25 Terrific Hotel Novels to Indulge in on Vacation
Checking into a new hotel inspires a sense of adventure when traveling. These hotel novels offer that same rush of excitement!
Whether you are looking to experience a vacation from hell, learn about haunted locales, or experience a whirlwind romance, the hotel books on this list will help you find the perfect read.
The hotel novels below are perfect to read during a weekend getaway or from the comfort of your own home. Who knows, they might even inspire your next vacation!
*The books set at hotels Post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you.
Amazing Hotel Novels
Meet Me at the Lake
Author: Carley Fortune
Year: 2023
Genre: Romance
More info: New York Times Bestselling author
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range:18+
Plot
Will and Fern spent one amazing, adventure-filled day together in their early 20s with a promise to meet up again one year later. When Fern shows up and Will doesn’t, she is heartbroken.
Now, nine years later, Fern has inherited the lakeside resort that she never wanted to run, her ex-boyfriend is the resort manager, and she needs help. When Will shows up at the resort with an offer to help get things back in order, she doesn’t know if she can get over her old feelings and trust him again.
Why Jackie loves it
Set between Muskoka and Toronto, it reminded me of my childhood and teenage years! This is a romance novel that left my heart feeling gushy. I wanted to start at the beginning as soon as I was done the last page. This is my favorite of Carley Fortune’s books.
Why Kirsten loves it
I love a good lake romance- especially since I met my husband at camp (which had a small lake). There is something about this book that is so romantic and hopeful, it left me wanting more.
Adaptation Information
Archewell Productions, head by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, is slated to release this film to Netflix.
Find this book in: Second Chance Romance Novels / Hotel Novels / Ultimate Beach Reads 2023 / Carley Fortune Books In Order / Books Becoming Movies
The Pink Hotel by Liska Jacobs
If you loved White Lotus, you’ll love this snarky look at classism in this book set at The Pink Hotel (aka The Beverly Hills Hotel.)
Suburbanites Keith and Kit Collins are there are on their honeymoon, though Keith is secretly applying for a position at the illustrious hotel. As they are drawn into the glamourous trappings of the hotel, they become the playthings of the rich and famous.
Keith believes he can be one of them, but Kit feels lost. Will their marriage survive the crazy cast of characters inside and the wildfire raging outside the hotel’s walls? You’ll have to read this dark novel to find out.
Find this book in Hotel Books / Books with Colors in the Title
The Hotel Nantucket by Elin Hilderbrand
This is my favorite Elin Hilderbrand EVER. As usual, Elin’s storytelling revolves around a large cast of characters, this time employees of The Hotel Nantucket.
As we spend a summer with the staff and select hotel guests, we get to see what goes on behind the scenes of a luxury hotel. We see romances unfold and fall apart multiple scandals, demanding guests, and a ghost story!
I love how everyone’s stories folded together while revolving around the glorious hotel. If only I could visit this beach town resort this summer! This is one of the contemporary fiction books that is perfect to read this summer!
Last Summer at the Golden Hotel by Elyssa Friedland
Last Summer at the Golden Hotel is all about 2 families who own a resort in the Catskills and are thinking of selling or overhauling the Golden. This is the ultimate in family drama books.
Three generations of the Goldmans and Weismann clans have gathered to make the decision and family secrets are unspooling left and right in the midst of goat yoga, comedy shows, and salon catastrophes.
It was a pleasure to read it while staying at the Hyatt on the Chesapeake and experiencing some resort life of my own.
Find this book in Best Books for Book Clubs / Summer Camp Books / Books With Colors in the Title
Summertime Guests by Wendy Francis
Well, this book was such a treat! It takes place at a seaside resort over one fateful weekend. We get a glimpse into the lives of the various guests and what brought them to the resort.
Oh and did I mention it opens with a woman falling to her death by the resort pool? Was it a murder? Was it a suicide? Was it an accident? And which of the guests is the victim?
It’s a light read perfect for the beach. Check out more beach reads at our beach read hub!
Mystery Hotel Novels
Summers at the Saint by Mary Kay Andrews
Widowed Traci Eddings is the proprietress of The Saint an exclusive resort owned by her deceased husband’s family. As she struggles to keep his beloved hotel afloat, she deals with her conniving brother-in-law, disgruntled staff, and a series of mysteries that lead to the death of someone she loves.
The story is also narrated by various staffers who live in the on-site staff dormitory and a man in town to solve a crime from the past. There are lots of subplots, including a romance and 2 murder mysteries, but the heart of this novel is about Traci reclaiming her life and her hotel.
