Hotels all around the world have been known to avoid having a 13th floor, even going so far as to skip from the 12th floor to the 14th. But why is this? What is the history behind this superstitious avoidance?
The History of the 13th Floor
The superstition of avoiding a 13th floor dates back to the late 19th century, when the idea of “unlucky 13” began to take hold in popular culture. This superstition was based on the belief that the number 13 was unlucky, and that it could bring bad luck to anyone who encountered it.
The superstition was so pervasive that it even made its way into the design of many buildings, including hotels. In fact, it’s believed that the first hotel to omit a 13th floor was the New Yorker Hotel in 1922, which skipped straight from the 12th floor to the 14th.
The Fear Behind the 13th Floor
The avoidance of a 13th floor is rooted in an age-old fear that it may bring bad luck or misfortune to anyone who encounters it, or anyone who stays in a room on the 13th floor. This fear often has its roots in religion or mythology, with some cultures believing that the number 13 is associated with evil or bad luck.
In some cases, the fear of the 13th floor is so strong that people will refuse to stay in a room on the 13th floor, or even in a building that has a 13th floor. This fear is so pervasive that some hotels have even done away with the concept of a 13th floor altogether, instead opting to go straight from the 12th floor to the 14th.
The Popularity of the 13th Floor
Despite its superstitious connotations, the 13th floor has become increasingly popular in recent years. In fact, some hotels have even embraced the concept of a 13th floor and have used it to their advantage, creating “lucky” rooms on the 13th floor or offering special deals or discounts for guests who stay in these rooms.
This newfound popularity has been driven by the fact that many people no longer believe in the superstitions associated with the number 13, and instead view it as a lucky number. As such, hotels have been able to capitalize on the positive connotations associated with the number 13 and offer special deals or discounts to guests who are willing to stay in rooms on the 13th floor.
Why Don't Hotels Have 13th Floors?
Despite its newfound popularity, many hotels still choose to avoid having a 13th floor. This is due to the fact that there are still many people who believe in the superstitions associated with the number 13, and who may choose to avoid staying in a hotel that has a 13th floor.
In addition, some hotels may be more concerned with the potential legal ramifications of having a 13th floor, as they may fear being sued by guests who claim to have suffered bad luck or misfortune due to staying in a room on the 13th floor.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When did the superstition of avoiding a 13th floor begin?
The superstition of avoiding a 13th floor dates back to the late 19th century, when the idea of “unlucky 13” began to take hold in popular culture.
2. What is the history behind the superstition of avoiding a 13th floor?
The superstition of avoiding a 13th floor is rooted in an age-old fear that it may bring bad luck or misfortune to anyone who encounters it, or anyone who stays in a room on the 13th floor. This fear often has its roots in religion or mythology, with some cultures believing that the number 13 is associated with evil or bad luck.
3. Is the 13th floor becoming increasingly popular?
Yes, the 13th floor has become increasingly popular in recent years. In fact, some hotels have even embraced the concept of a 13th floor and have used it to their advantage, creating “lucky” rooms on the 13th floor or offering special deals or discounts for guests who stay in these rooms.
4. What are the legal ramifications of having a 13th floor?
Some hotels may be more concerned with the potential legal ramifications of having a 13th floor, as they may fear being sued by guests who claim to have suffered bad luck or misfortune due to staying in a room on the 13th floor.
5. Why do some hotels choose to avoid having a 13th floor?
Some hotels choose to avoid having a 13th floor due to the fact that there are still many people who believe in the superstitions associated with the number 13, and who may choose to avoid staying in a hotel that has a 13th floor. In addition, some hotels may be more concerned with the potential legal ramifications of having a 13th floor, as they may fear being sued by guests who claim to have suffered bad luck or misfortune due to staying in a room on the 13th floor.
6. What is the origin of the superstition of avoiding a 13th floor?
The superstition of avoiding a 13th floor is believed to date back to the late 19th century, when the idea of “unlucky 13” began to take hold in popular culture. This superstition was based on the belief that the number 13 was unlucky, and that it could bring bad luck to anyone who encountered it.
7. What are some of the superstitions associated with the number 13?
Some of the superstitions associated with the number 13 include the belief that it is unlucky, or that it can bring bad luck or misfortune to anyone who encounters it. In addition, some cultures believe that the number 13 is associated with evil or bad luck.
8. What is the first hotel to omit a 13th floor?
The first hotel to omit a 13th floor is believed to be the New Yorker Hotel in 1922, which skipped straight from the 12th floor to the 14th.
9. Are there any hotels that embrace the concept of a 13th floor?
Yes, some hotels have embraced the concept of a 13th floor and have used it to their advantage, creating “lucky” rooms on the 13th floor or offering special deals or discounts for guests who stay in these rooms.
10. Are there any legal implications of having a 13th floor?
Yes, there are some potential legal ramifications of having a 13th floor, as some hotels may fear being sued by guests who claim to have suffered bad luck or misfortune due to staying in a room on the 13th floor.
11. Is the fear of the 13th floor still pervasive?
Yes, the fear of the 13th floor is still pervasive, and some people will refuse to stay in a room on the 13th floor, or even in a building that has a 13th floor.
12. Is the number 13 still believed to be unlucky?
For some people, yes, the number 13 is still believed to be unlucky, and they may choose to avoid staying in a hotel that has a 13th floor. However, for many people, the number 13 is no longer believed to be an unlucky number, and instead is seen as a lucky number.
13. What are some of the positive connotations associated with the number 13?
Some of the positive connotations associated with the number 13 include luck, good fortune, and prosperity. Many people now view the number 13 as a lucky number, and hotels have been able to capitalize on this by offering special deals or discounts for guests who stay in rooms on the 13th floor.
14. What is the purpose of avoiding a 13th floor?
The purpose of avoiding a 13th floor is to prevent guests from suffering bad luck or misfortune due to staying in a room on the 13th floor.
15. Do hotels offer any special deals or discounts for guests who stay in rooms on the 13th floor?
Yes, some hotels have been known to offer special deals or discounts for guests who stay in rooms on the 13th floor, as they are able to capitalize on the positive connotations associated with the number 13.
16. Are there any religious or mythological roots for the superstition of avoiding a 13th floor?
Yes, some of the superstitions associated with the number 13 have their roots in religion or mythology, with some cultures believing that the number 13 is associated with evil or bad luck.
17. Is the superstition of avoiding a 13th floor still strong?
Yes, the superstition of avoiding a 13th floor is still strong, and many people still believe in the superstitions associated with the number 13. As such, many hotels still choose to avoid having a 13th floor.