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The Reluctant Hotelkeeper
John Searancke came to the role of hotelkeeper almost accidentally, and most definitely with much reluctance. After his parents’ marriage fell apart, he was dragooned in, at the age of 22, to pick up the pieces of their new venture, a barely-trading country house hotel that had, frankly, seen better days. Not only was it posting an annual loss, but the fabric of the building was crumbling and there was no money left to make improvements.
There were to be battles royal with neighbours not wanting their status quo to be altered, and with the local fire authority who sought to impose draconian new safety measures.
Over the years, and with the steepest of learning curves, the grand old building was renovated and transformed to meet the requirements of the modern discerning traveller. Accolades for the hotel and its restaurant were won; together they became a well-regarded destination for a number of celebrities – and those that deemed themselves to be celebrities but were not. Stories abound featuring idiosyncratic guests, overbearing public bodies, fractured family life and animals of all shapes and sizes. The local fire station next door was demolished one foggy night, people were frightened by flying dogs and snakes in the long grass, and there were, as befits a country house, strange goings on in the night. Many were the guests who checked in who really should not have been seen together.
A rescue mission originally thought of as lasting for a year or two turned into a 35 year lifetime love affair with a beautiful old building. This is a tribute to all the people behind the scenes who helped to make the hard-won transformation into a great success.
There were to be battles royal with neighbours not wanting their status quo to be altered, and with the local fire authority who sought to impose draconian new safety measures.
Over the years, and with the steepest of learning curves, the grand old building was renovated and transformed to meet the requirements of the modern discerning traveller. Accolades for the hotel and its restaurant were won; together they became a well-regarded destination for a number of celebrities – and those that deemed themselves to be celebrities but were not. Stories abound featuring idiosyncratic guests, overbearing public bodies, fractured family life and animals of all shapes and sizes. The local fire station next door was demolished one foggy night, people were frightened by flying dogs and snakes in the long grass, and there were, as befits a country house, strange goings on in the night. Many were the guests who checked in who really should not have been seen together.
A rescue mission originally thought of as lasting for a year or two turned into a 35 year lifetime love affair with a beautiful old building. This is a tribute to all the people behind the scenes who helped to make the hard-won transformation into a great success.
266 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 3, 2018
116 people are currently reading
159 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
March 18, 2019
Marvellous, what a great book!
What a delightful cover! On seeing that, I just couldn't resist this book. On further investigation, the contents were amazing too. There's a lovely map of the village at the front, beautiful presentation. This is a prequel to his memoir 'Dog Days in the Fortunate Islands', but it’s not necessary to have read any of his other books first, you can still enjoy this one just the same.
This was not a short-lived thing; he had been in this business for over 35 years. The book starts where they have sold their country hotel and the new owners are now in. Then he's looking back on those years in the hotel business. Also, childhood memories-school, holidays in the Isle of Man etc.
It was a fabulously fun book. And what a hoot, a fair few chucklesome passages in here! I just seemed to keep laughing at his misfortunes! Uh oh! The things that can happen in a hotel. I love 'behind the scenes' memoirs like this! A bit of celeb gossip-without naming any names..... Beautifully English expressions. Some great word choices, it seemed like so much thought has gone into this to keep it fresh and entertaining. Or I imagine that's how he talks all the time. An experienced speaker maybe? Beautifully written. A total delight.
I finished John Searancke's book in just a day and a half and it was fantastic. He is responsible for serious lack of any sort of housework by me over the weekend-I just had to keep on reading! I've read and really enjoyed both of John Searancke's previous books. I knew this would be good-but I didn't realise just how good it was going to be! It's marvellous, what a great book.
What a delightful cover! On seeing that, I just couldn't resist this book. On further investigation, the contents were amazing too. There's a lovely map of the village at the front, beautiful presentation. This is a prequel to his memoir 'Dog Days in the Fortunate Islands', but it’s not necessary to have read any of his other books first, you can still enjoy this one just the same.
This was not a short-lived thing; he had been in this business for over 35 years. The book starts where they have sold their country hotel and the new owners are now in. Then he's looking back on those years in the hotel business. Also, childhood memories-school, holidays in the Isle of Man etc.
