Hotels have evolved from years ago when they were a place to
get a night's sleep and then travel on, into a flourishing
array of amenities that entice people to spend their entire
vacations there.
During the California Gold Rush, luxurious hotels were built
to cater to those who struck it rich. Staying at the hotels
was a way of showing off one's success. Today, many of these
hotels have been renovated to re-create the original
atmospheres, only this time with modern conveniences. These
hotels give modern day visitors a small taste of what the
early settlers experienced. Not only the gold rush area, but
other areas of historical significance have explored the
advantages of re-creating the original atmospheres - an
activity that is a big boost to the tourist industry. It's
easy to understand how these hotels attract customers.
Hotels in the southern United States have restored the
gracious southern charm to their turn-of-the-century hotels,
presenting the original beauty and charm that people expect
from the south. Hotels in the north have also been renovated
to reflect the histories of the famous and infamous who
either spent time there or lived there.
Sometimes old hotels become haunted - or so the rumors (and
advertising) say. For those with a penchant for being
scared, there are ghostly hotels located in Louisville, KY;
Eureka Springs, AK; Groveland Park, CA; and of course, New
Orleans, LA. The ghost-infested Stanley Hotel in Estes Park,
CO inspired the book 'The Shining,' by Stephen King. And in
Europe you can find haunted hotels in Aberdeen, Scotland;
London, England; and Corwan, Wales. Can one really be scared
in a haunted hotel when surrounded by other curious
tourists?
The healing powers of natural hot springs have been a
powerful drawing card for many hotels for several centuries.
Around the world, from Hot Springs, Arkansas to Phuket,
Thailand, the stories of healing miracles from the hot
springs flow. Over the centuries, the healing powers do not
seem to diminish in most. In Arkansas, the Native Americans
would travel for many moons just experience the healing
waters. And today, people look for amenities such as spas or
proximity to a hot spring when selecting a hotel.
What attracts people to spend time at a particular hotel?
The activities are a strong influence, and guests have
options such as bird watching or nature tours, fishing,
hiking, golfing, and of course, skiing. Many hotels provide
professional instructors on their staff for many of these
sports so guests can improve their putt, or their fly
casting.
Some hotel guests prefer a more rustic style of vacation and
choose hotels that aren't overrun with modern technology. In
hotels like Old Faithful Lodge you can even sleep on a straw
mattress. The rustic hotels are just as popular as the more
luxuriously furnished ones, and help guests slow down and
enjoy nature and life and their family.
The beauty of a hotel vacation is the unique variety of
amenities that you can explore and enjoy. And, you can
probably find one that fits your personal desires without
having to travel across many states.
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