Hotels

[Shania]

I stay at a lot of hotels. Some I feel comfortable going 'out' in & some not. How do you find out what hotels are ok with it. I don't usually go out dressed like I am in previous posts. I do have a kinda modest red dress to wear. I worry about what the other guests will think & if the hotel will take their side. In all honesty I think most people will just go on about their way & not say anything. I tried to email the Quality Inn I'm staying at & I got a corporate email. I sent it anyways. What you you think?

[DonnaT]

How do you find out what hotels are ok with it? Word of mouth.

I reckon as long as the place doesn't have conservative (read: religious) theme on the walls, etc., they'll be happy with taking your money.

[Davita]

hummmm What hotel is ok with us girls? Everyone of them where we act like other guests. I have done ever combo of checking in and out. Go in drab; check out fem. Go in fem and check out drab. Check in and out drab or in and out fem. Come and go from my room like I am a paying customer; oh wait I was.

Donna, really you can always ask for policy, but you mentioned customers. It's just like any other time in public; that's all -- no secret. Just be careful is all. As for the hired help being in your room cleaning etc? Hopefully they won't take anything. Here's how it works at a decent hotel. You take your nightgown off and leave it on the bed and forget to put it away. You get back to your room later that day and they have folded it and put the chocolate on it. You rushed to get your makeup done and left everything out. You come back and they have lined up stuff and cleaned where you were at.

The staff might know and they might not, but they really don't have time to do any more than clean your room and treat you like the customer you are. The front desk? There job as the interface to you and the company is to make sure you are happy and will want to come back.

The customers? Just like in public, some might figure it out and some won't. Some might care and most don't. Those that care is a problem for them and not you. With cameras everywhere, you aren't going to have problems. Honestly, for my 100s of stays I never knew who knew and who didn't unless I specifically told them.

[Shania]

I think you are both right. I called the front desk last night & asked if the hotel was CD friendly & said I was worried about what other guests would think & I didn't want to offend anyone. I said I would like to walk around a bit, she said 'c'mon out, there is nobody in the lobby anyways'. So I walked out of my room, just off the lobby, said 'Hi' to the girl at the desk, & walked out the front door...just like I was a woman! Fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[PhylissH]

I too stay at a lot of hotels and so far have had no problems. A friend I stayed at a Crown plaza in Dallas, And I have stayed at Holiday Inn, Ramada Inn, Comfort suits, LaQuinta, all with no issues. I have even checked in/checked out en fem. I think most hotel staff see so many
different things it doesn't really bother them. I have also found them helpful finding places to go, restaurants etc. I was a bit concerned the first time I went down for my complimentary breakfast, but any concerns I had were unfounded.
So enjoy yourself and take advantage and be the woman you want to be.

[Janine O]

I've never had any issues at Marriot, Holiday inn or Ramada hotels. The only time that I had a strange stare from a hotel patron was in an elevator at a Fairfield in Madison, Wisconsin.

[Eileen (SO)]

If you want to 'out' yourself, Shania, call the desk and ask if it's OK to leave your room dressed. You're in a hotel for G*** sake, they have seen it all before. Just act like a proper lady and enjoy yourself.

Eileen

[Jean Ann]

If you want to be a " girl" and experiencelife as one you have to
Push the envelope . Get out and about and enjoy life . I got
Locked out of my room first time out at Motel 6 in Amario Texas
I have never. Found a Hotel that really. cared as long as you
behaved. like a Lady

[Deidre Taylor]

In my previous life before I transitioned I traveled extensively. Many times those trips would involve 3 or 4 different cities and last 2 weeks and occasionally longer. I have stayed in hotels all across the country and never found anything but acceptance for Deidre. Like Davita I have done every combo imaginable and never had an issue regardless of whether my credit card matched my appearance of not. I had my favorite hotels in various locations but over 30 years of living out of a suitcase I have stayed in all of the major chains.

When I was in Seattle I always stayed at the Holiday Inn at SeaTac, the location was convenient and the staff wonderful. I always had a habit of after dinner stopping in the hotel bar for a nightcap most nights regardless of where I was or how I was dressed. At that particular Holiday Inn the bartender and I became friendly over time. I remember her once telling me Deidre was a much nicer person than her "brother" and more comfortable with herself. She was also one of the first to realize the Deidre smoked Salem's and enjoyed a glass of wine while her other side drank whiskey and smoked Marlboros. Another time I had a conversation with a female flight attendant about high heels as we waited to check out which started when she complimented me on my shoes. I even had a male desk clerk tell me my slip was showing, yes it was.

Hotels like most restaurants are more interested in your money than how you are dressed as long as it is appropriate. By keeping you happy you come back and spend more money with them. Sure you may get "looks" from some of the guests and maybe even an occasional staff member but for the most part they are always polite and helpful. It's your life to live so live it as you desire.

[Diana Michelle]

As someone who has made her living as a consultant to the hospitality industry let me assure you that the vast majority of hotels, etc. are more worried you are happy and come back rather than your choice of attire. While I am certain there are exceptions but they are a very small minority. I cannot imagine any establishment associated with a large name brand giving you any issues and if they were to do so a simple note to corporate or a bad comment on Facebook or similar website would bring quick and sure retribution to the offending establishment.

In many areas of the country there are resorts aimed at the GLBT community. I know there are a couple here in Saugatuk Michigan as well as other parts of the country. Also there are websites such as gaytravel.com that cater to the alternative community. Just Google "gay travel" and I am sure you will find several sites to help you find a place that not just welcomes you but embraces you and whatever you desire.

Jean Ann, anyone who has stayed in hotels often as part of traveling for business or pleasure locks themselves out. I have done it more times than I care to count. I remember doing it once in a mid size town in Iowa wearing nothing but my short robe. Needless to say it was an embarassing experience!

[Michelle Diane]

Like you Shania I've stayed at a lot of hotels both in the US and the UK for a variety of reasons and usually for a week up to two months and although I've never dressed when my wife is around out last stay was in St Louis and another guest was dressing. She was there for about 10 days and we kept bumping into one another in the lift, laundry front desk etc. I can say in all honesty that the staff are more concerned with keeping you as a happy...returning...customer rather than the clothes you wear.

I often wonder if Carla the CD from the hotel is a member here. She was very passable and seemed confident.