Throughout the history, hospitality has been one of the most dynamic industries that underwent significant changes to develop into its current state. There are many positive and negative factors that influenced the course of its development over time such as the introduction of modern technologies or the outbreak of world wars to name a few. When we talk about the hospitality industry through, we tend to overlook the importance of key players that have long contributed to the growth and prosperity of the hospitality industry. Yes, I am referring to women.
There is no doubt that women have always had a crucial part to play in the hospitality industry. However, their contributions became more apparent and recognized starting in the last century as they took on more roles in all aspects of hotel operations. For example, some women worked as “bell girls” in the 1930 and 1940 as most men were recruited for the army.
With the advent of feministic idealogy, the awareness of women’s rights spread across the globe and inspired many to take action toward gender equality in the workspace, especially in the hospitality industry. One of the unique innovations the movement led to was the women-only hotels which we will cover later in this article.
Our article today will show you women’s history and their roles in the hospitality industry, starting from the past to the present. You will also get inspiration from featured successful women hoteliers and get to know the stories of female-only hotels worldwide!
Women’s History in Hospitality
An illustration of a bar maid. (via Brookston Beer Bulletin)
Since the Middle Ages, women have played a central role in the hospitality industry by providing services like serving meals and making beds for guests at inns. These women were often widows or unmarried, and working at inns was a way for them to support themselves and their families. This tradition continued into the 18th and 19th centuries when women occupied the same roles across hotels and other similar establishments. During World War II, women again made crucial contributions to the hospitality industry by working as cooks and waitresses (mostly in military facilities), while some handled more physically straining tasks to keep hotels running.
Women’s roles in hospitality started to shift after the rise of awareness towards women’s rights and equality, which is commonly known as feminism. This movement aimed to achieve gender equality and improve the lives of women as a social group, putting an end to sexism and discrimination.
Demonstration about feminism movement.
Feminism heavily influenced many industries’ lives, including hospitality as their roles were no longer limited or seen as insignificant. Nowadays, women are equally the driving force of the industry and are given the same opportunities for advancement, leadership, and salaries as men.
Women in the hospitality business undoubtedly still face challenges despite all the positive changes. However, the future of the hospitality industry is promising for people of all genders, races, and backgrounds as it continues to develop and promote equality for all.
Successful Women Hoteliers in The Hospitality Industry
Despite all the difficulties, women continue to advance by becoming successful and gaining recognition for their roles in the industry. The majority of them have also left their marks in the history of hospitality as leaders and creators of their own hotels, and we hope to celebrate their accomplishments and encourage our readers to follow in their footsteps in the dynamic and diverse hospitality industry. Below, we have featured some of the influential female hoteliers and their stories, to inspire our audience with their success!
Alex & Olga Polizzi (Co-Founders of The Polizzi Collection)
Alex and Olga Polizzi, co-founders of The Polizzi Collection. (via Boutique Hotelier)
The mother, Olga, is a renowned interior designer and hotelier, while her daughter, Alex, is the presenter of The Hotel Inspector. They opened Hotel Endsleigh together in 2005. Years later, they acquired The Star hotel, which had been renovated from an old hotel built in 1345. It features a 30-bedroom hotel with Olga’s signature design flair and casual dining space. The release of The Star itself coincides with the launch of The Polizzi Collection, their official joint venture.
Emma Stratton (Owner of Red Hotels)
Emma Stratton, the owner of Red Hotels. (via Boutique Hotelier)
The Scarlet and Bedruthan in Cornwall are part of Red Hotels by Emma Stratton. Emma, who wished to change the traditional hotel model, launched The Scarlet in 2009 with two colleagues after an eight-year planning process and a £12.5 million investment. The hotels continued to promote sustainability in their operations, and for the past five years, they have consistently maintained an occupancy rate between 86% and 89% while leading the industry in terms of sustainable business practices.
Angela Harper (Owner of Palé Hall)
Angela Harper, the owner of Palé Hall. (via Boutique Hotelier)
Angela Harper is a former head teacher. In 2016, she opened Palé Hall in Wales with her husband, Alan. They spent 12 months renovating the Grade II-listed building they acquired into a beautiful 16-bedroom hotel called Palé Hall. One year after its opening, Palé Hall was awarded an AA five-star rating, the first in North Wales to get that award in a decade. Its fine dining restaurant, Henry Robertson, was given a Michelin Green Star due to its eco achievements. Angela’s collaboration with her husband has helped Palé Hall retain its commitment to excellence ever since.
Women-Only Hotels around the World
Since the first women’s hotel opened, the concept of women-only accommodations has become a trend in the hospitality industry. These hotels cater exclusively to women, offering them a welcoming, cozy, and safe place to remain while traveling to new places. Below, we have compiled a list of women-only hotels from around the world that will give insights and that would be interesting enough to be recommended to our female readers!
Bay Hotel
Interior of Bay Hotel in Japan. (via Bay Hotel)
Located in Japan, the Bay Hotel is a “capsule hotel” with compact space. Its contemporary style is perfect for female guests that travel from city to city, and its number of single beds will definitely make the ladies feel at home!
Som Dona Hotel
A pool in Som Dona Hotel, Spain. (via Going Luxury)
This is the first women’s hotel in Mallorca, Spain! It has 39 rooms with boutique feels and a range of other amenities provided for guests who are women aged 14 and over. A unique thing about this hotel is that it operates a “no men allowed” policy.
Media One Hotel
Media One Hotel in Dubai. (via Media One Hotel)
In 2018, Media One in Dubai opened a women-only floor in their hotel, which was designed with the “girl’s trip” concept. Staying here includes varying perks, from welcome beauty kits and a list of restaurant discounts for women to a collection of books by inspirational female authors! The concept and benefits offered make this hotel a worthy choice for ladies who are traveling solo or in a group around Dubai.
SuperShe Island Retreats
An outside view in SuperShe Island Retreats. (via USA Today)
SuperShe is a privately owned island located off the coast of Finland. It is a small, 8.4-acre island, big enough to house just eight people. The island is used for women’s retreats and networking spaces, complete with wellness retreat activities like spa treatments and dedicated bonding time. Only those lucky enough to pass the application process can enjoy a comfortable stay in this gem of accommodation!
Bliss Sanctuary for Women
A view from Bali’s Bliss Sanctuary for Women. (via Bliss Sanctuary for Women)
If you are looking for a peaceful environment with a lot of wellness, Bliss Sanctuary for Women, which is located in Bali, would be a worthy choice. It offers delicious local cuisines, pools that are surrounded by a captivating jungle, and a variety of wellness options that can help guests unwind while spending quality time.
Wrapping Up
Women have played a vital role in the hospitality industry ever since its early rise by providing comfort to guests during their stay. Despite facing challenges, women continue to make significant contributions to the industry, achieving success across the board.
Beyond this Women’s History Month, we would also like to continue supporting women’s roles in the hospitality industry, and by promoting diversity and inclusivity, we can create a more vibrant, dynamic, and innovative hospitality industry that truly reflects the needs and aspirations of all.
RMC Asia has been committed to the mission of providing inclusive hospitality internships for students and graduates from diverse backgrounds since 2014. Our internship programs are available for candidates all around the world, with destinations in various prestigious hotels and resorts across Asia. The practical work environment, combined with cultural exchange experiences, will give our participants room to grow their capabilities for future careers in the hospitality industry!
Be a part of an unforgettable internship experience and achieve your successful hospitality career with us now!
Recommended: Journey Through Dine-In History: The Birth of Restaurants
