Women Travelers - Women Friendly Hotels in New York

Hi everyone,

This is my first post on flyertalk and I am hoping to get some feedback from other women travelers in this forum.

My company is making a list of women friendly hotel in New York (Manhattan). We are especially looking for hotels which are good for foreign business women.

I was wondering if any of you had any recommendations...

These are our basic criteria:

- Wifi in every room?
- Safe atmosphere (Video surveillance? well lighted hallways? women only floor?)
- Rooms with full size mirror, hair dryer, desk, personal care products tailored to women, mini bar
- Hotels with laundry service and 24/7 room service, restaurant, spa treatment, gym...
- Female concierge
- Any other ideas?

Thank you in advance :)

Welcome to FlyerTalk PinkSky. I can't immediately think of any hotels that meet what you're looking for, but I hope some of the many women who post here will be able to able.

wow - your company covers all of those expenses for their employees on travel? Spa, laundry, et al ... impressive.

I stayed at a hotel years ago with a womens only floor and if anything, it made me feel a little targeted as everyone knew that floor was populated by a bunch of females, likely travelling alone. I liked the extra toiletries, but really could survive without them. Sorry I can't help you in NY but think the Kimpton Hotel chain (they have a couple of properties in NY) have some nice woman focused amenities.

No, unfortunately my company doesn't pay for all these expenses (well, they pay for laundry, but not for spa... sigh...), but we are making a survey on women's favorite hotels, and also the places where, as women, we can go and grab dinner or a glass of wines by ourselves...
Men are quite lucky to be able to get a beer and a steak anywhere..

...but we are making a survey on women's favorite hotels, and also the places where, as women, we can go and grab dinner or a glass of wines by ourselves...
Men are quite lucky to be able to get a beer and a steak anywhere..So can women. We are equally as lucky...at least in New York. I don't know of any hotel here in New York which has female-only floors. I'm very curious to find out what others have to say.

The concierges are both male and female. Hotels can't discriminate against one sex for the concierge position. I should think they can't sexually discriminate regarding any employment within the hotel.

I suggest getting a list of NYC's top tier hotels (look in any guide book) and then go online to read reviews of them on websites like tripadvisor.com. That might be a good resource for you.

Thanks Analise for your reply. I agree with you about women being as lucky as men in New York... if they are familiar with the language and the culture.

I worked for several international companies and often heard my colleagues from oversea complain about getting bored in the evening while traveling to New York (or elsewhere). They wish they could go and grab a glass of wine by themselves with a good book, without dealing with the hassle of being hit on. Whether we like it or not, there is sometimes a negative stereotype / perception of women that spend time alone in bars.

We are just trying to make a list of hotels / restaurants / bars where international business women can hang out without feeling uncomfortable...

Any ideas?

Thanks :)

I stay in a big variety of NY hotels on a regular basis and have never seen a women-only floor. I would be surprised if they had them in the US at all, to be honest--from a legal perspective, it sounds like a recipe for a discrimination complaint.

If you are looking for hotels with in-room wifi, a safe atmosphere, hair dryers/full-size mirrors/mini-bars/laundry service/gym/room service, that is pretty much every 4- or 5-star hotel in the city (except for the wi-fi part--many hotels are still using Ethernet here). I don't really know what "personal care products tailored to women" means, but every 4/5 star hotel will have shampoo, lotion, and bath gel, and a majority of them will have conditioner too. I presume women are probably the main consumers of hand lotion and conditioner. Spa treatments at your hotel are unlikely unless you are really paying top dollar for a very high-end property--and anyway, you are in New York, so you may as well go to any of the ten thousand nail salons or day spas around the city. It is pretty much a given that there will be a nail salon within one block of your hotel, no matter where you are in Manhattan!

I worked for several international companies and often heard my colleagues from oversea complain about getting bored in the evening while traveling to New York (or elsewhere). They wish they could go and grab a glass of wine by themselves with a good book, without dealing with the hassle of being hit on. Whether we like it or not, there is sometimes a negative stereotype / perception of women that spend time alone in bars.
Not in New York. Frankly, the farther you go from a hotel, the lower the chance is of getting hassled or hit on. I find hotel bars to be the very worst places to hang around. New York is so crammed with bars and restaurants, 95% of them completely pleasant for a single woman, that it would be hard to even start coming up with a list. Just go walk around, and if you're unhappy with the atmosphere in the first place you go into, walk ten yards down the street to the next one!

So, anyone can list their favorite hotels and places to hang out solo in New York?

Let's say you need to recommend places to a French business woman who is coming to NY for business for the first time, and who is struggling a bit with the language...

I must admit I haven't stayed at any of the New York Kimpton hotels, but that was also the first thing that I thought of.

Let's say you need to recommend places to a French business woman who is coming to NY for business for the first time, and who is struggling a bit with the language...

If French, I'd recommend the Sofitel (in the 40's close to Broadway). French-owned, and I believe some of the staff speaks French; discuss the where-tos with concierge. I've not stayed there without mr. lenoir, but would in a heartbeat.

