Category Archives: Gay Hotels
Is It Really Safe to Travel to Puerto Vallarta?
Is it safe to travel to
Puerto Vallarta?
In a word, the answer is BIG yes! It is safe to travel to Puerto
Vallarta.
PV is part of the very diverse and large Mexican state of
Jalisco. Some sensational news outlets have incorrectly reported that the US State
Department is warning against all travel to Jalisco. NOT TRUE.
The US Department of State said for Puerto Vallarta – There is no recommendation
against travel to Guadalajara and Puerto
Vallarta. There is also no recommendation against travel on principal
highways in
Jalisco between Guadalajara including the
portions that cross in to the southern portions of the state of Nayarit.
Also – Mexico City (also known as the Federal District): No advisory is in effect.
Puerto Vallarta’s Tourism Board has commissioned a study from the security consulting firm Thomas Dale and Associates (TDA).
The firm found that “the number of negative events involving foreigners
or non‐foreigners is fractional compared to the large ex‐pat resident
population and the millions of visitors that come to vacation each year
in Puerto Vallarta.”
you can read more at Visit Puerto Vallarta.
Unless you were under a rock the last few years, you could not help but hear how
dangerous parts of Mexico has become, and yes, it’s true drug wars have
escalated violence in parts of Mexico. “Collateral damage” the news calls it – which really means that innocent people
have been robbed, hurt or killed.
was. I walked the streets Vallarta alone day or night. I never felt
uncomfortable or scared.
or run-ins with bad guys or police (well, there was that ticket for
using my cellphone while driving…), ” says Paul who owns Hotel Mercurio.
Puerto Vallarta is the most visited gay destination in Mexico.
It has always been a safe place to live and visit and continues to be!
Gay Travel and Places to Stay in Berlin
Gay travelers to Berlin can now check out the Pink Pillow stamp of approval for hotels and places to stay.
The pink pillow Berlin Collection brings together hotels that believe with all their heart that all guests should be welcomed exactly as they are.
All participating hotels recommend themselves to gay and lesbian guests. They emphasize a professional and relaxed service.
THE OUT NYC is Expanding to More Cities
THE OUT NYC is New York’s first straight-friendly urban resort (NOT a
hotel) located in the epicenter of gay life – Hell’s Kitchen, steps from
Times Square and Chelsea. Live your own unforgettable experience with
the best of lodging, dining, nightlife and design all in one place – THE
OUT NYC.
Complete with 5000 square foot spa, and a Sun Deck to get your tan
on or watch an amazing sunset. Along one side is a glass reflecting pool
with a water room enclosed by cascading curtains of rain.
The
Secret Garden is tucked inside serene plantings of black bamboo. It’s a
quiet place to bring your laptop and a snack. Work or read at our long
sturdy tables. It’s also the right place to bring your yoga mat for
quiet meditation.
The Great Lawn @ THE OUT offers everything you need to enjoy the
great outdoors. The grass is green. The beanbag chairs are soft. There’s
enough green space on the Great Lawn for outdoor games or events. With a
hilled stage at the north end, it’s the perfect place for a wedding
ceremony, cocktail party or press junket. And whatever the occasion,
Ktchn can be there to cater your every culinary need.
THE OUT NYC concept has been so successful, developers are now
seeking to expand to other cities – and are looking at locations possibly in Washington DC and Chicago. One source told us The OUT is even looking at Milan, the fashion capital of the world, by year end!
Stay tuned! We’ll have
more details soon!
THE OUT NYC, Urban Resort.
Stay. Play. Eat. Chill. Revive.
510 West 42nd Street, New York City, NY 10036
Maui Sunseeker LGBT Resort Featured in Travel Channel’s HOTEL IMPOSSIBLE
Second season of ‘Hotel Impossible’ features a Maui, Hawaii resort that caters to the LGBT clientele.
“It was eye opening for all involved in this show” laughs Spence, “for us from a business perspective and for the cast when they discovered the clothing optional hot tub”.
Gay Travel to Maui: The Gay Side of the Valley Isle
Paradise is a strong word.
But ask anyone who has been to Maui, Haawii and they say it
is truly a paradise in every way.
For the gay/lesbian couple seeking a romantic haven, the island of Maui is waiting to welcome you with bright rainbow leis.
From snorkeling to whale watching and lounging and relaxing on a remote gay beach, Maui is paradise found.
With a population of less than 150,000 people, the gay scene is much smaller on Maui than in Oahu but there’s a small, tight knit LGBT community and a lot of great activities geared toward the gay tourist. The gay population is mainly concentrated
around the Kihei area in South Maui, but gay people live all over the
island.
Whether you want to surf, canoe or kayak, opportunities abound on gay Maui for the outdoor enthusiast. (which I am not! However, Maui was the perfect place for me, to unplug, and RELAX!). There are several companies that offer visitors outdoor equipment and training.
