What is the oldest surviving hotel?

The oldest surviving hotel in the world is Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan, located in Hayakawa, Japan. Established in 705 AD, it boasts an incredibly rich history spanning over 13 centuries. This family-run ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) offers a unique glimpse into Japan’s past, with its stunning traditional architecture and serene onsen (hot spring) experience. While maintaining its historical charm, the hotel provides modern amenities to ensure a comfortable stay. Booking well in advance is highly recommended due to its popularity and limited availability. Its longevity is a testament to its enduring appeal and commitment to hospitality, making it a must-visit for history buffs and those seeking an authentic Japanese experience. Expect exquisite traditional Japanese cuisine alongside your stay. The location itself, nestled in the mountains, offers breathtaking natural beauty.

What’s the longest you can live in a hotel?

The maximum stay in a hotel is a surprisingly fluid concept. While the common wisdom points to a 28-30 day limit before mandatory checkout, that’s a simplification. It heavily relies on both the hotel’s internal policies and local regulations, which vary wildly.

Extended Stays: Navigating the System

Extended-stay hotels: These are designed for long-term stays, often offering weekly or monthly rates and in-room amenities like kitchenettes. This is the most practical route for longer periods.
Negotiation is key: Don’t be afraid to discuss your needs with the hotel management. A friendly approach and a reasonable explanation for a longer stay—business travel, renovations at home, etc.—can often yield favorable results. Think of it as building a relationship.
Legal loopholes (use with caution): In some locations, there are subtle differences between “temporary lodging” and “permanent residency” which may influence the application of various laws and hotel policies. Consult with a legal professional to navigate these complexities.

Beyond the 30-Day Mark: The “check-out and check-back-in” strategy, while seemingly simple, can be inefficient and potentially risky. The hotel may not have availability upon your return, especially during peak seasons. Your rate may also change significantly with each booking.

Documentation: Always obtain written confirmation of any extended stay arrangements. This protects you from unexpected charges or evictions.
Rate consistency: Before committing to this method, clarify whether the rate will remain the same upon re-booking.
Building rapport: Frequent stays at the same hotel can be advantageous. A positive relationship with the staff can significantly impact their willingness to accommodate your needs.

In short: Thirty days is a guideline, not a hard and fast rule. Flexibility, clear communication, and a bit of savvy negotiation can significantly extend your hotel stay.

What is the largest abandoned hotel in the world?

The title of “world’s largest abandoned hotel” often gets thrown around, but the Ryugyong Hotel in Pyongyang, North Korea, strongly contends for the crown. This 330-meter (1,080-foot) behemoth is a truly striking sight, a massive, unfinished pyramid piercing the Pyongyang skyline. Its name, translating to “capital of willows,” reflects a historical moniker for the city itself.

Construction began in 1987, with ambitious plans to make it a luxury hotel, showcasing North Korea to the world. However, funding issues, along with the economic hardships following the collapse of the Soviet Union, brought the project to a standstill in the early 1990s, leaving it a skeletal giant for years. The exterior was finally completed in 2011, with the addition of glass panels, changing its appearance significantly. Despite this, the interior remains largely unfinished, and the hotel remains unoccupied.

Visiting the Ryugyong Hotel is, sadly, impossible for most tourists. North Korea’s highly restricted travel policies make independent exploration out of the question. Organized tours may visit Pyongyang, but the Ryugyong Hotel is typically not part of the standard itinerary. This adds to its enigmatic allure, transforming the unfinished structure into a potent symbol of ambition, stalled progress, and the secrecy that surrounds the country.

Intriguingly, there’s a lot of speculation surrounding its future. While officially still slated to be a hotel, its actual purpose and eventual completion remain uncertain. Many travel enthusiasts dream of the day it might open its doors, offering a unique, albeit potentially surreal, glimpse into North Korea.

Getting to Pyongyang, even for organized tours, requires careful planning and adherence to strict visa requirements. This makes the Ryugyong Hotel an incredibly elusive travel goal, further fueling its legend.

Can a hotel legally kick you out?

Hotels can legally remove guests, but the specifics depend heavily on local laws and the length of your stay. If your stay is short-term, a hotel generally retains the right to ask you to leave for various reasons, from disruptive behavior to non-payment. However, the situation changes significantly if you’ve been residing in a hotel for an extended period – typically exceeding 30 days in many jurisdictions, including California. In such cases, you’re often considered a tenant under local tenancy laws, granting you more protection.

