Melissa Davis writes
Hotels that have a great many business executives staying in them on a regular basis often favor male-oriented decor. The dark library or paintings and memorabilia of horse racing are typical themes, and dark leather furniture pieces usually accompany these items.
Not long ago, most business executives were men, and the hotel amenities went along with the male-themed decor.
Women have joined the executive level business force and now make up forty percent of business travelers in this era. Hotels that formerly made pink the colour of the ladies’ toilets are now rethinking the entire building decor. Women don’t have to have pastels and stereotyped, flowery wallpaper to feel comfortable in a hotel. Women are world leaders and heads of corporations in this day and time and only want amenities helpful to them, no matter if men use them or not. Daily deals on spa usage might be one way to go.
What do women in business really want in hotels?
Gyms with cardio-focused workout machines, healthier dining options and more effective security would be a good start.
Hotel gyms that are all black and filled with large weights are a bit off-putting to women, and maybe they were meant to be when they were created. Workout spaces don’t have to be all yoga mats and Pilates, but non-hotel gyms are user friendly to both sexes. Treadmills are favourites of both sexes, and free weights are good if the one-pound size is included. Why not jump into the twenty-first century with a good variety of workout options in a room where one can see her hand in front of her face?- Hotel restaurants could benefit from a menu that includes food low in calories, such as organic vegetables and fruits, along with the steak entrees. Portion size is frequently an issue. A pork chop that would feed three ten-year-old children is not necessary for one dinner entree. Men want these alternatives, too. Everyone wants to eat healthier now, so the menu doesn’t have to have a “women’s” section. Many upscale restaurants use decor colours that are not gender-specific, and food that is tasty and nutritious. Why not hotel restaurants?
Some Hotels have tried….
- Some large, opulent hotels have tried unsubtle and segregational “perks” to appease businesswomen. A floor dedicated only to single women travelers was one attempt that did not work out well. Rooms on this floor were much more expensive and couples were often booked in some of the rooms, canceling out the women-only option. It was phased out with no fanfare whatsoever.
- Other hotels have added make-up mirrors and better hair dryers to attract women business travelers. It’s better than nothing, but simple respect for women customers would also help. Treat them like people worthy of civilities as opposed to treating them like annoying relatives.
Women don’t need coddling, just good service!
In recent years, women have taken on higher level roles in hotel management as well and may be head chefs or concierges if not general managers. This may result in better service all around in the natural evolution of management approaches. Patronizing art photographs of toy poodles is not the way to go. Common sense and thoughtfulness will bring in women business travelers.
Businesswomen want good deals at good hotels.
It’s not rocket science.
Women design consultants are standing by.