If you’re looking for something lower impact, Maui is the leading whale-watching center in the Hawaiian Islands. Head to the beach and try to spy a Humpback, dolphin or sea turtle. Stick around and be sure to catch one of the most amazing sunsets you’ll ever experience. No Ka Oi Adventures offers nature-based excursions organized for LGBT travelers. The operator specializes in nature-based excursions and offers the queer traveler small group tours featuring off-the-beaten-path destinations on the island.
The first step in planning your memorable jaunt to the Valley Isle is finding the right accommodations. Luckily there are several gay and lesbian owned or friendly hotels and resorts on the island. Some of these properties, like the Maui Sunseeker, offer LGBT specific packages and host commitment ceremonies. In 2012, Hawaii became the seventh US state to legalize civil unions. What better place to be married and have your honeymoon at the same time?!
Industry insiders have said they expect that the law legalizing civil
unions, which took effect Jan. 1, 2012, will lead to a boost in tourism among
same-sex visitors. Hotel executives said they’re actively reaching out
to the gay and lesbian community with promotions and packages aimed at
couples who are eager to make their commitment official.
The amazing coastline is one of the main reasons to visit Maui and Little Beach is the most popular gay beach on the island. You’ll find this nude beach in Makena State Park, South of Wailea at the end of Wailea Alanui Road. It’s a little tricky. You’ll have to walk past the Big Beach and over the lava-flow trail to get there. It’s a great place to meet and greet the local gay set and gay tourists from all over the world.
After a day of fun in the sun, you’ll want to experience the local gay nightlife. Don’t expect to a wide variety of dance clubs and other gay venues like you’d find in Honolulu, but you’ll definitely have a great time.
One of the most popular bars for gays and lesbians on the island is Ambrosia. Named by Maui Time Weekly as best bar (two years in a row), Ambrosia offers daily entertainment and eclectic décor. If you want to try some exotic local drinks, you’ll fall in love with Ambrosia. Their wide varieties of specialty martinis are extremely popular and are the perfect way to cap off an adventure-packed day. There are also great drink specials and a happy hour every night from 6pm to 9pm.
Betty’s Beach Café is also a great place to eat, drink and be Mary! Their Sunday brunch is out of this world, featuring amazing omelets, egg scrambles and signature cocktails. No trip to this tropical venue would be complete without trying one of their “Betty” drinks. From the Bettie Paige (red wine, peach schnapps and pineapple) to the Betty Rubble (a Blue-beri Hawaiian), there’s truly a vice for everyone. Happy hour is always a blast at Betty’s. Every afternoon from 2pm to 5pm enjoy $3 Mai Tais and $4 Longboard Kona Beers. Stay or come back later in the evening for Betty’s evening happy hour, from 9pm to 11pm every day.
October is a great time for gay travelers to experience Maui. Maui Pride is October 5-7, 2012 and it’s always a celebration to remember. The festivities begin that Friday with an Aloha Reception at the Maui Sunseeker. This mixer is a great opportunity to get to know the local queer community and hobnob. But space fills up fast! Book as early as you can.
The main event will be held at the Maui Tropical Plantation on Saturday, October 6. Entrance is free and there will be a wide variety of vendors and activities. That morning the Pride committee will also be sponsoring drag races and other fabulous events. Saturday night, return to the venue to hula your ass off! DJs will be spinning and live performances (including the local Deborah Vial Band) are scheduled to entertain the masses. The final day of the Pride festivities kicks off at Stella Blues for breakfast (8am to 10am). Cap off the final day with a snorkel tour or hidden waterfall hike.
Before you leave Maui, during Pride or any other time of the year, you MUST take a helicopter ride overlooking the island. Air Maui and other operators offer flights for tourists and it’s only about a 45-minute flight. The sea cliffs are breathtaking! The waterfalls, awe-inspiring.
When the luau is over and you’re depressed that you have to leave the dream vacation of a lifetime, take solace, when you say “aloha” it means goodbye and hello. The friendly islanders will be there to welcome you back with sweet, sun-kissed smiles!
Guest Author Jon Fairbanks – Gay Travel Team Member
For more information about Maui or other LGBT destinations please visit www.gaytravel.com
Photo credit Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Tor Johnson
Maui Hawaii Celebrate Gay Marriage this Week
Paradise is a strong word, and I don’t use it lightly. But Maui, Hawaii
is truly a paradise in every way.
It has glorious warm weather all
year, with just enough of a breeze from the trade winds to keep you
feeling refreshed. The tropical greenery and colourful flowers are
spectacular, and there’s nothing better than the relaxing sound of the
surf crashing on the beach as you drift off to sleep every night.
Wouldn’t you want to get married in Paradise?!
A gay Oklahoma City couple is happy to be on Maui and among the
first couples to be joined in a civil union after a state law allowing
such unions went into effect last Sunday.
“We are proud to be part of
it,” said 40-year-old Rich Tucker, a mortgage company owner, shortly
before his Monday sunset ceremony with partner 37-year-old David Dobson,
a Realtor.
“We wanted to have the ceremony somewhere tropical. It’s awesome to have accepting people that accept everyone. No one
is segregated,” Tucker said about Hawaii and the civil unions law.
