HISTORY111 - The History of Hotels

This blog is about the history of hotels, defined here as establishments that provide paid lodging on a short-term basis.

 

The history of hotels stretches from ancient times, with modest accommodations, to the luxurious establishments of today.  This article will explore how hotel accommodations have evolved over the centuries, from humble beginnings to today’s digital age.

The evolution of hotels. (Expand to see detail)

I will identify my principal references at the end.

Ancient Times: The Origins of Lodging

The concept of hospitality, meaning to offer shelter and comfort to travelers, existed in ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt, where welcoming travelers was a cultural norm.  Taverns provided rest and refreshments for merchants and pilgrims, while wealthy households offered lodging to travelers, reflecting a societal duty to care for strangers. 

In Ancient Greece, the concept of "xenia" (or guest-friendship) was deeply ingrained in society, with hosts offering food, shelter, and gifts to guests.  In villages, the Greeks developed thermal baths designed for rest and recuperation. 

Hospitality was a matter of honor and status with wealthy Romans who maintained “hospitium” (hospitality) agreements, forming alliances through reciprocal hosting.  The Romans built lodgings for travelers who were on government business.  The Romans were the first to develop thermal baths in England, Switzerland, and the Middle East.

Later, overnight lodgings appeared, along Middle Eastern trade routes, providing a resting place for caravans.

 

Early 8^th Century:  The Oldest Hotel

The Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan, a renowned traditional Japanese inn, founded in 705, is recognized as the oldest continuously operating hotel in the world.  The establishment is nestled in a serene natural landscape, and has been welcoming travelers and guests for over 1,300 years, offering a unique experience of relaxation and tranquility, with multiple hot-spring baths and a traditional kaiseki cuisine.

The hotel continually developed over its millennium of existence, with rudimentary hot spring water pools in caves being replaced with more finished baths in wood huts, which were themselves replaced and refined iteratively over centuries.  Keiunkan underwent its most drastic transformation in 1997 when dedicated lodgings were created and the business offered private rooms.  In 2005, private, free-flowing hot spring baths were added to every room. 

The Japanese Inn, Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan, founded in 705, is the world's oldest continuously operating hotel.

 

Until 2017, the hotel was continuously operated by 52 generations of the same family (including adopted).  In 2017, no family members were willing to take over the business, so ownership was transferred to a holding company.

In 2011, the Keiunkan was recognized by Guinness World Records as the oldest hotel in the world, despite the hotel facilities on site being only a few decades old.

 

Middle Ages:  Lodging in Medieval Times

In the Middle Ages (5^th to 15^th century), monasteries and abbeys were the first establishments in Europe to offer refuge to travelers on a regular basis.  Inns, offering lodging and usually food and drink, were built by religious orders to cater to travelers on the road.  Inns gradually appeared in most of Europe. 

Horse staging posts were established for governmental stage coaches and as rest stops for travelers.  They provided shelter and allowed horses to be changed more easily.  Numerous refuges then sprang up for pilgrims and crusaders on their way to the Holy Land.

The Maids Head Hotel in Norwich, England, opened in the mid-1090s, and has been a symbol of hospitality for over 900 years.  Originally accommodation for pilgrims visiting nearby Norwich Cathedral, this historic hotel has witnessed the history of the city, has welcomed countless travelers over the centuries, and remains today as England’s oldest hotel.

The Maids Head Hotel in Norwich, opened in the mid-1090s, is the oldest hotel in England.

 

15^th to 17^th Century:  Start of the Hotel Industry

Here some of the milestones in hotel evolution during this period:

In France, at the beginning of the 15^th century, the law required that hotels keep a register.   English law also introduced rules for inns at that time. 

At the end of the 1600s, the first stage coaches following a regular timetable started operating in England.  During this epoch, more than 600 inns were registered in England, mostly along roads.  Their architecture often consisted of a paved interior court with access through an arched porch.  The bedrooms were situated on the two sides of the courtyard, the kitchen and the public rooms at the front, and the stables and storehouses at the back. 

The first guide books for travelers were published in France during this period.

An embryonic hotel industry began to develop in Europe.  Distinctive signs were hung outside establishments renowned for their refined cuisine.

