There is really nothing about this book that I liked. So why did I finish it? Despite the egocentric, alcoholic, mean-spirited author's glee in exposing the very worst of the worst in people on both sides of the desk, there was interesting information that can be useful for my (rare) hotel stays. It did, however, confirm to me that a so-called luxury or five star hotel is not a place I want to be. Give me a clean, efficient, well-run three star with staff who do not trash me if my tips are too small--but may even help educate me on the proper amounts. I hope the resulting adversarial feeling and cynicism toward all hotel staff wears off before I stay in another hotel. I'd like to think some "regular people" work there, who actually see guests as fellow humans, deserving of respect.

i loved this book! Laughed so hard I almost wet my pants.

Disappointing book!!!

During your next hotel stay, do you want a complimentary bottle of champagne? A no-fee late checkout? Free treats from the mini bar? Jacob Tomsky explains who to talk to and how. But beware: if you acted rudely to the bellman, don't use your toothbrush tonight “or ever again, really.” Crude, shocking, poignant and hilarious, "Heads in Beds" combines memoir, guidebook and cautionary tale to produce a wild ride through a decade of work in luxury hotels in New Orleans and New York. Tomsky began his hospitality career in valet parking, witnessing stripped gears and scraped fenders, and ended up at the front desk where he saw guests at their worst: drunk, impatient and sporting cockroaches in baggies with hopes of a free stay. He witnesses guests having sex in the business centre, tattles on swindling staffers, exposes the perks concierges get for booking certain tours and reveals that top-earning bellmen make six figures a year, all cash. But even when he lies to guests or drinks Heineken for breakfast, Tomsky's vulnerability and humanity glimmer through the murk. His writing remains fluid and colourful and includes delightful extras rarely found in tell-all books.

I agree with hgeng63. A very meanspirited book. Should have known from the "reckless" in the title and not bothered.

What a exceptionally insightful look into the hospitality of hotels and extremely informative to the traveler. Many themse abound herein. Tipping is crux. Anyone not familliar with respecting others, might not agree. Written by an insightful liberal arts grad, trying to find his way and a career -- and not realizing he has the best there is. Sort of like the long ago novel: "Hotel" in reality foremat. Funny, amusing, and positive. Shows how even simple liittle services taken for granted, can impact many. Moral of the story: Money talks, Bullshit walks. Capitalism at its best. An easy read, couldn't put it down. Met so many jerks who fail to understand, service DOES not come with the bill -- its extra, as in TIP, idiot.

Heads in Beds is highly entertaining in a snarky voice. It is almost as if you encountered the author at a party and spent a few hours over snacks and drinks hearing his best and worst stories of life on the front desk (primarily) of luxury hotels. He says he thinks he was drawn to hotel work because he was a military kid and moved around a lot. I think this theory has validity as I also grew up in a military environment and people came and went with an almost clockwork precision. So it was comfortable for me to work in the tourism and travel fields because I didn’t expect to interact with anyone for a long period time and flexibility of thought to solve problems is almost built into a person who doesn’t experience longevity and stability of community as a child. It is more of a memoir than a non-fiction book and reminded me of a book I read years ago (sadly I lent it out and never got it back) written by 3 retired “Stewardess’s” who worked in the “glory years” of the airline industry prior to deregulation. That book, as did this book had me laughing out loud at situations encountered by staff who is serving the public. Caution: for those who don’t like curse words in their reading this book is NOT for you.

I found this memoir to be self-serving & mean-spirited. (& I have worked in retail for over 10 years, so I know what it's like on the other side of the counter.) Where are the stories (admittedly rare) of the nice regular customers? & I have a comment for you, Mr. Tomsky: Hemingway you're not.