In California, for instance, after 30 days, you gain tenant rights. While your landlord (the hotel) still has the power to evict, they can’t do so arbitrarily. They must follow specific legal procedures, often needing a justifiable reason and proper notice. This is a crucial distinction for long-term travelers or those facing unexpected circumstances, potentially needing extended hotel stays. The 30-day threshold is not universal; other states have different regulations, potentially longer or shorter periods, before temporary housing converts to tenancy. Always check the specific laws of your location before committing to a longer-term hotel stay.

Always review the hotel’s terms and conditions carefully before booking, especially if you anticipate a longer stay. Understand your rights and responsibilities as a guest, and be aware that exceeding a certain length of stay might transform your status from guest to tenant.

Note: This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult with a legal professional for advice specific to your situation and location.

Can you live in a hotel and pay monthly?

Yes, absolutely! Many hotel chains, beyond Choice Hotels, cater to extended stays, offering significant savings compared to nightly rates. Think of it as “apartment living with hotel services.” Extended-stay hotels frequently provide kitchenettes or full kitchens, allowing you to prepare your own meals, a huge cost-saver, especially during long trips. I’ve found this particularly beneficial in countries like Japan, where eating out constantly can quickly drain your budget. The savings often outweigh the slightly higher initial nightly cost of an extended-stay option. Negotiation is key. Don’t be afraid to ask for a monthly rate, even if it’s not explicitly advertised. I’ve successfully negotiated lower rates by booking a longer stay upfront or by paying in full at check-in. Finally, consider location – proximity to public transport can further reduce your overall expenses. Think beyond the major chains; independent extended-stay hotels can often provide even more competitive monthly rates, particularly in less tourist-heavy locations.

Pro-tip: Research thoroughly! Compare prices across different platforms and contact hotels directly. Always check reviews for cleanliness and amenities relevant to longer stays (reliable Wi-Fi, laundry facilities are essential!).

What cursed hotel never had a guest?

The Ryugyong Hotel in Pyongyang, North Korea – a chilling testament to ambition gone awry. This colossal, 3,000-room behemoth, a truly unsettling sight piercing the city’s often dreary skyline, stands as a stark reminder of unrealized dreams and arguably, questionable architectural choices. Its distinctive triangular design, while visually striking from afar, has drawn much criticism for its lack of functionality and inherent structural issues.

Why no guests? Construction began in 1987, initially projected for completion in 1989. However, a combination of factors, including financial difficulties, engineering problems, and perhaps a touch of hubris, led to a lengthy, almost two-decade-long hiatus. The project stalled, leaving behind a skeletal structure that was only finally clad in glass in the mid-2000s.

While officially it’s been suggested the hotel is now open, or partially open, to guests, independent verification remains elusive. Many consider the reports of guest occupancy dubious at best. My research suggests that any occupancy figures are highly speculative and remain unconfirmed.

Some interesting facts:

Its height makes it one of the tallest buildings in North Korea.
The exterior is primarily glass, giving it a somewhat imposing presence.
Construction was reportedly hampered by the collapse of the Soviet Union, a key financial backer.
It’s a symbol of North Korea’s ambitious (but sometimes unrealistic) development plans.

My verdict? The Ryugyong isn’t a hotel in the conventional sense. It’s a fascinating, unsettling, and arguably cautionary tale of grand designs that met reality’s harsh limitations, a monument to ambition untethered to practicality. A truly unique and memorable (albeit somewhat unsettling) sight, if you ever find yourself within viewing distance in Pyongyang.

How much is it a month to live in a hotel?

Monthly hotel costs can easily reach $4,000-$6,000, and that’s before meals! Forget room service – pack your own lightweight, high-energy snacks for those trail-ready mornings. Always negotiate for long-term discounts; it’s crucial for budget-conscious adventurers.

Consider these cost-saving tips for the budget-minded hiker:

Location, location, location: Prices vary wildly. Hotels near popular tourist traps will be far pricier than those a bit further out. Consider using your downtime to explore less-visited areas.
Travel during the off-season: Avoid peak tourist times for significantly lower rates. Shoulder seasons (spring and fall) often offer a great balance between pleasant weather and affordable accommodation.
Embrace budget-friendly hotel chains: Many offer surprisingly comfortable options without the premium price tag. Look for deals and package offers.
Utilize rewards programs: If you travel frequently, loyalty programs can accumulate points for free nights or upgrades.

While a hotel pool is tempting after a long hike, remember that many gyms offer day passes or affordable memberships. This allows you to access facilities without the hefty hotel price. Prioritize experiences over luxury amenities when possible.