Dobson added: “In Oklahoma, it’s still very much the Bible Belt.”
Industry insiders have said they expect that the law legalizing civil unions, which took effect Jan. 1, will lead to a boost in tourism among same-sex visitors. Hotel executives said they’re actively reaching out to the gay and lesbian community with promotions and packages aimed at couples who are eager to make their commitment official.
“We’ve had 10 ceremonies booked so far,” said Chuck Spence, owner of the Maui Sunseeker LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered) Resort in Kihei. “Already we’ve also seen an immediate boost in bookings, and not just because of civil unions, but because the law also opens up the perception by the gay and lesbian community that Hawaii is truly a welcoming state. We are aloha.”
Hawaii’s hard-fought civil unions law was bitterly opposed by conservative and Christian groups, who said the measure posed a threat to heterosexual marriage and traditional families.
Deacon Walter Yoshimitzu of the Honolulu Roman Catholic Diocese said marriage should be only between a man and a woman.
“Even with civil unions, we believe it is same-sex marriage by another name,” he said.
State Sen. Roz Baker, who represents West and South Maui and was a supporter of the civil unions bill, said she hoped the law would attract couples to Hawaii.
“Let’s face it, too, nowhere is the weather nicer, or are there as many beautiful places to visit year round, than in Hawaii,” she said, adding that “the wedding business has always been good to Maui.” Year round the weather is gorgeous!
But she and West Maui Rep. Angus McKelvey noted that the new civil unions license will be recognized only in Hawaii, so they anticipated it to attract a wave but not a tsunami of same-sex visitors.
“It’s not going to be a billion-dollar law,” McKelvey said.
More significant than its ability to attract visitors, he said, the law was important for gays and lesbians living in Hawaii, because it would give them the same rights as heterosexual couples.
“We still have a long way to go,” said spokesman Don Bentz for Equality Hawaii of Honolulu, a gay rights advocacy group. “If a couple, let’s say, comes from Florida (which doesn’t have gay marriage or civil unions), they have rights here but lose them after the plane ride.”
Frank and Kevin, who own a wedding service on Maui, have been performing ceremonies for heterosexual and gay couples, recognized or not, for many years. They’ve said they expect their numbers to go from nearly 40 ceremonies a year to more than 100.
Maui SunSeeker is going to provide group room discounts and gifts like champagne. Rich and David were the first guests to tie the knot!
He noted that they’re bringing friends – as others certainly will – and that the tourists will spend money at other Maui businesses.
“In regard to tourism, absolutely this will have a great impact. No question,” said Spence, whose hotel currently has 25 rooms and now plans to add more.
Applications and information about civil unions are available online at hawaii.gov/health.
Hocking Hills…SouthEast Ohio’s Hidden Gem of Nature and Waterfalls
Surrounded on three sides by Hocking Hills State Parks, The Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls, in Logan, Ohio, features a setting that puts guests in tune with the harmony of nature, the peace of solitude and the simple joys of the Earth’s beauty. It was beautiful! And they have been green certified, by the Hocking Hills Tourism Assoc. The Inn and Spa at Cedar Falls is THE place you want to make sure you stay at! It is the original, in this area. Over the years, many mom and pop inn’s have sprouted up, but this one is THE BEST. And it has a wonderful history. After two and a half years in the making, the vision became a reality when The Inn opened in 1987. Those two plus years were not without struggle. Located in each room at the Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls, is a brief history of The Inn. It states: “This is not a Pollyanna-glad-girl story, however, the struggle to withstand backbreaking work, mind-bending discouragement, seemingly countless physical, emotional and financial blocks, is a long tale…” A story not unlike many great entrepreneurs. The Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls is distinguished by the 1840′s log houses that are homes to The Inn’s gourmet kitchen, dining rooms and tavern. Constructed with 18-inch wide logs and the original plank floor, the main dining room offers a romantic setting. Outside dining on the gorgeous and lush patio offers guests the opportunity to view hummingbirds at feeders and dine under the stars. The Inn is a barn-like structure housing 9 antique-furnished rooms each with its own private bath. The porch and veranda feature a spectacular view of the Hocking Hills. A large common room is available for guests or business meetings. Ideal for a tranquil romantic getaway, each Hocking Hills Cozy cottage is situated on two acres of natural wooded beauty and has the charming ambiance of a gas log stove and private deck. Relax and unwind in a whirlpool hot tub for two after a day of hiking the Hocking Hills. Sit on the back deck and sip a glass of wine and admire the brilliant evening sky full of stars. The new Rooftop Garden is a 1000-squarefoot rooftop herb and flower garden with walking paths. There is a small gazebo and it is ideal for smaller weddings of up to 20 people. The Inn and Spa at Cedar Falls provides the PERFECT romantic backdrop for ceremony/dinner/honeymoon. Owner Ellen says, “We’ve created an environment that makes the Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls an ideal place for your ceremony. The Inn’s 75 acres is perfectly suited for small, intimate gatherings of up to 50 people. Make your day unique and unforgettable by allowing us to help you envision, create, plan, and fulfill your special day. Your every last wish is delightfully anticipated!” Each season, the Inn, presents a new menu. “We have incorporated Ohio’s vast cultural influences into our style of preparation. Local Ohio products inspired by classic, culinary traditions yield a delicious way to explore our national heritage.” – Breakfast, lunch and dinner’s available. Full bar and extensive wine list.
