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Live From Studio 1A: No Men Allowed

Posted: Friday, May 18, 2007 8:30 AM by Dan Fleschner
Filed Under:

This morning, we ran a story on a new hotel trend that focuses on female business travelers. For a $30 premium, women can stay on a female-only floor -- where they, the hotel administrators argue, will have a greater sense of security and can get pampered (with fresh flowers and upgraded toiletries in their rooms and a private lounge). WATCH VIDEO

Attorney Gloria Allred and Donny Deutsch, host of CNBC's "The Big Idea" debated whether this was a good idea or was discrimination against men.

We want to know what you think--

If you're a woman, would you choose to stay on a hotel's female-only floor? Would you do so if it cost more than a regular room? And do you think there should be men-only floors as well?

For the men -- do you think women should have their own floor or do you think it's discrimination?

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I had this idea years ago; when traveling alone for a period of time, I thought having a women's lounge would allow like travelers to meet and socialize including having dinner companions while on the road. I did attempt this with a man once, and needless to say he wanted to take this beyond dinner.

Ellen Bannon, S. Windsor, CT (Sent Friday, May 18, 2007 8:40 AM)

A women's only floor would be a comfort and I do believe that the majority of men would understand that and support that, especially when their wives or daughters travel.

E.Dewey, Crystal Lake, IL (Sent Friday, May 18, 2007 8:42 AM)

YES, I would. Isn't it discrimination if you tell me I can't?? What gives others the right to tell me one way or the other??

Mrs. Ana Klitzka (Sent Friday, May 18, 2007 8:45 AM)

As a frequent business traveller I find I feel safer if I keep to myself. I wouldn't pay the premium price associated with the "upgrades." If safety is a factor go into your room and use ALL the locks the hotel has provided, and make sure a loved one knows all your contact information.

Jessica V, San Antonio, TX (Sent Friday, May 18, 2007 8:45 AM)

I am a woman business traveler and I think it is great that there is now a place catering to women. There are few woman business travelers and we do have a concern about or safety when we are on the road and staying in hotels. In addition, it is great to have ammenities that are tailored just for women. I do not find any issue with this offering and would definitely look for these hotels during my next business trip

Stacey, Naperville, IL (Sent Friday, May 18, 2007 8:46 AM)

One of the reasons I don't really like the thought of staying in a hotel by myself is that I would feel uncomfortable and unsafe. Knowing that I could be on a floor with only women and having access to a women's only lounge would make me feel much more secure and more free to travel by myself.

Pat Shell, Loretto, MN (Sent Friday, May 18, 2007 8:46 AM)

Seems to me it will make it easier for preditory men to find where ALL the solo traveling women will be!

Lorri K (Sent Friday, May 18, 2007 8:46 AM)

I love that idea. I think it would give my husband peace of mind while I am traveling.

Lynn Rice Katy, TX (Sent Friday, May 18, 2007 8:46 AM)

I do not see a difference between a floor of a hotel for women or the popular Curves chain that caters to women clients only.

K. Taylor, Mexico, MO (Sent Friday, May 18, 2007 8:47 AM)

Why would this only apply to BUSINESS women? I would stay at this hotel when I travel, too. One of the biggest appeals would be it would probably be more quiet & peaceful, but above all, SAFE! How can it be discrimination when there are plenty of OTHER floors that anyone can stay on? This country has gone way overboard on rules and I disagree with Gloria A. As long as the hotel offers regular floors for ALL, why not a few floors for women, a few floors for men, a few floors for FAMILIES with KIDS. Let them keep their noise on their own floors. I would seek these type of hotel out and stay with them exclusively!

Pamela (Sent Friday, May 18, 2007 8:47 AM)

I think it is a wonderful idea. I am a single woman, and I'd love to go away somewhere and not worry about who is watching me. Who doesn't want to feel safe? I think it is beyond crazy to see this as discrimination...it's trying to help not hinder!

