Hotel History - The History of Hotels Throughout Time

The word hotel originated from the French word hotel, derived from the word hote - meaning host. The term originally referred to any building that has frequent visitors. Today, a hotel is an establishment that provides lodging, meals and other services to travellers for a fee.

The earliest record of any mention about paid lodging would be during biblical times. According to the Bible, Mary and Joseph were unable to get accommodations because "there was no room at the inn."

It was during the Roman Empire that hotels began to proliferate. These were established for the purpose of encouraging visitors to the empire.

According to the Guinness World Records, the oldest hotel that is still in operation today is the Hoshi Ryokan located in the Awazu Onsen area of Komatsu in Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan. It was founded and is still operated by the same family for 1,292 years. The hotel has been with the family for forty-six generations since 718. The hotel was built near a hot water spring which is believed to have miraculous healing properties. Locals still claim this to be real, up to this day. The hotel has 100 rooms and it can accommodate up to 450 guests.

In America, the first inn was recorded to have been established in 1607. In 1792, the City Hotel, the first publicly held hotel, opened in New York. The Tremont opened in Boston in 1809. It was the first modern hotel in America. The Buffalo Statler, the first business hotel in America began its operations in 1908.

Throughout the years individual tastes have changed and it was inevitable that hotels changed according to what the customers wanted. These days, customers can choose from a greater selection.

Customers can choose to stay in a luxury hotel or a budget hotel, depending on their budget or available funds. Hotels can also be classified by service type:

   1. Full Service Upscale
   2. Full Service
   3. Select Service
   4. Limited Service
   5. Extended Stay
   6. Timeshare
   7. Destination Club

For people who want some adventure, they can try out some unusual hotels like the Null Stern Hotel in Teufen, Appenzellerland, Switzerland which used to be a nuclear bunker that was transformed into a hotel. There are also cave hotels in Cappadocia, Turkey and Spain. Costa Rica has Treehouse hotels and Japan has capsule hotels where people sleep on top of each other in rectangular containers. Since it is cold for most of the year in Canada, Finland and Sweden, these countries have hotels that are made out of ice and snow. There are also underwater hotels in Sweden and Florida, USA.

The largest hotel according to the Guinness Book of World Records is the First World Hotel located in Genting Highlands, Malaysia. It has 6,118 rooms. The tallest hotel is the Rose Tower which is located in Dubai. It is 333 meters tall.

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Romantic Luxury Honeymoon Locations To Consider

There are many places you can go to have a luxury honeymoon. This is the time when you can finally go to that one place you have always wanted to go to. It is a time to spend quality and romantic time with your new husband or wife, whether it is while relaxing in the sun or going on an exotic adventure. Here are some ideas as to where you can go for your honeymoon.

One place you could go to for your honeymoon is Hawaii. Five unique islands make up Hawaii. They each have their own special features and things to do. The names of these islands are Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, and Maui. Most of the people in Hawaii live on the Oahu Island, where there are several beaches, museums, and monuments. If you want more of a quiet atmosphere, go to Kauai, Molokai, or Lanai to experience real nature and the love of the outdoors. Maui is known for their famous beaches and whale watching.

If you were thinking about leaving the country for your honeymoon, you could go to Paris, France. This is a very famous city where the Eiffel Tower is located. They have a train station that will take you anywhere you want to go, including areas in London and other parts of England. You can also take a boat cruise down the river and do a little sightseeing. There are tons of tourist attractions such as famous buildings, parks, gardens, and monuments. There is really a lot see in the city so you will not ever get bored. In addition, at the end of the night, you can head back to your luxury hotel complete with swimming pools, hot tubs, and room service, the perfect luxury honeymoon!

Your honeymoon should be perfect, so go somewhere that will truly make you happy and satisfy your expectations. With all the places you can go, it is hard to narrow it down to one location. If money permits, it might be exciting for you to take on a few different locations so you can experience different areas together. Swim in the beaches in Miami, Florida or San Francisco, California. Go on a two or three day cruise to Puerto Rico and experience a different culture. You could even go to Atlantic City, New Jersey to experience nightlife unlike anything you have ever experienced. All of these locations can give you the luxury honeymoon you have always wanted.

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Florida Luxury Vacations - How To Choose A Vacation Place

Going to Florida for a vacation or a honeymoon can be one of the most exciting things that you will ever do in your life. Nicknamed as the "sunshine state" Florida has one of the best beaches in the world. If you are one of those people who love the beach, Florida luxury vacations by the beach will definitely be best for you.

Booking Your Florida Luxury Vacations. Before booking your Florida luxury vacations, you should do a little research first. Although most of the Florida luxury vacations destinations are outstanding, there are certain places in this state that are simply perfect for you.The best ways to find these perfect places for your vacation are to, go online and launch a search. The internet can offer you a lot of valuable information when it comes to Florida luxury vacations. When searching for the best Florida luxury vacations, you need to consider the prices, the location of these resorts and your lifestyle.

Even if you have a lot of money to spare on your Florida luxury vacations, you still need to work within a certain budget bracket. Note that there are certain destinations in Florida that could cost you thousands of dollars a day so you need to define what type of luxury you can afford.