 

18^th Century:  The Beginnings of Modern Hospitality

In Paris, in the early 1700s, the Place Vendôme (a square in the 1^st arrondissement) was the first multiple-use architectural complex, where the classical façades accommodated boutiques, offices, apartments, and hotels.

Inns began to cater to richer clients, and consequently grew in grandeur and in the level of service provided.

The birth of an organized hotel industry can be traced back to Europe's chalets and small hotels which catered primarily to aristocrats.  This period marked the appearance of the first “grand hotels” in Europe.  These establishments were meeting places for the social elite, and offered basic amenities such as food and accommodation. 

One of the first of these hotels was the Royal Clarence, opened in Exeter, England in 1768.  It was originally an assembly room for the upper classes, and later became a hotel.  The hotel was destroyed by fire in October 2016.  Plans are underway to restore the building, with a focus on residential and commercial units. The restoration is expected to be completed in 2027, with the facade being brought back to life. 

The Royal Clarence hotel in Exeter, England, opened in 1768, and was one of the first “grand hotels” in Europe.

 

 

19^th Century:  Expansion and Elegance

Hotels proliferated throughout Western Europe and North America in the 19^th century.  Luxury hotels, including the 1829 Tremont House in Boston, the 1836 Astor House in New York City, the 1889 Savoy Hotel in London, and the Ritz chain of hotels in London and Paris in the late 1890s, catered to an ever more-wealthy clientele.

The Tremont House was the first deluxe hotel in a city center.  It offered inside toilets, locks on the doors, and an "à la carte" menu.

The industrial revolution, a transitional period of the global economy toward more widespread, efficient, and stable manufacturing processes, began in 1760 in England, and by 1840, had spread to continental Europe and the United States.  This led to a boom in travel and tourism, resulting in a need for more hotels, resorts, and other forms of accommodation.

In 1859, the first hotel passenger elevator was installed in the new Fifth Avenue Hotel in New York City.  Early hotel elevators were considered "movable rooms.” They were luxurious and designed to be comfortable and safe for passengers, with chandeliers, furniture, and carpeting.  These elevators were initially slow, allowing guests to enjoy the journey between floors. 

In the 1860s, with the construction of railways across Europe and the United States, hotels began to flourish, offering accommodation to travelers and tourists.  As trains began to replace horse-drawn transport, highway inns for stage coaches started to decline.

The opening of the luxury Grand Hôtel in Paris took place on 5 May 1862.  The hotel's construction was part of the complete reconstruction of Paris. Filling an entire triangular city block, the hotel boasted 800 rooms on four floors for guests, with another whole floor for their servants.  The greatest names in painting and decoration participated in the completion of this hotel, the grandest in Europe in its dimensions, luxury, and installations.  Lighting was supplied by 4000 gas jets; heating by 18 stoves and 354 hot air vents.  In 1890, the entire hotel was equipped with electric lighting.  After several renovations, the Grand Hotel is still operating today.

The huge luxury Grand Hotel opened in Paris in 1862.

 

The luxury Netherland Hotel in New York City was built in 1892-93, becoming one of the first hotels to offer telephones in all rooms, marking an important milestone in communication for guests.  The hotel structure was 234 feet in height with 17 stories, making it the tallest hotel structure in the world at the time.  The structure was among the first steel-framed buildings in the city, and it enjoyed a reputation for being a very fashionable hotel and location in its day.  Renamed the Hotel Netherland in 1908, the neo-Romanesque structure was razed in 1927, replaced by the 38-story Sherry-Netherland Hotel.

The luxury Netherland Hotel in New York City opened in 1893 (photo ca. 1912).

 

The increasing leisure travel phenomenon gave birth to hospitality management schools, with Ecole Hôtelière de Lausanne being founded in 1893 as the first hotel management school. 

 

Early 20^th Century:  Innovation and Luxury

The Statler Hotel (formerly known as the Buffalo Statler) in New York was the first hotel in the world to offer private bathrooms in every room when it opened its doors in 1907. This revolutionary breakthrough set a new standard in the hotel industry and transformed the lodging experience for guests.

The prosperous 1920s saw a veritable boom in the hotel industry.  Numerous hotels were established in this decade.  In 1923, the architects Marchisio and Prost constructed a hotel in some wonderful gardens in the heart of Marrakech in Morocco, and for decades it was considered the most beautiful hotel in the world: La Mamounia.

