Idon?t think there would be much disagreement these days that women business travelers constitute an important segment of the traveling public staying at hotels. Yet most hotels refuse to do much to cater to their needs, explaining that most of these female guests don?t want to be treated differently. However, if you believe the results of various studies on the attitudes of female business travelers, their needs are quite different than the needs of their male counterparts. This is confirmed in a new study just released by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts that was done by New York University?s Center for Hospitality, Tourism and Travel Administration (full report next issue). The survey showed that ?responsive service,? ?location? and ?affordable rates? were the top criteria for women business travelers. In contrast, male business travelers surveyed at the same time agreed with the choices but ranked them in a different order. ?Location? was most important; ?responsive service? was next and ?affordable rates? was in third place. I can understand this. Having traveled with female business associates for a good part of my business career, I come into direct contact with the daily complaints. As far as bathroom amenities are concerned, women like separate shampoo and conditioner. Yet most hotel chains continue to offer the combined version. Hair dryers at many properties are not powerful enough, so this added amenity becomes a problem. The additional make-up mirror offered at many properties doesn?t have a lighting feature. Room service is also important to most female travelers. They would, after a long day out, much prefer to indulge themselves by dining alone in their rooms for dinner. Yet all too many hotels have severely limited their room service offerings, especially in the light food variety preferred by most women. And wouldn?t it be great if hotels made available in-room fitness equipment? Most hate to go to the general fitness center and be ogled by men who are working out. And what about hotels who offer in-room steam irons but don?t have ironing boards, a definite sore point. Women would also like to see bathrobes become a standard amenity, instead of a hit and miss proposition. In addition, many would like nail polish remover made available, along with shaving cream for those on a long trip. Finally, the biggest hang-up in terms of security and something that most hotels thought they had overcome: there are still too many instances of front desk personnel who shout out room numbers to bellmen when the guest is checking in. Much credit should be given to Wyndham management for doing this study. This segment of the traveling public is too important for hotels not to consider their special needs. Hopefully this continued spotlight on women will go a long way toward improving the comfort factor of the female traveler.
