RESEARCH PLATE

I. HISTORY

A. The beginning
The general public was not able to enjoy leisure travel before the eighteenth
century. Lack of time and money paired with bad transportation and a general
lack of amenities to make traveling something that was required rather than
something that was desired. However, the origin of the concept of resort can be
traced back from the Romans. It's from them where public baths were introduced.
It was a facility of relaxation and socialization. Other amenities were also
included in a typical structure of the Roman`s public bath such as sports
amenities, shops, and restaurants which mainly served as socialization areas.
Lodging and accommodation were not yet introduced during this time since the
public bath was only a local relaxation facility. It was mainly used by Romans just
to lessen their tiredness after their work.

B. THE RISE OF RESORT HOTEL

Basically the roman`s bath relaxation purpose evolved into healing service
because of Colin Le Loup, a Belgian Iron Master. During A.D. 1326 he was cured
from his long-term illness by the iron-reach water of a spring near Liege. As an
act of gratitude, he built a shelter there for the others to use the healing power of
the spring. Thus, the introduction of a spa which means fountain.

In the 19th century, the popularity of spas surged, particularly among the affluent,
prompting a demand for more exclusive and private facilities. This demand
catalyzed the growth of the Swiss resort industry. Before the advent of railways,
guests undertook arduous journeys over rudimentary roads to reach these
destinations. Once arrived, they sought to maximize their investment by staying
for extended periods, sometimes up to two months.

One notable development in this burgeoning industry was the Hotel Baur au Lac,
established by Johannes Baur in 1844 in Zurich. Through several expansions
and ultimately a complete rebuild, Baur innovatively designed the hotel to face
Lake Lucerne, recognizing the allure of scenic views for guests. This move
marked a departure from the convention of hotels facing the town, setting a
precedent still followed today.

Initially renowned as a summer retreat, Switzerland saw a pivotal shift in 1860

when English visitors were persuaded to stay during the winter months. This
period introduced winter sports such as skiing and tobogganing, diversifying the
attractions beyond traditional summer activities like skating. While the promise of
health treatments initially drew guests, the resorts' appeal ultimately lay in the
social activities meticulously organized by management.

An illustrative example of this trend is the transformation of the Bains de Monaco

into Le Mont Charles (later Monte Carlo) in 1863. Operating during the winter
when conventional summer resorts were closed, it offered guests year-round
entertainment, notably gambling. Despite the overt focus on health cures, it was
the allure of gambling that underpinned the resort's enduring success.

In summary, the rise of spas fueled by affluent demand led to the emergence of
the Swiss resort industry, characterized by extended stays, innovative designs,
and diverse recreational activities. While health treatments initially drew guests, it
was the carefully curated social experiences, often centered around gambling,
that solidified the resorts' popularity and longevity.

On the other hand, the emergence of resorts in the United States parallels the
development of similar establishments in Europe, primarily centered around
spas. During the eighteenth century, resort hotels began to appear in various
locations such as Virginia, New York, and West Virginia. Around the same
period, the concept of seaside resorts gained popularity, with destinations like
Long Branch, New Jersey, and Newport, Rhode Island becoming notable
examples.

In their early stages, these hotels lacked many of the amenities commonly
associated with modern resorts. However, significant advancements were
introduced with the establishment of the Tremont Hotel in Boston in 1829. This
pioneering establishment introduced several innovations in service that would
later become standard features in resort hotels:

Elegant Furnishings: The Tremont Hotel incorporated luxurious elements such

as marble and carved walnut furniture into its private rooms, setting a new
standard for comfort and opulence.

Hygiene Amenities: Each guestroom was equipped with a pitcher and bowl for
washing, as well as a complimentary cake of soap, reflecting a commitment to
cleanliness and guest comfort.

Gaslighting: Departing from the traditional use of candles, the Tremont Hotel
adopted gaslighting, providing guests with better illumination and convenience.
Culinary Excellence: The hotel offered French cuisine, elevating the dining
experience for its guests. Additionally, it introduced silver table service, including
the use of forks, adding sophistication to meal presentations.

Bellboys and Luggage Handling: The employment of bellboys to assist guests

with their luggage demonstrated a dedication to personalized service and guest
convenience.

Annunciator System: A notable innovation was the introduction of an

"annunciator" system, which served as a precursor to modern room telephones.
This allowed guests to communicate their needs or requests to hotel staff
efficiently.

The Tremont Hotel's introduction of these amenities and services marked a

significant milestone in the evolution of resort hospitality in the United States,
influencing the standards and expectations of subsequent establishments in the
industry.