall I did enjoy this book and I would absolutely recommend it for Becky Chamber’s fans, because it would be your cup of tea!

I received a free ebook of Floating Hotel from NetGalley. All opinions are my own!

I once read that the sale of bright red lipstick is inversely correlated to how bad the times are: if everything else is grey and hopeless, at least you want this one small, bright thing that can be bought for just a little bit of money. I think the recent popularity of the kind of cozy, found-family book that often has little actual plot beyond how a group of misfits comes together and finds family and a home agains all the odds is the red lipstick of the reading world. And looking at the world we're living in, it's easy to see why.

Floating Hotel fits this mold, too; with its group of people, all damaged somehow, all searching for something they can't quite name, all looking for home and connection and belonging. On the face of it, we're solving a kind of mystery, told from the changing viewpoints of various people aboard the Abeona. And indeed the Abeona is one of them, if not the secret main character of the book; with her corridors and suites and rooms and luxuries, but also her seedy underbelly, the secret backways where the crew lives and moves to keep her afloat among the stars.

I would recommend this for anyone who enjoyed books by Becky Chambers, Travis Baldree or Aliette de Bodard.

I want to thank NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions here expressed are my own.

"Floating Hotel" by Grace Curtis

Grace Curtis takes readers on an interstellar adventure like no other in her delightful and refreshing sci-fi novel, "Floating Hotel." This book offers a captivating blend of mystery, intrigue, and a touch of romance, all set against the backdrop of a luxurious and ever-moving floating hotel.

The Grand Abeona Hotel is no ordinary establishment. It's a hotel that traverses the galaxy, offering its guests the finest dining, impeccable service, and breathtaking views from one celestial destination to another. As readers embark on this cosmic journey, they are immediately drawn into a world of curious mysteries and enigmatic events. Love poems in the lobby intray, Imperial spies in disguise, a perplexing Problem Solver's conference – the intrigue abounds, making every page turn an adventure.

At the heart of this celestial escapade is Carl, a character who has spent a lifetime as the hotel's manager and devoted caretaker. His unwavering commitment to the Grand Abeona Hotel is palpable, and readers will quickly find themselves rooting for him. Curtis has masterfully crafted a cast of characters who are distinctive and unique, each contributing to the story's charm.

One of the most delightful aspects of "Floating Hotel" is its light-hearted and fun approach to the sci-fi genre. Often, science fiction can be a heavy, intellectually demanding genre, but Curtis has succeeded in making it accessible and enjoyable for a wider audience. Her storytelling is engaging and witty, keeping readers entertained from the first page to the last.

As the plot unfolds and the mysteries deepen, readers will be drawn deeper into the world of the Grand Abeona Hotel. The questions posed by Curtis keep the story intriguing and thought-provoking, and the ultimate question of when it's time to let go adds a layer of emotional depth that elevates this book beyond a mere space romp.

"Floating Hotel" by Grace Curtis is a delightful departure from the norm in the world of science fiction. It's a book that invites readers to explore the cosmos, experience a unique and imaginative setting, and lose themselves in a story that is equal parts entertaining and heartwarming. Grace Curtis has successfully created a memorable and enjoyable sci-fi adventure that deserves a place on your reading list. So, why wait? Check in to the Grand Abeona Hotel and let the adventure begin!

I absolutely loved Floating Hotel!
I can definitely see Grace Curtis becoming a favourite author of mine as I also loved their previous book, Frontier.

I've been really loving the authors writing style!
I enjoyed how different this book was with how every chapter was in a different characters pov's.
I found it really unique and while some people may not like that i thought it was done really well and loved it!

This was a great Sci-fi read and I highly recommend it and you won't regret it!
Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

There are some beautifully written descriptions in this book and the story itself is one which stands out as something a little different to the many books I've read before. The last chapter or two were a little confusing and the ending could have perhaps been clearer. But I was not disappointed and would recommend the book to anyone who enjoys a light sci-fi story with a mystery or two.

I downloaded this ARC from NetGalley because I saw it compared to Becky Chambers. Yes! It's so rare to find sci-fi that's kind, gentle, and thoughtful, but it's a winning combination. This book is perfectly balanced. It has a large cast, with only one chapter from each person's point of view - that sounds like a recipe for disaster to me, but she pulled it off beautifully. The little vignettes of each character weave gradually into a plot that ties them all together and brings it to an immensely satisfying conclusion.

Floating Hotel is a wonderful book with a clever plot. I loved the idea of a hotel on a space ship that travelled around.. Seeing it from the perspectives of both guests and crew made it particularly enjoyable. At first I was puzzled as the book seemed to be a series of stories about different crew members and guests, but as the book progressed I realised that they were all converging to tell one story. The book kept me guessing right to the end, and, unusually for me, I didn’t figure out the ending ahead of time. I really enjoyed the surprise.

Grace Cullis is a very good writer. The depictions of the characters and their back stories had depth and interest. Her world building is very well done and unlike any ideas I’ve read in other books. You will love this book!

This was, actually, one of the better books this year. The plot, the writing, the characters - it all fit. The different points of view within the well-executed overall story worked fine, and in the end, it was, as advertised, cozy!

This mysterious and interesting book with a range of characters took a while to get into, but when I did get into it, it was full steam ahead. I loved the structure where each chapter explores a different character, and I really liked the world-building. I will definitely be reading more by this author.

4.5/5 Stars

I want to thank Hodder & Stoughton and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Y'know when a blurb advertises a book as "perfect for fans of Becky Chambers", I feel it is my duty to read it and see for myself. This one? Oh yes.

Safe to say it's easy to see where the comparison comes from, but Floating Hotel has its own very unique charm. The story is told through a dozen characters as focalizers and, even though each of them has their own story to tell (which they do) and their own little plot to work on, they also keep building the story of this space hotel as a big cohesive group. There are characters you'll hate, those you'll love, any everything in between. The book goes deep emotionally but since it is rather short and has so many different perspectives, it goes deep very fast instead of with the long build-up like a Becky Chambers book.

Nonetheless, this made me laugh and tear up and restore a little hope in humanity. And that's all you can want from a book.

Grace Curtis has a skill in writing stories that are about people and relationships, intertwined with quirky, smooth, gently thrilling, storylines. I was swept away in an enjoyable read. In this book there is a hotel floating through space. A hotel of renown, for the upper class space tourist. But the book really focuses on the staff who service the customers. We see a part of their past lives and present on-board experiences and how they work together like a family. Along with mischief and intrigue. Thank you to Hodder and Stoughton and NetGalley for the ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely given.

After enjoying Curtis’ last book, I was very excited to read this! It’s a story set on a giant hotel travelling through space, with a good cast of characters and an interesting story of rebellion and mystery. Like her last book, id say it’s a story set in a scifi world rather than a scifi story, but I really enjoyed that aspect. By not focusing too much on the worldbuilding, it gave the story space to breathe and to showcase each characters story and background.

The staff at the hotel are a ragtag group of misfits, who seem to have formed a found family of sorts, and Curtis delves into the background of several of them, which allowed for us to see the effect of the dictator leader that exists in the world. There was also minimal romance, which I appreciated; it set up possible relationships but they were not the main focus of the story.

The setting of a grand hotel in space was fascinating, however I felt that several storylines that were highly focused on at the beginning had very discrete/quiet conclusions, and I had to reread parts to make sure I was understanding the solution to each.

Overall I really enjoyed this book, but felt I enjoyed the journey more than the story and conclusion itself. Curtis is a great character writer, and I look forward to reading more of her stories.