History of the Accommodations Industry

History of Accommodations

• Early roadside inns developed due to improvements in European societies' security, making travel safer.
• The Industrial Revolution and the development of spas led to the rise of seaport inns.
• America's first hotels were seaport inns, with examples like Manhattan's Fraunces Tavern.

Development of Hotels

• The public stagecoach appeared in the mid-17th century, with coach service established by innkeepers to attract business.
• The rapid development of railways in the 1820s and 1830s led to the development of roadside hotels.
• The automobile industry led to the establishment of the motor hotel or motel.
• Advances in air transportation led to increased demand for more hotel space and specialized accommodations.

Hotel Chains

• Ellsworth Statler was the first hotel chain pioneer in the United States.
• Hilton Corporation is the most famous name in the history of deluxe hotels.
• The Sheraton chain, founded by Ernest Henderson, is now owned by the International Telephone and Telegraph Company (ITTI).

Youth Hostels

• The first youth hostel was conceived in 1909 by a German elementary school teacher.
• Over 2,000 youth hostels were established in Germany in 1930, and the first hostel in the U.S. was established in 1934.

Hotel Classification

• Hotels can be classified by location (center-city, suburban, airport, highway), guest type (commercial, conventions, resort), and price (economy, standard, first class, deluxe).
• Independent guides use stars, dots, and alphabetical indicators to rate hotels based on physical structure, furnishings, maintenance, housekeeping, and service.

Lodging Industry Organization

• The lodging industry is divided into seven major divisions: personnel, engineering and maintenance, accounting, security, food and beverage, marketing and sales, and room division.
• Each division has specific responsibilities, such as recruiting and administering policies, repairs and maintenance, financial activities, security, food and beverage service, and room management.

The Development of Resort Hotels

• The popularity of sun vacations in the 1960s led to the development of resort hotels.
• Resort hotels often feature additional amenities, such as glass-covered elevators, atrium lobbies, restaurants and bars, functional meeting rooms, and recreational opportunities.

Overseas Expansion of American Chains

• Hilton International opened its first hotel in San Juan, Puerto Rico in 1949, followed by several properties in other European countries.

Types of Accommodations

• Hotels can range from 10-room boarding houses to large buildings with multiple rooms, convention and meeting facilities, recreation facilities, 24-hour room service, restaurants, bars, and various entertainment options.
• Motels or motor hotels typically offer rooms and free parking, located along busy highways and catering to transient and cost-conscious travelers.
• Resort hotels are designed for vacation travelers, ranging from budget to luxury, and offer more amenities, shops, and recreation opportunities.
• Pensions are mostly family-owned accommodation facilities, known for their informal family atmosphere.