SA hotel opens women-only floor

Rooms on the floor cost up to $160 a night

A five-star hotel in the South African port city of Durban is offering female guests rooms on a women-only floor.

"The scheme was launched for security reasons. Women travelling alone are often uneasy," the Royal Hotel's deputy general manager Allen Munsami said.

Female butlers will serve the food and extra feminine touches like manicure sets and magnifying mirrors for applying make-up will be available.

The floor in the 251-room hotel will change from time to time for security.

"We want women to feel confident about their safety," Mr Munsami told BBC News Website.

But they will have to pay a little extra for the special service.

"Rates for the ladies' floor will be slightly higher, costing between 770 rand to 990 rand ( $125-$160) a night."

It was already attracting a lot of interest with many women phoning up to inquire about the service, he said.