It was a fabulously fun book. And what a hoot, a fair few chucklesome passages in here! I just seemed to keep laughing at his misfortunes! Uh oh! The things that can happen in a hotel. I love 'behind the scenes' memoirs like this! A bit of celeb gossip-without naming any names..... Beautifully English expressions. Some great word choices, it seemed like so much thought has gone into this to keep it fresh and entertaining. Or I imagine that's how he talks all the time. An experienced speaker maybe? Beautifully written. A total delight.
I finished John Searancke's book in just a day and a half and it was fantastic. He is responsible for serious lack of any sort of housework by me over the weekend-I just had to keep on reading! I've read and really enjoyed both of John Searancke's previous books. I knew this would be good-but I didn't realise just how good it was going to be! It's marvellous, what a great book.
February 28, 2019
I do enjoy reading about life behind the scenes and this book reveals how a dilapidated hotel was brought back to life and after much hard work, turned a profit - think Basil Fawlty with manners and a good deal more administrative talent. While the chapters contained many stand-alone vignettes, the author has the ability to allow his writing to flow smoothly and quite seamlessly. A perfect book for dipping into or to read in one sitting.
February 11, 2019
What a delightful read this is!
The author does not become a hotelkeeper because it is a dream of owning and running an hotel. It is basically thrust upon him to get this English, Queen Anne building up to snuff and running smoothly.
John takes on the task and spends 35 years building up a lovely hotel.
We get a glimpse of the hard to get along with neighbors, the pesky town council, outdated rules from the fire authority, the regulars and not so regulars that come to stay. Some so bizarre they are asked to leave.
This read has so many endearing moments I wanted to fly across the pond and holiday in the village. The Reluctant Hotelkeeper will give you plenty of smiles and a few laugh out loud moments.
The author does not become a hotelkeeper because it is a dream of owning and running an hotel. It is basically thrust upon him to get this English, Queen Anne building up to snuff and running smoothly.
John takes on the task and spends 35 years building up a lovely hotel.
We get a glimpse of the hard to get along with neighbors, the pesky town council, outdated rules from the fire authority, the regulars and not so regulars that come to stay. Some so bizarre they are asked to leave.
This read has so many endearing moments I wanted to fly across the pond and holiday in the village. The Reluctant Hotelkeeper will give you plenty of smiles and a few laugh out loud moments.
April 14, 2019
John Searancke inherits a run down hotel that is struggling financially. Thus begins a 35 year journey full of hard work and challenges from clients, staff, hotel inspectors...
He writes with great humour and there are many laugh out loud moments throughout the book. Indeed, I was astounded at some of the antics of his guests.
Happily, the author transforms his inheritance into a fine award winning business, and deservedly reaps the financial rewards.
He writes with great humour and there are many laugh out loud moments throughout the book. Indeed, I was astounded at some of the antics of his guests.
Happily, the author transforms his inheritance into a fine award winning business, and deservedly reaps the financial rewards.
January 22, 2019
Must I Run an Hotel?
Very interesting and well written memoir of taking over an Hotel with no prior experience! I enjoyed reading about the characters who came and the chefs who came and went!
Very interesting and well written memoir of taking over an Hotel with no prior experience! I enjoyed reading about the characters who came and the chefs who came and went!
December 31, 2019
The Reluctant Hotelkeeper was an interesting read. Chocked full of UK British slang and figures of speech, you will get a crash course not only on how to talk like someone from the region but also on the many woes that a village hotel can face. At one point, I even had to message a British friend of mine to understand what one phrase meant!
The author's writing style - slang and figures of speech aside - was at times odd, or shall I say "unique." The phrase "garish pale blue," for instance, sticks in my mind, when the writer was describing a vehicle color. To me, something which is pale is generally not described as garish. The adjectives are at opposite ends of the spectrum even! The book also has a lot of these seemingly incongruent phrases and descriptions, which may have been humorous if I had understood the lexicon better or if I was more sure of the context in which some of these phrases and descriptions were used. There were some redundant phrases that might have been fixed by editors. An example:
Why not combine the details about the leaky sunroof in one description? There are also several instances of long-winded sentences that left the reader re-reading the sentence to ensure comprehension.
One gets an impression from the writer's tales that he really disliked many of his experiences as a hotelkeeper and developed a dislike of people in general (maybe that's a bit harsh - maybe "some people" instead?) as a result of his time spent owning a hotel. This impression leaves readers feeling more negativity and a tinge of sadness when reading this memoir rather than humor or even sympathy.
