History of Hotel in Timeline

A hotel is a commercial establishment offering short-term lodging for a fee. Accommodations can vary significantly, ranging from basic rooms with essential amenities to luxurious suites featuring larger beds, kitchen facilities, and entertainment options. Smaller, budget-friendly hotels typically provide minimal services, while larger, more upscale hotels may offer amenities like swimming pools, business centers, childcare, conference facilities, sports courts, gyms, restaurants, spas, and event services. Rooms are generally numbered for easy identification. High-end boutique hotels sometimes feature custom-decorated rooms. Some hotels provide meals as part of a room and board package. Capsule hotels in Japan offer very small sleeping spaces with shared bathrooms.

1900: Luxury Hotel Definition

In 1900, luxury hotels were known as palace hotels in the United States and grand hotels in Europe. These hotels offered dining, social activities, personalized service, and both short and long-term accommodations, primarily in downtown areas to cater to European and American travelers.

1945: Potsdam Conference

In 1945, Schloss Cecilienhof in Potsdam, Germany, gained fame for hosting the Potsdam Conference of World War II allies, including Winston Churchill, Harry Truman, and Joseph Stalin.

1964: Civil Rights Act of 1964

In 1964, the Civil Rights Act Title II in the United States prohibited discrimination based on race, religion, or national origin in public accommodations, including hotels.

1990: First Ice Hotel

In 1990, the first ice hotel in the world was built in Jukkasjärvi, Sweden. It is constructed each winter and melts every spring.

1999: First Glass Igloos Built

In 1999, the first glass igloos were built in Finland. These later became part of the Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort.

2001: Hotel de Glace Opens

In 2001, the Hotel de Glace opened in Duschenay, Canada, becoming North America's only ice hotel, which is redesigned and rebuilt annually.

2006: Largest Hotel Listed

In 2006, Guinness World Records listed the First World Hotel in Genting Highlands, Malaysia, as the world's largest hotel with 6,118 rooms.

2011: Oldest Hotel Title Change

In 2011, the title of the oldest hotel in operation was held until 2011 by the Hoshi Ryokan. The title was passed to the Nisiyama Onsen Keiunkan.

October 2014: Waldorf Astoria Purchase

In October 2014, the Anbang Insurance Group purchased the Waldorf Astoria New York in Manhattan for US$1.95 billion, making it the world's most expensive hotel ever sold.