Live From Studio 1A: No Men Allowed

Posted: Friday, May 18, 2007 8:30 AM by Dan Fleschner
Filed Under: Live from Studio 1A

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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Comments

I don't see anything here about the marriage relationship rules as outlined in your show today. Could you forward this to me. I think it was excellent and would like to share it with my spouse. Thank you !

John Logan Warwick, RI (Sent Friday, May 18, 2007 8:51 AM)

Bottom line here is not discrimination, it's safety. Women are more vunerable. I'm all for women's rights and equalitly, but I'm not niave enough to think that if I had to defend myself against a man I would win.

Heather Witt, Bloomington, Illinois (Sent Friday, May 18, 2007 8:51 AM)

All I can say is Wow what took so long!

Katie Gooder (Sent Friday, May 18, 2007 8:51 AM)

Yes!! I travel very often for work and am always nervous when staying in a hotel alone. I would upgrade at any chance available to me! Sure, if there were men only floors it may seem a little odd to me and I would probably make jokes like the next woman about what goes on there but at the end of the day it would sit fine by me. I stand for women’s rights and equality in the work place but truly, men and women are very different. I enjoy pampering and the "extras" whereas my male counter parts could care less. Working in the automotive industry it's tough for a woman, if I can have some fresh flowers and upgraded toiletries to make me feel a little more "special" and a little more like a lady at the end of a long day I say bring it! I'd pay $60.

Ami - Atlanta, GA (Sent Friday, May 18, 2007 8:51 AM)

As a man who has traveled for a living for many years, and been exposed to just about everything good and bad at every kind of motel/hotel, I would appreciate the opportunity for the ladies that I care about to have that extra measure of safety and comfort. I would gladly pay a premium for the security and peace of mind that this program offers. On the other hand, for similar reasons, I would NOT avail myself of any program offering "Just Men" floors.

Scott Laughlin, Atlantic Beach, Florida (Sent Friday, May 18, 2007 8:51 AM)

I think the woman who thinks it's discrimantory is wrong. It's not like someone is making you do it, you still have a choice. The hotel could have a men's wing, women's wing, and a wing with men and women. Freedom of choice!!!!!

Carol Mitchem (Sent Friday, May 18, 2007 8:51 AM)

I hate to have to break this news to everyone, but that "slippery slope" that everyone is worried about with this type of discrimination has already been slipped down. We already have hotels that discriminate against children, or adults only, which is just age discrimination. Been there, done that. Next question.

C. Olson, Williston, ND (Sent Friday, May 18, 2007 8:51 AM)

I think it's a great idea. And as long as there is equally as nice rooms for men it's okay.

Elizabeth, Madison,WI (Sent Friday, May 18, 2007 8:51 AM)

Gloria Allred needs to realize that women and men are different - what is wrong with a little pampering and a sense of security??? Equal rights has a place, and she should keep it there, not all females are the Alpha Type. The hotel still caters to the men, it is not a 'female only' business...

Valerie Coan, Trinity, Al (Sent Friday, May 18, 2007 8:52 AM)

I think it is a great idea. For the women that want to come in from a hard day at work and relax without getting hit on.

Christie, Woodsboro, Tx (Sent Friday, May 18, 2007 8:52 AM)

I have travelled and think Gloria should become real. I like to have the piece and quiet, real conversations of women at the end of a day , not the men thinking we are strange. Men have their things, why are we thought to be an issue. Men don't even like the kind of detail conversations we might have, thinking, "Get to the POINT". We let them hve their time to relax with the GUYa!

Kathy Crossman, Madison, WI (Sent Friday, May 18, 2007 8:52 AM)

Not only would I check into a women's floor for safety reasons, but have male friends who would appreciate the same. Hotel lounges are a hotbed of temptation for the business traveler and after a long day and no spouse to go home to ... who will ever know? Men and women have different needs and weaknesses; the hotel industry would be brilliant to cater to them ... and may save a life or marriage in the process.

Laura McKenzie, Freeport, IL (Sent Friday, May 18, 2007 8:52 AM)

I think it's a good idea. Women who don't want the added security do not have to stay on that floor. It's a shame people like Gloria Allred have to take a simple & good idea and bend it everywhich way to come up with ideas for more law suits. If men want their own floor, give it to them.

Maggie, Minneapolis, MN (Sent Friday, May 18, 2007 8:52 AM)

I think this is the BEST idea ever!!! It would definitely make me feel safer if I was traveling alone and had the option of staying on an all female floor. Peace of Mind - Priceless!