All of that said, I think the writer has done an admirable job of trying to capture and organize his experiences, explain the politics and bureaucracy of a small English village, and describe the challenges that can come from an independently owned hotel. I would be interested in reading some of his other books as well.
The author's writing style - slang and figures of speech aside - was at times odd, or shall I say "unique." The phrase "garish pale blue," for instance, sticks in my mind, when the writer was describing a vehicle color. To me, something which is pale is generally not described as garish. The adjectives are at opposite ends of the spectrum even! The book also has a lot of these seemingly incongruent phrases and descriptions, which may have been humorous if I had understood the lexicon better or if I was more sure of the context in which some of these phrases and descriptions were used. There were some redundant phrases that might have been fixed by editors. An example:
"...I had gone instantly from my 911 to a ten-year-old Toyota with a leaky sunroof and a million miles on the clock. It served me very well for a couple of years. That sunroof leaked at the slightest shower of rain,..."
Why not combine the details about the leaky sunroof in one description? There are also several instances of long-winded sentences that left the reader re-reading the sentence to ensure comprehension.
One gets an impression from the writer's tales that he really disliked many of his experiences as a hotelkeeper and developed a dislike of people in general (maybe that's a bit harsh - maybe "some people" instead?) as a result of his time spent owning a hotel. This impression leaves readers feeling more negativity and a tinge of sadness when reading this memoir rather than humor or even sympathy.
All of that said, I think the writer has done an admirable job of trying to capture and organize his experiences, explain the politics and bureaucracy of a small English village, and describe the challenges that can come from an independently owned hotel. I would be interested in reading some of his other books as well.
January 13, 2020
Unexpected family circumstances occasioned the author’s transition into hotel ownership at an early age. The hotel in question was an elegant but crumbling country pile but verging on bankruptcy.
As the author masters the skills to make the hotel sustainable, he grasps at straws and long-term guests to provide cash-flow.
The challenges are great but the author is up to all of them whether it be dealing with national fire regulations, local objections to his planning requests or the singularities associated with listed building of historical and architectural value.
He covers more than three decades of increasing successes with wit, humour and aplomb. The reader feel's the author's relief when he seels the hotel and moves on to pastures new.
As the author masters the skills to make the hotel sustainable, he grasps at straws and long-term guests to provide cash-flow.
The challenges are great but the author is up to all of them whether it be dealing with national fire regulations, local objections to his planning requests or the singularities associated with listed building of historical and architectural value.
He covers more than three decades of increasing successes with wit, humour and aplomb. The reader feel's the author's relief when he seels the hotel and moves on to pastures new.
April 26, 2019
This wonderful story follows the author's eventful journey from his first hesitant steps into the hotel trade, to the transformation of a run down business and a lovely but neglected old manor house, into a thriving award winning Country House Hotel and Restaurant. However, like all such endeavours, there are numerous heartaches and frustrations along the way; but many hard won victories also. Punctuated with hilarious situations and vivid characterizations of guests, staff members and local villagers, this is a hugely fascinating account on one man's tenacity to pick up a truly daunting challenge and run with it.
April 23, 2019
A very enjoyable and pleasant read!
The author was the "reluctant" keeper of a hotel in rural England. As a young man, he was rather coerced by his parents into working at their business, a rundown hotel that they had bought. He ended up working there for 35 years!
The author, over a long period of time, rehabbed the shabby old building into an award winning destination spot.
The book is an engaging chronicle of all the missteps, successes, and strange occurrences he went through.
I loved the author's dry, English wit. And his ability to laugh at himself. The stories he tells of odd guests were the funniest. And it is so unlike the standard, cliche volumes of "we bought a ruined house/winery/mansion in Europe" books that are flooding the markets today. This one will keep your attention.
If you are looking for a fun read, this could be a good book to try!
The author was the "reluctant" keeper of a hotel in rural England. As a young man, he was rather coerced by his parents into working at their business, a rundown hotel that they had bought. He ended up working there for 35 years!
The author, over a long period of time, rehabbed the shabby old building into an award winning destination spot.
The book is an engaging chronicle of all the missteps, successes, and strange occurrences he went through.
I loved the author's dry, English wit. And his ability to laugh at himself. The stories he tells of odd guests were the funniest. And it is so unlike the standard, cliche volumes of "we bought a ruined house/winery/mansion in Europe" books that are flooding the markets today. This one will keep your attention.
If you are looking for a fun read, this could be a good book to try!