(Photo Left-Joe Braun)
Hocking Hills Ohio,
where waterfalls, remarkable hiking trails and amazing wildlife await!
We just discovered this hidden gem last month – and WOW! What a treat!
This is a photographers paradise. Hikers will love it. Take a deep breathe of fresh air….and just relax with nature.
Whether it’s antiques, fine art, breathtaking scenery, a hike to Old Man’s Cave or a getaway in a woodland cabin, you’ll find it all just outside Logan in southeast Ohio. Just 60 minutes from the beautiful city of Columbus!
There is so much that makes Hocking Hills State Park unique. Cascading waterfalls, breathtaking cliffs, deep recess caves and forestland as far as the eye can see are just a few distinctive features of the region. And everything to see is FREE.
Located in the picturesque sandstone region of Southeastern Ohio,
The natural history of this region is as fascinating as the caves are beautiful. Here, in these sandstones and shales, one can read Ohio’s history from the rocks. The scenic features of the six areas of the Hocking Hills State Park complex are carved in the Blackhand sandstone. This bedrock was deposited more than 350 million years ago as a delta in the warm shallow sea which covered Ohio at that time. Subsequent millions of years of uplift and stream erosion created the awesome beauty seen today.
And of course, you can still see the erosion at work when the spring rains fill up Queer Creek near Old Man’s Cave and she pours her excess into what is called Cedar Falls.
The Cedar Falls area is where we stayed. The Inn and Spa at Cedar Falls is recognized by SELECT REGISTRY, as one of the distinguished Inns of North America.
Mammoth rock formations, caves and waterfalls native to the Hocking Hills, Ohio region share their breathtaking beauty with the Inn’s charming cottages, log cabins and antique filled bed and breakfast rooms.
It is ran by Ellen Grinsfelder and her husband Terry Lingo. It was Ellen’s mother, Anne Castle who had a vision in Hocking Hills. Anne was a well respected businesswoman who gave up her corporate life to establish a place where the ever-growing number of urban dwellers could retreat to a natural setting.
Over the years, 12 Cozy cottages were added and nestled into the woods, affording privacy and tranquility.
For large groups or just more space, 5 larger renovated, fully equipped 19th Century log cabins feature privacy and cooking facilities. So you really have 3 choices when selecting your place to stay.
Plush robes, fine soap, lotions, and lip balm add an extra touch for cottage guests. Towel warmers and hair dryers are also provided. Fresh baked cookies await your arrival in the cottages.
The Sumac Cottage is handicap accessible. Two Dog Friendly Cottages are Trillium and Yarrow. Children of all ages are welcome in some of the cabins. The rooms and cottages are not set up to accommodate them. Additional features offered in the Supreme Cottages.
And what about a commitment ceremony? The Hilltop Garden is simple, but beautifully landscaped with local flowers, fruit trees and benches. Couples desiring an outdoor wedding make this an ideal setting. It offers sitting or standing room for up to 50 guests.
SPA! AHHHHHHHH. A quiet retreat awaits those seeking the luxury of spa services gently balanced with a closeness to nature. There’s a moment when it all comes together — when you discover the best in yourself. In the middle of your busy schedule, it’s easy to miss these special times that can awaken you to life’s possibilities. Open daily, the Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls offers packages, treatments and gift certificates for men, women, couples and groups.
The Inn continues to grow and review its mission, constantly evolving. It’s idea has remained the same throughout 23 years of operation. Simply put, it says, “We are a Country Inn in a peaceful, natural setting, where people can connect with the earth and universe. We are dedicated to high standards — standards of Excellence. We have committed ourselves to quality food, quality surroundings, quality service and quality employees.”
WHEN TO GO? Pretty much anytime during the year. In the winter it’s like a wonderland, in the summer it looks like something us city dwellers, only see in magazines. Witness the fall colors in Autumn or the magic of the holiday season.
Insider hint – WEEKDAYS are better than weekends, in my opinion. It is less busy.
Editors note – No TV or computers here. This is about GETTING AWAY FROM IT ALL! ESCAPE! There is wi-fi available in the main building, should you absolutely feel the need to check in with the rat race!
Hocking Hills Official site
Hocking Hills State Park
Inn and Spa at Cedar Falls
Inn’s and Spa’s Special Event Calendar
Boutique and Luxury Gay Hotels for the LGBT Traveler
small B&Bs and Inns
and a handful of resorts
from Key West to Palm Springs
have labeled themselves
as “gay hotels” and/or
“gay resorts.”