Rhonda, Paducah, KY (Sent Friday, May 18, 2007 8:52 AM)

I am a 60-year old female and I listened to the report and wondered why we were taking a step back in time. I felt the men interviewed at the hotel were saying things I heard 50 years ago and not today. We don't need pampering--we need safety, but at what cost? Are they saying that the rest of the hotel will not be as nice or safe as that women-only floor? I would like to think that all citizens staying in their hotel are offered a safe environment and not just the women who stay on that one floor. As far as pampering, I can buy my own "pampering" products, thank you. I don't need a hotel to cater to me at that extra cost just so I feel safe and secure and pampered. I would not use the floor because I would hope I could be offered safety on any floor of their hotel, or any hotel. Bottom line, I don't like the sound of it--women-only. What next?

Nancy Clodi, Mokena, Illinois (Sent Friday, May 18, 2007 8:52 AM)

What a great idea. I agree that men and women are different and there is nothing wrong with the hotel industry trying to offer a segment of their clientel the services that are important to them. It's like a bank marketing products to match the demographics of their customers.

C Hayden, Lake Charles, LA (Sent Friday, May 18, 2007 8:53 AM)

I travel for work. As a mom, I enjoy the night away from home. I went into a lounge/restaurant to order food. Immediately I was hit on and offered free drinks by the man sitting next to me. I also did not receive a bill for my food to go back to my room. Someone had covered the bill! I now bring my own food or eat before I get to the hotels. One hotel was having issues with the internet. They said go to the lounge to use your internet it works well there. I ended up getting a refund and traveling an extra hour to another hotel just to avoid using the lounge/bar area which was very loud with music and people. It IS a very extremely important deal to have these extra safety issues for women! Men I believe think that if a woman is traveling alone, they are available. Just my opinion. This is not always the case. There are day spas and beauty shops that cater to women. Now hotels. There are restaurants and daycares that cater to children. This is definitely not discrimination but a necessity. I cannot believe womens safety has not been addressed much sooner! There are moms sisters daughters and grandmothers traveling alone every day. Would you feel safe knowing they are staying in a safe place? I commend the hotel that forced this issue and demanded safety for women and are brave enough to stand up for us! Thank YOu!

Michelle A., Davenport, Iowa (Sent Friday, May 18, 2007 8:53 AM)

I travel for work and would love this feature in hotels. Who made Gloria Alred the spokesman for all women? Gloria, you do not speak with me. I am so tired of all the ridiculous PC liberals speaking "for all of us" when we don't ask them to.

Kacey Carter, Cedar Hill TX (Sent Friday, May 18, 2007 8:53 AM)

The first thing that came to my mind is a group 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 discrimination and out would come the Sufferage signs and pickets of old. This just isn't needed.

S. Brandy (Sent Friday, May 18, 2007 8:53 AM)

These are not "women only hotels". My 2 sisters and I meet in Chicago for 2 or 3 nights twice every year for "sisters weekend". We are in our 50's. We all have husbands. This would be wonderful to have a place to stay where we felt safe and comfortable and pampered. We may not fall into the catagory of "babes" any longer, but I feel our husbands would, not only want us to be safe, but out of the way of "hit men".

Sandy Tydd (Tidd) Flossmoor, IL (Sent Friday, May 18, 2007 8:53 AM)

This is a fantastic idea. I traveled alone for the last 12 years for my job. One more than one occassion, I have had men calling my room or knocking on my door because they saw me come and go from my room and wanted to 'hook' up with me - some more persistent and scary than others. So I can't imagine what a far more attractive and younger woman than I might experience when traveling. A female only floor would definitely add a sense of security and comaraderie. Now if they could arrange for a female only swimming pool, parking lot.... :)

Tonna Holtz (Sent Friday, May 18, 2007 8:53 AM)

As a single woman looking to meet men while traveling I think this is a bad idea socially. I attend so many woman's events I can'nt stand it anymore. Women are always asking, where are the men? Well ladies they are out there, however, with this type of isolation, you will continue to ask the question!

Reta Brown, Chicago, Il (Sent Friday, May 18, 2007 8:54 AM)

That Gloria woman is the only one in the fifties. Todays world is much scarier and unsure. Woman do need to feel secure. I am a bartender and I know that woman would like to just have a silent drink and go to bed alone. No hassles.

