“Americans claimed freedom of movement a birth right. A hotel is the story of Americans on the move. It was originally conceived as a way to shelter citizens of a country among the most mobile people in the world.”

The inspiration for the creation of hotels probably dates back to the first presidential tours, 1789 to 1791, when George Washington (to avoid the appearance of favouritism) insisted on staying in inns and taverns, converted houses with liquor licenses. His accommodations were for the most part uncomfortable. Local burghers, embarrassed by the reports of shoddy hospitality, financed the construction of large, lavish public accommodations to receive notable visitors to their cities. And so began hotels around city centres.

The 73 room City Hotel opened its doors in New York in 1794; a precursor to today’s hotel industry. This was followed by the Exchange Coffee House in Boston, the second City Hotel in Baltimore and the Mansion house in Philadelphia. The Tremont House in Boston was the first “modern luxury hotel” with modern conveniences; running water, indoor plumbing, bathing facilities, reception and bell boys. It offered complimentary soap! Its celebrity guest list comprised President Andrew Jackson, Charles Dickens and Davy Crockett.

Late-night room service was introduced when Katharine Hepburn strode into the Hotel Georgia’s lobby for the first time in 1950 and handed the manager, Mr. Bill Hudson, her list of requirements. Preferring to retire for dinner in the privacy of her room, she did not care to frequent the dining room or any other local establishment. This hotel later became a part of the Rosewood Hotel & Resorts Collection in 2011.

‘Happiness is not a destination, but a way of traveling.’ Caroline Rose Hunt

The daughter of an oil tycoon, Caroline Hunt founded the Rosewood Hotels & Resorts in 1979 with the transformation of a historic mansion in Dallas, Texas into an acclaimed, world-class restaurant and hotel – The Mansion on Turtle Creek – whose success was the blueprint for all subsequent Rosewood hotels and resorts. The ambition was to create a distinctive collection of luxurious, residential-style hotels: each property delivering a one-of-a-kind ambience and style, in which location, culture, history and geography would become part of the fabric of the hotel.

Rosewood Collections Landmarks: 1999 numbers more than 10 properties

2005 celebrates its 25th anniversary, 2007 launches Sense its proprietary spa brand

2010 Verdes its green initiative is established, 2011 is acquired by Hong Kong based Rosewood Hotels Group (formerly New World Hospitality)

Actor Tom Hiddleston spent his nights shadowing the night manager of the five-star Rosewood Hotel, London for his role of Jonathan Pine, Night Manager in the TV series.