Arnold Bennett 
The Grand Babylon Hotel 

"The Grand Babylon Hotel" is a work by Arnold Bennett published in 1902. The novel tells the story of the mysterious disappearance of a German prince. The protagonists of this compelling and intricate story are The protagonists of this exciting and intricate story are Teodore Racksole (a very rich American) and his daughter Helen: during their stay at the exclusive Grand Babylon Hotel, a strange whim of the girl will start the surreal story. In fact, Helen asks for a steak and a beer called "Bass" for dinner, but the request is refused by the hotel staff.In fact, Helen asks for a steak and a beer called "Bass" for dinner, but the request is refused by the hotel staff. The girl begins to protest strongly, until the millionaire father decides to buy the entire hotel, besides a human guinea pig chosen by the workers. Mr. Racksole, thus, becomes the owner of the hotel but, soon, strange phenomena begin to happen inside the hotel: some customers mysteriously disappear and disturbing phenomena begin to happen ….