Why I Liked it: I’m a sucker for a resort setting, and since I read this one on my recent spring break, the vibes were vibing. While the large cast of characters was a struggle at first, I quickly got them straight and found value in each of their perspectives.
Find this book in Hotel Novels / Summer Reads of 2024 / Books Set at the Beach
The Club by Ellery Lloyd
March 2022 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick
This contemporary fiction book was a WILD ride and I loved every exhilarating twist and turn! The Home Club is clearly based on members-only celebrity clubs like SoHo House but the newest Home Club is opening on a private island and features an opening weekend to die for.
Literally, because it’s a murder mystery. Except we the readers don’t know who is murdered, how, or why at the beginning…but instead we are treated to various narrators telling the points of view of the weekend as it unfolds.
The layered approach to telling the story of the celebrity shenanigans and the murder of a key figure in the Home Group family had me flipping through the pages of this isolation novel. A truly enjoyable beach read!
The Newcomer
Author: Mary Kay Andrews
Year: 2021
Genre: Mystery
More info: New York Times Bestselling Author
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Can you believe this was my first Mary Kay Andrews story? What a story it was!
After Letty discovers her sister murdered, she whisks her niece, Maya, down to Florida so they can go into hiding. While Letty tries to untangle her sister’s web of secrets at The Surf Motel, Joe, the owner’s son, tries to untangle his growing feelings for Letty.
Why Kirsten loves it
Part mystery, part suspense, part romance, but pure delight, this won’t be my last Mary Kay Andrews novel. Thanks to St. Martin’s Press for my review copy. All opinions are my own.
Find this book in: Cozy Mystery Books / Hotel Novels
Plot
Taking place at a dated luxury hotel at Christmas time and culminating with a New Year’s Eve ball, there is an abundance of antics afoot. Sophie is a hotel intern there to make sure the guests have all they need. But when she is not expecting to deal with missing jewels, find a potential love interest, or be worried about ghosts – all in one holiday season!
Why Kirsten loves it
What a cute story! I loved the unique setting and hysterical antics. Jewel thieves, ghosts, kid-nappers, back-door dealings, and teenage drama fill this wonderful holiday book.
Find this book in Best Holiday Books / YA Christmas Books / Best Winter Books / Hotel Novels / New Year’s Eve Books
The Maid
Author: Nita Prose
Year: 2022
Genre: Mystery
More info: January 2022 Good Morning America Pick
#1 New York Times Bestseller, EDGAR AWARD Finalist, Anthony Award Winner
Age Range: 14+
Plot
Molly Gray works as a maid in a grand hotel and gets joy from leaving things orderly and pristine. Molly struggles with reading social cues and has had even more trouble since her gran can no longer help.
When Molly finds the body of Mr. Black in a room at the hotel, she becomes a prime suspect and will need all her friends to help her. She calls her friend Mr. Preston, the doorman at the hotel, for help. His daughter is a lawyer. Soon it becomes clear that Molly, in her naivete, is involved in a drug scandal as well.
Why Jackie loves it
I loved the description of this book and I hoped it would live up to my expectations. It did that and more. I adored every minute of this story and closed the last page smiling. Molly is such a wonderful character who has more depth than is apparent initially.
Find this book in: The Maid Book Club Questions / Books like Lessons in Chemistry / Best Mystery Books / Feel-Good Books / Books for Book Clubs / Best Cozy Mystery Books / Books With Neurodivergent Characters
Are mysteries your favorite genre? We created The Ultimate List of Mysteries carefully divided by sub-genre so you can find your next favorite read.
Romance Hotel Novels
When Sparks Fly by Helena Hunting
Avery Spark owns and runs an event hotel with her two sisters. She doesn’t have time to date. She spends her time when she is not working with her best friend and roommate Declan.
When Avery has a car accident and Declan feels responsible, the two end up spending more time together than they ever have. Eventually, the chemistry between them is undeniable. This best friends-to-lovers romance really hit the mark for me.
The Honeymooner by Melanie Summers
I first reviewed Melanie’s The Crown Jewels trilogy a few years and I loved it. It literally had me cackling and swooning all at once, so I had to jump at the chance to review her newest series – Paradise Bay.
The first book did give me a few chuckles as it set up both the new series locale (Paradise Bay Resort) and it’s owner’s love story. I did love the story, the new location, and the funny characters. I can’t wait to start the next book in the series.
People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry
Author: Emily Henry
Year: 2021
Genre: Romance
More info: #1 New York Times Bestselling Author
Spice Rating:💋💋
Age Range:18+
Plot
Do you believe Harry (from When Harry Met Sally) when he said “Women and men can’t be friends”?