Think about these alternatives:

Hostels: Significantly cheaper than hotels, offering a chance to meet fellow travelers.
Airbnb: Provides a more local experience and often offers kitchens for self-catering, reducing food costs.
Camping: The ultimate budget option for the adventurous spirit. Connect with nature and save a fortune.

Why is there no room 420 in hotels?

Ever wondered why some hotels skip room 420? It’s not about bad luck; it’s about weed. In Colorado, the first US state to legalize recreational marijuana, hotels faced a unique problem: souvenir hunters.

The 420 phenomenon: 420 is cannabis culture code, and room number signs became highly sought-after trophies. Some hotels resorted to extreme measures to prevent theft.

Number stenciling: Instead of traditional numbered plaques, some hotels started stenciling the number 420 directly onto the door. This made stealing the sign impossible, saving the hotel money on replacements and the hassle of managing stolen property. A truly resourceful approach to property management, especially given the high turnover in many hotels.
Alternative room numbering: Other hotels simply avoided the number 420 altogether, creating a gap in their numbering sequence, a subtle but effective solution to avoid the issue altogether. Similar to how some buildings skip the 13th floor, this is a practical approach to loss prevention. Think of it as a form of strategic hotel resource management.

This is a great example of how even seemingly minor issues in the hospitality industry can have significant operational implications. It also highlights the unexpected challenges faced by businesses in adapting to changing social norms and legal frameworks, especially in industries as fast-paced and customer-focused as hospitality.

Beyond hotels: This isn’t limited to hotels. Think about the logistical challenges of managing this type of souvenir theft in other high-traffic areas with potentially high replacement costs. A similar issue may arise if a unique numbered landmark were ever created or discovered.

Is there a limit to how long you can live in a hotel?

There’s no single answer to how long you can reside in a hotel. It’s a complex issue hinging on both the hotel’s internal policies and local ordinances. While some hotels explicitly limit stays – often to a month or so – others don’t impose such restrictions. Many upscale hotels cater to extended stays, even offering discounted rates for longer bookings. However, prolonged stays often trigger different pricing structures, moving away from nightly rates and into weekly or monthly contracts. These longer-term arrangements frequently include additional services like housekeeping frequency adjustments.

Crucially, local laws play a significant role. Many cities have zoning regulations that prevent hotels from functioning as permanent residences. These regulations are often enforced to prevent overcrowding or strain on local infrastructure. Therefore, even if a hotel is willing to accommodate a long-term guest, local authorities might intervene. Successfully navigating extended hotel stays requires thorough research. Contacting both the hotel directly and local authorities to clarify regulations is highly recommended. Be prepared to provide a convincing reason for your extended stay, as hotels naturally prefer guests with shorter stays for optimal occupancy.

Don’t underestimate the hidden costs. While daily rates might seem manageable, prolonged stays rack up expenses for laundry, food, and entertainment, quickly surpassing what most people expect. Consider the overall financial implications, especially if you’re not factoring in amenities provided by a typical home. In short, while technically possible, prolonged hotel living is rarely straightforward, requiring meticulous planning and a well-defined strategy.

Why do hotels not have room 666?

The absence of room 666 in many hotels isn’t just a quirky superstition; it’s a globally recognized phenomenon rooted in the Book of Revelation, where 666 is associated with the “beast” and, consequently, Satan. This number carries significant cultural weight, far beyond the Christian faith. In many parts of Asia, for instance, the number 4 is considered unlucky, often omitted from building numbering or floor designations. Similarly, the Western aversion to 666 is so widespread that hotels, aiming to maximize occupancy and avoid potential negative associations, simply skip it. This isn’t limited to hotels; you’ll find this avoidance in building numbering, apartment complexes, and even street addresses in various countries I’ve visited. The practice reflects a broader global understanding of numerology and the power of perception; a seemingly small detail like room numbering can impact guest experience and even booking rates. The impact of such seemingly minor cultural nuances can be significant in the hospitality industry, demonstrating the importance of catering to diverse beliefs and superstitions in creating a welcoming atmosphere.

Why do hospitals skip room 13?

Hospitals, like many high-rise buildings, often skip the 13th floor. This isn’t some quirky urban legend – it’s a practical matter tied to triskaidekaphobia, the fear of the number 13. Imagine building a massive hospital; you’re dealing with significant investment and potentially sensitive patients. A superstitious building owner might avoid the number 13 to prevent potential issues.

