Friday, July 15, 2011

Superior Hotels You Never Get Tired Of

By Adriana Noton


Hotels were originally intended to provide short term lodging for travelers en route to business or pleasure activities. The first versions included the barest of necessities, while those of today provide comforts guests have at home. As a result some guests have stayed for decades without checking out.

The first hotel rooms consisted only of the bed, a table and chair, a cupboard, wash basin and a pitcher of water. Later community baths were available down the hall.

With the passage of time other amenities became available. New technological devices like a telephone, alarm clock, television, iron, coffee maker, hair dryer, air conditioner, and internet connection became available and were included as basic components. Luxury inns competed with their competitors by offering more.

Now they offer everything from gym equipment, spas, and swimming pools to child care, laundry, newspaper, and massage to beauty shops, meeting rooms, and live entertainment. Many include casinos. The Concierge is eager to assist with directions, advice, and arrangements.

As a result some guests have extended their stays at their preferred resorts or lodges for many years. Most anything that they might enjoy in their own home was available at the inn. The twenty-four hour a day staff and freedom from the normal chores and worries of home ownership like cleaning, yard work, and maintenance appeals to them. They are able to circumvent the purchase of all kinds of tools, equipment and supplies needed to furnish and operate a household. Shopping for cookware, vacuums, linens, and other items can be avoided. It may not even be necessary to buy a car.

These have been mostly people who have the means to pay for the convenience of having others waiting on them. Many have been actors who may have first become accustomed to this style of living while filming on location. Larry Fine of Three Stooges fame lived for years in hotels with his wife and raised his daughter there. British actor Richard Harris was a long term resident, Egyptian actor Ahmad Zaki lived his last 15 years there, and American actress Elaine Stritch lived for over a decade in one.

The novelist Vladimere Nabokov and his wife lived in one in Russia from 1961 until his death in 1977. The electrical inventor, Nicola Tesla resided there during the last decade of his life, and died there. Coco Chanel, the fashion designer resided there for more than three decades. General Douglas McArthur died there after a 14 year residence.

Jack Lyons, a British entrepreneur, lived in one for many years. Howard Hughes, the eccentric millionaire stayed in them during much of his life. In 1948 he spent $11 million at one for one year's lodging for him and his entourage. He lived the last ten years of his life as a recluse in various hotels in Beverly Hills, Las Vegas, Boston, London, Vancouver, Nicaragua, the Bahamas, and Mexico.

Today's hotels offer every amenity some people would expect in a permanent home. They afford a lifestyle that is free of any worry about household chores or home maintenance.




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