Hotel Industry History and Milestones

London is often credited as the birthplace of the modern hotel industry, with the opening of the Brown's Hotel in 1837.

The Tremont House in Boston, Massachusetts, was the first hotel to use the term "hotel" in its name when it opened in 1829.

César Ritz is considered the father of the modern hotel industry for his pioneering work in establishing high standards of service and luxury at his hotels.

The Waldorf Astoria in New York City was the first hotel to introduce room service in 1893.

The Plaza in New York City was the first hotel to install a swimming pool in 1907.

The Statler Hotel in Buffalo, New York, was the first hotel to introduce air conditioning in 1942.

The Hilton Hotel in Chicago, Illinois, was the first hotel to install a television in every room in 1947.

The Ritz in Paris, France, was the first hotel to introduce the concept of a concierge in 1899.

The Hilton Hotel in Chicago, Illinois, was the first hotel to offer a loyalty program in 1959.

The Blakes Hotel in London, England, is credited with introducing the concept of a boutique hotel in 1978.

The Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, was the first hotel to offer a spa in 1913.

The Westin Bonaventure Hotel in Los Angeles, California, was the first hotel to introduce the concept of a fitness center in 1976.

The Hyatt Regency Atlanta in Atlanta, Georgia, was the first hotel to offer a business center in 1979.

The Peninsula New York in New York City was the first hotel to introduce the concept of a rooftop bar in 1988.

The Marriott Marquis Houston in Houston, Texas, was the first hotel to offer a virtual reality experience in 2016.