In the 90’s we saw many big name hotels courting the gay travel dollar labeling themselves “gay-friendly” and providing gay perks to gay travelers. From W to Wynn, Marriott to Kimpton, major hotel chains have been targeting lesbian and gay travelers for some time now.
Some estimate that the LGBT travel market is worth an annual $63 billion in the U.S. alone. “There have always been gay inns and B&Bs,” says Lords founder Brian Gorman. “This is the time to take this concept to a far larger scale.”
When the Lords South Beach Hotel opened last month in Miami, its brightly hued decor, trio of plunge pools and Absolut Vodka–partnered bar looked much like any other higher-end Miami resort. But the 50+ room Art Deco confection, which is located a block from South Beach’s main gay beach, is billing itself as the country’s first large-scale, design-driven gay hotel. Not just gay-friendly, but gay through and through. The hotel worked with Out magazine to develop a Concierge App listing top local LGBT hot spots, asked Levi’s to custom-design its gray and white jean uniforms, and is preparing to launch its own social network.
Although the Lords may be the first, it’s not the only LGBT-focused hotel brand opening its doors in the U.S. In January, Fort Lauderdale’s Royal Palms will reopen after expanding from a 12-room gay-friendly guesthouse to a 62-room boutique hotel that caters to an all-male clientele who prefer a clothing-optional environment. With a spa, café, bar and gym, Florida’s Royal Palms Resort and Spa is marketing itself as North America’s biggest “full-service” gay retreat, but it won’t retain that title for long.
Later in 2011, Manhattan will finally usher in the Out NYC, a massive, 90,000-sq.-ft. (8,400 sq m) “urban resort” close to Times Square. This has been in the news for over a year now and quite an exciting project.
The industry trailblazer is Axel Hotels, a Spanish hospitality group with stylish, midrange LGBT-focused properties in Barcelona, Berlin and Buenos Aires. The chain is cheekily billed as “hetero-friendly,” says Axel president Juan Julia, who notes that in the off-season, upward of 30% of the guests at its properties are straight. The five-year-old company is considering additional sites in London and Paris, but first it must tackle New York City — where an estimated 7 million LGBT tourists pump $16.4 billion into the city each year. Axel will manage the 127-room hotel for the Out NYC, whose other components include an 11,000-sq.-ft. (1,000 sq m) disco, upscale restaurant and men’s spa.
Calling itself a luxury lifestyle resort collection, G Worldwide intends to launch properties in New York, Florida, California, and Las Vegas, according to its website. The hotels are described as being “uber high-tech facilities” operated by “some of the most innovative, creative people in design, food & beverage, nightlife, events, and hospitality.
Is there enough money and travelers to go around?
It appears so. Look at all the gay cruises. While many LGBT travelers do not wish to “ghettoize” themselves by staying in gay-only establishments, gay cruises have proved that there is a certain kind of gay consumer who wants to travel among a like-minded crowd. I for one, would much rather stay in an all gay hotel, than a mixed hotel where straights may roll their eyes at me as I walk by in my pink kaftan!
“These places provide a concentrated feeling of community,” said Thomas Roth, president of Community Marketing, a company in San Francisco that specializes in gay and lesbian market research. “Especially for the many people who don’t otherwise have the opportunity to be the majority.”
At a time when acceptance of gay people seems to be increasing, such resorts might seem superfluous. But Mr. Roth said his company’s research indicated a strong interest in them.
“We can’t assume there is a ‘gay customer’ anymore,” he said. There is a lot of diversity among people who identify themselves as lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender, he said, and “some want all gay all the time — especially if they’re from, say, Omaha. So something like the Out NYC could be extremely successful.”
Gay Hawaii and Maui Sunseeker Resort
Gay Travel to The Hawaiian Islands!
Located in the central Pacific Ocean, are the most remote chain of islands in the world. Three hundred sixty-five days of the year, the islands of Hawaii promise magic and romance. Pleasant tropical weather year round, a laid-back Aloha attitude, and natural beauty will inspire you to keep the romance going beyond your island time.
Maui is the second largest of the Hawaiian Islands with a land area of 729 square miles with a variety of sights and experiences. The views from atop 10,000-foot Mt. Haleakala (especially popular at sunrise and sunset) are well worth the winding drive past fields of protea and other exotic flowers. The long, winding road to the village of Hana is lined with waterfalls and lush tropical foliage. The quaint old towns of Lahaina and Wailuku are fun for exploring, shopping, and dining. During the winter months, the waters surrounding Maui are ideal for whale-watching.
The gay population is second only to that on Oahu. The biggest concentration of our community is in the Kihei area of South Maui, although we’re everywhere on the island!
Most resort destinations really have two gay communities, and Maui is no different. The local community tends to socialize in their own ‘family’ in private homes, informal groups or a weekly excursion to the beach. Although the local community is typically low-key, there are fundraisers and social events happening often, and visitors are always welcome.
The other gay group on Maui is made up of vacationing singles or couples, many of whom return to the island every year. The scene on Maui isn’t focused so much on high energy or heavy cruising but more on enjoying the incredible beauty found here.
