Why don't American hotels have ceiling lights?

Why don't American hotels have ceiling lights? - Bedroom interior with bed near table under lamps

Random question du jour, inspired by the thoroughly depressing airport Holiday Inn I'm writing this in due to a missed flight connection:

Why don't American hotels have ceiling lights? Every chain hotel I've ever stayed at has instead had a motley assortment of bedside, table and floor lamps.

What's more, instead of a single master light switch, there are individual switches/knobs to turn them on and off located next to the bulb, on the cable on the floor, on a switch on the side, etc, so you get to fumble around when turning them on and once more when turning them off.

And yes, I'm sure there are exceptions, but no, that doesn't make "you're wrong, I stayed at Motel Z in Bent Arm Pit, Wyoming once and they had a ceiling light!" an answer. I'm curious about the reason why: Lower ceilings so cheaper to build? Easier/cheaper to maintain? Fire code? Something else?






Pictures about "Why don't American hotels have ceiling lights?"

Why don't American hotels have ceiling lights? - Interior of modern light home with bed with pillows and blanket next to table under lamps near pouf and glass door to washroom
Why don't American hotels have ceiling lights? - Bedroom with armchairs next to bed
Why don't American hotels have ceiling lights? - Green and White Floor





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