Video shows the victim, a 46-year-old housekeeper at the Elmhurst Lodge, running to get away from the man.
The housekeeper told the man she was going to clean his room, and he left but then remained in the doorway.
He's accused of exposing himself and performing a lewd act as he watched her clean.
Police say he then pulled out a gun and demanded she stay quiet, but as he started walking towards her, she was able to escape.
The man left the hotel on foot in an unknown direction.
He's described as having a dark complexion, with a medium build, and short black hair. He was last seen wearing sunglasses, a black hooded winter jacket, blue jeans and black sneakers.
Anyone with information in regard to this incident is asked to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782).
ALSO READ | NJ tow truck driver hailed as a hero after saving driver from crash
NJ tow truck driver hailed a hero after saving driver from crash
----------
* More Queens news
* Send us a news tip
* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts
* Follow us on YouTube