Before booking a room, be sure you know the cancellation policy. Most hotels require a credit card to hold the room, but cancellation policies vary, and in some cases you may be charged a no-show fee.
Did you know that the record holder for the most number of hotel rooms in a single building is the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, with 5,044 rooms? Since the hotel has two wedding chapels, it’s not surprising that 751 of the rooms are newlywed suites with marble baths and Roman spa-style showers.
If you have air conditioning in your hotel room, you can thank Willis Carrier. In 1902, he invented a method for blowing hot air over cold coils as a means of controlling temperature and humidity.
It might seem a little strange today, but during the Middle Ages, most travelers would stay with religious orders. It started with abbeys and monasteries, but before long religious orders built inns, hospices, and hospitals to take care of travelers.
Aurelio Vazquez Duran is a well-known architect, who designs upscale hotels. He focuses on the guests and says, “When designing a hotel I don’t think about my client, I focus on my client’s client, meaning the person that will use the hotel.”
Did you know that the most expensive hotel room in the world is the Royal Penthouse Suite in the President Wilson Hotel in Geneva? This room will cost you $65,000 per night and includes 4 bedrooms, a library, a cocktail lounge, and a dining room.
According to the Guinness Book of World records, the oldest hotel in operation is in Japan. This hotel, which first opened in 707 A.D., has been operated by the same family for 46 generations. Now that’s some hospitality history.
The tallest hotel in the world opened its doors recently, in March 2011. The Ritz Carleton in Hong Kong extends a massive 1,600 feet (or 490 meters) into the air and is the fourth-largest building in the entire world.
Large or small, historic or modern, all hotels have one thing in common: The word “hotel.” Related to the French terms for host (hote) and lodging (hostel), since 1765 it’s been used to describe inns that offer a warm welcome and quality facilities.
Many modern advancements surface first in fine hotels. When the Peabody Hotel opened in 1869, guests were treated to a true rarity, a room with a private attached bath. Rooms with a fireplace or gas lighting, however, commanded a premium.
Our modern word “hotel” comes from the Old French word, "hostel", meaning "lodging." In English, the word describes a place that provides rooms, possibly along with meals and other services. The same is true in French, but it can also be used to refer to a mansion.
The HVAC systems in your hotel room are often referred to as “climate control” systems. Why? The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems have been installed solely to allow you to control the climate in your room, so you are comfortable throughout your stay.
Did you know that signing up for a hotel rewards program can give you access to special member deals and discounts? Ask hotel staff about rewards programs and which benefits you can receive by signing up for these.
Did you know that renting a hotel suite can be more cost-effective than renting two separate hotel rooms, especially if you are traveling with several people? Hotel suites provide extensive space and amenities to ensure you have an enjoyable experience.
The largest hotel swimming pool in the world can be found in front of the San Alfonso del Mar resort in Chile? This pool measures an astounding 1 km in length and holds the equivalent amount of water of around 6,000 regular-sized swimming pools.
