But first a brief dissertation on what I like to call the “insider” novel, which has been around for centuries. One of the first is “Moll Flanders.” In which Daniel DeFoe gets inside the life of a prostitute and con artist to tell readers what goes on in the life of Moll. Tons of such novels have followed. Think of Arthur Haley, who wrote of the innerworkings of a luxury hostelry in “Hotel,” as well as a wintry slide on the runways of Minneapolis’ Wold Chamberlain in “Airport.”
Speaking of Minnesota, Sinclair Lewis made a living writing insider novels which he painstakingly researched. We learn about med school and doctors in “Arrowsmith,” the theatrical world in “Bethel Merriday,” real estate agent in “Babbitt,” evangelicals in “Elmer Gantry” and more on hotels in “Work of Art.”
More recently, a spate of non-fiction books has appeared, in which employees and former employees lay down their aprons and talk about what it’s like to be a chef, a waiter, a stewardess. Anthony Bourdain made it big a few years back telling readers how to deal with New York restaurants, based on his experiences running a famous New York Bistro.Then came …Steve Dublanica, who wrote “Waiter Rant,” about what irritates and/or pleases New York waiters.
As a former hotel employee I jumped at today’s book, “Heads on Beds,” whose author went to work parking cars at a luxury hotel in New Orleans because, having earned his college degree in philosophy, there were no other jobs open to him.The auto valet works hard at his new job — taught by the blacks and Hispanics he works with. He learns fast and is promoted to front desk clerk and on to a management position in “housekeeping.”
Along the way, he tells readers of his adventures and misadventures with two bit customers who should know better, cunning employees who give him good advice that he doesn’t take. One elderly car parker tells him not take a promotion to “management” . “Try to get on as a bellman. They’re the ones who make the real money.”
Not all hotel customers are awful, just some of them. One famous actor checks into his suite and tells the old black housekeeper not to bother cleaning his suite. The suite is fine, he says, you just sit down for an hour and listen to me play the piano.
As with any insider non-fiction, there are lots of tips for readers about beating the system. If you know the system, argues author Tomsky, you can beat it. Sometimes, he says, it’s cheaper to go with a luxury suite than a standard room. Just make sure you drink all the drinks provided and eat the complimentary meals. After a day or two, the extra tariff will begin to pay for itself.
My favorite technique comes in the chapter about the overpriced minibar in your room. He says if you get a charge on your bill and you haven’t used it, call and refuse to pay. They’ll cancel the charge because they have no way of knowing if you’ve used it. Same goes for if you HAVE used the mini bar. Just tell them you haven’t and they’ll erase the charge. His most egregious example deals with how to rob your mini bar. When you check in make sure you get a non-smoking room. When you get to the room, light up a cigarette and smoke it in the room. Then open the mini-bar and put everything in it in your suitcase. Then call the desk and say you got a smoking room and demand that you and your suitcase be moved.
As a “new theatre fit-out in an existing new shell,” McCall confirms that Spotlight Theatres and its Front Street Bistro are indeed an “anchor for a new mixed-use retail entertainment district. The main project goal was to integrate a theatre and restaurant into one cohesive environment for moviegoers and diners alike, but also to provide an independent experience for those wishing to dine only or those just wanting go to and see a movie. The upscale finishes and sophisticated aesthetics complement the fine dining and sleek bar environment.” Discussing the “sleek, sophisticated and diverse” restaurant “offering upscale food at reasonable prices and a happy-hour scene that is already causing a buzz,” the food expert of The Hartford Courant set the scene further. “Huge glass windows on two sides of the restaurant offer diners and those at the bar a close view of the Front Street area and the boulevard where city traffic and the science center, convention center and insurance buildings provide a cityscape that makes you feel as though you are right in the middle of the best the city offers. Décor is beige and black, simple, clean and modern, with the restaurant and bar separated from the movie theatre operation by the main foyer.” And the very center of that operation is equally on view for all to admire. JKR Partners created what McCall describes as “the open jewel box highlighting the theatre’s digital equipment with a glowing ceiling and floor that are visible from the main promenade.”
Already “known for its pure and balanced acoustics,” as press notes trumpeted, nowadays guests are treated to “plush, new ergonomic seating from renowned French manufacturers Quinette Gallay, as well as added legroom and improved sightlines.” In the process, capacity was reduced to 361 from some 400 seats originally, and the color scheme taken to a rich red velvet from a somewhat more orange-hued velour. The “European styling” of the “elegantly transformed space” included fresh paints and “luxurious” new carpeting. To improve overall circulation, the auditorium doors were relocated to the center, creating “a grand entrance with a dramatic overall perspective.” All the while, a new cross aisle provides “unobstructed views from handicapped-accessible seating areas.” Last but certainly not least, technical upgrades brought improved sound and lighting, and digital-cinema capabilities, of course.
In their official announcement of the deal, real estate brokerage Transwestern lauded Maya Cinemas for “developing a chain of megaplex movie theatres, focused on providing high-quality moviegoing experiences in new and redevelopment market areas…in particular, Latino-centric, family-oriented communities in underserved urban and rural areas.” The fact that Maya Cinemas offers “first-run Hollywood movies and Spanish-language films, with an emphasis on state-of-the-art technology and superior customer service” certainly qualified Century Plaza 16 for our focus on diversified communities.
But Pittsburg is also exemplary for additional “Class of 2012” trends, including the revitalization of older cinema facilities, economic impact and technology excellence. Thanks to David Nelson, the Pittsburg City Journal blogger, we have a first-rate moviegoer’s perspective of what Maya Cinemas 16 means to the community. Under the headline “…And What a Treat It Is,” Nelson writes, “If you haven’t attended our ‘brand new’ movie center…you’re in for a delightful experience.” He also gives due credit to the “old” Brenden cinema, “which gave us such pleasure, leading to this new generation of local entertainment.” The “personal eyewitness” account of his first visit to the cinema covers everything from “no problem with parking” before approaching “the beautifully refurbished and festive outside” and entering “a wide open lobby,” to enjoying “huge decorative medallions inlaid to great effect” into the floor. For Nelson, another integral part of “a very attractive presentation to the eye” was “a large snack counter and the usual array of goodies for sale.” Moviegoers on Yelp, who were all as generally smitten by their experiences, also noted the Coca-Cola Freestyle machines and the special toppings. Francisco Z. and his kids gave “5 Stars for sure they have tapatio for your popcorn HECK yea!!!”
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