March 23, 2019
I had previously enjoyed 'Dog Days In The Fortunate Islands: A new life in hidden Tenerife' by this author and was keen to read this latest book - it didn't disappoint - I really enjoyed it - I do like this author's way with words. It's an easy read, interesting, funny - it must have been quite a 'challenge' to bring the hotel back from the brink. I am now keen to read another of John Searancke's books - 'Prunes for Breakfast: One Man's War Based on a True Story'
April 21, 2019
2019 bk 128. The story of a life as a hotel keeper. John Searancke repeatly describes his hotel as a former manner house in the second tier of hotels in England. He takes on the job with no training and little reliable staff and slowly over the 30 + years he makes the hotel work. Allowing pets raised his hotel income by at least 10%, participating in a British "Let's Go" travel Britain campaign brings another large percentage of return customers. A quiet place in the country, a rendezvous, a homey atmosphere, stable staff, all work together to create a hotel for which Searancke had every reason to be proud. This is not a how to manual, but a how I did it manual, with many humorous stories to illustrate life in an inn. Enjoyable read.
January 5, 2020
A delightful account of the life as a hotelier.
April 22, 2019
A cute little book, odd family life though. It was enough to keep my interest although photos of the B&B would have been welcome.
April 30, 2019
This was a very fun and informative book about the ups and downs of running a country hotel.
The author originally went to help his parents at age 22. Their marriage was falling apart and their new venture, the hotel had become overwhelming.
He had to learn the business fast in order to keep the place going. This turned from what should have been a two year stint into 35 years ,all for the love of this old building, which he transformed into a very sought after place to stay.
I loved all of the stories he told about the people and pets that stayed there and the many learning curves he had to take, finding the right employees, and anyone else that was needed to run this place. It was fun to hear about the interactions with the people of the village, who would give him a hard time about a lot of things.
This is well worth reading, so much fun, and very well written.
I have read one other book by this author, Dog Days In The Fortunate Islands, which I loved and I have one more of his that I have not read yet.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Troubador Publishing Ltd for the ARC of this book.
The author originally went to help his parents at age 22. Their marriage was falling apart and their new venture, the hotel had become overwhelming.
He had to learn the business fast in order to keep the place going. This turned from what should have been a two year stint into 35 years ,all for the love of this old building, which he transformed into a very sought after place to stay.
I loved all of the stories he told about the people and pets that stayed there and the many learning curves he had to take, finding the right employees, and anyone else that was needed to run this place. It was fun to hear about the interactions with the people of the village, who would give him a hard time about a lot of things.
This is well worth reading, so much fun, and very well written.
I have read one other book by this author, Dog Days In The Fortunate Islands, which I loved and I have one more of his that I have not read yet.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Troubador Publishing Ltd for the ARC of this book.
May 23, 2019
What a fascinating memoir this is. John Searancke describes the years he spent running a Country House Hotel. His parents, in a doomed attempt to save their failing marriage had bought the old Manor House deep in the English countryside to run as a hotel. Eventually he was asked by his mother if he would come and help them to run it. And so, with no knowledge whatsoever of the hotel trade he did just that. Very soon afterwards his father left. The author was left basically on his own to manage. To say it was a steep learning curve would be an understatement. There are so many wonderful anecdotes about the transformation of the hotel into an award winning two AA Rosette establishment to entertain you. There are ongoing disputes with hostile neighbours, eccentric staff, and even more eccentric clientele to make you laugh or gasp in amazement. It’s beautifully written and very descriptive. The opening words of Chapter 1 had me hooked and I wanted to read on to discover how events turned out. I think the author has a very determined character who doesn’t want to admit defeat. This tenacity was certainly a factor in his success with the hotel. It’s certainly not a career for the faint hearted! Highly recommended for anyone who wants a glimpse ‘behind the scenes’ of a hotel.
December 31, 2018
Truth in hostelry..
Written with a welcoming tone. John puts the reader at ease. Inviting us to enjoy his memories with none of the whitewash. Fire..theft..and broken hand basins. The world of an innkeeper or hotel owner the way you want to know it. Occasionally funny and very insightful. I think I would have enjoyed a visit in person, because he made it sound lovely..tight fisted neighbours and all.
