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Rating(3.9 / 5.0, 86 votes)
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86 reviews
July 15,2025
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This is an excellent piece that offers a quick and detailed read.

It is succinct, yet manages to get right to the heart of what truly matters in life and success.

I was much pleasantly surprised by its depth and clarity.

It provides valuable insights and practical advice that can be applied in various aspects of life.

For all business executives and self-made men and women, this is an absolute must-read.

It has the potential to inspire and motivate, helping them to achieve greater heights in their respective fields.

The author's writing style is engaging and easy to understand, making it accessible to a wide range of readers.

Overall, this is a highly recommended read that is sure to leave a lasting impression.

July 15,2025
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I was on a vacation at a Hilton in N. Redington Beach. During that time, I picked up a book to read.

Little did I know that this simple act would really make my husband mad. I'm not sure exactly why it bothered him so much. Maybe he thought I was spending too much time with the book instead of with him.

As I was engrossed in the story, I could sense his growing irritation. I looked up at him a few times, but he just gave me a cold stare.

Finally, I put the book down and tried to make it up to him. But it was too late. The damage had been done. Woops. I guess I'll have to be more careful about how I spend my time on vacation next time.
July 15,2025
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To accomplish big things, one must first dream big dreams.

Conrad emphasizes that to bring these dreams to life, one should rely on prayer, hard work, and listening to one's intuition. He himself was guided by dreams and "hunches."

His views on prayer are far more spiritual and enlightening than what is often heard from most Christians, whether they are laypeople or pastors.

When it comes to what it takes to run a hotel, Conrad lists 7 points for good hotels. First, there should be an individual personality that fits the region and the people, along with good managers. Second, good forecasting is essential, which involves a combination of current bookings and data from the same time last year. Third, mass purchasing can lead to cost savings. Fourth, every possible foot of space should be utilized, like "digging for gold." Fifth, training good men through hotel schools is crucial. Sixth, good sales and advertisements are necessary to attract customers. Seventh, inter hotel reservations should be in place to keep guests within the brand wherever they go.

These points provide valuable insights into the art of running a successful hotel.
July 15,2025
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What an amazing dreamer!

He is truly an inspiration. His story is like a guiding light for us, the future "greats".

I am so glad that he took the time and effort to leave his story behind.

It serves as a valuable lesson and a source of motivation for all of us. We can learn from his experiences, his struggles, and his successes.

His dreamer spirit teaches us that anything is possible if we have the courage to pursue our dreams and the determination to never give up.

As we look to the future, we can carry his story with us and use it as a source of strength and inspiration.

We can strive to be like him, to dream big and to make a difference in the world.

Thank you, amazing dreamer, for leaving us with such a powerful and meaningful story.
July 15,2025
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I was truly intrigued to discover how, over the course of four generations, the Hilton name transformed from that of a hotel developer personified by Conrad to the rather infamous "slutsville" association with Paris. However, this aspect wasn't delved into deeply in the text.

The book was published in 1957, and as a result, many of the references dating back to 1890 were rather lost on me. Conrad appeared to credit prayer as the main factor behind his success. He began his life with a certain foundation, having attended boarding school and having a father who successfully owned and operated a store. His hotel chain was largely the result of a great deal of hard work and taking small, incremental steps, while also employing some very basic and transparent formulas.

It was a good read during my time here, but now, unfortunately, I can only pen out Paris' family tree with a sense of disappointment.

Overall, while the book provided some interesting insights into Conrad Hilton's life and the early days of the Hilton hotel empire, it left me longing for a more in-depth exploration of the family's evolution and the contrasting images associated with different generations.

Perhaps future works could shed more light on this fascinating and complex family history.
July 15,2025
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Some aspects of this are good, while others are not so great.

The first three chapters were an excruciatingly dull retelling of his childhood. It felt like a chore to get through those pages.

However, I did find enjoyment in reading about how he constructed his business and all the obstacles he managed to surmount. In particular, his survival during the depression was quite interesting, especially considering its relevance in today's times.

Yet, at certain points, the narrative became rather preachy. It seemed as if he was trying too hard to impart his wisdom.

Also, there were moments when he came across as being a bit too self-impressed. It made me wonder if he was more focused on glorifying himself than on providing valuable insights.

To be honest, I was really anticipating more content about how to create a successful guest experience. If I were to place this book in the nightstand of every hotel room I owned, I would definitely tone down the self-centeredness and make it more about the guests and their needs.

Overall, there were both highs and lows in this reading experience.
July 15,2025
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Overall, this is a truly fascinating life story of a man. He started as a humble yet ambitious tradesman in the southwest territories and then rose to become a global entrepreneur who could capture the world's attention. As a mathematics teacher, I was particularly intrigued by Hilton's "math story" and an angle that I'm certain I will share with my students.

Hilton said, "I'm not out to convince anyone that calculus, or even algebra and geometry, are necessities in the hotel business. But I will argue long and loud that they are not useless ornaments pinned onto an average man's education. For me, at any rate, the ability to formulate quickly, to resolve any problem into its simplest, clearest form, has been exceedingly useful. It is true that you do not use algebraic formulae but in those three small brick buildings at Socorro I found higher mathematics the best possible exercise for developing the mental muscles necessary to this process."

