If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Some hotels around the world, like the Hotel 71 in Quebec and the W Hotel in Dallas, do indeed have a 13th floor, bucking the superstition-driven trend of skipping this number.
This is a fascinating topic that delves into superstitions and cultural beliefs and how they impact our built environment, specifically the hotel industry. In this discussion, we will explore the origins of the ‘unlucky 13’ superstition, the hotels that have chosen to include a 13th floor, guest reactions and experiences, and the broader role of culture and superstition in hotel design and operations.
History of the 13th Floor Superstition
Have you ever noticed that some hotels skip the 13th floor? This may be due to the superstition surrounding the number 13 and the belief that it is unlucky. Let’s explore the origins of this superstition and its impact on building design and the hotel industry.
Origins of the ‘unlucky 13’ superstition
The origins of the superstition surrounding the number 13 are unclear, but it is believed to date back to ancient times. Some say that it originated from the Last Supper, where Jesus dined with his 12 apostles before his crucifixion. Another theory is that the number 13 is considered unlucky because it falls one number short of the “perfect” number 14, which is represented in many cultures.
Regardless of its origins, the superstition surrounding the number 13 persists to this day. In fact, triskaidekaphobia, the fear of the number 13, is a recognized phobia.
"Removing" the 13th floor in buildings is ridiculous.
by u/Old-Bee169 in unpopularopinion
Impact on building design and hotel industry
The superstition surrounding the number 13 has had a significant impact on building design and the hotel industry. Many buildings skip the 13th floor altogether, numbering it as the 14th floor instead. This is true not only for hotels but for office buildings and residential buildings as well.
Hotels, in particular, have been impacted by the superstition surrounding the 13th floor. Some hotels skip the 13th floor entirely, while others may use it for storage or other purposes. However, there are also hotels that embrace the superstition and market their 13th floor as a unique and exclusive experience.
For example, the Hilton Cleveland Downtown has a 13th-floor ballroom that is highly sought after for weddings and events. The hotel also has a 13th-floor restaurant and bar called Bar 32, which offers stunning views of the city.
So, what hotel has a 13th floor? The answer is that it varies from hotel to hotel. Some hotels skip the 13th floor, while others embrace it. Either way, the superstition surrounding the number 13 is still alive and well.
Hotels that have a 13th floor
List of hotels with a 13th floor
Many hotels choose to skip the 13th floor, opting for 12A or 14 instead. However, there are some hotels that include a 13th floor, despite the superstitions surrounding the number.
- The Hilton Chicago
- The Marriott Marquis in Houston
- The Hyatt Regency in San Francisco
- The Renaissance New York Times Square Hotel
- The Embassy Suites in Nashville
These hotels have made the decision to have a 13th floor, and it’s interesting to note that they are all located in different cities across the United States.
Reasons for including a 13th floor
Why is there not a 13th floor in many hotels?
by u/Miyelsh in ExplainLikeImCalvin
There are a few possible reasons for why these hotels have chosen to include a 13th floor.
Firstly, some hotel owners and managers may simply not believe in superstitions surrounding the number 13. They may feel that it’s just a number, and that there’s no reason to skip it.
Secondly, including a 13th floor may actually be a marketing tactic. By having a 13th floor, the hotel can stand out from other hotels that have skipped the number. It could be seen as a unique feature, and may attract guests who are looking for something a little different.
Finally, it’s possible that including a 13th floor is simply more practical for the hotel’s layout and design. Skipping the 13th floor may require rearranging other floors, which could be more trouble than it’s worth.
Regardless of the reason, it’s clear that these hotels have made the decision to include a 13th floor, despite the superstitions surrounding the number. Whether you’re superstitious or not, it’s interesting to see how different hotels approach this issue.
Guest reactions and experiences
Many hotels skip the 13th floor, due to the superstition surrounding the number 13. However, some hotels do have a 13th floor, and it can be interesting to see how guests react to this. Some guests are completely unaware that they are on the 13th floor until they see the floor number in the elevator or on their room key. Others are aware of the superstition but don’t seem to mind. And then there are those who are genuinely afraid and request to be moved to a different floor.
Interestingly, a study by the British Medical Journal found that the number of admissions to hospitals due to falls from buildings was no higher on the 13th floor than on other floors. This suggests that the superstition may be unfounded.
Guest stories and anecdotes
One guest at a hotel with a 13th floor reported feeling uneasy when she first saw the floor number in the elevator. However, once she got to her room, she didn’t think about it again. Another guest said that she purposely requested to stay on the 13th floor because she found the superstition amusing.
A hotel employee shared a funny anecdote about a guest who called down to the front desk in a panic, convinced that the hotel had made a mistake by putting her on the 13th floor. The employee reassured her that it was intentional, but the guest still couldn’t shake her fear and requested to be moved to a different floor.
It’s clear that reactions to a hotel with a 13th floor vary greatly among guests. Some find it amusing, some are indifferent, and some are genuinely afraid. Regardless of how guests feel about it, it’s interesting to see how this superstition still affects modern-day hotels.
The role of culture and superstition in the hotel industry
Superstition has always been a part of human culture, and it plays a significant role in the hotel industry. Many hotels across the world avoid having a 13th floor due to the belief that the number 13 is unlucky. But what is the reason behind this superstition, and how do hotels cater to other cultural beliefs and superstitions?
Other Cultural Considerations in Hotel Design
Hotels are often designed to cater to the cultural preferences of their guests. For instance, hotels in the Middle East often have prayer rugs and a Qibla direction marked in their rooms to accommodate the religious needs of Muslim guests. Similarly, hotels in China often have a red color theme, which is believed to bring luck and prosperity.
Some hotels also incorporate regional artwork, music, and food to give guests a sense of the local culture. These cultural considerations and designs help to create a unique and memorable experience for guests, and it also shows that the hotel values cultural diversity.
Catering to Various Beliefs and Superstitions
Hotels need to be aware of the various superstitions and beliefs of their guests to provide a comfortable stay. Some hotels offer specific room numbers, such as 888, which is considered to be a lucky number in Chinese culture. Additionally, some hotels have avoided having a 13th floor and instead label it as the 14th floor to cater to guests who believe the number 13 is unlucky.
Other beliefs and superstitions that hotels need to be mindful of include the fear of ghosts, the use of certain colors, and the placement of mirrors. In some cultures, mirrors are believed to reflect negative energy, and if they face the bed, it can cause bad dreams or even death. Hotels often avoid placing mirrors facing the bed or install curtains to cover them.
Conclusion
While many hotels yield to the superstition and avoid a 13th floor, some have chosen to include it, demonstrating a disregard for this particular cultural belief. These exceptions underline the intriguing interplay between superstitions and the hotel industry.
Guests’ reactions to these 13th floors provide further insight into how deeply ingrained these superstitions can be. Beyond the number 13, the influence of various cultural beliefs and superstitions continues to shape hotel design and operations, ensuring that the industry remains sensitive to the diverse backgrounds of its patrons. Ultimately, whether a hotel has a 13th floor or not may be a small detail, but it is a window into the fascinating world of cultural superstitions and their real-world impacts.