Written with a welcoming tone. John puts the reader at ease. Inviting us to enjoy his memories with none of the whitewash. Fire..theft..and broken hand basins. The world of an innkeeper or hotel owner the way you want to know it. Occasionally funny and very insightful. I think I would have enjoyed a visit in person, because he made it sound lovely..tight fisted neighbours and all.
May 28, 2020
Brilliant
What a fabulously fun book, well written and I loved the cover and the village map.
Stepping in and taking over his parents dilapidated hotel which they had been bought on a whim, John recounts his journey and experiences whilst attempting to save the day. None of them having any previous experience in running a hotel, efforts of restoration are met with ups and downs and plenty of frustration. John manages to inject humour and sentiment into his journey as there is no way he allowed for failure in this project, he was going to make it the very best hotel it could possible be.
Encountering obstacles from the start with the hostile local villagers, especially the curmudgeon leader of the pack who is determined to bring John down and watch him fail. Little did they know of his determination to succeed; failure was not an option.
With very little capital at hand he strives on for perfection in all he does, doesn't suffer fools and expects high standards of work from the tradesmen involved in the upgrading and the staff employed in the hotel.
After a few fits and starts with one or two dodgy staff he acquires an excellent team especially his trusty sidekick Carol. Things were not always easy juggling hotel life with family life, his Wife and young Son then throw into the mix a Mother who does not contribute much and a Father who disappears not long after the story starts.
After a lifetime of restoring, upgrading and maintaining the hotel he decides that after 35 years it is time to move on with the next chapter of his life. Hopefully to have a bit of rest and relaxation
This is the first book I have read of the author´s but it looks like I will be reading more, thank you John for keeping me entertained.
What a fabulously fun book, well written and I loved the cover and the village map.
Stepping in and taking over his parents dilapidated hotel which they had been bought on a whim, John recounts his journey and experiences whilst attempting to save the day. None of them having any previous experience in running a hotel, efforts of restoration are met with ups and downs and plenty of frustration. John manages to inject humour and sentiment into his journey as there is no way he allowed for failure in this project, he was going to make it the very best hotel it could possible be.
Encountering obstacles from the start with the hostile local villagers, especially the curmudgeon leader of the pack who is determined to bring John down and watch him fail. Little did they know of his determination to succeed; failure was not an option.
With very little capital at hand he strives on for perfection in all he does, doesn't suffer fools and expects high standards of work from the tradesmen involved in the upgrading and the staff employed in the hotel.
After a few fits and starts with one or two dodgy staff he acquires an excellent team especially his trusty sidekick Carol. Things were not always easy juggling hotel life with family life, his Wife and young Son then throw into the mix a Mother who does not contribute much and a Father who disappears not long after the story starts.
After a lifetime of restoring, upgrading and maintaining the hotel he decides that after 35 years it is time to move on with the next chapter of his life. Hopefully to have a bit of rest and relaxation
This is the first book I have read of the author´s but it looks like I will be reading more, thank you John for keeping me entertained.
July 20, 2019
I am always ready for a good memoir set in a time and place that I am very unfamiliar with. I have read only a few but I end up enjoying almost all of them. This was one such story. The author chronicles his time as a hotelkeeper/owner/sometimes chef, which although began as a forced decision ended up being something that became an inherent part of him.
The stories were all scattered over the timeline that the author ran that hotel and his learning curve, they are grouped together by incidents and move forward and backward in time. This latter aspect threw me off a little because I found it hard to keep my mind on the progression of the people in the story. I would have enjoyed it more if it had been chronological first and then incidents could have been narrated, but that is only a personal preference! The writing style is simple, to the point while maintaining the emotion behind the tale.
This narrative spans more than two decades of the author and the times change around him as he keeps his hotel afloat and improving with the times. Some of the anecdotes were funnier than others but for the most part they were very informative and interesting. It is set in rural England and gives a window into lifestyles of people that I do not think I would ever be actually crossing paths with in real life, which is the bonus. I highly recommend this to readers of non-fiction who are looking for a lighter look into this lifestyle.
I received an ARC thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the review is completely based on my own reading experience.
The stories were all scattered over the timeline that the author ran that hotel and his learning curve, they are grouped together by incidents and move forward and backward in time. This latter aspect threw me off a little because I found it hard to keep my mind on the progression of the people in the story. I would have enjoyed it more if it had been chronological first and then incidents could have been narrated, but that is only a personal preference! The writing style is simple, to the point while maintaining the emotion behind the tale.
