By Book Club Team 
The Hotel Nantucket by Elin Hilderbrand is a heartwarming story set on Nantucket Island. It follows Lizbet Keaton, who becomes the manager of a once-grand, now-run-down hotel. Tasked with restoring its glory, she navigates eccentric staff, demanding guests, and a resident ghost, all while dealing with her own romantic turmoil. With secrets, second chances, and plenty of island charm, it’s a delightful tale about reinvention and finding where you truly belong.
| Author | Elin Hilderbrand |
| Publication date | June 14, 2022 |
| Goodreads Rating | 4.05 |
| ASIN | 0316258679 |
| Page count | 416 pages |
| Topics | Fiction, Romance, Chick Lit, Contemporary, Historical Fiction, Mystery, Adult, Adult Fiction, Paranormal |
The Hotel Nantucket Book Summary
The story begins with Lizbet Keaton, a Nantucket local and former restaurateur, who is nursing the wounds of a broken relationship. Desperate for a fresh start, she accepts the role of general manager at The Hotel Nantucket, a once-grand property that has fallen into disrepair. The hotel, steeped in local history, was left to decay after a devastating fire in 1922, which claimed the life of Grace Hadley, a young maid whose spirit is rumored to haunt the halls. Now, the hotel has been purchased by Xavier Darling, a London billionaire with no personal connection to Nantucket but a strong desire to turn the property into the island’s top destination.
Lizbet’s job is anything but easy. Xavier’s ambitious goal is to earn a five-key rating from the elusive and influential hotel reviewer Shelly Carpenter, whose reviews can make or break a luxury establishment. Lizbet assembles a staff of diverse, quirky personalities, each with their own challenges and secrets. From a sharp-tongued chef with a hidden agenda to a pair of housekeepers embroiled in personal drama, managing the team is a balancing act.
Meanwhile, Grace, the hotel’s ghost, observes the unfolding events. Stuck in limbo since her death in the 1920s, she brings a supernatural element to the story, occasionally interfering in humorous or poignant ways. Grace’s backstory and her untimely death add layers of mystery, as the truth behind the fire and her death slowly unravels.
The guests at the hotel also bring plenty of drama, from social media influencers to families harboring their own issues. Each interaction tests Lizbet’s ability to juggle the demands of her job while rediscovering her confidence and sense of self. Amidst the chaos, Lizbet finds herself unexpectedly drawn to Mario, the charming head of maintenance, though her ex-boyfriend complicates her path to moving on.
As the summer unfolds, the hotel becomes more than just a job for Lizbet; it becomes a sanctuary for healing and self-discovery. Through her leadership, she brings together the staff and guests, creating a sense of community within the hotel’s walls. Secrets come to light, romances bloom, and the ghost of Grace finds a resolution to her haunting.
The Hotel Nantucket is a blend of light mystery, heartfelt moments, and vivid descriptions of island life. It captures themes of forgiveness, reinvention, and the magic of second chances, all against the enchanting backdrop of a revitalized hotel and the charm of Nantucket Island.
The Hotel Nantucket Characters
Here’s a rundown of the key characters in The Hotel Nantucket by Elin Hilderbrand, each adding depth and charm to the story:
- Lizbet Keaton: The protagonist and new general manager of the hotel, recovering from heartbreak and rediscovering herself through this challenging role.
- Xavier Darling: A wealthy London billionaire who owns the hotel and dreams of earning a perfect five-key review.
- Grace Hadley: The ghost of a maid who died in a 1922 fire, observing and occasionally interfering in the hotel’s operations.
- Mario Subiaco: The charming head of maintenance and Lizbet’s romantic interest.
- Edie: The mysterious and efficient concierge with secrets of her own.
- Shelly Carpenter: An influential but elusive hotel critic whose review everyone is desperate to win.
- Raoul: The perfectionist head chef, adding tension and flair to the kitchen.
- Chad Winslow: The charismatic bartender who keeps things lively.
- Magdalena, Wanda, and Alessandra: The hardworking housekeepers, each with their own personalities and backstories.
These characters, along with demanding guests and Lizbet’s ex, weave a story full of humor, drama, and heart.
The Hotel Nantucket Review
The Hotel Nantucket by Elin Hilderbrand is a delightful summer read, brimming with charm, drama, and a touch of mystery. Set on the picturesque Nantucket Island, the novel immerses readers in the luxurious and newly renovated Hotel Nantucket, blending themes of reinvention, second chances, and personal growth.
Hilderbrand masterfully balances a large ensemble cast, from the determined Lizbet Keaton, the hotel’s general manager, to quirky staff members and eccentric guests. The inclusion of Grace Hadley, the resident ghost, adds a whimsical and poignant layer to the story, as her tragic backstory gradually unfolds. The hotel itself feels like a character, brought to life through vivid descriptions of its stunning transformation and the dynamics within its walls.
The plot is engaging, filled with secrets, romances, and conflicts that keep the pages turning. While the stakes may not be high in a traditional sense, the relationships and personal journeys of the characters resonate deeply. Hilderbrand’s writing shines in her ability to capture the beauty of Nantucket and the complexities of her characters’ lives.
Critics of the book might find it overly packed with subplots, and some threads are tied up a bit too neatly. However, the lighthearted tone and summery vibe make it a perfect escapist read.
Overall, The Hotel Nantucket is a heartwarming and entertaining story that captures the magic of Nantucket and the transformative power of starting over. It’s ideal for fans of contemporary fiction, beach reads, and character-driven dramas.
Is The Hotel Nantucket spicy?
The Hotel Nantucket is more cozy and heartwarming than spicy. While there are romantic relationships and moments of flirtation, the book doesn’t delve deeply into steamy or explicit scenes. It focuses more on character development, emotional connections, and the charm of the setting. If you’re looking for a breezy read with light romance rather than a high level of spice, this book will hit the spot!
The Hotel Nantucket: Age Rating
The Hotel Nantucket by Elin Hilderbrand is generally considered suitable for adult readers. The novel contains themes such as romantic relationships, personal growth, and some mature content, including discussions of infidelity and a subplot involving a ghost. While it doesn’t delve deeply into explicit scenes, the subject matter and complexity of the characters’ experiences are more aligned with an adult audience. Therefore, it’s recommended for readers aged 18 and above.