History of Hotel in Timeline

A hotel is an establishment providing short-term paid lodging, ranging from basic rooms with essential amenities to large suites with extensive facilities like kitchens and entertainment. Services vary widely, with smaller hotels offering basic guest services while larger, pricier hotels may include amenities like pools, business centers, childcare, sports courts, restaurants, and spas. Room numbering assists guests in identifying their accommodations, and high-end hotels may feature custom-decorated rooms. Some hotels offer meals as part of the room and board package. Unique variations, such as capsule hotels in Japan, provide minimalist sleeping spaces with shared facilities.

1945: Potsdam Conference at Schloss Cecilienhof

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

1964: Civil Rights Act of 1964

In 1964, the Civil Rights Act was enacted in the United States, prohibiting discrimination based on race, religion, or national origin in public accommodations, including hotels.

1990: First Ice Hotel Built

In 1990, the Ice Hotel in Jukkasjärvi, Sweden, was first built. It is rebuilt each winter and melts every spring.

1999: First Glass Igloos Built in Finland

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

2001: Hotel de Glace Opens

In 2001, the Hotel de Glace in Duschenay, Canada, opened as North America's only ice hotel. It is redesigned and rebuilt in its entirety every year.

2006: First World Hotel Listed as World's Largest Hotel

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: Hoshi Ryokan Holds Title of Oldest Hotel Until 2011

Until 2011, the Hoshi Ryokan in Komatsu, Japan, which opened in the year 718, held the title of the oldest hotel in operation.

October 2014: Anbang Insurance Group Buys Waldorf Astoria

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.