One place I can think of is Hudson - the Cafeteria has a long table eating area facing the central kitchen, sort of like eating at the bar, but the food is good and it's open late. The rooms aren't great for me, though, small and no counter space in the bathroom.

If you hate hotels with lobby bars, you can go to the Doubletree Suites in Times Square, there is essentially no lobby, and there is a security guard at the door who checks room keys pretty seriously. It caters to families, so there is a tourist/family vibe. Rooms and bathrooms are huge by NY standards, the congierges are great, the bellman will get you a cab no matter what the traffic is like.

But I also have to agree with previous comments, it's hard to NOT find a bar, diner, or restaurant that suits your taste. If you walk in somewhere and it seems like a dive or a pick up place, you can just walk out.

Plus, New York is a very friendly town, contrary to popular opinion. I travel alone sometimes, and I'm much more likely to strike up a perfectly friendly conversation with strangers than anywhere else in the US. New Yorkers will talk about ANYTHING.

The ubiquitous Starbucks outlets have lots of people just hanging out, reading, writing, enjoying the wi-fi. You can't get a glass of wine, though. Competitor non-chain coffee/espresso bars would be similar, though traditional coffee shops, aka diners, don't encourage lingering in the same way. But diners feed many single people at all hours -- like a cafe/brasserie.

There are many restaurants that would be great for a French speaker (i.e. small places run by French people). I can think of several off the top of my head, but it would help if you had specific neighborhoods in mind. Where will your business women be traveling, and do they want or need to be in a particular location/neighborhood? When I am on business, I tend to stay well away from Times Square, for example--fun for tourists, but way too crowded and loud for a productive and pleasant business stay. I am usually in the east 50s. The Murray Hill area is also quiet and pretty convenient, and I can give you a nice French-run restaurant right there (Cosette).

Here is the link for Kimpton "women in touch" programs ... http://www.kimptonhotels.com/women.aspx I agree Sofitel is another option, esp from Europe, but its pricey.

In the US and particularly in NY, its not that big a deal to dine alone. I would select a hotel near the office or in a location convenient for the commute, and then ask the concierge for the type of restaurant and ambiance you're interested in. They will have the local information.

If you are mid-town on the east side, 3rd avenue has a lot of options as are other areas that are "neighborhood" more than "business". The latter are busy in the day, but get quieter at night. Personally, I don't go to a bar alone very often, but if it has or is a restaurant, I wouldn't hesitate to grab a table there.

Plus, New York is a very friendly town, contrary to popular opinion. I travel alone sometimes, and I'm much more likely to strike up a perfectly friendly conversation with strangers than anywhere else in the US. New Yorkers will talk about ANYTHING.

I found that to be my experience, which surprised me as I'd thought (from watching too many movies apparently) that it was going to be a rough and tumble place. More people talked to me or stopped to help me out of the blue while I was in NY than anywhere else I've been.

I like the Times Square Hilton. The lobby is on the 20th floor I think so it's above a lot of the noise. It seems like a little oasis above the city. It doesn't have a spa or women only floor ( I agree with some other posters that I think those are a little creepy- kind of like saying"we're all here").
It does have wifi and a nice cocktail bar with a good city view where I have read the Times many days without being bothered.
It's close to lots of subway lines, the theaters, souvenir shops, etc. As far as Times Square goes, it is much safer than it used to be. I have never been afraid walking from the subway and easy area to get a cab.
I hope that helps!

I just stayed at a new Marriott Courtyard on the Upper East Side and it was very nice. It seems like somewhat of a residential neighborhood and the hotel is small like a European hotel. Rooms are a good size and you need your room key in order to operate the elevator. The bellmen are great as is the front desk staff. There is a small restaurant that looks very nice and a cute place around the corner (Tim's on the River) that does breakfast, lunch and dinner. I would feel more comfortable staying here than in Times Square, due to the size and type of area.

I stay in a big variety of NY hotels on a regular basis and have never seen a women-only floor. I would be surprised if they had them in the US at all, to be honest--from a legal perspective, it sounds like a recipe for a discrimination complaint.

There is one (http://www.bizjournals.com/albany/stories/2008/01/14/story3.html?b=1200286800%5E1573950) in Albany and this one (http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/679209/the_ellis_hotel_in_atlanta_a_fabulous.html) in Atlanta. Some pics (http://projects.ajc.com/gallery/view/travel/southeast/trellishotel/3.html) of the one in Atlanta

There is one (http://www.bizjournals.com/albany/stories/2008/01/14/story3.html?b=1200286800%5E1573950) in Albany and this one (http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/679209/the_ellis_hotel_in_atlanta_a_fabulous.html) in Atlanta.
Interesting. I have seen this overseas, but not in the US. According to the article on the Albany one, "Women staying on the Hampton's third floor from Sunday to Thursday will receive special amenities and services and pay a premium for the room" :rolleyes: and on the weekends, it goes coed anyway.