This narrative spans more than two decades of the author and the times change around him as he keeps his hotel afloat and improving with the times. Some of the anecdotes were funnier than others but for the most part they were very informative and interesting. It is set in rural England and gives a window into lifestyles of people that I do not think I would ever be actually crossing paths with in real life, which is the bonus. I highly recommend this to readers of non-fiction who are looking for a lighter look into this lifestyle.
I received an ARC thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the review is completely based on my own reading experience.
September 23, 2024
Rising to the Challenge.
Having done a job that I was reluctant to do myself at one time, I was intrigued to read this fascinating memoir about how the author navigated taking on a job that he had no training or particular desire to do. To read of his resilience and dedication to a job he neither chose nor wanted is an intriguing journey for the reader. Having worked in hotels myself (albeit as an entertainer) I've had glimpses into the long hours involved, and how during busy times it's all hands on deck with the manager or owner serving meals alongside their waiting staff. Being a hotelier or hotel manager is now a jab that requires a university degree or equivalent these days, it is not an easy job, and incredibly stressful at times. I found it so interesting reading about the author's experience of owning an hotel in a different day and age therefore, before technology took over, and his struggles, and it has to be said - triumphs - over adversity in the face of many stumbling blocks (whether from grumpy villagers, ungrateful guests, or government/official rules). His disclosures about guest behaviour and other shenanigans I can well believe, were fascinating insights. His narrative is clear and his words paint a picture that the reader can see in their mind's eye as they watch the "movie" of the author's career. I found this an engaging memoir and easy to read.
Having done a job that I was reluctant to do myself at one time, I was intrigued to read this fascinating memoir about how the author navigated taking on a job that he had no training or particular desire to do. To read of his resilience and dedication to a job he neither chose nor wanted is an intriguing journey for the reader. Having worked in hotels myself (albeit as an entertainer) I've had glimpses into the long hours involved, and how during busy times it's all hands on deck with the manager or owner serving meals alongside their waiting staff. Being a hotelier or hotel manager is now a jab that requires a university degree or equivalent these days, it is not an easy job, and incredibly stressful at times. I found it so interesting reading about the author's experience of owning an hotel in a different day and age therefore, before technology took over, and his struggles, and it has to be said - triumphs - over adversity in the face of many stumbling blocks (whether from grumpy villagers, ungrateful guests, or government/official rules). His disclosures about guest behaviour and other shenanigans I can well believe, were fascinating insights. His narrative is clear and his words paint a picture that the reader can see in their mind's eye as they watch the "movie" of the author's career. I found this an engaging memoir and easy to read.
April 4, 2019
Along with an idyllic cover, the story of a reluctant hotelkeeper who was forced into this occupation is a good one. Factual, hilarious and very matter of fact humour. Very tongue in the cheek humour very typical of a British attitude (I think). The British seem to excel at this.
Told over a span of several decades, inheriting a hotel which was run down, in a shambles, no known systems, the owners (his parents) not interested at all in its functioning and definitely in the red. How through sheer hard work and a few dashes of good luck and good timing, he turned the hotel into a star winning, accolade winning enterprise is a good story.
Handling staff, plumbing and electrical systems almost at the end of their natural life, dealing with irritating and interesting guests in equal measure kept the book alive throughout.
Told over a span of several decades, inheriting a hotel which was run down, in a shambles, no known systems, the owners (his parents) not interested at all in its functioning and definitely in the red. How through sheer hard work and a few dashes of good luck and good timing, he turned the hotel into a star winning, accolade winning enterprise is a good story.
Handling staff, plumbing and electrical systems almost at the end of their natural life, dealing with irritating and interesting guests in equal measure kept the book alive throughout.
March 26, 2019
Author John Searancke was in his 20s in the 1960s when his parents bought a hotel, in an odd effort to save their shaky marriage. It didn't work and they had no idea how to run a hotel. Hence, they called their son. Mr. Searancke knew nothing about being a hotelkeeper, either, but he didn't like his job, so off he went on an adventure that lasted 35 years. While much of what he discusses about getting an old hotel back into good working order, with a good restaurant, could fairly be described by some as mundane, I was never bored reading this memoir. The author made it all sound interesting, and too soon I found myself at the end of the story, sad that it was all over.
(Note: I received a free e-copy of this book from NetGalley and the author or publisher.)
(Note: I received a free e-copy of this book from NetGalley and the author or publisher.)
