Caryle Murphy, writing for Christian Science Monitor, continues to do a great job reporting on the nooks and crannies of Saudi Arabia. In this piece, she looks at the creation of the first women-only hotel in the Kingdom. She notes that some see this as progress while others think it’s a step backward. Definitely worth reading!

I’ll note that even in the US, women-only facilities are not uncommon. From YWCA housing to big-name hotels, from women-only exercise facilities to girls schools, some people want some degree of sexual segregation.

Saudi Arabia’s first women-only hotel: Is it progress?
Caryle Murphy

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia - In Saudi Arabia’s newest hotel, flickering candles in every corner enhance the serenity. And as you walk down royal-red halls, you’ll notice something else: not a man in sight.

“It’s women-owned, women-managed, and women-run – from our IT engineer to our electrical engineer,” boasts Lorraine Coutinho, executive director of the Luthan Hotel & Spa.

To some, Saudi Arabia’s first women-only hotel is a sign of progress, a place where women can conduct business without interference in a male-dominated society.

Until January, women could not check into any hotel alone unless accompanied by a male family member or they had written permission from a male “guardian.” Now, the only requirement is that the hotel register the names of female guests with the police.

But others say the new hotel simply reinforces gender segregation in a nation that still doesn’t let women drive.
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