Hotels Consider Women-Only Floors

Any woman that travels frequently would attest to feeling a little unnerved about staying alone in a hotel. I've been there myself, and I really hate the idea that the only thing standing between me and a stranger is a door that opens with a magnetic stripe card. Kathleen Ameche, author of The Woman Road Warrior, says more than 40 percent of all business travelers are women, and security is one of the biggest issues they face—much more so than for male travelers.

The Crowne Plaza Hotel in Bloomington, Minnesota may be the only hotel bold enough to ease these security concerns by offering an entire floor for women only. Gadling picked up on the story that has raised a lot questions about about equality, segregation, and even feminism. The Toledo Blade says those wishing to stay in the ladies-only floor would pay an extra $30 to enjoy special perks like vanity mirrors, ionic hairdryers, chenille bedspreads, fresh flowers, chocolates, and a ladies-lounge stocked with snacks for women who don't want to eat or drink alone. Security would definitely be tighter, and only those staying on the women-only floor would be allowed to get off the elevator with their room key.

The JW Marriott in Grand Rapids, Michigan, was also considering an all-women floor, but recently decided the floor will be open to both men and women, although the hotel is keeping all the amenities originally installed to appeal to female business travelers.

Gadling also mentions an airline considering women-only bathrooms on trans-Atlantic flights from London to New York. I certainly wouldn't mind women-only floors or airplane restrooms, but I'm afraid a good majority of the world wouldn't approve of what feels like special treatment, all security and health concerns aside.

What do you think? Should the sexes be segregated?