In 1927, the Statler Hotel in Detroit was the first to offer radio in every room, adding a new level of entertainment for guests.

The worldwide depression which followed in 1929 did not prevent the construction of the famous Waldorf Astoria hotel in New York.  This was the greatest hotel edifice of those troubled times.

New York City’s famed Waldorf Astoria Hotel was built during the Great Depression.

1950s to 1970s: The Era of the Hotel Chain and Global Expansion

After World War II, the 1950s saw another boom in the hotel industry.  These years were notable for the construction of the first casino hotels.  The advent of air travel made international travel more accessible, leading to the growth of the global hospitality industry.  This was also the time when the airline companies began to develop their own hotels.  The 1950s also saw the emergence of the first hotel chains, such as Hilton and Marriott, standardizing the guest experience worldwide.  Hotel chains, attentive to their customers' wishes, started to offer an increasingly varied range of services.  Their rooms became more spacious and the cuisine more refined.

 

The first Marriott chain hotel, opened in Arlington, Virginia, in 1957.

 

In the 1960s, hotels introduced credit cards as a payment method, facilitating customer transactions.

Gradually, many first-class hotels, which had fallen into disrepair, began systematic renovation programs.

The introduction of electronic keycards in the late 1970s marked a significant shift in hotel security. 

The end of the 1970s, when China opened its doors to foreign tourists, saw the first congresses of international hotel experts.

 

Late 20^th Century: The Dawn of the Digital Age

In the 1980s, computer reservation systems revolutionized the hotel industry, allowing hotels and travel agencies to access inventories and make reservations in real time.  This period also saw the beginning of automation in hotel management, with property management systems beginning to digitize internal operations such as room allocations, billing, and staff management.

The 1980s also saw more inventive marketing and the development of hotels increasingly adapted to a particular type of clientele.  This trend prompted the construction of hotels near airports, hotels for conferences, health hotels, ski holiday hotels, holiday villages, and marina hotels.  The hotel industry became more and more competitive.  Business travelers and retired people became important target customers. 

In the 1980s, too, the Far East began to welcome both business people and the tourists who were discovering the countries of the rising sun, such as China, South Korea, Thailand, and Japan.  The international chains (American for the most part) prepared expansion plans for Europe and the Middle and Far East – plans mainly aimed at government participants and business people.

The early 1990s were characterized by a recession in hotel business, caused by reductions in multinationals' travel budgets and the growing crises in the Middle East.  The Gulf War created great insecurity for both individuals and business.  1991 was the black year of the hotel trade; it forced hoteliers to become more creative in finding ways of attracting guests (special programs, offers for "frequent travelers", and high-performance reservation systems).

The records of each guest's individual travel history helped create individualized marketing programs and enabled hotels to satisfy a guest's personal needs from the moment of his arrival.

The 1990s also saw the spread of the internet and globalization of hotel accommodations.  The first hotel websites appeared, allowing consumers to research travel options and book directly online.  This period also marks the beginning of user review platforms, such as TripAdvisor, changing the way customers choose their accommodation.  In addition, globalization drove hotel chains to expand into new international markets, increasing competition and improving quality and service standards.

Technology started to take its rightful place in hotel administration (simplification of check-in and check-out procedures, global reservation systems, marketing management etc.). 

Hotel chains began to make alliances for more efficient operations.

The main expansion zones for the hotel industry remained Asia (particularly China and India), the Middle East (above all, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt) and Latin America.

 

Early 21^st Century:  Online Operations, Sustainability, and New Technologies

In the 2000s, hotels started to offer free Wi-Fi, responding to the growing demand from guests for always-on connectivity.

In 2008, Airbnb, Inc., an American company, was founded to operate in the online marketplace, offering short-and-long-term homestays and experiences in various countries and regions.  It acts as a broker and charges a commission from each booking.  

In the 2010s, sustainability became a priority, with hotels investing in green technologies and sustainable practices to reduce their environmental impact.

In the 2020s, facial recognition technology for check-in, voice-controlled rooms, and virtual reality for exploring services started to become common features, offering hyper-personalized and contactless experiences.  Keyless entry, including both RFID cards and mobile keys (e.g. smartphones), became increasingly common in the hotel industry, with major chains like Hilton, Marriott, and Starwood embracing the technology. 

