Women In Hospitality : Women's History Month

As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we thought it would be fun to take a look at some of the remarkable women who have shaped the hospitality industry. These women have broken barriers, redefined service excellence, and paved the way for future generations. Have we missed someone you think deserved a mention?

Here are some of the key historical figures in hospitality whose impact still resonates today.

1. Alice Statler & Alice Sheets Marriott: Women Behind Hospitality Giants

While their husbands often received the limelight, Alice Sheets Marriott and Ellsworth Milton Statler’s wife, Alice Statler, were integral to shaping two of the world's most successful hospitality brands—Marriott and Statler Hotels.

• Alice Sheets Marriott (1907–2000) co-founded Marriott International with her husband, J. Willard Marriott. She played a critical role in business operations, financial management, and setting service standards that have defined Marriott as a global hospitality leader.
• Alice Statler (1876–1950) carried on her husband’s hospitality legacy after his passing, ensuring the growth of the Statler Hotel chain and its contributions to modern hotel operations.

Their strategic leadership helped lay the foundation for two of the most influential hotel empires in history.

2. Blanche Armfield: The Woman Who Changed Hotel Housekeeping

Blanche Armfield revolutionized hotel housekeeping in the early 20th century. As the first Director of Housekeeping at The Waldorf Astoria, she transformed how hotels managed cleanliness, service, and guest comfort.

Her innovations included:
✔️ Standardized housekeeping procedures.
✔️ Comprehensive training programs for housekeeping staff.
✔️ The introduction of quality control measures that are still used in luxury hospitality today.

Without her contributions, the meticulous standards of five-star accommodations might not be what they are today.

3. Helena Rubinstein: Bringing Luxury and Spa Culture to Hotels

While Helena Rubinstein (1872–1965) is best known as a beauty mogul, she also had a significant influence on the luxury hospitality and spa industry.

• She was one of the first to introduce full-service beauty salons and wellness spas in high-end hotels.
• Her vision of integrating wellness, relaxation, and hospitality helped shape the modern-day spa industry.
• Hotels that now feature luxury spa retreats owe part of their success to Rubinstein’s pioneering ideas.

Her legacy remains in every hotel spa and wellness retreat that prioritises self-care and indulgence.

4. Julia Child: The Culinary Icon Who Changed Hotel and Restaurant Dining

Few names in culinary history are as influential as Julia Child (1912–2004). Though she wasn’t a hotelier, her impact on restaurant and hotel dining is undeniable.

• She revolutionised American dining by introducing French cuisine to a global audience.
• Her TV shows and books inspired chefs and hospitality leaders to embrace fine dining and authentic cooking.
• Many high-end hotels and restaurants began incorporating gourmet European techniques because of her influence.

Today, many hotel culinary programs and chef training academies owe their high standards to Child’s work.

5. Ruth Fertel: The Woman Who Built a Steakhouse Empire

Ruth Fertel (1927–2002) was the visionary behind Ruth’s Chris Steak House, a name synonymous with quality, fine dining, and premium hospitality.

• In 1965, she purchased a struggling New Orleans steakhouse and transformed it into a globally recognised brand.
• She set new standards for customer service and consistency in high-end restaurant chains.
• Her leadership style emphasized employee empowerment and mentorship, creating career paths for many in hospitality.

Her success story continues to inspire female restaurateurs and business leaders today.

6. Arlene Francis: The First Female TV Host in Hospitality

Before influencers and celebrity chefs, Arlene Francis (1907–2001) was among the first women to bring hospitality into people’s homes via television.

• She hosted "Home," one of the first nationally broadcast lifestyle shows, covering everything from restaurant culture to hotel etiquette.
• Her programs popularized fine dining, travel, and the hospitality industry among American audiences.
• Many modern travel and food shows owe their existence to pioneers like Francis, who made hospitality a part of mainstream entertainment.

The Lasting Impact of Women in Hospitality

From luxury hotels to restaurant empires, spa culture to television, women have played a defining role in the evolution of hospitality. Their contributions have shaped the standards of service, innovation, and guest experiences that we uphold today.

As hospitality professionals, how can we continue their legacy?
✔️ Support women in leadership roles within hotels, restaurants, and tourism.
✔️ Invest in mentorship programs that empower female hospitality professionals.
✔️ Recognize and celebrate women’s contributions to the industry—not just during Women’s History Month, but year-round.

These trailblazing women remind us that hospitality is about vision, resilience, and redefining possibilities.

Happy Women’s History Month to all the incredible women shaping hospitality today and in the future!