Why Is The Number 13 Unlucky In Hotels?

Many people believe that the number 13 is unlucky, and this superstition has carried over into the hotel industry. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind this belief and the measures hotels take to accommodate guests who are afraid of the number 13.

What is Triskaidekaphobia?

The fear of the number 13 is known as triskaidekaphobia. This phobia is widespread and has been around for centuries. There are many theories as to why the number 13 is considered unlucky, but no one knows for sure.

Theories Behind the Unlucky Number 13

One theory is that there were 13 people at the Last Supper, and one of them, Judas, betrayed Jesus. This led to the crucifixion, which is considered a tragic event.
Another theory is that there were 13 steps leading up to the gallows in ancient Rome.
Some people believe that the number 13 is unlucky because it follows the number 12, which is considered a complete number (12 months in a year, 12 zodiac signs, 12 hours on a clock).

Hotels and the Number 13

Hotel owners and managers are well aware of the superstition surrounding the number 13. Many hotels choose to omit the 13th floor altogether, while others label it as the 14th floor. In fact, according to some studies, 66% of hotels in the UK do not have room number 13.

How to Accommodate Guests with Triskaidekaphobia

Hotels have various ways of accommodating guests who are afraid of the number 13. Some hotels offer a “lucky 14” room instead of a 13th-floor room. Others have a policy of not assigning room numbers that add up to 13 (such as 113 or 313).

Additionally, some hotels offer alternative therapies to help guests overcome their fear of the number 13. The Miraj Hammam Spa in Toronto, Canada, offers a “Triskaidekaphobia Treatment” that includes a massage, an exfoliating body scrub, and a foot massage. The treatment is designed to help guests “let go of their superstitions and embrace the number 13.”

Conclusion

The superstition surrounding the number 13 is deeply ingrained in many cultures around the world. While it may seem irrational to some, it is a very real fear for others. Hotels that are sensitive to their guests’ fears take measures to accommodate them, whether it’s omitting the 13th floor or offering alternative therapies to help them overcome their fear.

It is worth mentioning that some hotels do not subscribe to the superstition surrounding the number 13. The Burj Al Arab Jumeirah in Dubai, for example, has a 13th-floor restaurant called “Al Muntaha,” which means “The Ultimate” in Arabic. On the other hand, some hotels take the superstition very seriously. The MGM Grand Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas does not have a 13th floor or room number 13.

Remember, whether you believe in superstition or not, it is always important to be respectful of other people’s beliefs and fears.

People Also Asked

1. Why do hotels skip the 13th floor?

Many hotels skip the 13th floor due to the belief that the number 13 is unlucky. This superstition is known as triskaidekaphobia. The fear of the number 13 is so widespread that some buildings, including hotels, do not have a 13th floor. Instead, the floor is labeled as the 14th floor.

Many hotels skip the 13th floor due to the belief that the number 13 is unlucky
This superstition is known as triskaidekaphobia
Some buildings, including hotels, do not have a 13th floor. Instead, the floor is labeled as 14th floor

2. Are there any hotels that have a 13th floor?

Yes, there are some hotels that have a 13th floor. However, these hotels are rare and are usually smaller, independent hotels. Most major hotel chains, including Marriott, Hilton, InterContinental, Hyatt Hotels, and Best Western Hotels, skip the 13th floor due to the superstition surrounding the number 13.

There are some hotels that have a 13th floor, but they are rare and usually smaller, independent hotels
Most major hotel chains skip the 13th floor due to the superstition surrounding the number 13

3. Is the fear of the number 13 limited to hotels?

No, the fear of the number 13 is not limited to hotels. It is a widespread superstition that is found in many cultures around the world. In fact, the fear of the number 13 is so common that it has its own name: triskaidekaphobia. Many people avoid the number 13 and consider it to be unlucky.

The fear of the number 13 is not limited to hotels
It is a widespread superstition that is found in many cultures around the world
Many people avoid the number 13 and consider it to be unlucky

4. Are there any other hotel superstitions?

Yes, there are many hotel superstitions. For example, some hotels do not have a room number 666 because it is associated with the devil. Other hotels avoid the number 4 because it is considered unlucky in some cultures. Additionally, some hotels believe that placing a statue of a horse in the lobby will bring good luck.

Some hotels do not have a room number 666 because it is associated with the devil
Other hotels avoid the number 4 because it is considered unlucky in some cultures
Some hotels believe that placing a statue of a horse in the lobby will bring good luck

5. Can hotels accommodate special requirements?

Yes, hotels can accommodate special requirements. Many hotels offer amenities such as smoking rooms, pet-friendly rooms, cheap rooms, luxury rooms, casino hotels, and hourly hotels. Additionally, hotels offer a variety of amenities such as spas, balconies, kitchens, pools, saunas, gyms, tennis courts, and hot tubs. When booking a hotel, it is important to communicate any special requirements to the hotel staff in advance to ensure that your needs are met.

Hotels can accommodate special requirements such as smoking rooms, pet-friendly rooms, cheap rooms, luxury rooms, casino hotels, and hourly hotels
Hotels offer a variety of amenities such as spas, balconies, kitchens, pools, saunas, gyms, tennis courts, and hot tubs
It is important to communicate any special requirements to the hotel staff in advance to ensure that your needs are met