Charleston Hotels Skip 13th Floor Amidst Common Superstition
In Charleston, SC, hotels often omit the 13th floor from their building's numbering, a common practice attributed to superstition.
Charleston, SC, November 13, 2026 —
A prevalent practice observed in Charleston, South Carolina’s hotel industry involves the omission of the 13th floor from building numbering systems. This common architectural and numbering convention is widely attributed to a widespread superstition surrounding the number 13.
Many hotels, both within Charleston and globally, choose to bypass the designation of a 13th floor. Instead, buildings that would logically include a 13th floor typically jump directly from the 12th floor to the 14th floor in their elevator panels and room numbering. This practice is a direct reflection of triskaidekaphobia, the fear of the number 13, which has historical roots and cultural prevalence in many Western societies.
While the specific hotels in Charleston implementing this practice are not detailed in the provided information, the trend itself is noted as common. The decision to skip the 13th floor is a business consideration aimed at appeasing guest sensitivities and avoiding potential discomfort or perceived bad luck associated with the number. This approach is not unique to Charleston but is a widespread phenomenon in hospitality and real estate development, particularly in regions where such superstitions hold cultural sway.
The 13th floor is often absent not only from room numbers but also from elevator buttons and floor directories. The actual 13th level of the building may exist but is either repurposed for mechanical systems, storage, or is simply not advertised or accessible as a guest floor. This practice highlights how cultural beliefs can influence architectural design and customer-facing operational choices within commercial establishments.
The practice of omitting the 13th floor is a long-standing tradition in building design. The exact origins are debated, but its persistence in modern construction, as seen in Charleston hotels, underscores the enduring nature of certain superstitions in shaping everyday practices and business decisions.
Story summarized from the original created by By Alex Streinger astreinger@postandcourier.com on www.postandcourier.com, see more information here.
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