Holiday Trip
New York's Barbizon Hotel (where the majority of guests are women) has elevators that strictly limit access to guest floors. The Barbizon also offers escorts for walking or jogging in nearby Central Park. While these services were often developed in response to women's concerns, they have also been a benefit to male business travelers. Businesswomen say additional safety measures and onsite amenities benefit both genders. "You ought to cater to women but (only) as an ongoing policy of meeting basic needs. I'm not sure that basics, like having a hair dryer in the room, is catering to women," said Kathryn Morrison, spokeswoman for the National Association of Women Business Owners. When businesses respond to women's suggested improvements, including additional office equipment in guestrooms, business lounges with meeting space and better security, everyone benefits. It just makes good business sense!