Ritzy NYC Hotel Apologizes When Caught Refusing Service To Naval Officer In Uniform

05.29.2015 | Surge Wire |

A ritzy hotel in New York City has just apologized for turning a female sailor away from the hotel’s bar, after saying that her Navy uniform didn’t meet dress code standards.

On Saturday evening, the female sailor from Rhode Island, who did not wish to be identified, tried to enter the bar at The Standard Hotel, only for the bouncer to refuse her access. The fact that she was clearly part of the U.S. Navy did not deter him.

“We walked in, went to the elevator and were stopped by a doorman who said, ‘Hey man, there’s a dress code,’” Ryan O’Connor, a member of the group, told New York Daily News. “I said, ‘Wait, are you rejecting us because someone is in a service uniform?’ He kind of rolled his eyes and wouldn’t budge.”

“I was wearing a $400 blazer and dress shoes,” O’Connor added. “We were all dressed nice. The only person sticking out was the Navy officer.”

O’Connor asked the front desk at the hotel to get involved, but he was informed that it was up to the lounge to set the standards.

All this happened during Memorial Day weekend, just a short distance from Ground Zero.

After the sailor’s relatives sent the hotel an email to express outrage over her treatment, the hotel backed down and apologized.

“We hold those serving in the United States Armed Forces in the highest regard. This was a mistake and we sincerely apologize,” the hotel said in a statement to WPIX.

Manager Nayara Branco promised that the incident definitely would not happen again, as military uniforms are obviously exempt from the lounge’s strict dress code. While the sailor is no longer in town, Branco said that the hotel will take care of the sailor and her friends should she return to the city.

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