April 7, 2019
What else do you do on a cold and wet day, but read. In 24 hours I had finished this book.
A beautifully written memoir, starting on the day the author drove out of the hotel gates for the last time.
The book chronicles how as he took on the reins of running a business, all that he had to deal with. From planning regulations on a listed building, to locals who didn't like him to succeed or outwit them.
At times he must have had the patience of a saint to deal with rude guests and pilfering staff.
The language was almost old fashioned in places, a motor car horn!
My copy was provided by NetGalley for review.
A beautifully written memoir, starting on the day the author drove out of the hotel gates for the last time.
The book chronicles how as he took on the reins of running a business, all that he had to deal with. From planning regulations on a listed building, to locals who didn't like him to succeed or outwit them.
At times he must have had the patience of a saint to deal with rude guests and pilfering staff.
The language was almost old fashioned in places, a motor car horn!
My copy was provided by NetGalley for review.
January 21, 2024
I love reading about unusual occupations and this fast paced, lighthearted, and hilarious account of an unwanted and unsought after responsibility was eye opening and captivating. I thought hotel owners sat in offices behind the scenes and supervised from afar. How wrong I was, at least in this country inn! From never knowing what a day will bring, to being on call 24/7 I’m frankly thankful I wasn’t in his shoes. That he thrived and actually loved his job is nothing short of miraculous.
John’s wit and conversational style made me feel that I was right there, watching catastrophes unfold, tasting delicious food, walking dogs in the clean country air. A delightful read.
John’s wit and conversational style made me feel that I was right there, watching catastrophes unfold, tasting delicious food, walking dogs in the clean country air. A delightful read.
April 9, 2019
What a charming little memoir about the author's time as a hotelkeeper in the English countryside. The short snippets of daily life running a hotel almost made me want to run to the nearest hotel for sale and snatch it up! Almost... He shares the bad along with the good here and from the sounds of it, hotel running isn't for the faint of heart! I recommend this for those who like to walk in the shoes of others, if only for a brief moment.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. The means in which I received the book in no way influenced how I reviewed it here.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. The means in which I received the book in no way influenced how I reviewed it here.
December 23, 2021
Excellent Example of Learning As You Go
Can Do Spirit in Action! Bravo to John for his entrepreneurial spirit and sharing the story of his beloved hotel from first day to last. I do admire a business owner with tact, discretion, willing to pitch in the unexpectedly vacant spots, welcomes animals, and not impressed by fame or money when it comes to some of the most obnoxious, or, just noxious personalities.
This is the first book I've read of John's, but certainly won't be the last.
Can Do Spirit in Action! Bravo to John for his entrepreneurial spirit and sharing the story of his beloved hotel from first day to last. I do admire a business owner with tact, discretion, willing to pitch in the unexpectedly vacant spots, welcomes animals, and not impressed by fame or money when it comes to some of the most obnoxious, or, just noxious personalities.
This is the first book I've read of John's, but certainly won't be the last.
December 26, 2019
I honestly enjoyed reading this book over the Christmas holiday season. Full of humour, honesty and great tips for anyone seeking to venture in to the world of hotel ownership, it gave a great insight into what goes on behind the scenes of hotel management. I thoroughly recommend this book to anyone who has a few hours to spend and is looking for an interesting and well written book to fill this time.
March 22, 2019
I was given a complimentary copy as part of a blog tour, but I had been planning to buy it anyway. A fun, easy to read book about resurrecting a country hotel and the exploits of both staff and guests as John struggles to not only make the hotel pay but put it on the map. I read this at one sitting.
March 28, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed learning all about what makes a hotel work, how he used creative ideas to attract more clients, and how his staff looked up to him. Also very interesting to see the wide variety of clients they had pass through the doors, some rather quirky...which then made me wonder if any of my requests were seen that way. Loved it.
January 27, 2024
A heartwarming easy read, especially if you want something light and one that you can pick up and read a chapter or two when you have a few minutes to spare. It is less of a story and more the retelling of all sorts of interesting or funny events that an owner of such a unique quaint hotel had to deal with over many years.
May 17, 2024
A thoroughly enjoyable read from start to finish. Having been forced into the role of hotel keeper John gives a very descriptive view of what it's like to undertake what is, sometimes, a thankless task. I can well imagine how frustrating it must have been at times to have to deal with some of his guests.
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