When Was the First Hotel Created? The history of the hotel is rooted in the age-old tradition of hospitality. For as long as humans have been around, we have sought out places to rest our heads on our travels. But when was the first hotel created and who was responsible for pioneering this trend? Let’s take a look at some of the most significant moments in hotel history and find out.
The Origins of Hotels: Ancient Greece
The hospitality industry can be traced back to ancient Greece. Around 800 BC the first ever inns sprang up, providing weary travelers with somewhere to lay their heads. These inns were called ‘xenodocheion’ which translates as ‘gladly receive strangers’ and were known for providing basic comforts like a bed and basic sustenance.
Roman Inns: Taking Hospitality to the Next Level
The idea of an inn began to become more developed when the Roman Empire reached its peak in the first century BC. Roman inns included features like dining rooms, heated bathhouses, and sleeping sections; some even had separate areas for the wealthy and for the poor. As such, Roman inns provided a wider range of comforts than their Greek predecessors.
Medieval Coaching Inns: Establishing the First Hotels
During the medieval period, when Europe went through a period of intense urbanization, the inns developed into what we now recognize as hotels. These coaching inns were typically located at the intersection of well-traveled roads, where they served both as roadhouse eateries and places to rest for the night. As the coaching inns gained popularity, they became larger, offering more services to travelers and improved lodging experiences.
The Emergence of Hotel Chains
In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, hotel chains began to emerge in England and America. These chains were dreamt up as a way of offering guests a consistent experience no matter which city they were traveling in. In the UK, the world’s first hotel chain was pioneered by Thomas Gibson Bowles, whose family’s business became one of the first nationally-recognized hospitality companies.
Types of Hotels Around the World
The types of hotels have evolved across the globe over the centuries. In the Far East, Japanese inns, known as ‘ryokan’, first emerged in the Edo period (1603-1867) and remain popular today. Meanwhile in Russia, the 19th century saw the emergence of ‘Tsar Hotels’ which were built with the specific purpose of providing high-end lodging experiences for important guests.
Modern Hotel Amenities
The modern hotel experience has come a long way since the days of the gas-lit inns. Hotels now offer a range of amenities designed to make guests feel more comfortable and welcomed, from on-site spas and fitness amenities to concierge services and a selection of food and beverage offerings.
Key Trends Spearheading the Future of Hotels
The hospitality industry is rapidly evolving, and customers are continuing to expect more from their hotel stays. Here are a few of the latest trends leading the way when it comes to hospitality:
• Creating a sense of community – Guests are seeking out engaging experiences and meaningful connections with their fellow travelers. Hotels are working hard to offer communal event spaces where people can come together in a fun and welcoming environment.
• Embracing sustainability – With so much focus on environmental protection, luxury hotels are responding to customer demand by focusing on eco-friendly initiatives. This can range from installing energy-efficient lighting to utilizing local suppliers and serving organic food.
• Investing in technology – Most people are now used to having access to technology wherever they go, so hotels are investing in the latest tech advancements, such as facial recognition, interactive television, and Amazon Alexa to elevate the customer experience.
• Allowing guests to customize their stays – Every customer is unique, and they want to feel as if their stay has been tailored to their individual needs. Hotels are responding by offering personalized experiences, from providing flexible and mobile check-in options to customized food and drinks during the stay.
To sum up, the very first hotels were probably created in either ancient Greece or Rome. Coaching inns emerged during the medieval period, and in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, hotel chains started to appear. Throughout history, the types of hotels, services and amenities offered have greatly evolved to meet changing customer requirements. Today, hotels continue to focus on innovative new trends such as sustainability, tech advancements and tailored experiences to ensure customer satisfaction.
