Lawyers For Sexual Harassment Against NYC’s Hospitality Workers

Last updated on January 16, 2026

Hospitality is a cornerstone of the city’s economy and encompasses a vast array of establishments from hotels to event venues. These venues and establishments could not run without hotel staff, concierges, housekeepers, front desk clerks and event coordinators. Sadly, many of these workers are often subject to sexual harassment either from their colleagues, their supervisors or even guests/customers.

If you work in New York City’s bustling hospitality industry and have been subject to sexual harassment, know that you are not alone and that you have the right to a safe work environment. Our attorneys at Eisenberg & Baum, LLP, can help you understand those rights and hold your harasser and employer accountable.

Why Is Sexual Harassment Prevalent In Hospitality?

There can be several reasons for this:

• Complex and unequal power dynamics: The need to maintain guest satisfaction can put workers in vulnerable positions, making them susceptible to harassment. Additionally, because managers often have control over an employee’s work schedule, they may feel that they have to deal with harassment to meet their work hours or maintain consistency.
• Frequent interactions with guests: Many hospitality roles are people-facing roles and some institutions may overlook guest behavior, even if it’s crossing the line into harassment.
• The isolation of shift work: Not all hospitality workers are on the 9-5 shift. Some work overnights or early mornings. There are typically fewer people on staff during these shifts, which can leave those working them more vulnerable to harassment by guests or other co-workers.
• A high turnover industry: People in hospitality roles often have short tenures, which can make creating and enforcing anti-sexual harassment policies much more difficult.

If you are subject to unwanted sexual contact or sexual behaviors in your hotel or hospitality job and wish to take action to stop it, call our office today at 212-847-4999.

What Are Common Examples Of Hotel/Hospitality Sexual Harassment?

Here are a few examples of how it can happen:

• Guests are asking hotel front desk workers to come back to their room
• One co-worker showed another sexually explicit material during a night shift
• Event staff are being subject to unwanted advances by speakers/presenters at a conference
• Managers threatening to reduce or change staff shifts in exchange for sexual favors
• Staff enduring sexist and derogatory comments/jokes in a hostile work environment
• Managers asking for sex in exchange for promotions and other workplace benefits (quid pro quo)

Some forms of harassment can be more pervasive than others. If you have any questions about whether or not you are experiencing sexual harassment, you can reach out to us at any time.

Can Hotel And Hospitality Employees File Sexual Harassment Claims After Being Harassed By A Guest?

Yes, hotel and hospitality employees can file sexual harassment claims if a guest harasses them. Under the New York City Human Rights Law and other employment protections, workers can report harassment and seek legal recourse. No matter who you face harassment from, it’s essential to document these interactions thoroughly, report them to your employer and seek the help of an experienced and knowledgeable sexual harassment attorney.

New York City Hotel And Hospitality Workers Deserve Safety. Call Us For A Free Consultation Today!

We are proud to represent New York City hospitality workers who face sexual harassment. When you feel like no one else is on your side, we are here to provide you with the validation, tools, resources and knowledge necessary to pursue accountability. Workplace harassment in hotels remains prevalent and if you are experiencing it and want to report sexual harassment as a hotel or hospitality worker, we are here to help you through every step of the process.

To learn more about what we can do for you, schedule a free consultation by calling 212-847-4999 or by emailing us through our contact form.