Whichever group you identify with, you’ll find lots of opportunities to have fun, participate in activities and mix with the locals. Information on current local gay activities can be found online at Maui Gay Info and Pride Maui .
Maui Sunseeker is our favorite place to stay! It is the place on Maui where you can feel free to be yourself. Welcoming all, but catering primarily to the gay and lesbian traveler. It is the largest and most known gay resort. A beautiful 17-room gay-owned and operated resort hotel located on a secluded beach in Kihei. It is a boutique hotel for adults only. The suites are spacious, many with their own kitchens, there’s a clothing-optional rooftop area complete with hot tub and massage services, you get free Internet access, and the staff is friendly and accommodating.
Kihei is known for its beaches, so you’ll want to make at least one trek to the stupendous Big Beach and its neighbor, the gay- and clothing-optional-friendly Little Beach. Glassy turquoise waves, caramel-colored sand, and the best bodysurfing ever await you.
“Our location is convenient to Maui attractions such as Little Beach, the Iao Valley, Hana, Lahaina and the volcano, Haleakala. The hotel has long been a fixture in South Maui; always offering a welcoming home away from home for travelers. Acquired by the current owner in 2008, the Maui Sunseeker remains Gay owned and operated. Fostering an atmosphere of quiet elegance, acceptance and aloha, guests truly become a part of our Hawaiian ohana or family. The Wailana Inn became a part of Maui Sunseeker in September 2004. An extensive renovation of the building, guest rooms and gardens was quickly accomplished. The unification of the two diverse properties resulted in an exciting and new haven to lose all cares and feel free to be yourself. Maui Sunseeker welcomes the diversity that is our community.”
Maui Sunseeker has an amazing staff that will help you plan your stay. Their in-house concierge service will help you plan and book your activities on Maui. There is an endless list of possible activities they will coordinate for you! Everything from wine tours and cooking classes to spa tratements, and water and air activities. They will even help plan your special day,
if you’re looking to exchange vows and have a romantic honeymoon.
“As our resort is LGBT clientele and owned/operated, we wanted to find the best activity providers on the island that are either gay owned/operated or are supporters of the gay community. We have worked hard to be sure our guests feel as welcome and comfortable at any activity we refer them to, as they do at home at the Sunseeker. We promise the loving Aloha spirit of these providers will welcome all and promises a fabulous time. “
Once you stay at Maui Sunseeker, you’ll come back again and again! Everyone agrees!
“My partner and I have stayed at the Sunseeker about 6-8 times. We love the atmosphere and the hotel staff. Maui is great; but staying at the Sunseeker is the vacation.”
“I have stayed here for 15 years (half the property used to be the Wailana Inn), and it is perfect for my needs: gay friendly staff #1, comfortable rooms (I always stay in one with access to the garden lanai), hot tub on the roof, wi fi and MORE!”
“Friends recommended I stay at the Maui Sunseeker for my first trip there. Looking at prices on the internet, it was great value compared to more expensive hotel rooms and vacation rentals that have gone up a lot recently. Also, it was very easy to book online. When I arrived, the staff was very friendly and I felt very comfortable… “
Hawaii truly exudes romance and peacefullness. Beaches, sunsets, stargazing, come to Maui Sunseeker and see what you have been missing!
New Gay Travel Guide
Gay Friendly – What Does That Mean? Let the LGBT Buyer Beware
WE were just talking about this the other day; how so many companies are coming forward, some very sincere, some not so sincere, in wanting to be “gay-friendly”.
Karen Ocamb from the Los Angeles Frontiers Magazine , tells of recent not so “gay friendly” incident that happened in Cancun. A California gay couple had relied on a gay-friendly travel agency (Expedia) to select a gay-friendly hotel — which turned out not to be gay-friendly at all.
While in Cancun at their hotel, “At lunch Eric and I were holding hands. A waiter came over to our table and told us that public displays of affection were not allowed at the Gran Melia since it was “family hotel.” When we pointed out the straight couple holding hands across the room he reminded us that it was over the fact we are gay. The waiter became very hostile towards us and I had to step in the way to cool down both Eric and the bigot waiter.
We then went to the front desk and told them the situation. We were promised an upgrade to a suite over our whole ordeal. The general manager of the hotel followed us to our room and told us that the Gran Melia is not a gay friendly hotel. It is a “family hotel” and if we wanted a gay friendly hotel to go down the road. He even gave us a list of other hotels. I asked him to refund our money and we would be glad to make a reservation at one of the other hotels. He said he was not willing to do it.”
“On our check out the last day the general manager tried so hard to get every dollar out of us that he could. He tried to charge us for food and drinks that had been included in our all inclusive stay. He made us wait to leave until the room was checked for any damages. And he threatened to call the police if we left before that. He and Eric got into a verbal altercation in the lobby, and he again threatened to call the police. I have heard the stories of people being thrown in Mexican jails for no reason with no way out and I was scared for my freedom. I paid whatever nonsense charges he threw at me so that I could ensure my safety and leave the hotel as soon as possible. This weekend was not a vacation for me.
