Founding Fathers of the Hotel Industry: Historical Achievements and Contributions of Leading Hoteliers
Overview
This paper examines ten founding fathers of the hotel industry, detailing their achievements in establishing major hotel chains and luxury properties. It highlights the contributions of key figures such as William Cornelius Van Horne, Isadore Sharp, César Ritz, and others who shaped modern hospitality through innovative hotel design and chain development.
What this essay covers
- William Cornelius Van Horne: Railway builder and designer of Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and Château Frontenac
- Isadore Sharp and Four Seasons Hotels Limited: Founding and unique architectural features
- César Ritz and the Ritz Hotel empire: Origins of the Ritz-Carlton brand
- Merile Key Guertin and Best Western: Development of the motel industry
- Ernest Henderson & Robert Moore and Sheraton Hotels: Hotel chain naming and expansion
- Kemmons Wilson and Holiday Inn: First motel opening in Memphis
- J Willard Marriott and Marriott Corporation: Hotel empire foundations
Preview
Information About 10 Founding Fathers
Xinlei Jiang
HTM 105
Professor Heather Laver
May 29, 2020
Founding Fathers
William Cornelius Van Horne is famous for his achievements in railway construction. Fewer people know that he was also the designer of the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, a luxury hotel, and the Château Frontenac, a historic hotel. These two famous hotels were established and gradually developed between the late 19th and the early 20th century. Château Frontenac was founded in May 1892, and the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise was opened in 1890, which was the first hotel of William Cornelius van Horne (The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica, 2019). One exciting thing about the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is that it is a world-renowned mountain resort. It is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Banff National Park, Alberta, and it is known as the "Diamond in the Wilderness."
Isadore Sharp is the father of the Four Seasons Hotels Limited. The company's trade name is Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, founded on March 21, 1961. The first hotel he founded in 1960 was named Four Seasons (Eng, 2016). One interesting fact of the Four Seasons is that the hotel set amid 5.6 acres (243,936 square feet) of landscaped gardens and water features, it is a unique combination of modern urban architecture dotted with calming parks and gardens. Besides, all the restaurants have an adjoining alfresco area.