How can you make your hotel more attractive to solo women travellers?
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We recently came across an article about Preferred Small Hotels, that, together with several boutique hotels in Palm Springs, has seen a growing number of solo women travellers and is actively responding to their needs. It reminded me of a recent holiday of mine in Sicily, where I noticed several women travelling on their own. It made me wonder if hotels know what today’s female traveller looks for when choosing a hotel or destination.
As a former flight attendant, I understand the most important requirement better than most: safety. I still remember how relieved I always felt when my hotel room had a security latch on the door. In this article, we’ve put together a list of simple tips and practical ideas to help you better accommodate this, growing group of solo women travellers. ^Marjolein van Spronsen
4 minutes read
Solo women travellers | Better safe than sorry
The Netherlands is home to more than 1.7 million single women, worldwide there are many, many more, many of whom enjoy travelling and staying in hotels. Around the world, more and more women are choosing to travel alone, whether for business or leisure. For hotels and hotel groups, this is a growing market segment that deserves attention. For many women travelling alone, safety is the number one consideration when choosing a hotel. As hotels often know in advance when a guest is travelling solo, there are several simple ways to make them feel more comfortable and welcome:
- A ‘Dedicated women-only floor’ can be a valuable addition. However, even simple measures, such as avoiding ground-floor rooms for solo female guests whenever possible, can make a significant difference.
- Offer airport transfers or transport through trusted providers, especially for guests arriving late in the evening. And communicate this! A mail a couple of days before the guests arrival is a friendly first contact.
- Reserve well-lit parking spaces close to the hotel entrance for female guests.
- Train your staff to understand the needs of women travelling alone. For example, reception staff should never announce a guest’s room number out loud during check-in.
- Ensure every room has a spyhole, a double lock and an easy-to-use “Do Not Disturb” sign or privacy system.
- Maintain a 24-hour staffed reception or provide security at the hotel entrance.
- Talk to guests travelling alone and ask about their experience. They may come up with simple improvements you had never considered. Equally important, make sure your staff are fully aware of all the facilities and safety measures your hotel offers solo female travellers, as they are the primary point of contact for your guests.
- Most importantly: please let your guests know if you have taken any measures to cater for ‘female solo travellers’. We came across a simple, great example at the Leopold Hotels.
Travelling solo is a conscious choice
It’s important to remember that travelling alone is a conscious choice for many women. Many choose solo travel because it gives them the freedom to set their own itinerary and decide exactly what they want to see, do and experience, without having to compromise with travel companions. Hotels can respond to this by offering activities and recommendations that are also suitable for solo travellers. When I discussed this topic with friends who regularly travel alone, almost all of them told me they have little interest in women-only tours. That said, there will certainly be women who actively seek out these kinds of experiences.
The programme offered by Preferred Small Hotels in Palm Springs also shows that solo women travellers are increasingly looking for destinations that offer peace, relaxation and a sense of calm, rather than busy destinations packed with activities. During a recent holiday in Sicily, I noticed a similar trend. The hotel offered an extensive wellness and longevity programme, which was clearly popular with several women travelling alone. It’s certainly not an inexpensive holiday, but I can easily imagine returning home feeling completely relaxed and re-energised.
Restore. Relax. Rejuvenate. Palm Springs has everything you need for a restorative self adventure.
Use the hotel bar as restaurant too
Think carefully about the layout and function of your hotel bar. During a recent hotel stay, I noticed that the bar was located right next to the restaurant. Several solo female and male travellers had chosen to sit there. Some were quietly reading a book or scrolling through their phones, while others ended up having spontaneous conversations with fellow guests.
For people travelling alone, an inviting hotel bar or a large communal table can make a real difference. Create a welcoming, informal space where guests feel comfortable enjoying a meal or drink by themselves, while also making it easy for conversations to happen naturally. It not only makes the stay more enjoyable but can also contribute to a greater sense of comfort and security.
Room service and turndown service
Take a critical look at your in-room service as well. Your guest management system already identifies which guests are travelling alone. Whenever possible, consider having a female staff member deliver room service orders to solo female guests.
Also keep in mind that solo travellers often pay the same room rate as two guests occupying the same room. Small, thoughtful gestures can therefore go a long way in making them feel appreciated. It doesn’t have to be anything elaborate; two chocolates on the pillow during turndown service, a handwritten welcome note, or a small locally sourced gift are simple touches that let solo travellers know they are genuinely welcome.
Most of these improvements cost little or nothing to implement. Yet they can help solo women travellers feel safer, more welcome, and truly cared for. In the end, it is often these small details that turn a first-time guest into a loyal returning customer.
Below you’ll find a selection of articles about solo women travellers:
‘Room for Her’ study by The Social Hub | Dutch women travelling solo prioritise safety over price
A new European study by The Social Hub, conducted ahead of International Women’s Day (March 8, 2026), shows that safety is more important than price for Dutch women travelling solo when booking accommodation. As many as 56% of respondents identified safety as one of the most important factors, compared to 42% who mentioned price. Check out in the article what measures The Social Hub has implemented to help female guests feel safer during their stay.
Layan Life by Anantara | A new generation of longevity retreats for women
A wellness programme designed specifically for women: Layan Life by Anantara, the brand’s flagship wellness retreat at Anantara Layan Phuket Resort. The programme has been developed to support and empower women at every stage of life.
A hostel exclusively for woman
The hospitality industry is paying increasing attention to female travellers. Back in 2012, we wrote about Hostelle, a women-only hostel that opened in Amsterdam. Today, Hostelle has expanded with locations in Barcelona, London and Paris.
Anne-Sophie Pic & Clare Smyth | International Women’s Day dinner
This example dates back to 2019, but the concept remains relevant and easy to implement. Organise a special International Women’s Day dinner featuring female guest chefs. You could combine the event with inspiring female speakers or a themed evening and invite women to enjoy a unique culinary experience.
