A LOOK INTO THE PAST The first hotel with electric light and its incredible history

Lighting and hotels are two concepts that have become inseparable today. Namely, in addition to providing functionality, lighting also creates an atmosphere that influences the guests’ experience. Although it is almost unthinkable to stay in a hotel without proper lighting today, the history of electric lighting in hotels begins at the beginning of the 20th century, when Thomas Edison laid the foundations of modern lighting.

The history of electric lighting in hotels

In 1882, in the settlement of Blue Mountain Lake next to the lake of the same name in Adirondack in the United States of America, Thomas Edison made history. Namely, he was responsible for the installation of electric lighting in The Prospect House Hotel, which became the first hotel in the world in which all rooms were lit by electric light. This 300-room luxury hotel was a symbol of the modern technology of the era, and Edison, as chief electrician, oversaw the installation of the steam dynamos that supplied the electricity. As Pat Gormley writes in the article Thomas Edison and The Prospect House, this innovation not only changed the way guests experienced their stays, but was a step towards modernizing the hotel industry.

For guests of the time, electric lighting in the rooms was a real revolution. But it wasn’t just the lighting that was modern; the hotel also offered other modern conveniences like a steam elevator, running water, and bathrooms on upper floors, which marked a major advancement in the hospitality industry. In this context, lighting wasn’t just functional; it represented a luxury and a status symbol, making a stay at the hotel an unforgettable experience.

Why is lighting important to the hotel experience?

Today, when considering the design and furnishing of hotel spaces, lighting plays a key role in creating an atmosphere that suits the needs and desires of guests. Quality lighting in hotels can significantly enhance the experience, whether it is bright, open spaces in the lobby or a soothing ambiance in the rooms. Lighting creates a sense of security and comfort, but also stimulates an emotional response, which is especially important in spaces designed for relaxation or business meetings.

Good lighting design can also help save energy while bringing a contemporary touch to hotel spaces. The use of energy-efficient LED lighting fixtures has become standard, and technologies such as smart lighting management systems allow for the personalization of the experience for guests, giving them complete control over the light in their space.

Although technology in hotels has evolved since Edison lit The Prospect House, the importance of lighting as a key part of a hotel’s offering remains unchanged.

Therefore, everyone probably agrees today that lighting in a hotel is no longer just a technical necessity. It has long been a tool that shapes how guests experience the space and allows them to feel comfortable and connected to the environment.