Briefly

Hotels, in symbolic context, primarily represent a transitional phase or a temporary condition. They symbolize change, adaptation, and flexibility. Hotels also indicate a desire for escape, a need for temporary refuge or the quest for new experiences.

  • Symbolism: Transition, Temporary Nature, Change, Adaptation, Escape, Refuge, New Experiences

Hotel in Dreams

Psychologically, dreaming about hotels could indicate a sense of dislocation or lack of rootedness, as a hotel is typically a place where one does not stay permanently. It could also suggest a need for temporary escape or respite from daily life. If the dreamer is checking into a hotel, it might indicate an upcoming change or transition in life. Conversely, checking out from a hotel in a dream could signify the end of a phase or situation.

  • Dream Symbolism: Dislocation, Lack of Rootedness, Escape, Respite, Change, Transition, End of a Phase

See also our Free Dream Interpretation Tool

Hotel in Myths and Folklore

The hotel doesn’t feature prominently in classical mythology or traditional folklore. However, contemporary urban legends and tales often use hotels as settings for mysterious or supernatural events. In this context, a hotel can symbolize the unknown, mystery, or the supernatural. It can also represent a liminal space, a boundary between the natural and supernatural, or the ordinary and extraordinary. A hotel can also embody transience and impermanence, reflecting the fleeting nature of human existence.

In Japanese folklore, the story of the ghostly Yuki-onna often takes place in remote mountain inns, giving the inn or hotel a chilling connotation of death and the supernatural.

  • Folklore Symbolism: Unknown, Mystery, Supernatural, Liminal Space, Transience, Impermanence, Death

Hotel Spiritual Meanings

In a spiritual context, a hotel can signify a place of refuge or sanctuary. It can imply a temporary retreat from worldly concerns, similar to a monastery or ashram. However, as a symbol of transience and impermanence, a hotel can also remind us of the transient nature of life and the impermanence of all worldly things.

  • Spiritual Symbolism: Refuge, Sanctuary, Retreat, Transience, Impermanence

Hotel Tattoo Meaning

A hotel-themed tattoo often stands for an appreciation for travel, adventure, or new experiences. It could also symbolize a time of transition, change, or personal growth. Some individuals might choose a hotel tattoo as a memento of a significant event or period in their life that happened in a hotel.

  • Tattoo Symbolism: Travel, Adventure, New Experiences, Transition, Change, Personal Growth, Memento
Alexander Lys

Reviewed by Alexander Lys, M.L., a specialist in the field of symbolism research and dream psychology. A certified participant in numerous psychological seminars and courses, the author of hundreds of articles on psychology, including studies on symbolism in dreams and myths from a scientific perspective.

Symbolopedia

Encyclopedia of Symbols

About the Author

Symbolopedia is a comprehensive guide to the meanings of symbols. Our content is crafted by professionals in psychology and symbolism, striving to maintain a balance between scientifically proven data and insights derived from myths, legends, and folklore. While our approach leans towards scientific interpretations of symbols, we acknowledge the significant role of the subconscious in their understanding, allowing for a blend of rationality and creativity.

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