M. Hodge, Chattanooga, TN. (Sent Friday, May 18, 2007 8:54 AM)

I voted yes in this matter because i think it is a great idea. Not only do I think it is, i specifically, over two years ago stayed at such a hotel and loved it. I even specifically went out of my way from my event just to stay there. Yes, two years ago so what is the big deal now? Gloria, whomever you are, get real. It isn't discrimination against men; yes a hotel should be open to everyone but if a hotel or chain chooses to designate a floor to a specific gender, I don't see the problem you, Gloria, are trying to portray. I'm not sure that a women's only lounge is necessary but as for a floor in the hotel, I hope there are more of them.

Linda - Carrollton, TX (Sent Friday, May 18, 2007 8:54 AM)

I think this is a wonderful idea. Frankly I hate it when women like your guest think that all women want to be "just like the guys" I am not a man, I don't want to be a man, and I don't want my man to remotely resemble a woman. Feminism has really gone over the top in this counrty.

Wendy Hoekstra Augusta, WI (Sent Friday, May 18, 2007 8:54 AM)

Tonna Holtz, Carpentersville, IL (Sent Friday, May 18, 2007 8:54 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 8:55 AM)

On the surface the idea of women feeling more secure on a woman's only floor seems nice. But would a woman really be safer? Those who would stalk, abuse, or harm women would know exactly which floor, lounge, or route to the lounge or floor to target. It also opens the door for other forms of discrimination guised in the idea of protecting women. I am 61 years old, a retired police officer, and fought hard for the right to become an equal and be accepted by my male peers. I do not appreciate any efforts at back stepping. Women do not need to be coddled and protected like small children. They need to take responsibility for their own action. As for those women who think they are safer away from men, ask them who is going to come running to help were they attacked? More "weak" women? Wouldn't they prefer to have some "big, strong" man nearby? Also, the other part of the idea that is being perpetuated is that all men are predators and out toharm women. That is as wrong as stereotyping women as perpetual victims of men.

LORA LEE FRY (Sent Friday, May 18, 2007 8:55 AM)

I believe the key here is that these floors are an option for women, not an all or not throughout the hotels. Hotels cater to people with the means to pay for extras all the time this really is no different. I like the idea.

Carrie G. Palos Park IL (Sent Friday, May 18, 2007 8:55 AM)

i dont think that men would have a problem with that.some women are married and their husbands or lover would feel more better knowing that their wives are being taken care of and that they can feel a little more secure in the marriage or relationship.you cant put a price on safety,but you should be able to enjoy your travels without being harrassed by anyone!overall i think that this is a great idea!!!

tori burks,memphis,tn (Sent Friday, May 18, 2007 8:55 AM)

I agree with Gloria Allred - it's wrong. Besides, when I leave my hotel room (and I am 62) I enjoy seeing a good-looking man in the hall. I don't need to be pampered - I am an adult.

Nancy Guyton, Paynesville, MO (Sent Friday, May 18, 2007 8:55 AM)

It's the discrimination thing again!! And, women will be sneaking men into their rooms. Admit it, you know it would happen. And, once a room pass has been handed to a man who knows where he might go. When we drink we do dumb things. Then how safe would you feel? And, we'll complain when men want their own floor, or club, or whatever, and we'll be right back in the 50s and 60s. You young women don't really understand how it was in those days. So, let's not open the proverbial can of worms. We have fought hard to get the barriers down. Don't allow them to be put back up.

D G, Springfield, MO (Sent Friday, May 18, 2007 8:56 AM)

Gloria Allred needs to get over herself. Of course men can be predators! I've never heard of a man being raped by a woman! I'm not saying that I fear men. I'm happily married to a great guy. But the few times I've traveled alone I'm always looking over my shoulder. I'm on constant alert. I stop for gas - I move quickly and get back on the road. When I'm going to my hotel room I scan the hall to be sure I'm not being followed. It's not paranoia - it's just common sense and it may keep me from becoming a victim. **There is another interesting thing to think about here. Hotels who provide this will make conservative muslim men and women happy. I lived in Saudi Arabia for 3 years. In Saudi there are entire restaurant sections that are for women only. Muslim women who are not comfortable being around strange men would have the ability to relax in a lounge where they do not feel threatened. I'm not sure that's a big deal to most people, but knowing what little I do about the culture and having seen muslim women in my neighborhood here in Kingwood who still cover their heads, I believe this would be a huge selling point to them. They can uncover and unwind.

