Why do hotel rooms never have lights in the ceilings except in the bathrooms or entryway?

Question

I've always wondered why every hotel I've ever stayed in (except for some of small and usually expensive independent hotels) never have lights in the ceilings in the rooms and instead rely on table and floor lamps to light the room. I always feel like these never provide enough light, not to mention that it is annoying at night to go to every light in the room and turn them all off.

What really puzzles me is how EVERY hotel I stay in seems to be set up this way. I could see if only one chain thought that it was better, but how does every single one seem to go along with this method of lighting rooms?

Answer 1

It's simple, really -- changing a light bulb on the ceiling would most likely require that the maid haul a ladder in there and change it while she's cleaning the room (that would take way too much time, they're busy enough as it is), or having to do the same while the room is occupied (would be difficult to navigate the ladder around a room with your stuff all scattered about).

It's much easier to change light bulbs in lamps, etc.

Answer 2

You need to stay in cheaper hotels. Like the ones with a single light bulb hanging on a wire from the ceiling.

Answer 3

The lights are probably placed in areas that provide the room with a relaxing mood..suitable for sleeping, with just

some warm light in corners. Usually they do have a master/switch system on the bedside table for easy turning on/off.