Heads in Beds by Jacob Tomsky.

The book is subtitled on the cover “ A reckless memoir of hotels hustles and so called hospitality.” I would add that it includes everything a hotel guest should know if the you  want to get the most out of your stay and more than you really want to know about what goes on behind the scenes. I have often proclaimed that suitcase rollers are one of the greatest inventions of the 20^th century. I never really appreciated that when this occurred (circa 1970) it almost ruined the lives of hotel bellmen throughout the world since it greatly cut down their tips for carrying your luggage. It is tidbits such as this which Mr. Tomsky provides as he traces his journey from a college philosophy major to a hotel car valet in New Orleans, to a  hotel housekeeping assistant manager and most recently as behind the desk ace check in  guy at a New York City hotel. When the car valet delivers your auto with radio music playing, air conditioner or heater humming away and gently opens the door for you, do you imagine for a minute that he was zooming around on the top floor of the garage squealing your tires and checking out your CDs and whatever else is available for his perusal. Whatever secrets are concealed in the rooms behind closed doors of the hotel (and there are lots of clandestine activities) the chances are, the hotel staff gets wind of them. Word spreads quickly among the hotel staff, whether it is reports of how you tip, what turned up in your room or on the many security cameras throughout the hotel. Speaking of tips, did you ever ask for an upgrade, a room with a view, a late check out, extra pair of slippers or whatever? Passing a $20 when you check in increases your chances a great deal and word does get around. Similarly, if you obnoxiously complain or even persistently complain about things that are beyond the ability of the staff to easily fix, (especially if you establish yourself as a low or non tipper) be prepared for bad things to happen to you.  You’ll have to read the book to see what some of those things can be. Overall, Mr. Tomsky combines, being a good writer (his college degree has come in handy) and really knowing his subject quite well. If your hotel stay is important to you, this is the chance to get to know the ins and outs before you put your head in their bed. (2012)