The hotel industry has a rich history and a future yet to be discovered. Centuries-old, it evolved over the years, adopting the traditional concept of a “home away from home” to the needs of modern life. This history was written by hoteliers of different nationalities, not only by Americans and the Swiss. The Most Famous Hoteliers Of All Time is a series of books dedicated to prominent figures in the lodging industry from different countries and eras who contributed to the growth of this profession and of the entire hospitality industry.

The two volumes comprising thirty-six chapters unravel incredible stories of forty-one hoteliers: builders, constructors, developers, hotel owners and managers, chefs and maîtres d'hotel, creators of new concepts, hotel brands and entire hotel chains. The series provides information about the origins of hospitality companies and hotel chains, such as Ritz, Hilton, Marriott, Radisson, Holiday Inn, Oberoi, Sheraton, Accor, Four Seasons, Days Inn, Residence Inn, Howard Johnson’s, Hyatt, Best Western, Trust Houses Forte, and many more.

Much space has been given to the true pioneers of the trade who have long been forgotten, yet undoubtedly improved the professional status of hoteliers and enhanced the prestige of the industry. The Most Famous Hoteliers Of All Time is a tribute to the legends of the hotel trade worldwide who went down in history. For this reason, this unique compendium of knowledge is addressed to all hoteliers across the globe who wish to explore the origins of their profession and investigate the standards implemented in the industry over the years.

The author vividly and thoroughly portrays the legends of the global hotel industry. In doing so, he proves that history doesn't have to be boring - because the book offers much more than dry facts found on Wikipedia. A contemporary hoteliers will gain many insights from it. Not only will they understand the tradition of hotel industry and its evolution over the years, but they will also receive many tips on running a hotel. Studying the examples of famous hoteliers provides insight into the best service practices, enabling the creation of unique and unforgettable guest experiences while maintaining the property's reputation. Learning a stories about successes and failures can assist in making business decisions, fostering creativity, and discovering innovative solutions. Ultimately, it can be motivating and inspiring in pursuing one's own goals and shaping a career path in this profession.

The book has been published in English, German, French, and Spanish.

Volume 2:

1. George Pullman. The constructor of the hotel on wheels


2. Fred Harvey. The gentleman who civilized the Wild West


3. William Waldorf Astor and John Jacob Astor IV. The wealthy founders of luxury hotels


4. Wilhelmina Skogh. The great lady of the Swedish hotel industry


5. Anton Bon. The pioneer of the Swiss tourism industry


6. Ellsworth Statler. The greatest innovator among hoteliers


7. Oscar Tschirky. Oscar of the Waldorf


8. Charles Baehler. A hotel tycoon of Egypt


9. Lucius Boomer. The godfather of the Waldorf-Astoria bis


10. Albert Steigenberger. The advocate of the German tradition of grand hotels


11. Ernest Henderson. The man who created the Sheraton


12. Charles Forte. The baron of the British hotel industry


13. Curtis Carlson. The master of diversification


14. John Q. Hammons. The legendary hotel developer


15. Isadore Sharp. A hotelier for four seasons


16. Jack DeBoer. The father of the extended-stay hotel concept


17. Bill Marriott Jr. A man with a passion for the lodging industry and the head of a multi-brand corporation


18. Cecil B. Day. A hotelier with a mission