We have since spoken to Expedia who has removed the hotel, Gran Melia Cancun off of their gay friendly hotel category. They spoke to the hotel who stood strong on their homophobic stance, claiming that it is a “family” hotel. “
I am curious to know if there was any discussion or problems upon arrival and check-in?
Read their whole story on Huffington Post .
The bottom line is how did this hotel get on their list?
Someone needs to be held accountable but also, do your homework.
Big players like “W” and Kimpton, we know are LGBT friendly places. Smaller properties, I would beware. I would have checked the hotel out better, before booking it. HUGE companies like Expedia and Orbitz are trying to be everything, to everyone, I think. You need to look for things like IGLTA and TAG APPROVED logos and also cross check with sites like Purple Roofs , and even Pink Choice. Heck, you can even email us and check out our Best Gay Cities site. We are more than happy to point you in the right direction to the right sources.
It is my understanding, Expedia just started working with IGLTA , so maybe Expedia has now realized they need some kind of criteria to follow so this doesn’t happen again.
New Gay Travel Guide
Gay Palm Springs in The Summertime – Less Crowded and More Bargains
Gay Palm Springs.
This tropical desert oasis is home to famously long, sun-drenched days, breathtaking mountain views and one of the largest gay communities in the country. It has been voted numerous times and won, the Best Gay Destination in the World! How can you not love 330 days a year of sunshine?
The downtown area with its quaint lampposts, benches and Mexican tile-paved enclaves invites strolling among the shops, galleries, eateries and coffeehouses. Rich in history and blessed with glorious weather, it is a prime destination of travelers from all over the world.
Palm Springs offers over 20 top attractions , including Joshua Tree national park, the Living Desert, art galleries, casinos, and of course, endless golf! It’s a huge outdoor playground with consistently brilliant sunshine, great for swimming and sunning and all types of outdoor activities with the sweet, clean air.
Whether it’s a romantic couple’s getaway, a group outing or a frisky single’s adventure at one of the clothing-optional resorts, you’re sure to find an exciting vacation. The city boasts a very large and diverse Gay resident population and has become a prime travel destination from the West coast (Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle), Midwest, Northeast, Southwest, as well as internationally. Expect to meet guys from Europe, Australia, Canada, and from all over the US! Over the last decade, Palm Springs has experienced an explosion of new gay residents and new gay businesses. The resident LGBT population is now estimated at 40 percent.
There are over 30 openly-gay resort hotels in the city to choose from. Our favorite is INNdulge Palm Springs, A Resort Hotel for Gay Men. @ 601 Grenfall Road, Palm Springs CA 92264
PH 800.833.5675 / (760) 327.1408. Rest; Relaxation; and Pampering!
INNdulge is one of the most established guesthouses here in Palm Springs. Classically Mid-Century in design, INNdulge is listed in the Historic Inns of Palm Springs guidebook. Centrally located in the Warm Sands neighborhood (an area flush with clothing-optional gay accommodations), this elegant award-winning 24-room facility offers several sizes of rooms, most of which look out on the spacious pool, open 24 hours. And by the way, the pool is actually “chilled” in the hot summer months! No other gay resort in Palm Springs uses this “chiller system”, which keeps the water at about 86 degrees.
DID YOU KNOW? Howard Hughes broke ground in the Warm Sands neighborhood over 60 years ago with the first resort here in this part of town. Now this boutique neighborhood, wedged between Ramon and Sunny Dunes Road is home to 10+ resorts – a little oasis of style and pampering.
There is nothing quite like evenings in the desert. Taking a dip in the pool at Midnight. Sitting out with friends under the clear starry skies sipping cocktails, feeling the warm desert breeze against your skin. In fact, many people will take a siesta in the summer months afternoons, just so they can enjoy the magic of the Palm Springs late evenings.
INNdulge Palm Springs is a wonderful example of Palm Springs 50’s architecture. You can appreciate the architecture and the mountain views during the hotel’s free social hour that extends for two hours. It is a great way to meet the hotel’s wonderful owners, John and Jean-Guy, as well as your fellow guests.
Plus you get all of the comforts of home and MORE. Today’s savvy travelers except a level of quality in their resort destinations, and that’s what you will find here.
24 Poolside Rooms and Suites
DVD Players in Every Room
Complimentary DVD Library
King Size Beds
Refrigerators, Coffee Pots, Ironing Boards, Safes
Large Heated Pool (open 24 hours)
12 Man Jacuzzi (open 24 hours)
Cool Misters for Hot Days
Complimentary Continental Breakfast
On-Site Gym and Wi-Fi throughout the property
And you don’t take our word for it, just read the reviews left by members of the press worldwide.
This September this classic resort will celebrate its 15th Anniversary as one of the leading gay hotels in Palm Springs! Don’t miss all the summer fun! INNdulge your fantasies, INNdulge your fancy, INNdulge your spirit!
SUMMER SPECIAL! Second Night FREE !
Every Second Weeknight is FREE! Stay 2, pay for 1. Stay 4, pay for 2. Call for Details!
