Jane recently read an article detailing the woes of the single female traveler. Jane can relate, as she is one of said demographic. The article focused mainly on the single supplements charged by cruise and tour companies, which make traveling nearly twice as expensive for the unattached traveler. What the article did not discuss was the dilemma of dining alone on the road. But to Jane, this is a big thorn in the single traveler's side.
Now ladies, whether you are married, partnered, or on your own, when it comes to business travel, you are a single female. Granted, solo female business travelers don't often have to worry about lodging costs (even though room rates are based on double occupancy), because the company is picking up the tab. And while it's picking up the restaurant tab as well, it's not supplying Tab, your dining companion.
Maybe it's just Jane (but it's not), but dining alone at restaurants, especially at dinnertime, is not an enjoyable experience. Let's say Jane has heard about a hot new restaurant in the town in which she is partaking in business. Jane walks into said restaurant. The hostess looks her up and down and side to side, and not finding a partner attached, haughtily says, "Just one?" Then, she is likely to seat Jane next to the bathroom or in some other prime area for foot traffic. Next, Jane's attentive waiter addresses her with a tone in his voice that says, "You poor little pathetic thing. Don't you worry. I'll be your friend for the next two hours." After her order is taken, Jane ponders ways to avoid the perceived stares of everyone around her. (Of course, no one is paying any attention once the thought of "I'm glad that's not me" has passed through their heads). Jane absorbs herself by reading a book, writing in a journal, or staring at the tablecloth. Given that atmosphere, it's little wonder that all Jane wants to do is chow down as fast as she can and get out of the restaurant as soon as possible.
That's why Jane prefers to take her evening meals courtesy of room service. If she does wander out, she is likely to patronize the restaurant in her hotel, where she won't be patronized. For the beauty of dining at hotel restaurants is that it is clear one is dining alone merely because one is a stranger to the city, and moreover, that one is likely a dynamic, highly successful business person. Perhaps that's why the condescending tones so prevalent among the wait staffs at regular restaurants are usually absent at hotel eateries.
Jane does wish, however, that hotels could develop ways for single business travelers, or rather, business travelers traveling alone, to connect for dining purposes. Jane is not talking about a dating service here. She merely thinks that it would be nice if hotel restaurants offered communal tables or a reserved dining time when folks traveling alone could come and be guaranteed of eating with others. Perhaps the experience would end up being a bore, but perhaps it would be entertaining, or an excellent networking opportunity. At the very least, dining with others would make it easier, for Jane at least, to enjoy her food and drink.
There is hope. Wyndham recently announced that ERL ("Eat, Refresh, Live") cafes will be added to the menu at many of its hotels. ERL transforms from a coffee bar with breakfast service and snacks during the day into a cocktail bar featuring casual dining at night. Jane looks forward to checking out ERL and giving you, dear reader, the skinny ASAP.
Meanwhile, Jane wants to hear from you on the topic of dining alone on the road. Please feed Jane your thoughts. Email WOTW@wyndhamworldwide.com with the subject line “Dining Alone”.