Heidi Hewitt, Palos Hills, IL (Sent Friday, May 18, 2007 8:47 AM)

It's shrill women like your guest who ruins a good thing for everyone. One person objects, and the rest of us have to suffer, no matter how many others would like to have this service, or no matter how much we speak out. Shrill women, Shut up!

Nancy Laurent, Belvidere, IL (Sent Friday, May 18, 2007 8:47 AM)

This is the first I have heard of this idea, and I think it's great. Donny Deutsch was exactly correct when he said that women have different needs than men. If women are interested in hooking up with a man while traveling, then they don't need to opt for these kinds of women-only accommodations. On the other hand, if they want to be around the company of other female professionals, then they should also have that choice. Women often need the company of other women, whether for emotional reasons or simply for networking. I was outraged that Gloria Allred was crying sex discrimination. It's the liberal feminism such as this that keeps women from ever being equal. Women should realize that we may never be equal to men in society's eyes....but other women recognize and support equality. It's hard to explain this rationale unless you're a woman (or a man really in tune to his feminine side)!!!

Courtney Phelps, Kalamazoo, Michigan (Sent Friday, May 18, 2007 8:47 AM)

After watching this piece just now it really ticks me off that a women like Gloria was chosen to represent women travelers. I travel 100% of the time for my job, and I would LOVE to feel safer, more pampered when I travel. It is NOT discremination. It is providing women travelers "little extras". This is not a topic of equality but marketing.

Nikki Plauche', Houston, TX (Sent Friday, May 18, 2007 8:47 AM)

I love this idea!!! What took them so long to introduce such a concept? I can't even believe people would consider this discrimination...I think that, as a woman, this would make traveling so much easier on me. I definitely prefer to travel with my husband, but if I am forced to travel alone...security is #1 with me and this idea would definitely help me.

G Pierce, St. Louis, Missouri (Sent Friday, May 18, 2007 8:47 AM)

Just last week, I got locked out of my room in a D.C. hotel while going for ice. Braless and in my pajamas, I had to walk down the hall to phone by the elevators to call security. It was bad enough to be "exposed" to the male security guard, but I was there with a conference and ran into some of my male associates in the hall as well. Yipes!

Katrina Olson, Champaign, IL (Sent Friday, May 18, 2007 8:47 AM)

Let's get this straight, do we want equal rights or do we want "special" rights that "protect us". We want society to cater to us by "protecting" us as if "we" are weak, however "we" want to be seen as strong and independent. What messages are we sending to society about how we wanted to be seen as. People don't know how to treat us anymore; are we ladies that want to be catered to or do we want to be like a man that can be independent and fend for ourselves?

Michelle Eau Claire, WI (Sent Friday, May 18, 2007 8:47 AM)

I am a 50-year-old married female who travels occasionally for business. I would most definitely pay extra for an all-female floor. Also, I sometimes take my 16-year-old daughter and her friends on trips and would choose to stay on that type of floor then also.

Rebecca Nashville Tennessee (Sent Friday, May 18, 2007 8:47 AM)

Being a young business woman who travels a fair amount, I think hotels are missing the boat on what would make a woman feel secure. I would not be interested in a female only floor. What I would be interested in is more personal security to and from the hotel. When traveling for business I enjoy time away from the hotel in restaurants/ bars, what I don’t enjoy is finding my way back to my hotel alone at night. If a hotel could send a cab for me or a body guard type person to walk with I would defiantly be interested. If the hotel wanted me to feel safe within the hotel, have that body guard type person walk past my room every hour or so to make sure nothing looks suspicious. Segregating women in hotels and giving us flowers in our rooms wouldn’t make me feel safe and special, a body guard person would. P.S. Being the business woman that I am, if any hotel starts a program like this, I want to help:)

Kristen Damberger Mentor, OH (Sent Friday, May 18, 2007 8:48 AM)

Most attacks against women occur by men. Of course it makes sense to have a women's only floor that is well secured. But let's make sure that it is very well secured as it would be the perfect place for a psycho to prey upon. Don't I see "Gentleman's Clubs" in just about every town?

