Hotels cater to the needs of female travelers with women-only floors and amenities
Women may not make up the majority of business travelers, but they're starting to shake things up when it comes to accommodations.
Hotels are starting to respond to women's requests for everything from better security to better bathrooms. In fact, some hotels, such as the Crowne Plaza Bloomington (Minn.) and Milwaukee-Wauwatosa, have women-only floors. Rooms on these floors feature Victoria Secret robes, blow dryers and vanity mirrors.
But since the nascent idea is just gaining traction, few female consultants have had the experience of women-only lodging.
"I have not stayed in any of these," says Mary Sedivec, a principal at CSC referring to the aforementioned U.S. hotels. "[But] I like the idea of a women-only floor, and have stayed in hotels that segregate like this in India." But Sedivec says she does enjoy the amenities these and other hotels are starting to offer. "The amenities I really appreciate are upgraded hair dryers, a robe and slippers, and a magnifying or makeup mirror."
But it's not just about what's in the room, it's about what's not: unwanted guests. Women-only floors are designed to encourage women to feel safe, especially those who are traveling alone, though Crowne Plaza doesn't prevent men from requesting rooms on the women-only floors.
Sedivec, too, has preferences that reflect her concern for her safety on the road—and her ideas are worthwhile no matter where you're staying. "For safety reasons, I think it is better to have a room near the center of a floor, near the elevators; don't place me at the end of the hall where people might have easier access from a stairway to break into my room with less traffic around to notice."
But in case Minnesota and Wisconsin aren't on your itinerary, here are a few other hotels that offer women-only floors. Amenities include everything from yoga mats to massage chairs.
- The Premier Hotel at Times Square, New York
- Hampton Inn, Albany, N.Y.
- Hamilton Crowne Plaza, Washington, D.C.
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