Does The Mirage Have a 13th Floor? Unraveling Hotel Superstitions
The quick and simple answer is: Yes, The Mirage in Las Vegas does have a 13th floor. While many hotels, particularly in the United States, avoid labeling or physically including a 13th floor due to superstition, The Mirage is not one of them. It’s crucial to note, however, that hotel policies can change over time, so always check with the specific hotel directly for the most up-to-date information.
Understanding the 13th Floor Superstition
The avoidance of the number 13, known as triskaidekaphobia, is a deeply ingrained superstition in Western cultures. This fear stems from various historical and religious beliefs, making the number 13 synonymous with bad luck. This superstition has significantly influenced architectural design, particularly in the hospitality industry.
Why Hotels Often Skip the 13th Floor
Many hotels choose to skip the 13th floor, renumbering it as the 14th floor or sometimes even as “12A.” This practice is a direct attempt to appease superstitious guests and avoid any potential negative experiences associated with the “unlucky” number. It’s a simple way to avoid alienating a significant portion of the population.
The Mirage: A Casino That Gambles on the 13th Floor
While many Las Vegas casinos and hotels adhere to this superstition, The Mirage stands apart by including and acknowledging its 13th floor. This could be attributed to various factors, including the ownership’s philosophy, design choices, or a simple disregard for the superstition. It’s a testament to the fact that not all establishments bow to the fear of the number 13. Other hotels in Las Vegas, like the MGM Grand, Excalibur, Luxor, Park MGM, and Circus Circus also have a 13th floor.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into Hotel Superstitions and Design
Here are some frequently asked questions to further explore the topic of hotel superstitions, architectural design, and the rationale behind omitting or including the 13th floor.
FAQ 1: What is Triskaidekaphobia?
Triskaidekaphobia is the fear of the number 13. It’s a specific phobia where individuals experience anxiety, distress, or fear when confronted with the number 13 in any context.
FAQ 2: Why Do Buildings Sometimes Skip the 13th Floor?
Buildings, including hotels, hospitals, and residential buildings, often skip the 13th floor to cater to people with triskaidekaphobia. This is primarily a business decision aimed at attracting and retaining customers who may be uncomfortable staying on or near a floor labeled “13.”
FAQ 3: Does Skipping the 13th Floor Actually Work?
While there’s no scientific evidence to prove that skipping the 13th floor reduces bad luck, it can provide peace of mind for superstitious individuals. By eliminating the perceived source of anxiety, hotels can create a more comfortable and welcoming environment for their guests.
FAQ 4: Are There Other Numbers Considered Unlucky in Hotels?
Yes, in some cultures, other numbers are also considered unlucky. For example, in Chinese culture, the number 4 is often avoided because its pronunciation is similar to the word for “death.” You may find that hotels catering to Asian clientele will avoid using this number.
FAQ 5: Do All Hotels in Las Vegas Skip the 13th Floor?
No, not all hotels in Las Vegas skip the 13th floor. As mentioned, The Mirage, MGM Grand, Excalibur, Luxor, Park MGM, and Circus Circus are among the hotels that acknowledge its existence. However, it’s always best to confirm directly with the specific hotel before booking.
FAQ 6: Do Hotels Only Avoid the Number 13 for Floors?
Hotels may avoid using the number 13 in various other ways, such as for room numbers, conference rooms, and even gate numbers. The goal is to eliminate the potentially unlucky number from any aspect of the guest experience.
FAQ 7: What Percentage of People Are Bothered by a 13th Floor Room Assignment?
According to a 2007 USA Today article, approximately 13% of Gallup Poll respondents stated that they would be bothered by a 13th-floor room assignment. This demonstrates a notable segment of the population is affected by this superstition.
FAQ 8: Is It Just a Western Superstition?
While the fear of the number 13 is prominent in Western cultures, superstitions surrounding numbers exist in various cultures worldwide. The specifics and origins of these superstitions differ, but the underlying principle of associating certain numbers with good or bad luck is widespread.
FAQ 9: How Does This Superstition Affect Architectural Design?
Architects and developers must consider these superstitions during the design phase. This can influence the numbering of floors, rooms, and even the overall layout of the building. Addressing these concerns can significantly impact the marketability of the property.
FAQ 10: Do Elevators Always Reflect the Actual Floor Numbering?
Not always. Many elevators will skip the number 13 on the floor selection panel, even if the building technically has a 13th floor. The button labeled “14” will often take you to the actual 13th floor.
FAQ 11: Why Do Some Hotels Also Avoid Room Number 420?
Some hotels are starting to avoid room number 420 due to its association with cannabis culture. April 20th (4/20) is celebrated as an international holiday for marijuana enthusiasts, and hotels want to discourage any related activities on their premises.
FAQ 12: Are There Haunted Attractions Called “Thirteenth Floor”?
Yes, Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group is the world’s largest Halloween-themed entertainment company, with over 15 haunted house locations across the country. This plays on the number’s association with fear and the supernatural.
FAQ 13: What Other Numbers Are Considered Unlucky?
Besides 4 and 13, other numbers can be considered unlucky in different cultures. In Italy, the number 17 is sometimes seen as unlucky. The Games Learning Society studies how such cultural nuances can influence design decisions.
FAQ 14: Why Do Hotels Have Bibles in the Rooms?
The Gideons International began placing Bibles in hotel rooms to provide comfort and solace to travelers. It’s a tradition that has continued for many years, offering a familiar source of spiritual guidance for guests.
FAQ 15: What Floor Is Considered the Safest in a Hotel?
According to some safety experts, hotel rooms on the third or fourth floor are considered safest. Rooms below the second floor may be vulnerable to break-ins, while higher floors may be difficult to reach in case of a fire.
By exploring these frequently asked questions, we gain a comprehensive understanding of the superstition surrounding the 13th floor and its influence on the hotel industry.