A predicate nominative is basically a noun that can replace a previous noun, it restates the subject of the sentence. In this case "hotel" restates the subject of the sentence, which was "building", therefore "hotel" is the predicate nominative.
Writers and poets use personification to bring inanimate things to life, so that their nature and actions are understood in a better way. Because it is easier for us to relate to something that is human or that possesses human traits.