 

Types of Hotels Today

Today’s world of hotels offers a diverse range of options to suit every traveler’s needs and desires.  Here is a list of some of the principal hotel types.

Luxury Hotels.  Luxury hotels are defined by their opulent amenities, exquisite design, and impeccable service.  From lavish suites adorned with the finest furnishings to gourmet dining experiences that tantalize the taste buds, every aspect is carefully curated to provide guests with the utmost comfort and indulgence. 

What sets luxury hotels apart is their commitment to delivering exclusive experiences.  These may include personalized butler services, private spa treatments, or even access to secluded beaches or ski resorts.  Luxury hotels offer an unmatched level of sophistication and pampering.  Examples include Grand Hyatt and Ritz Carton hotels.

Full-Service Hotels.  Full-service hotels offer a comprehensive and upscale lodging experience, catering to travelers seeking a place to stay with full-service accommodations and luxury that envelops them in comfort and convenience.  

With a commitment to guest satisfaction, these establishments pride themselves on offering a wide range of services and amenities that encompass everything from fine dining restaurants and fitness centers to concierge assistance and event spaces.  The goal is to provide guests with a one-stop solution for all their needs, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable stay. Example hotels include Sheraton, Hilton, Marriott, and Hyatt Regency.

Resort Hotels.  Some hotels are built specifically as a destination lodging to create a captive trade, such as at casinos, amusement parks, national parks, and holiday resorts. Though hotels have always been built in popular destinations, the defining characteristic of a resort hotel is that it exists purely to serve another attraction.

Whether perched atop a lush hillside, nestled on a sun-kissed beach, or surrounded by dense forests, these hotels provide guests with access to some of nature’s most awe-inspiring beauty.  The sheer splendor of the surroundings often becomes an integral part of the guest experience.

Recreational facilities are another hallmark of resort hotels.  From sprawling golf courses and infinity pools that blend seamlessly with the ocean to world-class spa retreats and adventure sports, these establishments cater to a wide range of interests.  Examples or resort hotels are the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai and Kona Village, in Hawaii, and Acquilina Resort & Residences on the Beach, in Florida.

Business Hotels.  Business hotels are carefully tailored to meet the unique needs of professionals on the go, offering a seamless blend of comfort, connectivity, and efficiency.

One of the defining features of business hotels is their strategic locations.  Typically situated in the heart of bustling business districts, near major corporate offices, or close to transportation hubs like airports, these hotels understand the value of proximity.  

Business hotels are not just about location; they are about enhancing productivity. These establishments offer a range of work-friendly amenities, such as well-equipped meeting rooms, high-speed internet access, and ergonomic workspaces in guest rooms.  This means that guests can seamlessly transition from business meetings to work sessions, all within the same comfortable environment. 

Business hotels strike a delicate balance between productivity and relaxation.  After a long day of meetings or negotiations, guests can unwind in stylish lounges, enjoy fine dining experiences, or squeeze in a workout at the fitness center.  This holistic approach makes business hotels a top choice for travelers seeking efficiency without sacrificing comfort.  Examples are Marriott, Hilton, and Hyatt.

Boutique Hotels.  Boutique hotels are smaller, independent, non-branded hotels in unique or intimate settings with full-service accommodations.

Boutique hotels are not concerned with mass appeal but revel in their niche status.  They tend to be smaller in scale compared to large chain hotels.  This intimacy allows them to create a unique ambiance, often reflecting the local culture, history, or a particular theme that resonates with the establishment.

What sets boutique hotels apart is their commitment to personalized service.  Here, guests are not mere room numbers but cherished individuals.  The staff takes the time to understand each guest’s preferences, ensuring that their stay is tailored to their liking.  Examples are The Little Nell in Aspen, Colorado, and Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi, in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Extended-Stay Hotels.  When travel extends beyond a few days or even weeks, the need for a home away from home is sometimes needed.  Extended-stay hotels offer a unique blend of comfort, convenience, and affordability for travelers with longer journeys.