There was a whole thread about this (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=693941&highlight=women+only+floor) not too long ago, shortly followed by another thread (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=703931&highlight=women+only+floor) announcing that the Grand Rapids Marriott would NOT, in fact, go through with their plan for a women-only floor.

Thanks Analise for your reply. I agree with you about women being as lucky as men in New York... if they are familiar with the language and the culture.The language and culture? We all don't sound like Fran Drescher..... ;) Ok, I see you mean someone who speaks very little English.

I worked for several international companies and often heard my colleagues from oversea complain about getting bored in the evening while traveling to New York (or elsewhere). They wish they could go and grab a glass of wine by themselves with a good book, without dealing with the hassle of being hit on. Whether we like it or not, there is sometimes a negative stereotype / perception of women that spend time alone in bars.I guess you can get hit on anywhere but what negative stereotypes of a woman eating on her own are you referring to especially here in New York? It is very prevalent. I was single in the city until I was 34 and I often spent evenings on my own just as you described both in NYC and during my business trips. If hit on by someone you don't care to talk to, you smile, say no thank you and carry on with your book.

I recommend you follow the advice below:

Frankly, the farther you go from a hotel, the lower the chance is of getting hassled or hit on. I find hotel bars to be the very worst places to hang around. New York is so crammed with bars and restaurants, 95% of them completely pleasant for a single woman, that it would be hard to even start coming up with a list. Just go walk around, and if you're unhappy with the atmosphere in the first place you go into, walk ten yards down the street to the next one!

We are just trying to make a list of hotels / restaurants / bars where international business women can hang out without feeling uncomfortable...Avoid hotel bars in general with the exception of Harry's Bar at the Waldorf. It's one of my favorites. As for restaurants and bars anywhere else in the city, pick the ones in which you like the atmosphere of the place meaning a place like a piano bar if you happen to enjoy that kind of place.

Let's say you need to recommend places to a French business woman who is coming to NY for business for the first time, and who is struggling a bit with the language...Not many people here speak French although I do a bit. ;) If she stays at any 4 star hotel, she'll be just fine. Have her pick a restaurant in which she wants to try its cuisine and she'll have a good time. NYC is filled with single women hence the HBO series which has unfortunately been turned into a movie. Restaurants won't seat your friend in an odd table near the kitchen.

Tell her to avoid sports bars if she's not into sports as she won't find much peace and quiet.

Plus, New York is a very friendly town, contrary to popular opinion. I travel alone sometimes, and I'm much more likely to strike up a perfectly friendly conversation with strangers than anywhere else in the US. New Yorkers will talk about ANYTHING.Oh yes, indeed we do! :)

I found that to be my experience, which surprised me as I'd thought (from watching too many movies apparently) that it was going to be a rough and tumble place. More people talked to me or stopped to help me out of the blue while I was in NY than anywhere else I've been.This just makes me smile! See? -----> :)

PinkSky, you've gotten recommendations of hotels in this thread. I recommend you do some research on them on travel advisor websites (like trip advisor) to see what those who have stayed there have to say. That might give you some interesting insight.

I agree with others that NYC has a bad rap. I'm a single woman and I've never felt unsafe anywhere in NYC. Riding the subway alone at night, taking a bus through Harlem (I'm white), lonely 'side streets', no problem. And New Yorkers LOVE to give directions, opinions on restaurants, etc.

It is true that NYC feels safer than most of the cities, with all the stores and restaurants opened late. There is a reason why it is called the City that never sleeps ;-)

However, as business travelers, do you have any favorite spots to grab a drink, or have dinner alone? What do you do after work?

It is true that NYC feels safer than most of the cities, with all the stores and restaurants opened late. There is a reason why it is called the City that never sleeps ;-)

However, as business travelers, do you have any favorite spots to grab a drink, or have dinner alone? What do you do after work?Would you prefer to hear from locals or from those who travel on business to New York?

You may find these previous threads about women-only floors in hotels interesting. I think we're looking at some major cultural differences here.

http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=716322&highlight=only+floor+hotel+women
http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=693941&highlight=only+floor+hotel+women

It is true that NYC feels safer than most of the cities, with all the stores and restaurants opened late. There is a reason why it is called the City that never sleeps ;-)

However, as business travelers, do you have any favorite spots to grab a drink, or have dinner alone? What do you do after work?
Depends on what's going on with my client/job and in the city that evening as I might just work late and head to the hotel to crash. On the days that doesn't happen, I love arts&crafts type fairs or street markets, so if there is an evening one I can visit, I would (I lucked out with Bryant Park a time or two) or if there is a show I really wanted to see, that's another option (Broadway or in a park, movie, etc).

Usually I'll just walk around (NY is a great city for stretching the legs and getting a bit of exercise), work out in the hotel gym or find something simple for dinner (personally I'm more into lunch than dinner as the big meal). Sometimes I'll meet up with friends for dinner and to go out.

NY provides more options than most places when you are on biz travel.

My DIL is an executive with a Fortune 500 Company and frequently travels to NYC. She always stays at The Regency and has always been quite pleased.