We are sure think he’s wrong, but one of our favorite tropes is friends to lovers. People We Met on Vacation is the latest beach read from Emily Henry and it’s addicting.
Poppy has been best friends with Alex since a car ride home from college a decade ago. Since then, they’ve gone on vacation together every year until 2 years ago when it all came crashing down.
Will they recover their friendship with one more trip or will their relationship be irrevocably ruined? This is the perfect beach, poolside read, or vacation read. You should be sure to add it to your summer reading romance books list. And if you are looking for the best friends-to-lovers romance novel, this is it.
Why Jackie loves it
This is one of the best friends to lovers romances I have read. I love the way Emily Henry’s books. The stories are so relatable and utterly charming
Adaptation Information
Tom Blythe and Emily Bader are set to star in the Netflix movie adaptation. Sarah Catherine Hook, Lukas Gage, Lucien Laviscount, and Jameela Jamil have also joined the cast.
Find this book in: Friends to Lovers Romance Books / Books Like People We Meet on Vacation / Books Becoming Movies / Ultimate Beach Reads 2021
And Now You’re Back by Jill Mansell
Didi met her first love when she was 17 years old. After one magical night in Venice with Shay, Didi was in love until Shay disappeared. Thirteen years later, Shay turns up once again to fulfill the wishes of his dying father.
Shay has booked the nicest room in Didi’s hotel, so their paths cross again and again. I started this second chance romance book and did not put it down until I was done. It was such a feel-good book.
Plot
In this delightful romantic comedy, rival hotel receptionists Izzy and Lucas must set aside their differences and work together when they stumble upon a collection of lost wedding rings.
As they compete to return the rings and save their struggling hotel, their rivalry transforms into a love story that might mend more than just the business.
Why Kirsten loves it
While set over the busy holiday season, this hotel book isn’t too heavy on the Christmas backdrop. This is one of the new Christmas books of 2023 that could be read any time of year! #gifted
Find this book in: New Christmas Books of 2023 / Hotel Novels
Christmas at the Island Hotel by Jenny Colgan
Mure Island Series #4
This was a happier book in the series than the last one. We get to see Flora and Joel’s new baby, check in with Fintan, and meet a new cast of characters as the residents of Mure prepare for the new hotel opening.
There were cute love stories, wrapping up of some longstanding plot lines, but also space for more books in the series to written.
Is Romance your favorite genre? We created the Ultimate List of Romances carefully divided by sub-genre so you can find your next favorite read.
Historical Fiction Hotel Novels
The Coronation Year by Jennifer Robson
The coronation is happening at just the right time for Edie Howard to save her beloved hotel. But things start going awry with threats to the hotel and the Queen herself that have Edie and her long-term residents in the middle of the danger.
With interesting facts about the coronation, a romance sub-plot, and the thrilling race to ward off danger, this is the perfect royal read for fans of QEII! This is a fun historical fiction hotel book.
The Christie Affair
Author: Nina de Gramont
Year: 2022
Genre: Historical Mystery
More info: February 2022 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick
Age Range: 16+
Plot
I adored this mystery novel set during the 11 days of Agatha Christie’s disappearance. It’s told from the perspective of Christie’s husband’s mistress and it is utterly absorbing.
This biographical fiction novel is totally fictional because there is no account of what actually happened to Agatha Christie during her missing days. There are layers of mystery throughout, with a side of a love story.
Why Kirsten loves it
I never felt I would be able to sympathize with a mistress but I was cheering for her by the end. I was also enchanted by the setting of the small hotel. If you love historical mystery books, this is a must-read.
Find this book in: Biographical Fiction Novels / Historical Mystery Books / Hotel Novels / Ultimate List of Mystery Books
Hotel Portofino by J. P. O’Connell
I was thrilled to have read this charming story of a Hotel in Portofino, Italy during the years just after WW1.
In it, the new British owners of the Hotel Portofino settle into running a hotel with their adult children. The guests are eccentric, there is a mystery around a piece of stolen art, and some romantic relationships come together and fall apart.
Why I Like it: It reminded me of the second Downton Abbey movie in which the Crawleys headed to the south of France for a vacation! It’s got all the family drama I look for in books like these.
Find this book in Books set in Italy / Hotel Novels / Seaside Books / Books Like Downton Abbey
Beautiful Ruins
Author: Jess Walter
Year: 2012
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: New York Times Bestseller
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
I adored this second-chance love story that wasn’t too girly. There was intrigue and insight into Hollywood today versus 60 years ago. It’s about a secret love affair revolving around the movie Cleopatra and the small, seaside hotel at the center of the story.