Karen Aszman, Kingwood, TX (Sent Friday, May 18, 2007 8:56 AM)

I do travel alone now all of the time, and there is nothing worse than the feeling of not being safe when you are alone in a strange city. I think a women's only floor would be very much appreciated by all traveling women, along with a lounge. There is nothing worse when all you want is a drink at a hotel, and you dread having to go down to the bar because you will be hit on, and tried to be picked up.

Molly, Milwaukee, WI (Sent Friday, May 18, 2007 8:56 AM)

While I agree that if there is going to be a womans floor and a womans lounge that there should be similar accomodations for men, I understand that the dychotomy of women is vastly different from men, and requires different things. Being a man, I can honestly say that a men only floor wouldn't interest me because there wouldn't be any women there. When I go out for a drink, I enjoy the company of women and find the division of the two is nothing more than an attempt to cater to a particular niche market; something that the service industry needs to survive. I can also see that those in a monogamous relationship would appreciate their mate significant other having some space to relax without the worries of the opposite sex. I'm all for it.

Taylor Perkins (Sent Friday, May 18, 2007 8:57 AM)

great idea - put a big pink sock in Gloria's mouth - it is not always about equality - YES sometimes we do want it to be special - I don't travel for my job but I have in the past and it would be nice to be treated "special" when away from home alone. the women can always go to the main lounge if they have to meet a mixed group for their business. I agree with Donny - we need to ligthen up on some issues. thanks

Connie Rew, Loves Park IL (Sent Friday, May 18, 2007 8:57 AM)

It's a great idea. What woman wouldn't want to feel more secure. If a woman had been raped or harrassed at a hotel and went to Gloria Allred for legal assistance, Ms. Allred would take THAT side of the issue, i.e., hotel should have provided more secure accommodations; anything to get her face on the tv again for another 15 minutes. She runs hot and cold faster than my bathroom plumbing! But the idea is marvelous.

Linda Lee (Sent Friday, May 18, 2007 8:57 AM)

My very first overseas trip was all alone to India for business last year. As a single, naive, 27 year old female, I was terrified. The company I was training at had set me up on a women's only floor at the Sheraton. It was wonderful! All the attendants on the floor were female, and when I needed computer help, a male tech was escorted to the floor by a female manager. There was no women's only lounge, but I would have appreciated one. Being so much younger than the average business traveler at the hotel, I got a LOT of looks and disturbing/unwanted attention at the lounges in the hotel from other businessmen. I'm not fragile, nor would I choose a floor like this in order to be pampered, but especially traveling overseas and alone, I think it is a wonderful idea. In the US, I wouldn't partake....but I agree with the concept. As for men only floors.....why not? If there are floors for smokers, pet owners, families, etc. why not provide these floors for an extra cost?

RT (Sent Friday, May 18, 2007 8:57 AM)

i think it is a great idea. and there are other floors for other people so i dont see anything wrong with it. i would stay there when i travel alone or with the girls. and a lounge without guys bothering you would really be nice. i also use the family floors when i travel with my kids. so whats the dif?

eva jock,navarre,florida (Sent Friday, May 18, 2007 8:57 AM)

Regardless of what people WANT to think, the fact is, men and women ARE different. Any man who has a wife or daughter would love for them to have the peace and security of this. If the men want to have their own space too, so what? Let them. If men and women want to be together, there are plenty of places they can go for that. Years ago, when women were fighting for equality, and men had their own clubs, women didn't have their own spaces, except for the beauty shop. But as long as we both have our own spaces, and that's what we all want, evidenced by the money paid for it, then there's no problem. Or at least there shouldn't be.

Robbie Wheat Ruston, Louisiana (Sent Friday, May 18, 2007 8:57 AM)

I DON'T FEEL THE HOTEL IS DISCRIMINATING AGAINST MEN OR ANY RACE. IT'S ONLY ONE FLOOR! ANY ONE CAN CHECK IN TO THE REST OF THE HOTEL. I KNOW MY HUSBAND WOULD APPRECIATE IT ALSO.

PENNY WOODS, TALLASSEE, AL. (Sent Friday, May 18, 2007 8:57 AM)

I work at a hotel and am tired and disgusted of watching salesmen that hit on my co-workers. I can only imagine what it's like to be a female traveling amongst these men daily. I feel a 'women only' floor is an excellent idea, allowing women a sense of security they might not otherwise have.

