Why is there a Bible in my hotel?

A Bible in a hotel room primarily signifies a tradition started by Gideons International, an evangelical Christian group, to provide free scriptures for spiritual comfort, evangelism, or as a familiar item for travelers, costing the hotel nothing and often expected by guests. It's a form of hospitality and a symbol of faith, though hotels now sometimes offer other religious texts, and guests often take them as souvenirs or for personal use.

Why do hotels have Bibles?

Hotels traditionally have Bibles, primarily placed by the evangelical Christian organization Gideons International, to spread their faith and offer comfort to travelers, a practice started in 1908 by traveling salesmen wanting to share scripture. While many hotels still offer them (often in nightstand drawers), the tradition is declining as some hotels opt for digital versions or remove them, though the Gideons still distribute billions of copies worldwide, even encouraging guests to take them.
 

Is it a law to have a Bible in a hotel room?

No, it's not a law; placing Bibles in hotel rooms is a voluntary tradition, largely driven by Gideons International, though many hotel chains now let owners decide or offer them on request to be inclusive, with Marriott being a notable exception requiring both Bibles and Book of Mormon. While once nearly universal, the practice is declining as hotels adapt to diverse guests, offering religious texts at the front desk or digitally instead.
 

What Bible is found in hotels?

Hotel rooms traditionally feature the Gideon Bible, provided by Gideons International, an evangelical group placing Bibles (often King James Version) in nightstands for over a century, though some chains (like Marriott's Moxy/Edition) now offer other texts or remove them due to changing preferences and to avoid offense. You might also find other religious books like the Book of Mormon (especially at Marriott), Quran, Buddhist, or Hindu texts.
 

Who pays for the Bibles in hotel rooms?

At the national convention in 1908, however, the Gideons committed themselves to place Bibles in every hotel in the country. But how would they pay for the ambitious scheme? Later that year, churches in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, agreed to fund Bible distribution in their area hotels.

Why Hotel Rooms Have Bibles - Cheddar Explains

What is the most stolen item from a hotel?

Additionally, according to a 2024 survey of 1,376 hotel managers by Wellness Heaven, which asked them which items are most commonly stolen, towels top the list, with 79.2 percent reporting guests nipping the cozy threads. They were followed by bathrobes, hangers, pens, and cosmetics, rounding out the top five.

Why do hotels have no room 420?

In France, 420 rooms are also in demand by cannabis smokers hoping to indulge their passion in peace and quiet. In France, however, the consumption of such a drug is prohibited, which is why most hotels have eliminated this number.

Do hotels charge if you take a Bible?

The hotel generally doesn't pay for them, and the religious organization will restock them, which means you won't get charged if you take one.

Where do hotels get their Bibles?

Who Puts Bibles in Hotel Rooms? Gideons International, an Evangelical Christian association, supplies the Bibles for hotel rooms. The group was formed in 1899 when two Christian salesmen ended up sharing a hotel room, but it wasn't until 1908 that they began providing hotels with Bibles.

What is a hotel Bible called?

The Gideon Bibles come from a group known as Gideons International, which started around 1898. Two traveling salesmen, John H. Nicholson and Samuel E. Hill, met at a hotel in Wisconsin. Both loved Jesus, and during their time there, they shared their faith and a desire to help others grow spiritually.

Do hotels give free Bibles?

Yes, you read that right. The Gideons International donates these Bibles free of charge to hotels, making them a cost-effective amenity for these establishments.

What can you legally take from a hotel room?

Legally, you can take disposable, single-use items like travel-sized toiletries (shampoo, soap, lotion), coffee/tea/sugar packets, pens, notepads, and disposable slippers, as these are meant as complimentary advertising and are replenished. However, you should leave behind reusable items like towels, robes, bedding, electronics, decor, and mugs/crockery, as taking them is theft and can lead to charges or being blacklisted.
 

Who decided hotels should have Bibles?

On November 9, 1908, Archie placed an order to The Gideons for the first 25 hotel Bibles. That was more than 2 billion Scriptures ago. “A single copy of God's Word in a hotel or motel room has the potential to touch up to 2,300 lives during its six-year life span.”

Are hotels legally required to have Bibles?

No, it's not a law; placing Bibles in hotel rooms is a voluntary tradition, largely driven by Gideons International, though many hotel chains now let owners decide or offer them on request to be inclusive, with Marriott being a notable exception requiring both Bibles and Book of Mormon. While once nearly universal, the practice is declining as hotels adapt to diverse guests, offering religious texts at the front desk or digitally instead.
 

Did they stop putting Bibles in hotels?

About 80 percent of hotels do, which is down from 95 percent in 2006.

What is the reason for Bibles in hotels?

Hotels traditionally have Bibles, primarily placed by the evangelical Christian organization Gideons International, to spread their faith and offer comfort to travelers, a practice started in 1908 by traveling salesmen wanting to share scripture. While many hotels still offer them (often in nightstand drawers), the tradition is declining as some hotels opt for digital versions or remove them, though the Gideons still distribute billions of copies worldwide, even encouraging guests to take them.
 

What is the most stolen item in hotels?

Additionally, according to a 2024 survey of 1,376 hotel managers by Wellness Heaven, which asked them which items are most commonly stolen, towels top the list, with 79.2 percent reporting guests nipping the cosy threads. They were followed by bathrobes, hangers, pens, and cosmetics, rounding out the top five.

Are you allowed to take the Bible from hotel rooms?

Yes, you are generally allowed to take the Bible from a hotel room, especially if it's a Gideon Bible, as the organization places them there for people to have, though it's polite to inform the front desk so they can replace it, as they are meant for the next guest too; hotels don't charge for these specific Bibles, but other items should be left behind. 

Why do hotels not have room 420?

The motivation for creating the 419+1 sign might be two-fold: first, to discourage people wanting to smoke the drug in the famed room 420, and second to discourage people from stealing the label as memorabilia.

Who pays for Bibles in hotels?

The Bibles are paid for entirely by donations to the group, and donations likely stem from individuals or churches who support the Gideons' cause. As for how the Bibles end up in the hotel rooms, the Gideons will ceremoniously present a Bible to a hotel manager upon the opening of a new hotel.

Where can I get Bibles for free?

You can get free Bibles from online ministries like Bibles for America, Bible Senders, or the US Bible Society, or locally by asking at any church or checking libraries; digital versions are also available for free on apps like YouVersion and websites like Bible Gateway.
 

What floor is banned in hotels?

This is rare in modern architecture — the practice of omitting the 13th floor in hotels dates back to the early 20th century and is due to a combination of superstitions and fire concerns.

Which hotel has 7000 rooms?

The First World Hotel in Pahang, Malaysia is the largest hotel in the world by number of rooms, with a total of 7,351 rooms. It opened in 2001 and is located within the Genting Highlands Resort.