Ever wonder why you've never stayed in a hotel room on the 13th floor? The answer is simple: The floor doesn't exist. It all comes down to triskaidekaphobia, or the fear of the number 13.
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Reasons for omitting a thirteenth floor include triskaidekaphobia on the part of the building's owner or builder, or a desire by the building owner or landlord to prevent problems that may arise with superstitious tenants, occupants, or customers.
Next time you are booking a hotel room, you should make sure it isn't any higher than the fourth floor. A travel risk expert has revealed the best way to stay safe at a hotel – and rooms below the second floor are advised against as well.
The choice ultimately depends on your personal preferences and needs. If you prioritize views, privacy, and quiet, the top floors may be your best bet. If you prefer quick access to the lobby and lower prices, the bottom floors may be the way to go.
Instead, they sometimes exclude the 4th floor, as the pronunciation of 'four' in Mandarin, Cantonese, and several other languages sounds similar to the word for 'death.' The MGM Grand in Las Vegas famously renumbered its floors because many of its guests were from Asia, where 4 is considered unlucky.
With that said, some of NYC's most famous buildings do have 13th floors. The Empire State Building has one. So does the Flatiron, as did the Twin Towers. One World Trade Center includes it, as do all Hilton International hotels.
As travelling salesmen, the founders of The Gideons International knew a thing or two about life on the road. They understood that people, far from home, might seek comfort or solace in the familiar words of the Bible. By 1908, they began placing Bibles in hotel rooms.
According to Otis Elevator Company, around 85% of elevator panels omit the number 13. What's more, entire hotels are built without a 13th floor. How did 13 end up with such negative connotations?
On the flip side, the iconic Empire State Building does have a 13th floor. Triskaidekaphobic tenants aside, for 40 years, it stood as the tallest building in the world (1931–1972), holding the record longer than any of the other eight buildings that held it during the last century.
Timing matters because the housekeeping staff needs to clean the room and prepare it for the next guests who may be arriving in just a few hours. Some hotels offer a guaranteed later checkout time for an extra fee.
Varies by HotelWhile some hotels may allow individuals under the age of 18 to book a room, others may require guests to be 21 or older. It is worth mentioning that age restrictions for booking a hotel room are often in place to protect hotels from potential legal liability.
Microwaves are typically absent from hotel areas due to concerns that they might be used to prepare food that isn't served there. However, most microwaves can cook food, and cross-contamination may occur if a microwave is used and subsequently abandoned.
While some hotels avoid having a 13th floor, others are choosing to skip the number 420, in order to deter cannabis smokers. To most people it means nothing, but the number 420 has a long association with cannabis and is often used as a code for those in the know.
Hotel policies on additional guests can vary widely. While some hotels may allow a certain number of guests per room at no extra charge, others may charge a fee for any additional person, regardless of their age. Some hotels may even have strict occupancy limits to maintain the comfort and safety of all guests.
Keep an eye out for the person you're looking for or their car. Check for Signs of Occupancy: If you're not able to observe the person directly, look for signs of occupancy in the hotel room. For example, you may see luggage, toiletries, or other personal items in the room.