Ann West, Duluth, MN (Sent Friday, May 18, 2007 8:58 AM)

I love the idea. Gloria Allred is waaaaaay off base - as she usually is. Businesses do not have to be all inclusive. They can do whatever they want to serve a market and differentiate from their competitors. That's why we have Whole Foods and Wal Mart, Lexus and Chevrolet, women's only workout centers and Hooters. As usual, rather than promoting a really good idea, you focused on the negative. It's obvious from your poll (which poorly designed as it seeks only women's input) that women are in favor of this concept. Let's celebrate it!

Renee Underwood, Lubbock TX (Sent Friday, May 18, 2007 8:58 AM)

I often travel with my daughter for pleasure. I would love to have female only floors offered in hotels for safety reasons. I do not care about having flowers or extra beauty products. I also would not want to pay extra for a female only floor. I wouldn't care if there is a men only floor, but I don't think men would use it. They do not have the same safety issues as women. I do not think it is discrimination to allow a woman's only floor for safety reasons. Men and women are different, weather people want to believe it or not.

Ruth Wieck Kenosha, Wi. (Sent Friday, May 18, 2007 8:58 AM)

I listened to Ms. Allreds argument about the fact that women don't need to be coddled but instead we need to be strong. I feel being strong is wonderful and we as women can present a powerful front as a gender. Overall we are not the same as men and need to accept that genetically we are built different, smaller, not as muscular, etc and we show our strength by our minds, the strength we wield in the workplace as being as strong as men in powerful situations as Nancy Pelosi in politics or even Hillary Clinton -- Why does it make us weak to show a strong choice to protect ourselves or even pamper ourselves in taking care of who we are. It does not diminish us, it shows our strength to make strong choices. As for discrimination, have a floor for women and one for men. Offer the flowers, scale, etc. option for any room upon request and then the men, in any floor, can have those little considerations as well. If women request to be placed on a women floor for the conveniences, then men should be allowed to request those conveniences for themselves although, I personally don't know any man who would care if there were fresh flowers in the room whereas every woman I know would be touched by the gesture.

Lisa Oakley (Sent Friday, May 18, 2007 8:59 AM)

I welcome the idea. I travel 45 weeks a year and safety is a big issue. I would pay extra for this service, just like I pay extra for a special haircut, manicure, etc. Safety, to me, has no price limit. Thanks for running this story. I will look to the Marriott Chain for my next trip to see if they offer this.

J Kuenn, Oak Creek WI (Sent Friday, May 18, 2007 8:59 AM)

I'd love to stay on an all women floor..could go to ice machine, etc in PJs. BUT...where does it end? No whites, no blacks, not gays, only Americans, no one that looks like a terrorist? We just can't go there.

Monica Mulea, Alexandria, LA (Sent Friday, May 18, 2007 9:00 AM)

I think women-only floors is a great idea. I wish they'd had those before I retired. When the evening news routinely has stories about men being raped and assaulted by women, then there will be a need for men-only floors in hotels.

Elise Stevens, Nashville, TN (Sent Friday, May 18, 2007 9:00 AM)

I am a guy and it wouldn't bother me however there are a few concerns women and the hotel should think about. 1. If there is a bad guy out there now he will know exactly what floor to go to. 2. When the rooms on that floor fill up what does the women that can not get on that floor think. 3. When the floor is not full and the rest of the hotel is full what does the hotel do?

Dick Bonin Ballwin Missouri (Sent Friday, May 18, 2007 9:00 AM)

I love the idea of being pampered. Although, I'm not sure this luxury will last. With women like Gloria Allred having such a hard time excepting that men and women are different, she'll get this band from hotels as soon as she can. Women like her ruin it for the rest of us. I like being treated like a lady not a man. There are just some things women can't do like men and there are some things men can't do that women can. Except that difference and embrace it. We are all individuals.

Ashley, Texas (Sent Friday, May 18, 2007 9:00 AM)

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Live From Studio 1A: No Men Allowed

Posted: Friday, May 18, 2007 8:30 AM by Dan Fleschner
Filed Under: Live from Studio 1A

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Live From Studio 1A: No Men Allowed

Posted: Friday, May 18, 2007 8:30 AM by Dan Fleschner Filed Under: Live from Studio 1A

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Posted: Friday, May 18, 2007 8:30 AM by Dan Fleschner
Filed Under: Live from Studio 1A