Look out, hoteliers – a new trend is emerging in the hotel industry. A Singapore-based hotel has just launched its women-only floor of hotel rooms. The rooms, housed behind security doors with limited access, are stocked to the rafters with girly accoutrements. Luxury hotels like the Premier Hotel in Times Square, NY have also begun offering female only floors.  However, this newest offering is also chock full of legal questions. If the rooms are exclusive of men, how long before a discrimination case?

The hotel industry is familiar with catering to special interests and special needs. Hotels for the gay/lesbian crowd, over55 crowd, and couples-only crowd have been in operation for years. Yet do these practices of accommodating one group at the expense of others invite lawsuits?

You bet they do, according to legal experts. Female-only lounges may sound unassuming enough, but male-only lounges have raised the hackles of feminists and the plaintiff’s bar for decades, and many have sued – and won – court cases against exclusive, non-dues-paying establishments.

While some may argue that allowing women exclusive use of a certain portion of the hotel is fine provided they pay extra for it, the line appears to be too blurry to determine if civil rights of the male population are being violated.

Female guests love the idea of a more secure hotel stay and amenities that are targeted to their needs. But advocating such practices, even to feminists, is setting a dangerous precedent. Gloria Allred, renowned attorney and champion of family and feminist causes, has spoken out in opposition of practices that exclude groups based on gender, race, or religion. Her contention that businesses must be open and accessible to every visitor underscores the seriousness of this new trend.

Does your hotel cater to one particular group exclusive of others? Check with both legal counsel and your hotel insurance broker to determine how your business practices affect both your risk portfolio and your insurance coverage. What may seem like an innocuous business promotion could land you in legal hot water.

Flickr photo credit: @rild (away for a while)