For instance, if you want lots privacy and you are prepared to pay a lot of money for it, you can go for those villas that are located in a very exclusive area. On the other hand, if you want luxury but are not prepared to spend a fortune on your accommodation, there are many five start hotels and resorts around Florida that offer their services for reasonable prices.

Furthermore, if you intend to spend a few days or weeks in Florida, it would be a good idea for you to look for a place that offers weekly or monthly rental rates.

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4 And 5 Star Luxury Resorts - How To Find Luxury For Less

Now, with the downtown of the global economy, these rooms are going unbooked. Unused. Nights sitting alone, all by their lonesome, cold and cavernous. For awhile, the hotels left them that way. Now, things are changing. Hoteliers are realizing they'd rather make some return, even if it's short, then no return on these high end accommodations. Next time you're booking your room, it doesn't hurt to inquire about upgrades. In fact, more times than not, it pays off.
Believe it or not, there are rooms above yours that are empty- and if the hotelier can make you happy, they will usually do their best to.

Also look for deals and coupons from the major hotel brands and third party management companies alike. These companies are offering outrageous nightly room rates on rooms you might not think they would offer. Check newspaper ads, internet searches and sign up for email blasts from the major players. Getting on VIP player cards in Las Vegas, for instance, gets you 'in the know.' Find markets that are strong year round- markets such as Miami Beach, Florida, New York, NY, Las Vegas, Nevada, Italy, Costa Rica and the strongest yearly market on the planet- Hawaii. Hawaii is so saturated with luxury hotels, resorts and condo hotel timeshares, there is always a deal there. Never go to the Pacific Islands without knowing your getting a great deal on a high end luxury hotel room. Realize that now is the time to seize the day.

Capitalize on the downturn- switch the tables and live like a king, even if for a day. Call that hotel you always wanted to stay at. Have your Pretty Woman moment. Research third party management companies- oftentimes these companies have very high end luxury access that they can book for less.

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Naples, Florida: Laid-Back Luxury

Although Naples may be known for its 10 miles of pristine, white sandy beaches, a more accurate description might entail endless relaxation and a sophisticated atmosphere that is perfect for a romantic vacation. Away from the kids, basking in the warm Florida sun, everything moves at a much slower pace and you simply cannot help but escape the stress of daily life when you retreat to picturesque Naples.

While you might expect a stuffy atmosphere and an off-putting level of snobbery from this region of Florida, Naples is actually quite welcoming and charming compared to its east coast counterpart. There are certainly sprawling waterfront mansions and upscale boutiques and restaurants, but the locals offset any of that upper-crust feel with a laid-back atmosphere that feeds off the abundant sunshine and swaying palm trees. Rather than flaunting their riches and success, the people here prefer to showcase their lovely tans and create an environment that is inviting to all.

To head to Naples means you are in search of something a little less family-oriented, where adult activities reign and children's attractions are scant. Although there is the Teddy Bear Museum and the Naples Zoo, this is a place for adults, and particularly couples, who want to surround themselves with the finer things in life and not have to worry about endless entertainment. A day in Naples may simply be spent strolling along 3rd Street South, window shopping or picking up a few art pieces, and then resting at a nearby café for a little people-watching. While this is perfect for a couple who wants to enjoy each other's company, it is not so great for a child who wants to be constantly amused.

Well-known for its wide selection of fine dining options, no trip to Southwest Florida is complete without a stop by some of Naples' best restaurants. If you are looking for an excellent steakhouse, Chops City Grill features some of the finest meats along with an upbeat atmosphere. Seafood lovers can rejoice at either the Bay House Restaurant, which offers not only delicious cuisine but also stunning views of Osprey Bay and the Cocohatchee Wildlife Preserve, or the Bayside Seafood Grill, where the sautéed pistachio snapper and oak-grilled mahi mahi are top-notch.

The good life is never-ending in Naples where beyond the exquisite cuisine and stellar boutique shopping lies some of the most picturesque and challenging golf courses in Florida. The two best courses, Calusa Pine Golf Course and Naples National Golf Course, are both private, so it certainly helps if you have a local friend who is a member at either one of them. However, there are also several excellent semi-private and public options to fill your itinerary, including any of the Lely courses, Tiburon at the Ritz Carlton, and the LaPlaya Beach and Golf Resort.

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Hotel Rooms Scarce as Miami Prepares for Super Bowl XLI

The greatest spectacle in American sports returns to South Florida as Miami makes final preparations to host Super Bowl XLI on February 4, 2007, when the top teams in the National Football Conference (NFC) and American Football Conference (AFC) will battle for the National Football League (NFL) championship. More than 125,000 people are expected to descend upon Miami for Super Bowl XLI and - just as Super Bowl tickets are a rare commodity these days - Miami area hotel rooms have been filling up fast and many top online hotel providers are already running low on inventory.

