Think of Heads in Beds, the new memoir by hotel veteran Jacob Tomsky, as Kitchen Confidential for the hospitality industry. As a new college grad with a not-so-marketable philosophy degree, Tomsky found himself parking cars at a luxury hotel in New Orleans. Then, he worked his way up and around the industry for more than a decade, gathering a catalogue of hospitality insider secrets that weave brilliantly through his equally gritty and gossipy narrative.
The book, out Nov. 20, offers an inside peek at behind-the-scenes shenanigans among the hotel staff and guests alike, not to mention tricks for scoring upgrades and freebies galore. One of Tomsky’s best insights? Tip the front desk agent well and, better yet, tip up front if accommodations aren’t to your liking. Here’s how to do it, writes Tomsky: “I walk up, smile without showing teeth, give the agent my CC, drop a twenty on the desk and say, ‘This is for you. Whatever you can do for me, I’d appreciate it.’”
It’s like the old saying — if you scratch their back, they’ll scratch yours, so to speak. So, the guest who, ahem, demonstrates his gratitude is much more likely to get that corner room, free bottle of wine or late checkout.
With its mix of tips and tasty industry gossip, Heads in Beds proves to be a page-turner worthy of packing in the carry-on.
Photos Courtesy of Jacob Tomsky