Sue Smith, Dundee, IL (Sent Friday, May 18, 2007 8:48 AM)

I feel that this is a great idea! This is just an option that is ofered, not a mandate for women. If you don't like it, don't choose the upgrade. As for the idea that this is some type of discrimination, with that reasoning it could be argued that the penthouse is discriminative against the poor. Come on.

Rae Evans, Lawrence, KS (Sent Friday, May 18, 2007 8:48 AM)

I definately agree with this idea, and I would like having the opportunity for a womens' only area, especially when I travel with my sisters. Don't need the upgraded toiletries, as much as the increased feeling of security. The nice lady who is so firmly against this doesn't have a clue what the rest of us feel.

Cherie Monroe, El Dorado Springs, Missouri (Sent Friday, May 18, 2007 8:48 AM)

I think it's great and don't see a problem with this concept.A feeling of security for all woman.

R. Staggs New Albany, Ms (Sent Friday, May 18, 2007 8:48 AM)

Great Idea, My 60'ish yr.old mother often travels alone,I would feel much better if more places offered these type services. Vicky Byrd Andalusia Al.

Vicky Byrd (Sent Friday, May 18, 2007 8:48 AM)

Being a widow for eight+ years, I would LOVE a hotel that had a floor for women only. It would lessen my tension and let me enjoy my trip more. I am always on my guard when I travel alone. I would still be on my guard, but know that my risks are lower. I always tell the desk clerk when I check into a hotel that no one under any circumstance will need a key to my room except me and I ask to have all the keys for my room. Having a women's only floor and lounge would be great. Newsflash for men, we don't always want or need your company. Sometimes we want time to ourselves.

Develle Blackwell, Pflugerville, Texas (Sent Friday, May 18, 2007 8:48 AM)

Well you know the idea sounds good and some women would certainly appreciate it AND I cant help but feel that we are going backwards. Our Mothers fought hard for equal rights and sure they are still not equal but we have made a lot of progress. And what does it all mean next... Mens only clubs and Mens only sports .. Whites only hotel floors? Bars..its kinda scary if you think about it and what it could mean potentially. It has the potential of opening a whole different can of worms!!

Fatima, Chicago. IL (Sent Friday, May 18, 2007 8:48 AM)

My first thought after seeing this story is that college dorms are set up this way...women only, men only, and co-ed floors...and since Choice seems to be a hallmark of our society---I would think that the same choices would apply to adults outside of the collegiate world. And aren't there more pressing issues to be concerned about? Oh...say...Darfur for instance?

Renae Goodman, Columbia, MO (Sent Friday, May 18, 2007 8:48 AM)

Yes, a women's only floor would make me feel safer. I'm glad luggage tags are covered now which is better protection for us. Years ago when I was traveling for business, a man read my luggage tag in the elevator and kept calling my room. This just seems to add security to our required travel. I appreciate hotels for doing this.

Marie Blackwell (Sent Friday, May 18, 2007 8:48 AM)

The first thing that came to my mind is a bunch of lesbians came up with this for a "women's rights" movement. While I think this sort of "protection" would set women back a few hundred years, I don't think it's fair or necessary to have a "women only" floor or section anywhere (except the obvious locker-rooms, bathrooms etc.). I don't think this is discrimination against men, but if there were a "men only" floor in a hotel, women everywhere would be screaming bloody muder and out would come the Sufferage signs and pickets of old. This just isn't needed.

S. Brandy (Sent Friday, May 18, 2007 8:48 AM)

Wow, I can't believe Gloria is so bent on this!! It's not like it's a whole hotel....it's just a FLOOR,!! Even if it were a whole hotel....so what. This is becoming a real pain in this country....so many people getting in an up roar about silly things that really shouldn't be so focused on. I don't believe that real men, who have no insecurity issues, or ego issues, will have a problem with this. Yes, I would definitely feel more safe on a women's floor, especially if I were checking in alone. I also love the idea of a lounge for women. Many bar/lounge businesses are viewed as pick-up joints!! It would be nice not to have to worry about it and just enjoy socializing with friends and meeting new friends. I think it's great!!

