What floor do most hotels skip?

The floor most commonly skipped by hotels is the 13th floor. This widespread practice is rooted in a cultural aversion to the number 13, often associated with bad luck.

The Origins of the Omission

Hotels, like many other buildings and even elevator manufacturers, frequently bypass numbering a 13th floor due to a long-standing superstition known as triskaidekaphobia, the fear of the number 13. This phobia has historical and cultural roots, leading to a general perception that the number is unlucky or ominous.

To address this superstition and ensure guest comfort, many establishments make the decision to omit the 13th floor from their visible numbering. This strategic choice helps prevent potential discomfort or anxiety among superstitious guests, contributing to a more positive and welcoming environment.

How Floors Are Renumbered

When the 13th floor is skipped, the numbering typically proceeds directly from the 12th floor to the 14th floor. This renumbering can be found in hotels in both large urban centers and smaller towns globally.

Here's a common example of how floor numbers might appear in a hotel that skips the 13th floor:

In some instances, the actual physical space that would have been the 13th floor might still exist but be used for non-guest purposes, such as:

• Mechanical rooms: Housing essential building machinery.
• Storage areas: For hotel supplies or equipment.
• Administrative offices: Staff-only areas.

This practice reflects how cultural beliefs and superstitions can influence architectural design and operational decisions within the hospitality industry, prioritizing guest peace of mind over sequential numerical order.