It features family secrets, Richard Burton, modern and old Hollywood, and so many other plot lines in a novel that isn’t very long for all it contains within it’s pages.
Why Kirsten loves it
I guessed the big reveal pretty early on, but it was still a wonderful book set in Italy about how love found, lost, and then found again can impact our lives.
Find this book in: Books Set in Italy / Seaside Books / Hotel Novels / Old Hollywood Books
A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles
This historical fiction hotel novel is set in Moscow between 1918 through the 1950s, Count Alexander Rostov has narrowly escaped execution and has been sentenced to house arrest within his hotel, the Metropol for the rest of his life.
The Count is confined to the attic room. Once a part of the spoiled elite, he becomes friends with the staff and the inhabitants.
Why We Loved it: The book is beautifully written and I grew to love the Count. This is slated to becom a tv show soon.
Find this book in Books Becoming TV Shows / Books set in the 1920s / Hotel Novels
Hotel of Secrets by Diana Biller
Normally, historical romance books take place in England, so imagine my surprise when I found out this hotel novel takes place in Vienna! Finally, a new city to read about – and what a fun city it was!
Vienna’s high society and its nightlife came to life in this fun romance. I adored learning about how the aristocracy behaved – these are no dowdy English ladies! And the balls! So many decadent balls. I just loved the premise of this one too – the granddaughter of the emperor’s mistress is reopening her family’s hotel when a CIA agent shows up to uncover shady financial issues and spoil her plans.
Love Historical Fiction? We do too! That’s why we created the Ultimate List of Historical Fiction carefully divided by time period.
Thriller Books Set at Hotels
Plot
Set on a secluded resort island in Thailand, the story is told by Cass, an ex-pat who is outrunning her former life, and Brooke, a travel influencer who isn’t quite what she seems.
When Cass discovers the body of a murdered resort guest while teaching her scuba diving class, their sleepy resort is thrown into chaos. Cass and her fellow ex-pats, known as The Permanents, will do anything to avoid media exposure, but as bodies pile up, Cass and Brooke begin to explore what dark secrets lie at the heart of the island.
Why Kirsten loves it
This novel was a thrill ride from the opening murder scene. I was left completely unprepared for the conclusion and the final chapter had me gasping out loud! I can’t imagine a more fun tropical thriller.
Find this book in: Hotel Novels / Full Cast Audiobooks / Best Beach Reads / Best New Thriller Books
Plot
This is an isolation thriller from one of the best there is. Five couples participating in a game shoe are trapped together on an island when a storm comes in. They are cut off from everyone without phones but that is the least of their worries.
Without power, their food and water supply dwindles quickly, the radio has a very limited battery supply, people are sick and injured, and one of them may be a murderer/ serial killer
Why Jackie loves it
This is a page-turning thriller with unexpected twists and turns I did not see coming. This is a perfect beach read- it will keep you on your toes.
Find this book in: Fictional Books About Serial Killers / Best Beach Reads of 2024 / Books Set at a Hotel / Isolation Books / Best Thrillers 2024 / Epistolary Novels
Rock Paper Scissors
Author: Alice Feeney
Year: 2022
Genre: thriller
More info: Instant New York Times Bestseller
Age Range: 18+
Plot
This book by Alice Feeney is another great read. Her books always have me turning the pages. This novel starts with Adam and Amelia Wright headed to a weekend away in a remote Scottish getaway to save their marriage. It turns into a locked-room thriller that you will not be able to put down.
Told from the point of view of both Adam and Amelia, it is clear that one weekend away may not be enough to save what is left of their failing relationship. Each year of their marriage, Adam and his wife exchange traditional wedding gifts and she writes him a letter that she will not let him read.
When reading a thriller, you expect twists and turns because that is part of the fun and while I expected a few, some of the ones in this book were completely unexpected!
Why Jackie loves it
I love Alice Feeney as a writer. She never fails to surprise me with her books which is something I love. The twists never feel like they are too much, rather, I feel like I should have known all along!
Find this book in: Locked Room Mysteries / Domestic Thriller Books / Halloween Thriller Books / Hotel Novels
The Guest List
Author: Lucy Foley
Year: 2020
Genre: Mystery
More info: New York Times Bestseller, June 2020 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
I’ve just read THE thriller
Why Kirsten loves it
I’ve become very picky about thrillers recently and this one is hands down my favorite of the year so far. It also made our Best of 2020 list!
