Four Seasons

This is an older book (it came out in 2012, though the audio version was not released until 2023, but it had been on my list for a while as I tend to really love anything about the hospitality business. And also (of course!) Four Seasons are some of my most favorite hotels. This one isn’t salacious or gossipy in the way that some of these books can be (you should read Heads in Beds for that sort of thing) but it is super super interesting as both a memoir and business book. It is the memoir of Isadore Sharp, Four Seasons’ founder (he’s now 92!). I love a humble beginnings success story — Isadore grew up as a child of Polish immigrants with no background in hotels. His background and initial talents were actually in building! But over half a century, he built his brand from scratch into one of the most admired, successful hotel brands. We also learn about his private life. His wife Rosalie, his children, his commitment to funding cancer research. But how did he create such a wildly successful brand? The answer is (as with so many of these books) is by providing unparalleled service. (Danny Meyers and Will Guidara have to have read these books before penning their own on hospitality!). I loved this. As it is older, parts feel a little dated but it’s still a fascinating story about a brand (and now founder) that I really admire.