Find

The lobby

How far have you read?

Choose chapter

You are following the Slow Read, which begins with the Prologue on Saturday 10 October and reads a chapter a week. Read ahead? Choose the last chapter you have finished. The site hides anything from a chapter you have not reached; this is proof of reading, never of buying, and a library copy counts.

The chandelier, the staircase, the desk and its bell.

The Hotel’s sounds are still being recorded. When they are, you can turn them on here.

The lobby

A stately old lobby under a chandelier that lights everything a sparkling white. A grand staircase climbs to the higher floors, and corridors lead off in every direction.

  • “a chandelier the size of a car” (Prologue)
  • “the Persian carpet was plush under her feet” (Prologue)
  • You never see the porter.

Doors

The desk

The reception desk, a slab of solid oak with a scalloped green lamp on top. A brass bell sits on it, and tonight a warm cup someone has left for you.

  • “about the size of a rowboat” (Prologue)
  • “A bell went ding.” (Prologue)
  • The green lamp on the desk.
  • A warm cup on the desk.
  • Letters and things left at the desk.

Doors