Beth Barkoviak, Overland Park, KS (Sent Friday, May 18, 2007 8:49 AM)

Gloria A, get a clue! There have been Men only clubs and ammenities for years (Playboy, etc). Who cares if a hotel wants to cater to a specific clientelle? In fact I think it's a great idea. On many trips I am exhausted and would like to sit in a comfortable setting where I feel OK on my own. I am all for equality but come on---this isn't the same thing at all.

Nancy M, Minneapolis, MN (Sent Friday, May 18, 2007 8:49 AM)

I agree, this is a comforting idea. Women travel for more reasons than just for business. And I would have to say that the woman who spoke this morning was not representing me or a lot of other women I know.

Sue (Sent Friday, May 18, 2007 8:49 AM)

Yes, I would feel much safer. I have been in the same occupation for forty years and due to changing times, I am now required to travel. I am sixty years old and have never stayed anywhere without friends or family. I am uneasy walking down a hallway by myself when gentlemen are coming from the opposite direction with six packs in their hands.

Lori Scott, Augusta, Georgia (Sent Friday, May 18, 2007 8:49 AM)

well....its about time that someone decided to approach this issue,because i think that its a wonderful idea.women do alot of traveling and when you get off the airplane,or if you travel by car or whatever you just want to go and relax,meditate and not to be hit on by every male employee,or male visitors.you get sick of that kind of behavior and im for one that is glad for someone to cater to a womans needs in a hotel on ONE FLOOR appose to taking up a whole hotel chain!its not like they cnt see you when you come in the hotel,they get to see you and then they dont if thats your choice or not.

diana sawyer,memphis,tn (Sent Friday, May 18, 2007 8:49 AM)

I have been a "road warrior" for over 5 years. I would definitely prefer a women's only lounge and hotel floor. I often feel like I am under glass when in hotels, as I look around the room there are always a few watching my every move. Of late, I spend all my free time in my room, it would be great to actually be able to relax in a social environment.

Norma Intemann (Sent Friday, May 18, 2007 8:49 AM)

This idea has it's pro's and con's like most. I would cation against the idea for the reasons of the increasing gay and lesbian only lounges in the USA. I would rather be persued by a male than a female while enjoying dinner or drinks. On the other hand...I would like the idea of a "spa" feel with each room having a more relaxed atmosphere and including some of the normal "spa" ammenities. Not sure what my bottom line decision is at this point.

Becky, Ozark, Missouri (Sent Friday, May 18, 2007 8:49 AM)

There are times that Gloria needs to be "just sittin there shuttin up". This is a good idea and a fair idea. My daughter-in-law is a drug rep and travels alot and we would all feel better if she had a "safe haven" while she traveled. This is obviously an idea that Gloria thinks she can make some money off of. Why is there always someone that wants to cause a problem with a good idea? If the men had requested this, then it would have been fine. We have always had men only lounges, etc. I know that it makes Gloria unhappy but that is the way of things. Pick a fight about something that can make a difference in the world, not this.

Cindy Clark, Flower Mound, TX (Sent Friday, May 18, 2007 8:49 AM)

I'm all for it. A few years ago in a very popular Chicago hotel I had a unwelcomed experience. After going into my hotel room, a male called me and said I saw you in the elevator and would like to meet you for a drink. What!! I called the operator to ask where the call came from. Well... he followed me to get my room number and called me from the house phone down the hall. Talk about creepy. Even the operater was uneasy. I called security and had them move me to another room. Would have loved it if it were a private floor.

Pam, Naperville IL (Sent Friday, May 18, 2007 8:49 AM)

It depends on what city I was in, and why I was there...but when my sister and I travel I believe it would be nice. I am in a business world and have always been.... I do not think it is discrimination, and this whole thing about discrimination just because it is a womens floor is just plain goofy....it is being taken to the extreme, there are more things in the world to worry about than if there is a womens floor at a hotel. People want to be stupid about this then there are womens clothes........oh my...why do they single out womens clothing stores, and mens clothing stores.....COME ON PEOPLE.