Approximately 90,000 hotel rooms are available throughout South Florida - from Miami to West Palm Beach. However, the NFL has already reserved approximately one out of five hotel rooms in South Florida to accommodate its staff and sponsors, as well as the media, for Super Bowl XLI. In addition, many Miami hotels have imposed a 3- to 4-night minimum stay during Super Bowl XLI week (and at least one luxury hotel in Miami has imposed a seven-night minimum!). Some hotels also have doubled - and in some cases tripled - their normal room rates for guests during Super Bowl XLI week.

Location is definitely a key consideration when you research the appropriate hotel to book during your stay in Miami for Super Bowl XLI. The Super Bowl itself will take place at Dolphin Stadium (the home field of the Miami Dolphins) in Miami Gardens, which lies 16 miles Northwest of downtown Miami. Therefore, Bal Harbour, Coconut Grove, Miami Beach (including bustling South Beach), downtown Miami and other Miami area locales provide easy access to Super Bowl XLI, while offering a myriad of recreational opportunities during your stay.

Super Bowl XLI will be the ninth Super Bowl hosted in Miami since 1968 and the fourth to be played at the 75,000-seat Dolphin Stadium. Annually the country's highest-rated TV program, Super Bowl XLI will be televised by CBS. Last year's telecast was watched by more than 141 million viewers. Pre-game activities begin at Dolphin Stadium at 5:40 PM Eastern Time with Prince set to perform during the Pepsi Super Bowl XLI Halftime Show. The Super Bowl returns to South Florida in 2010.

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Escape to the Old City: St. Augustine, Florida

As the temperature climbs, the mind drifts to thoughts of relaxing days spent by the ocean - white sand between your toes, a soothing lullaby created by the gentle surf, and the tranquil azure-blue water that seems to stretch infinitely before you. The appeal of the ocean is universal and beach vacations have been a favorite of travelers for generations. As pristine beaches become harder to find, St. Augustine remains absolutely beloved by travelers for one very simple reason - here you feel a sense of renewal and peace that can't be found anywhere else.

St. Augustine was discovered in 1513 when Juan Ponce de Leon, sailing along the Atlantic coast in search of the fabled fountain of youth, came ashore somewhere in the vicinity and claimed the continent for Spain. Nicknamed "The Old City," it is the oldest continually inhabited settlement in America - that's right, it was settled before the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock - and remains one of the most charming and quaint beach towns in America. In addition to its historical ties to the Spanish Empire, the town also boasts many remnants from the Flagler Era, when Henry Flagler's vision of a luxury resort community added marinas, golf courses, and luxury hotels to the landscape in the late 19th century.

Each day, the area's delightful historic district, with its cobblestone streets and its quaint cafes, bars, unique shops, and bed-and-breakfast inns, comes alive with locals and tourists setting out on foot to explore the multiple landmarks located in St. Augustine. Five you won't want to miss are:

* The Castillo De San Marcos, a national monument with an elaborate double draw-bridge entrance, has been both a mighty fort and a fearsome prison. An outstanding reminder of the power and might of the early Spanish empire in the New World, it is commonly referred to as "The Fort." The Castillo de San Marcos is entirely made of coquina, a virtually indestructible limestone comprised of seashells and coral, and took more than 23 years to complete. Since its completion in 1695, the monument has remained impenetrable to both enemy fire and violent pounding by hurricanes.

* The Casa Monica is once again a luxurious landmark hotel, blending contemporary pleasures with a legendary past. Built in 1888 and restored in 1999, the hotel offers visitors an inspired Spanish décor. Both elegant and opulent, the hotel surrounds guests with jewel-toned velvet, elaborate tapestries, and luminous chandeliers.

* Colonial Spanish Quarter, a living museum where costumed interpreters relive a time when St. Augustine was a remote outpost in the Spanish Empire, will interest both young and old. Visitors experience how families lived, how they grew and cooked their food, and how they tended their livestock in 1740 St. Augustine.

* The St. Augustine Lighthouse and Museum, built in 1874 and still in use by the U.S. Coast Guard, preserves the history of the St. Augustine Light Station and its associated maritime, coastal, and social history. Those daring to climb the 219 steps to the top of the lighthouse are rewarded was a spectacular 360-degree view of downtown St. Augustine and the beach areas.

* The Fountain of Youth, where Ponce de Leon used stone markers to draw out a cross whose center marked what he believed to be its exact location. The spring still flows and, whether seeking relief from the Florida heat or the secret to eternal youth, visitors are invited to sample to cool waters. The grounds also include a village that was home to the Timucua Indians for more than 1500 years, a planetarium where visitors journey through the night sky, and pathways that visitors can stroll idly while examining the native plants and historical artifacts along the way.

In addition to the charming waterfront reflecting the glories of Imperial Spain, St. Augustine has something for every member of your family. Children will enjoy the St. Augustine Alligator Farm, the only place in the world where 23 species of crocodile can be observed. Historic tours of the Old City are available in a myriad of forms. Visitors can choose to watch the world go by from a helicopter, open trolley, or horse-drawn carriage. If you're looking for something unique, those with an interest in the paranormal can even take a ghost tour of the city's historic attractions and cemeteries in an authentic hearse.

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