Romp of a thriller dashed off in serial form, such that each short chapter ends in suspense or revelation. Brisk, melodramatic adventures whirl us around 1890s London’s high society and some low: magnates, aristocrats, plotters and proteans. With the simple characterisations and contrived plotting of a Tintin comic, this lacks any interiority or depth, so a marked contrast to Bennet’s denser later work, but is an enjoyable read all the same. ( )

A hoot. The author was a young junior editor on a magazine that ran trashy serials. He said to himself, "The trashy serials I am getting are lousy, I could write a better one." So he did.

Dated, but still enjoyable, early thriller from Arnold Bennett. A headstrong New York millionaire, foiled in getting what he wants for dinner, on a whim buys a great London hotel, and finds that he gets far more than he bargained for, what with European intrigue. Very much of a piece with Oppenheim and the others of that ilk. A few amusing howlers by Bennett are in the book (he ascribes luxury in New York City to 8th Avenue, of all places, and describes West Orange as being in "New Jersey, New York"). A whole lot of caricatures, but really, that is very much the whole spirit of the thing. Just sit back with the popcorn. ( )

A genuine Edwardian romp! The Grand Babylon Hotel is situated on London's Embankment and is generally agreed to be the finest, most luxurious hotel in Europe. It regularly accommodates a wide selection of the crowned heads of Europe and as the story opens it is about to host the Princes Aribert and Eugen from the East European principality of Posen. However, among the other guests are American multi-millionaire Theodore Racksole qnd his daughter Helen, generally known as Nella. Having been disappointed over his desire for a sirloin steak, in a fit of pique Racksole insists on seeing the hotel's proprietor, Mr Babylon, and ends up buying the hotel itself.
A string of incidents ensues, culminating in the abduction of Prince Eugen, following which the action relocates to Ostend.
The pace never flags but the plot retains its integrity. The characters may be slightly exaggerated, and less immediately likable than the cast of Bennett's later novels set in the Five Towns, but they all remain plauisble, and retain the reader's attention. A very enjoyable read! ( )

Enoch Arnold Bennett, 1867-1931. In his own words: "Am I to sit still and see other fellows pocketing two guineas apiece for stories which I can do better myself? Not me. If anyone imagines my sole aim is art for art’s sake, they are cruelly deceived."

This statement would perhaps deter me, were they to come from a postmodern writer. It does not with Bennett. I found "The Grand Babylon Hotel" delightful. The story originally appeared as a serial in "The Daily Mail".

What kept me glued was, I believe, exactly that which prompted Theodore Racksole, New York millionaire, to buy the Grand Babylon from our dear Mr. Babylon (steak and a bottle of Bass being only a convenient excuse). I mean to say it was glitz, glamor, German princes, Teutonic blood lines, Hebrew money lenders, Royalty, Power—these things were where the intrigue lay for Racksole and I.

It was a bit strange to read a mystery in which we early on come to know "who done it", but not the why. What a fiend that Jules was! Unlike Racksole, I remain highly apprehensive of Mr. Rocco's future business affairs, as well as those of the nefarious Miss Spencer. Just imagine the gall of Rocco! A world famous chef who would clandestinely embalm a murdered man in the place of his employment!

Who could not enjoy such settings as the Grand Babylon, its deep and dark wine cellar of exquisiteness, a European gaming palace complete with roulette table, a boat chase on the Thames, the Belgian city of Osten. I could not help but make a comparison of aspect and origin between Mr. Babylon and Christie's Hercule Poirot.

I'm glad that I came to the Grand Babylon. It does not take itself too seriously and contains—besides a unique class of characters—quite an adventure. I truly envy Prince Aribert winning the hand of the fair American Nella Racksole. What a handful he will have... Who cares though, with her looks along with her father's money... And, though a bit adventurous, truly she is a sweet girl! ( )