The first section, “Past” tells the story of Sara Wilby The second part, "Present Historic", is about a homeless girl (Else) begging for money outside the Hotel.

The fifth section of the novel titled “Future in the Past,” is entirely Clare's memories on the life and death of her sister Sara.

Hotel World is told from the perspective of five different women who as fate would have it cross paths and in doing so affect each other's lives through moments spent together.

Each character is unique in that they each signify a different stage of the grieving process, a theme prevalent throughout the entire novel.

Ali Smith includes several quotes and short poems at the start of the book which are reflective of the themes of the novel.

[3] Recently adapted to the stage by Kidbrooke secondary school and performed at Greenwich Theatre and the 2007 Edinburgh Festival Fringe.