Illinois (Sent Friday, May 18, 2007 8:49 AM)

I presume that if I do NOT want to pay the extra premium, they will reserve me a room on another floor. I believe it is about providing choices. If I feel a need for more safety, then it is an option. We get a little too hung up on being "discriminated" against.

Sharon Kisel, Kansas City, MO (Sent Friday, May 18, 2007 8:49 AM)

Oh Please!!! Don't we have enough to worry about with WARS, STARVING PEOPLE, IMMIGRATION, "GLOBAL WARMING", THE PRICE OF GASOLINE, without Gloria going on a national tv show arguing that it's discrimination against women to open a nice safe place for women to go? I wonder what this world is coming to. Why does EVERYONE want so much DRAMA in their lives... I JUST DON'T GET IT........

don't sweat the little things, Davenport, IA (Sent Friday, May 18, 2007 8:50 AM)

Hellooooo... Gloria! Have you ever heard of the ALL MALE HOTELS in South Florida! And what about the bathrooms in restaurants, stores and gas stations, etc. that are for women only, should we let men in there also, so that were not descriminating?!!

Edie Kanthack (Sent Friday, May 18, 2007 8:50 AM)

I would definately pay extra to use this service, and I'm not a business traveler. My question would be could any woman use it, or just business travelers? I travel with my Mom, Sister and daughter, and this would be ideal for safety & for overall comfort. I think they are not trying to discriminate, but just found a way to offer a product that would appeal to a certain set of customers & improve their bottom line. We have women's clothing stores & men's clothing stores...does Gloria want us to combine those as well? Give me a break! Can I go into a men's locker room? No! Women like comfort and extras. The hotels have the right idea, and it's genius! Thank you. p.s. No more Gloria please! She's looking out for her bottom line as well.

Martha, Houston, Texas (Sent Friday, May 18, 2007 8:50 AM)

I don't see how a women's only floor would discriminate against men (seeing as how it's only a floor and not a whole Hotel), considering that alot of the golf clubs out there are "Men Only" clubs and no matter who you are, if you're a women you can not get in. I wouldn't mind a women's only "floor" if I were traveling alone with or without my children. I feel it would be safer for women who are traveling alone with children.

Stephenie Smith, Richmond, Texas (Sent Friday, May 18, 2007 8:50 AM)

A woman's only lounge would be great. I always take my drink back to my room to avoid any unwanted looks or advances. A more female appointed room is also very appealing. I would pay the extra price for sure.

B. Calcaterra (Sent Friday, May 18, 2007 8:50 AM)

I am a man and would value the idea for my wife and daughter. I can imagine that some people will use it as way to claim discrimination but would see no reason why my female friends and relatives should not have this option.

Chris, Austin, TX (Sent Friday, May 18, 2007 8:50 AM)

My only fear about having a women's only floor would be that it would be easier for sex predetors to determine where all of the women are. You know the saying "Where there is a will there is a way". Someone out there is going to break the security so will the women be easier targets?

S. Cottrell, Abilene, TX (Sent Friday, May 18, 2007 8:50 AM)

I love the idea of an all women floor. I was lucky enough to have that option back in college and it was the best thing I ever did. Its an added sense of safety in a room and environment that is otherwise strange and unfamiliar.

Debbie Lynn, Dakota Dunes, South Dakota (Sent Friday, May 18, 2007 8:50 AM)

Many women travel alone or with their daughters or colleagues and this is an intelligent OPTION with a premium price. No one is MAKING women stay on a separate floor. Ultimately, supply and demand will determine if this is a good idea.

Stacey Z Memphis TN (Sent Friday, May 18, 2007 8:50 AM)

I would deffinetly go to a womens only floor in a hotel. I think it's a great idea! I think that Gloria was deffinetly wrong. I think that it has no relationship with black and whites, and I think it is not descriminative to men. I think it is not descriminative to men, because they know that sometimes women just need a couple days to them self, getting pampered, and all of those fun things.

Amy Amdur, Highland Park, Illinois (Sent Friday, May 18, 2007 8:50 AM)



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