The Alps Hotels, destinations, culture

When an author is excited and knowledgeable about their subject matter, readers can feel it in their work. Hotel expert Schoellgen (founder of the 84 Rooms boutique hotels) delivers one of those books, and it will fully prepare snow-bounders for staying in the Alps of Europe. He covers France, Switzerland, Italy, Austria, and Germany and provides information on several hotels within each country. A map of the location starts each chapter, and a directory is positioned at the end. Each hotel gets its own section, and there are three to eight photographs that complement each hotel entry, including helpful insight and hotel history. There are so many different options that every family or individual is certain to find something that excites them. The book's fonts, photographs, and vintage postcards also evoke up a fun yet classy Alpine ski resort. The book is so aesthetically pleasing that patrons might borrow it repeatedly or even purchase a copy. VERDICT Invaluable as an Alps resource. Libraries can keep this title for many years, especially since several of the featured hotels have been around for a long time.--Elizabeth Chandler