Hotels have been around for hundreds of years, and the origins of this type of lodging are quite interesting. In this article, we’ll explore who made the first hotel, trace its fascinating history, and take a look at how modern hotels have evolved since then.
The Ancient Civilizations that Built the First Hotels
People have been lodging in structures like hotels since ancient times. Sumerian texts from 1800 BC suggest that the earliest form of hotels were clay tablets that were divided into cubicles within what may have been hostel-like establishments. In ancient Greece, the first known inns or guesthouses were called “tabernae,” Roman officials often owned and operated these establishments.
The Ancient Egyptians were said to have established inns or guesthouses called “karou” as early as 2000 BC where travelers were offered food and a place to sleep. Ancient Turkish, Chinese, and Indian cultures also had some form of accommodations resembling hotels during this period as well. It is worth noting that some of these original inns and guesthouses still exist today.
The Role of Christianity in the Development of Early Hotels
As Christianity spread throughout Europe, monasteries became an important source of lodging for pilgrims. Monasteries provided accommodation, food, and church-sponsored hospitality, often free of charge.
With the rise of pilgrimages to the Holy Land, many monasteries and guesthouses started to be constructed near popular religious sites all over Europe and the Middle East. Monasteries soon became symbols of hospitality, offering free lodging and food to pilgrims, travelers, and other visitors.
The Development of Secular Hotels
With the spread of trade in Europe, inns, hotels and taverns became increasingly popular as places to take rest and relax on long journeys. Many of these establishments were owned and operated by local merchants or wealthy families and were often called “hostelries.”
The first inns and hostelries were usually located near large cities and towns, and were built to cater to the needs of passing travellers who would often book rooms or rooms and board in advance. The first modern-day hotels started to appear in the late 1600s and early 1700s, primarily in Paris and other European cities.
These early hotels offered a wide range of services. Not only could guests book rooms and request meals, but also laundry services and even tours of the city. However, since these hotels were often privately owned, the quality and service could vary greatly.
List of the First Known Hotels
In 1607, the first known modern-day hotel was established in Paris, France. This hotel, still in operation today, is called the Hotel de Ville and is now a historic landmark. The oldest hotel still in operation in the United States is the Omni Providence Hotel in Rhode Island, established in 1790 as the Golden Ball Inn.
Some of the oldest hotels in the world are:
• Hotel de Ville (France, 1607)
• Grand Hotel dei Cavalieri (Italy, 1619)
• Lords of Berkeley Castle (England, 1620)
• Hotel de la Reine (France, 1664)
• The Balch Hotel (USA, 1790)
• The Oriental Hotel (China, 1876)
The Rise of Modern Luxury Hotels
During the mid-to-late 1800s, hotels began to evolve from basic inns and boarding houses, to grand, luxurious establishments. With better sanitation and more fashionable lifestyles, the demand for hospitality services grew exponentially. This paved the way for what we now recognize as the modern luxury hotel.
In 1886, César Ritz opened the world’s first “grand” hotel, the Hôtel Ritz in Paris. Later, in 1889, famed hotelier Gordon Campbell opened the Langham Hotel in London, while Conrad Hilton opened the first international hotel chain in 1919.
Since then, the hospitality industry has continued to expand and evolve with hotels catering to all types of travelers, from luxury resort hotels and boutique properties, to economy hotels, hostels, and extended stay accommodations.
The Role of Technology in the Evolution of Hotels
With the emergence of the internet, the hospitality industry has been completely transformed. Hotels have become more efficient and able to provide more personalized services to their guests.
Today’s modern hotels have integrated technology into almost every aspect of their operations, from contactless check-ins and mobile key services, to on-demand services such as food delivery and email and text messages.
Additionally, hotel websites have become a vital marketing tool and form of communication with guests. Through innovative tech integrations, websites are now equipped with live chat capabilities and interactive booking widgets, making it easier than ever for guests to access information, find their ideal hotel, and book their stay.
Hotels have been around for centuries, evolving and adapting over time to meet the needs of their guests. From the first-known inns and guesthouses built by ancient civilizations, to the first grand luxury hotels of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, to modern-day resort hotels and boutique properties, hotels have a fascinating history that continues to evolve and develop to this day.
