In a first of sorts, a Delhi hotel has opened a ladies-only wing for female travellers. Sunday MiD DAY went on a tour
In a first of sorts, a Delhi hotel has opened a ladies-only wing for female travellers. Sunday MiD DAY went on a tour
When stories of honour killings, daylight car chases and catcalls for anything in a short skirt abound in public memory, you can't call a city safe for women. A ladies-only wing in a Delhi hotel, then, sounds like cherry on a stale cake. That's the thought, we presume, behind the 12-room wing set up at The Imperial in Janpath. 
Female attendants in a room at Eliza, fitted with a screened landline
and a camera and peephole to relay images of people outside 
Female first
Just about a month old, Eliza (name inspired by Queen Elizabeth) is a niche wing that stands on the third floor, and has the usual feminine touches in its luxury rooms: pink upholstery, flower arrangements, magazines and manicure sets.
"We created this space to cater to single women travellers, who form five per cent of our clientele. It offers specialised services to occupants without compromising on comfort, convenience and courtesy, but with an emphasis on safety," says Vijay Wanchoo, senior vice president and general manager, The Imperial.
How safe is safe?
How does the claim hold up in practise? Female travellers get specially appointed lady staff assistants, with drivers for airport transfer. In addition to peepholes, all rooms are fitted with cameras that flash images of people waiting outside. All incoming calls on landlines are screened before they are transferred to the lady occupant's room. And the service and maintenance staff on call are all female.
But that's it. We would have preferred an emergency alarm near the door and washroom, and lady security officers too. The room next to the one we visited was being cleaned by male staff, and was open to be occupied by men or women. Last time we checked, that's not how a ladies-only wing is supposed to operate.
Check it out
These minor glitches ironed out, and we think this is great option for women looking for a safe stay in the capital.
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