Archive · 25 Jul 2026
Hotels Skip 13th Floor Due to Superstition
Many hotels don't have a 13th floor because of a long-standing superstition called triskaidekaphobia.
This fear of the number 13 comes from various traditions, including Christian and Norse mythology.
In Christian tradition, 13 people were at the Last Supper, and one of them, Judas Iscariot, betrayed Jesus.
In Norse mythology, the 13th guest at a banquet caused the death of a beloved god.
Over time, this superstition became popular, especially with the story of Friday the 13th.
Hotels skip the 13th floor to make guests feel more comfortable, even though there's no law requiring it.
Different cultures have different unlucky numbers, like the number 4 in China and 17 in Italy.
Hotels often skip the 13th floor due to the superstition known as triskaidekaphobia.
The superstition originates from a mix of religious traditions, mythology, and cultural beliefs.
Christian tradition associates the number 13 with Judas Iscariot's betrayal of Jesus.
Norse mythology links the number 13 to the death of the god Baldr.
The superstition gained popularity through literature and media, especially Friday the 13th.
Hotels rename the 13th floor to accommodate customer preferences, with no legal requirement to do so.
Different cultures have different unlucky numbers, such as 4 in China and 17 in Italy.
- Who
- Hotels and property developers
- What
- Skipping the 13th floor due to superstition
- When
- The superstition has been around for centuries, with modern practices in place today
- Where
- Most common in North America, also found in Europe, Australia, and parts of Asia
- Why
- To accommodate customer preferences and avoid the number associated with bad luck
Practical Business Decision
Superstitious Belief
Reason for Skipping 13th Floor
Practical Business Decision
Hotels skip the 13th floor to accommodate customer preferences and avoid potential discomfort or avoidance by guests.
Superstitious Belief
The 13th floor is skipped due to the long-standing superstition known as triskaidekaphobia, which associates the number 13 with bad luck.
- Superstition Name
- Triskaidekaphobia
- Origin of Superstition
- Combination of religious traditions, mythology, folklore, and cultural beliefs
- Christian Association
- 13 people at the Last Supper, including Judas Iscariot's betrayal
- Norse Mythology Association
- Loki's arrival as the 13th guest leading to Baldr's death
- Popular Culture Influence
- Friday the 13th gained prominence through literature and media
- Common Practice in Hotels
- Renaming the 13th floor as the 14th or 12A
- Cultural Variations
- Different cultures avoid different numbers (e.g., 4 in China, 17 in Italy)