News, No men allowed: London hotel launches women-only rooms.

[Mooseketeer]

Originally Posted by Trimac20

Actually if you're familiar with backpacker culture I can understand wanting to stay in a female-only dorm. The way some backpackers behave...I've witnessed sex in the dorms several times (one time I was awaken by the shaking of my dorm bed. A couple - actually two people on my tour who'd just known each other for like a few days) were going at it! Some of the guys are pretty relaxed, sleeping nude/walking around nude. I'm sure some would tone it down in the presence of ladies, but decorum, manners, hygiene or any of those things don't really go with the budget travelling experience.

Of course a female dorm makes sense. We are talking about a Hotel here. Not quite the same. I don't think many people would argue that hostel rooms/dorms ( which I remember only too well !) should be unisex. Many women would feel vulnerable having to sleep in room full of strangers of the other sex ( I find it bad enough with same sex dorm to be honest) and I think bathrooms should also be segregated in hostels ideally. But a Hotel, with separate rooms with en suite bathrooms, and proper facilities, to me that just reeks of sexism and over-reaction.

There is a difference between trying to avoid dangerous situations which can occur in a dorm and a hotel where you will never have to share a bunk with anyone else . A hotel bedroom by its very definition is a very private space and one which is non threatening.




I would argue that if a woman is feeling vulnerable in a hotel like "Dukes" on her way from the restaurant to her room , then she probably has issues of a serious nature. I am also quite sure that if you were terrified of using the lift on your own a female member of staff would escort you to your room.

I have had to share train compartments with strange men before and I was not that happy about it. That to me was inviting some rather awkward situations at best and some downright potentially tragic ones at worst...

Segregation does make sense in certain circumstances. A Hotel of any decent standards or a Private Club though are places where it is simply a sign of sexism.

Staying in remote Mountain refuges you know you will have to put up with male companionship in close proximity and though it is not ideal it is a risk you have to weigh. Staying in a perfectly lovely and rather grand hotel in London I think one can be fairly sure that you are pretty safe.

[chilaili]

I don't think it's sexist - probably just another attempt to drum up some trade in a down economy. It's just one hotel in the city of London. If people don't like the concept they can choose not to stay there.