Description

Published by Merrion Press, War Hotels is a gripping and uniquely structured historical investigation that looks at modern warfare through the lobby doors of the world’s most famous hotels. When geopolitics fracture and cities turn into active battlefields, certain luxury hotels—such as the Europa in Belfast, the Holiday Inn in Sarajevo, the Commodore in Beirut, or the Rex in Saigon—have historically transformed into bizarre, high-stakes neutral zones. This volume explores how these buildings became fortified sanctuaries and intelligence hubs where international journalists filed breaking dispatches, spies traded secrets over drinks, diplomats conducted back-channel negotiations, and military commanders monitored the front lines. Utilizing extensive interviews with wartime correspondents, hotel staff, and historians, the book evaluates the architecture of survival and the surreal ecosystem that develops when luxury hospitality meets the frontlines of modern military conflict. It is a thrilling, deeply insightful read for history buffs, political science students, and journalism enthusiasts alike.