At the heart of extended-stay hotels are their spacious suites.  These suites are not just rooms; they are thoughtfully designed living spaces equipped with everything you need for a comfortable extended stay - including fully equipped kitchens, separate living and sleeping areas, and ample storage space. 

One of the defining features of extended-stay hotels is their ability to create a sense of home.  They offer the freedom to cook your meals, do your laundry, and settle in as if it were your own space. 

Moreover, extended-stay hotels understand the importance of staying connected.  They provide complimentary high-speed internet access, spacious work areas, and even meeting rooms, making them an ideal choice for business travelers who need to work from their temporary base.

Extended-stay hotels also recognize the need for relaxation.  Many offer fitness centers, social spaces, and outdoor areas, allowing guests to unwind and socialize after a day of work or exploration.  Examples include Homewood Suites by Hilton and Residence Inns by Marriott.

Budget-Friendly Hotels.  Budget hotels are small to medium-sized hotel establishments, tailored to provide a reliable and practical alternative to more expensive accommodations.  Budget hotels provide essential services and comfortable stays without the frills that often accompany higher-priced options.

These hotels are especially essential for travelers who prioritize exploring their destination over lavish accommodations.  They provide a comfortable place to rest after a day of sightseeing, business meetings, or adventures without breaking the bank. 

Limited-service hotels often lack an on-site restaurant but in return may offer a limited complimentary food and beverage amenity such as on-site continental breakfast service.  Examples include Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn Express, and Fairfield Inn.

Motel.  A motel, an abbreviation for "motor hotel,” is a small-sized, low-rise lodging that provides limited services at lower-cost, typically with direct access to individual rooms from the car parking lot.  Motels were built to serve travelers on road trip vacations and workers who drive for their job (traveling salespeople, truck drivers, etc.).  Common during the 1950s and 1960s, motels were often located adjacent to a major highway, where they were built on inexpensive land at the edge of towns or along stretches of freeway. 

New motel construction is rare in the 2000s as hotel chains have been building economy-priced, limited-service franchised properties at freeway exits, which compete for the same clientele, saturating the market by the 1990s.  Motels are still useful in less populated areas for driving travelers, but the more populated an area becomes, the more hotels move in to meet the demand for accommodation.  While many motels are unbranded and independent, many of the other motels which remain in operation joined national franchise chains, often rebranding themselves as hotels, inns, or lodges.  Examples include Travel Lodge, Motel 6, and Super 8.

Bed and Breakfast.  Bed and breakfast (B&B) hotels are small lodging establishments, prevalent all over the world, that offer overnight accommodation and breakfast.  In addition, a B&B sometimes has the hosts living in the house.  “Bed and breakfast” is also used to describe the level of catering included in a hotel's room prices, as opposed to room-only, half-board, or full-board. 

Hostel.  A hostel is a form of low-cost, short-term, sociable lodging where guests can rent a bed, usually a bunk bed in a dormitory sleeping 4–20 people, with shared use of a lounge and usually a kitchen.  Rooms can be private or shared - mixed or single-sex - and have private or shared bathrooms.  Hostel accommodations are popular with backpackers and solo travelers, followed by students.

Microstay.  Hotels may offer rooms for microstays, a type of booking for less than 24 hours, where the customer chooses the check-in-time and the length of the stay.  This allows the hotel increased revenue by reselling the same room several times a day. They first gained popularity in Europe but are now common in major global tourist centers.  Microstays are ideal for travelers needing a break between meetings or flights, offering a comfortable space to freshen up, work, or take a quick nap – and are often located at airports.  Microstays can be used to rest during long layovers, recharge before an event, or explore a city without the commitment of a full overnight stay.

Microstays in some parts of the world are more often regarded as places for romantic assignations, where rooms are often rented by the hour. 

 

Hotels will continue to evolve, driven by technology and the desire to deliver exceptional experiences.  We can expect to see more innovations, such as the integration of artificial intelligence to deliver personalized services, and the use of robotics to improve operational efficiency

 

Sources

My principal sources include: “Hotel,” en.wikipedia.com; “Hotels / A Brief History,” hospitalitynet.org; “The Evolution of Hotels,” esferize.com; “The Fascinating History of the Hotel Industry,” tourismteacher.com; “8 Different Types of Hotels Explained,” foodhotelasia.com; plus, numerous other online sources.