In later years, Hilton was faced with large financial problems and enormous business deals with numerous ramifications. Bankers, lawyers, and consultants all provided their bits of information. It was always necessary to listen carefully, but in the end, someone had to put it all together, see the actual problem, and make a decision. A thorough training in the mental disciplines of mathematics helped him avoid being fuzzy or misled.

Despite revealing the details of raising funds for every significant business move, Hilton's own marriages seemed to fade away into divorce with little reflection. However, perhaps wisdom came in the end. For Hilton, prayer was a vital force in what he called the “Battle for Freedom.” This idea seemed to resonate with a world weary from WW II in the final years covered by the book.

In the final pages, Hilton also pondered the hotel of the future. One of his ideas was the need for a "portable library." I can imagine a cart of books rolling down the corridor, similar to what we see in prison movies. I would actually like that!

July 15,2025
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I found myself stuck in Chicago overnight due to a canceled flight. It was a rather frustrating situation.

Thankfully, as I was settling into the hotel room, I noticed a book titled "Be My Guest" in the bedside drawer.

Upon opening it, I discovered that it was filled with overblown prose from Paris' great-grandad. The flowery language and elaborate descriptions were quite a contrast to my current predicament.

Although the book didn't directly solve my travel issues, it provided a momentary escape. I found myself getting lost in the words and imagining a world far removed from the chaos of the airport and the disappointment of the canceled flight.

As I flipped through the pages, I couldn't help but appreciate the beauty and charm of the writing, even if it was a bit over the top. It was a strange but welcome distraction during my unexpected stay in Chicago.

July 15,2025
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Honestly, I must admit that I was only curious to read this particular piece after watching the highly acclaimed TV series Mad Men. After conducting a quick Google search on Hilton's bio, it became evident that what I was about to read was definitely a form of revisionist history. However, being a frequent traveler myself, I found the content to be fairly interesting.


The idea of delving into the life and times of Hilton, as presented in this article, offered a unique perspective. It was as if I was being given a behind-the-scenes look at the man who revolutionized the hotel industry. Despite the fact that it might not be a completely accurate portrayal, it still managed to capture my attention and keep me engaged.


As I continued to read, I couldn't help but be intrigued by the various anecdotes and stories. They added a touch of authenticity to the narrative and made me feel as if I was actually there, witnessing Hilton's rise to fame. Whether it was his business acumen or his personal relationships, every aspect of his life seemed to be intertwined with the evolution of the hotel empire he built.

July 15,2025
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A truly humbling and heartwarming story unfolds before us, centered around a remarkable entrepreneur. This narrative is not only well-written but also shared from the deepest recesses of his personal experiences. As I delved into it, I found myself feeling an instant connection with this man, and it led to a whole new appreciation for his hotel chain.

He has endured his fair share of hardships, with hits and losses that could have easily derailed anyone. However, he proved to be a resilient soul, weathering the storms and emerging stronger, rising above the challenges that came his way. Surviving service in the First World War and then barely scraping by during the Great Depression, this man has developed a unique knack for three crucial things. Firstly, he has an uncanny ability when it comes to hotels and establishing sound, profitable businesses. Secondly, he excels at raising money for his various enterprises and seizing opportunities that present themselves. And finally, he has a profound practice of praying about matters, then letting them go and intently listening to the answers and impulses that well up from within.

It is truly inspiring to witness how these qualities have shaped his journey and contributed to his success.
July 15,2025
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A Quick Read on Conrad Hilton's Success

Conrad Hilton's journey in the hospitality industry is a remarkable one. He had a unique way of describing his investments, comparing hotels to women or wives and their income streams to dowries. His passion for his investments was evident, often exclaiming "This is IT!" or "I must have it!"

Hilton attributed his success not only to his hard work but also to his faith in God. He believed in the power of prayer and work, which he learned from his parents and tried to pass on to his sons. However, he also realized that dreaming big was essential.

He had many memorable moments in his life, such as when he launched his first hotel in Cisco and when he was able to repay a debt with the help of a friend. These experiences taught him the importance of friendship, trust, and brotherhood.

Hilton's hotel philosophy was based on the idea that a good inn or tavern or hotel was the key to success. He believed that the industry had a high responsibility to the public and that hotel keepers should strive to provide a balanced life for their guests.

In conclusion, Conrad Hilton's story is an inspiring one. He showed that with hard work, faith, and a big dream, anything is possible. His life serves as a real-life example of the principles outlined in "Think and Grow Rich."
July 15,2025
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I purchased this book as a resource for my son's school project. However, once I opened it, I was completely captivated by Conrad Hilton's story. I ended up reading the entire thing!

It is an extremely enthralling rags-to-riches (and then to rags and to riches again!) narrative. This tale vividly showcases what can be achieved through a combination of unwavering faith, constant prayer, unwavering perseverance, and boundless enthusiasm.

I find myself constantly catching myself mentally applying some of "Connie" Hilton's maxims in my own life. Now, whenever I look at a Hilton hotel, it will never be the same for me again! I have a newfound appreciation and understanding of the man behind the brand and the remarkable journey that led to its success.

This book has not only been a valuable resource for my son's project but also a source of inspiration and motivation for me. It serves as a reminder that with the right mindset and a willingness to persevere through challenges, anything is possible.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for an engaging and inspiring read. It will leave you with a sense of hope and determination to pursue your own dreams and achieve success in whatever path you choose.
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