Have you ever noticed that many hotels do not have a 13th floor? It’s not uncommon for the elevator to go from floor 12 to floor 14. This is not a coincidence, but rather a superstition that has been around for decades. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind this phenomenon.
The Origins of the Superstition
It is worth mentioning that the fear of the number 13 is not a new concept. In fact, it has been around for centuries and is known as triskaidekaphobia. According to LiveScience.com, the superstition dates back to Norse mythology, where the god Loki was the 13th guest at a banquet, which ultimately led to the death of the god Balder.
Over time, this fear has evolved to include the belief that anything associated with the number 13 is unlucky. This includes Friday the 13th, which is considered to be one of the most unlucky days of the year.
Hotels and the Fear of the Number 13
Many hotels are aware of this superstition and take it seriously. Some hotels skip the 13th floor altogether, while others label it as the “M” floor, which stands for “maintenance” or “mezzanine.”
This fear is not limited to just the number 13. Some hotels also avoid using room numbers that contain the number 13. For example, they may skip room numbers 113, 213, 313, and so on.
The Impact on the Hotel Industry
Unfortunately, the fear of the number 13 can have a negative impact on the hotel industry. According to MagicTricks, there are some who find it difficult to sell rooms on the 14th floor, as many guests are aware that this is actually the 13th floor.
Furthermore, superstition can also be costly for hotels. According to Thomasnet.com, hotels may need to redesign their elevator systems or skip certain room numbers, which can be expensive.
Conclusion
So, there you have it – the reason why many hotels do not have a 13th floor. Whether you believe in the superstition or not, it is clear that it has had a significant impact on the hotel industry. From avoiding certain room numbers to redesigning elevator systems, hotels have had to go to great lengths to accommodate this fear.
On the other hand, it is important to remember that superstitions are just that – superstitions. While they may be deeply ingrained in our culture, there is no scientific evidence to support the idea that the number 13 is actually unlucky. So, the next time you stay in a hotel that skips the 13th floor, just remember that it’s all in the name of superstition!
People Also Asked
1. Why do some hotels skip the 13th floor?
Many hotels skip the 13th floor due to superstitious beliefs. The number 13 is considered unlucky in many cultures, and some people believe that having a 13th floor could bring bad luck to the hotel and its guests.
- Many hotels skip the 13th floor due to superstition
- The number 13 is considered unlucky in many cultures
- Some people believe that having a 13th floor could bring bad luck to the hotel and its guests
2. Do all hotels skip the 13th floor?
No, not all hotels skip the 13th floor. Some hotels choose to include the 13th floor, while others may skip other numbers that are considered unlucky in different cultures.
- Not all hotels skip the 13th floor
- Some hotels choose to include the 13th floor
- Others may skip other numbers that are considered unlucky in different cultures
3. What do hotels do with the space that would be the 13th floor?
Hotels that skip the 13th floor typically label the next floor as the 14th floor, even though it may physically be the 13th floor. The space that would have been the 13th floor is usually used for mechanical equipment or storage.
- Hotels label the next floor as the 14th floor
- The space that would have been the 13th floor is usually used for mechanical equipment or storage
4. Are there any other superstitious beliefs that hotels follow?
Yes, there are many other superstitious beliefs that hotels may follow. For example, some hotels may avoid using the room number 666, as it is associated with the devil. Others may avoid using the room number 4, as it is considered unlucky in some Asian cultures.
- Hotels may avoid using the room number 666, as it is associated with the devil
- Others may avoid using the room number 4, as it is considered unlucky in some Asian cultures
5. Can guests request to stay on the 13th floor?
It depends on the hotel’s policies. Some hotels may allow guests to request to stay on the 13th floor, while others may not have a 13th floor at all. Guests should check with the hotel before making a request.
- Some hotels may allow guests to request to stay on the 13th floor
- Others may not have a 13th floor at all
- Guests should check with the hotel before making a request
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