But there’s more to it than just superstition:

Marketing and tenant relations: Avoiding the 13th floor can improve the perceived value of the building. It might seem trivial, but a smooth, uninterrupted floor numbering system projects a sense of order and calm, especially beneficial in a healthcare environment.
Practical considerations: While less common than superstition, renumbering floors can reduce confusion for staff, visitors, and emergency services.

Think of it like this: during a challenging mountain climb, you wouldn’t want unnecessary obstacles. A seemingly small issue like superstitious floor numbering might escalate into larger problems like staff dissatisfaction, negative reviews, or even difficulty with emergency response. Skipping the 13th floor is simply avoiding a potentially avoidable “summit” challenge, allowing everyone to focus on the real priorities – patient care.

Beyond hospitals, this phenomenon is widespread:

Many hotels omit a 13th floor.
Some skyscrapers skip the 13th floor to avoid potential issues with leasing to businesses or residential occupants.

Why is there no room 313 in hotels?

The absence of room 313, or sometimes even the entire 13th floor, in many hotels isn’t a design flaw; it’s a calculated concession to triskaidekaphobia, the fear of the number 13. This isn’t just a quirky superstition; it’s a significant factor in hospitality and real estate. Many believe that the number 13 is inherently unlucky, stemming from various cultural and historical interpretations, most notably the Last Supper.

The business of avoiding bad luck: Hotels, aiming to maximize occupancy and avoid potential lost revenue from guests avoiding the unlucky number, often skip it entirely. This practice isn’t limited to room numbering; you might also find missing 13th floors or even 13th streets in some cities. The reasoning is simple: avoiding even the perception of bad luck is considered good business.

It’s not just hotels. This phenomenon extends across various industries. Think about airplane seat numbering, building floor plans, or even the layout of some office complexes. The avoidance of the number 13 represents a fascinating intersection of cultural belief and commercial practicality.

Beyond the 13th floor: Global variations: While the number 13 is prominent in Western cultures, other numbers hold superstitious significance in different parts of the world. For example, the number 4 is often avoided in East Asian cultures due to its phonetic similarity to the word for “death.” This highlights the diverse ways cultural beliefs shape the built environment and consumer experiences globally. So, your next trip might reveal even more interesting omissions than just the missing 13th floor – perhaps a skipped fourth floor or some other number deemed unlucky in the local culture.

Practical Implications for Travelers: While generally understood, being aware of this practice is helpful. If you’re booking a hotel room and notice a gap in the numbering sequence, you now understand the likely reason. Similarly, navigating a building with a missing floor number might not cause confusion now that you’ve gained insight into this common practice.

Room Numbering: Hotels often skip room numbers containing “13,” leading to jumps in sequential numbering.
Floor Numbering: Entire floors are sometimes omitted, most commonly the 13th floor, and often renumbered as 14.
International Variations: Similar practices exist in different cultures, though the unlucky number varies.

Why is there no 4th floor?

Ever wondered why some buildings seem to skip a floor? It’s more common than you think, especially in Asia. The absence of a 4th floor often stems from cultural beliefs surrounding the number four.

The Number Four and Death: A Cultural Superstition

In Mandarin, Cantonese, and several other Asian languages, the pronunciation of “four” sounds remarkably similar to the word for “death.” This linguistic connection has led to a widespread superstition associating the number four with bad luck and even death itself. This isn’t limited to just hotels; you might find it in residential buildings, office blocks, and even hospital floor numbering.

Beyond the Fourth Floor: Other Number Superstitions

While the number four is the most prevalent, other numbers can also be skipped or rearranged. For instance, the number 13 is avoided in many Western cultures, so you might find a 12A or 14 instead of a 13th floor in Western hotels or buildings.
Certain floor numbers might be considered lucky, leading to their duplication. You might encounter two “8th floors” in a building because eight (in some Asian languages) sounds like “prosperity” or “wealth.”

Practical Implications for Travelers

Be Aware: When staying in a hotel in Asia, don’t be surprised if your room key says “Floor 5” when you’re actually on what you’d intuitively consider the fourth floor.
Don’t Panic: This is a perfectly normal practice rooted in cultural beliefs, and it doesn’t reflect any building code violations or safety concerns.
Embrace the Culture: Understanding these customs adds another layer of appreciation for the rich cultural tapestry of your travel destination.

Beyond Asia: Global Variations

It’s important to remember that number superstitions vary across cultures. While the avoidance of the number four is prevalent in many parts of Asia, other regions have their own unique beliefs about lucky and unlucky numbers, leading to similar numbering anomalies in buildings worldwide.