Small Luxury Hotels of the World reports rise in number of solo female travellers

16-Jun-2013 - Last updated on 17-Jun-2013 at 10:20 GMT

The number of women booking hotel rooms to stay in on their own has risen 53 per cent in the last year according to SLH. Photo: Travelodge

Hoteliers are being advised to make their services more female friendly after figures from Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) found that the number of women staying alone at hotels has risen more than 53 per cent in the last year.

Between 2011 and 2012, SLH, which has a portfolio of 520 hotels across 70 countries, saw the number of bedrooms booked by sole females in its core markets of the UK, the USA, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, and Russia rise from 973 to 1,489.

While the number of female-only room bookings is still less than solo-male bookings, SLH said it was ‘the most important and fastest growing segment of the travel market’ and advised hotels to cater better towards the female traveller to take advantage of the growing trend.

“The solo woman is clearly growing in significance for the travel industry and as more women gain the confidence to explore alone, hotels need to recognise the potential of making a concerted effort towards her needs,” said an SLH spokesperson.

The female touch

SLH said making female guests feel comfortable and secure were two of the most important considerations. Some hotels within the portfolio, including Dukes Hotel in London, have created female-only floors while others like The Capital in London have created a list of local restaurants and bars that are particularly recommended women travelling alone.

It said packages tailored for women were also popular with shopping and golf packages as well as those that had outreach programmes doing well.

"The trend towards embracing solo female experiences has certainly gone beyond the ‘spa and beauty’ focus, with Small Luxury Hotels of the World taking the lead in providing personal luxury through diverse accommodation choices in authentic travel destinations.

"While not wanting to single out lone travellers, Small Luxury Hotels of the World is ever mindful of individual needs and committed to ensuring not only a comfortable and secure, but also a unique and unforgettable stay," it said.

Solo travellers

SLH properties in the US and the UK, which include Rockliffe Hall in Darlington and the Chester Grosvenor, were the most popular for solo travellers of both genders, with 1,222 room nights in the USA and 844 rooms in the UK booked in 2012.

However, the number of male single occupancy travellers fell in the UK while the number of solo female guests rose by 53 per cent.