Embassy Suites - Tulsa, OK

The History of Hotels in America - Part 1 of 3

The modern hotel as we know it has evolved dramatically over time.  The roots of the hotel lie in the tavern and inn.  Originally a resting place for travelers, these inns were essentially a place for food and drink with shared sleeping areas.  Because of the sleeping arrangements and conditions, these places were normally used only by men.  Early inns were first used thousands of years ago, when the Romans built huge networks of roads.  These roads resulted in travelers, which in turn created the need for shelter and food.
 
The inns were used as more than just a rest stop.  In America, they served as a meeting place for politicians and businessmen, turning it into an informal town hall.  Events such as the Boston Tea Party and the American Revolution had their start in inns and taverns.
 
In America, the first modern hotel as we know it was built in New York in 1794.  Called the "City Hotel", it was a 4-story 73 room building.  It was the first building in the United States constructed specifically as a "hotel", which combined private boarding with food and entertainment accommodations.  This proved immensely popular, and within a short time, dedicated hotels could be found in every major US city.