Adaptation Information
This story is soon to be a TV series on Hulu. Liz Tigelaar is set to write and produce the show.
Find this book in: Locked Room Mysteries / Books Like People We Meet on Vacation / Best British Mysteries / Books Becoming Movies in 2024 / Best Beach Reads / British Books /Best Psychological Thriller Books
The Sanatorium
Author: Sarah Pearse
Year: 2021
Genre: Mystery
More info: Detective Elin Warner #1 , February 2021 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick
Plot
Oh boy, was this a creepy haunted house book! I wish I had chosen to read it during the wintertime instead of the summer because seeing snow while reading it would have made it that much creepier.
With dead bodies piling up, and a blizzard keeping the guests of the fancy sanatorium-turned-hotel stuck inside, will Elin be able to solve the mystery before she becomes a victim herself?
Why Kirsten loves it
This is such a great blizzard book for mystery book lovers. It is creepy and everything else you want in a thriller and it’s an iconic book to read during a snowstorm!
Find this book in: Fiction Serial Killer Books / Locked Room Mystery / Isolation Book
The Guilt Trip by Sandie Jones
👏 👏 👏. Okay, Sandie, I see you! I loved this slow-building drama/thriller about an old group of college buddies gathered again for a wedding at a hotel.
The story was a slow build but the final chapters were FIRE. These friends had secret and scandal-filled lives! I couldn’t put this hotel novel down at the end. I gasped out loud at the INSANE ending.
Love a good thriller? Check out our ultimate list of thriller books.
Middle-Grade Hotel Novels
Winterhouse
Author: Ben Guterson
Year: 2018
Genre: Middle Grade Mystery / Fantasy
Age: 9 – 13
More info: Edgar Award Finalist, Agatha Award Finalist
Plot
Elizabeth is an orphan whose aunt and uncle have shipped her to Winterhouse for the Christmas holiday. There, she meets the owner, Norbridge Falls, and learns secrets about his slightly evil family. Along the way, she meets another child guest – Freddy – and becomes fast friends with him. Together, they unlock codes and solve puzzles. The best part is that the first page of each chapter has a mini puzzle for readers to complete.
Why Kirsten loves it
My boys and I like to listen to books together in the car or when doing a puzzle. The standout book for me this month was Winterhouse. This middle grade mystery was as enthralling to me as it was to my children. I loved the slight bits of magic in the story and the captivating setting of an expansive ski hotel on a snowy mountain at Christmas time.
Find this book in: Paranormal Books / Books for a 10-Year-Old / Books About Puzzles / Fantasy Books for Tweens / Hotel Novels / Christmas Chapter Books
Front Desk by Kelly Yang
This recently banned book tells the story of Mia and her family who are immigrants from China. Mia’s struggles to be successful in America are met with the divide between classes in her school, the racism she faces, and her family’s quest to make ends meet.
Why We Love This Book: I loved learning from Mia and watching her problem-solve to help her family as they took over caring for the Calivista Motel. If you are looking for realistic fiction middle grade books that skew a little younger, check out this realistic fiction book.
Appropriate for ages 9-11
Find this book in Coming-of-Age Books / Books for 10-year-olds / Audiobooks for Kids / Hotel Novels / Books about Poverty and It’s Impact
Greenglass House
Author: Kate Milford
Year: 2016
Genre: Middle Grade Mystery
Age: 9 – 12
More info: Greenglass House #1
Plot
The Greenglass House is an inn for smugglers and the winter season means it’s supposed to be quiet for Milo, the owner’s child. But instead, guest after guest checks in for the holidays, and items go missing around the inn. Soon, Milo and the chef’s daughter, Meddy, are off searching for the guests’ connection to the inn, uncovering secret after secret along the way.
Why Kirsten loves it
This mystery reminded me of Harry Potter in some ways. A child is trying to uncover the secrets of Greenglass House, a hotel for smugglers and spies before the adults do. I chose this as a family read-aloud and it was wonderful.
Find this book in: Best Ghost Books / Best Winter Books / Terrific Hotel Novels / Best Mystery Books for Tweens / Best Family Audiobooks / Books With Colors in the Title / Christmas Chapter Books
For more middle grade books, check out our list of books for 10-year-old, 11-year-old, 12-year-old, or 13-year-old readers.
Did you find any Hotel Novels to bring on your next vacation?
Ultimate Beach Reads 2023: The Hottest Summer Reads
If you like these hotel books, check out our beach reads posts for more vacation style books!
