Loading Page...

Why do hotels have Bibles?

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.



People Also Ask

Most major hotel franchises allow individual hotel owners to decide whether or not to stock their drawers with religious scripture. And as more hotel chains aim to attract Millennial travelers, they are taking Bibles out of their rooms.

MORE DETAILS

Some accommodation providers have tried to prevent possible mischief by removing 420 as a room number entirely. Over the years other hotel guests have noticed other attempts by hotels to circumvent the enthusiasm of stoners for the number 420.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

Although it is generally illegal to take things that don't belong to you, the Gideons have stated that they welcome you to take the Bible from a hotel room. They just ask that you tell the front desk so they can replace it.

MORE DETAILS

Overall, white linens are an easy way for hotels to set their standard for cleanliness. White is an easy color to get dingy and stained, so when a guest sees a perfectly white set of sheets, they'll feel more comfortable and confident in the hotel cleanliness and housekeeping.

MORE DETAILS

When Marriott opened its new Moxy and Edition hotels, they decided they wouldn't put religious books in the room because the “books don't fit the personality of the brands,” a spokesperson told the Los Angeles Times. Millennials are the least religious generation in American history.

MORE DETAILS

The number is so feared that many hospitals and airports avoid using it for rooms and gates and couples don't get married on the 13th of the month. 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.

MORE DETAILS

In the United States, it is not legal to record hotel guests in their private spaces without their consent. This includes not just video recording but audio recording as well.

MORE DETAILS

Why do hotel rooms have Bibles? We can thank Gideon International for this sacred hotel amenity. The organization was formed in 1899 after three traveling salesmen met in a hotel room, and by 1908, it was distributing Bibles to hotels around the United States, according to the Los Angeles Times.

MORE DETAILS

Some hotels may simply charge you for the cost of the towel, while others may impose additional fees or penalties. In extreme cases, taking hotel towels can even lead to legal action. It's not worth the risk! Additionally, hotels often keep track of their inventory, including towels.

MORE DETAILS

Online, 87 percent of guests surveyed admitted to stealing from a hotel at least once in their lifetime. Some travelers are legit kleptomaniacs, while others simply want a little something extra to bring home to remember their trip.

MORE DETAILS