June 1 – September 30, 2010, Sunday thru Thursday Only, Holidays Excepted
PLUS, this summer get a free SPLASH PASS – a wallet-sized discount card that gets you special savings at area restaurants, retailers and other businesses, and discounted admission to many area attractions and special events. It’s the perfect addition to Summer Splash! The best part? The SPLASH PASS is absolutely FREE to everyone – valley visitors and residents alike!
There are SPECIAL EVENTS happening all summer long ! With year-round sun, the largest gay events in the country, and world-class shopping and dining, Palm Springs is consistently rated travel adventure.
Gay Travel Survey – Gay Travelers Prefer to Stay in Gay Owned and Operated Hotels
We do have some gay friends that would rather choose a 4 or 5 star straight hotel, over gay accomodations.
Pink Choice , one of the largest and most trusted websites for gay and lesbian hotel reviews, today announced results from its first annual Gay and Lesbian Travel Survey. The results shed some light on the health and direction of gay travel in 2009 and going into 2010. Over 500 individuals completed the survey.
The Economy is Impacting Gay Travel
Fifty-six percent of respondents said that the current economy had affected their travel plans and that they would be spending less on travel than in previous years. However, 63% said that they had not needed to shorten their vacations and 54% had already booked their trips for 2010. “The gay travel market has been impacted by the bad economy but people are still traveling. They may be looking to spend a bit less but as the results show, many are already booking for 2010,” said Stephen Mascilo, a co-founder of Pink Choice.
Gay Travelers Prefer Staying in Gay Owned Establishments
Seventy-one percent of respondents preferred to stay in an accommodation that was gay/lesbian owned and operated. That’s not surprising but over 50% indicated they weren’t bothered one way or the other. “We were surprised that over 50% of the respondents said they would be comfortable staying in a non gay owned establishment. It might reflect society’s changing attitudes towards gay and lesbian travelers,” said Stephen. Future surveys will examine this question further.
Price is the Main Factor for Choosing Travel Arrangements
When it comes to travel arrangements, less than 15% of members said they choose an airline specifically because of its GLBT policy. Based on this data, airlines that have spent time and money promoting gay friendly flights may not see much return. Over 50% said ticket price was a major deciding factor and 35% based their decision on flight schedules.
Gay Couch Surfing and Hospitality Home Exchange
Would you like to make friends from all around the world right in your own home or when you travel?
Would you like to see a place from the locals’ perspective when you travel?
Would you like to save money on accommodation during your vacations?
You may have heard of home exchanges and couch surfing. This is along those lines. A hospitality exchange!
LGHEI (pronounced Elle-Gay) is an expanding worldwide network of lesbians and gay men who offer each other the gift of short term hospitality during their travels.
Lesbians and gay men from around the world offer their hospitality to other members at no charge. These hosts, in turn, are able to be received when they travel. There are currently more than 500 listings in over 30 countries.
An annual directory, available only to members, is published in March and a supplementary list of members who joined later in the year is mailed out in September. Next year, everything will be digital and online. Members who wish to travel use the directory to contact the members they would like to be received by. Members are expected to give their prospective hosts some advance notice before making their visit. Last minute requests for accommodation are not appreciated and can simply be denied. Members are expected to answer all requests for accommodation, whether in the affirmative or the negative. Members are expected to limit requests for hospitality to two nights. This protects hosts from being stuck with a guest with whom they are incompatible and protects the traveller from outright refusals of hospitality because of the hosts’ fear of that possibility. However, hosts are free to offer longer stays at their discretion – and many do after learning how interesting and pleasant their guests are.
Members offer anything from a guest bedroom to a sofa, to a foam mattress for a sleeping bag. The rest is up to you. At the time of the visit you may choose to offer airport pick-up, breakfast, tours of gay and/or tourist spots or whatever else a good host may think of – depending on your possibilities. Think how you would like to be received. Each member decides how many guests he/she can receive and when. Some hosts like to entertain – some simply offer a bed or couch for you and may rarely be present.
Nevertheless, this is a hospitality exchange and, therefore, not for those who aren’t capable of, or interested in, receiving other members. Don’t forget that both hosts and guests benefit from each visit! The hosts have their house rules, as we have ours, and appreciate when they are respected. Because the hospitality is free, a token gift or a dinner invitation for the hosts might be appreciated.
There is a $40 per year fee – and the organization is ran by volunteers. LGHEI.
AXEL Gay Hotels – Now in Barcelona, Buenos Aires, Berlin and Expanding!
Inaugurated on 1 July 2003, Axel Hotel Barcelona was the first hotel in the Axel Hotels chain and the first city designer hotel aimed at the gay community. Axel Hotel Barcelona is a trend-setter and has become an international reference for gay accommodations.
From the outset, the team has paid attention to even the slightest detail; first of all, its location in theGayxample, heart of Barcelona’s gay scene, only 10 minutes from the fashion centres of the city, the district el Borne and the old city centre. Without forgetting its architecture and design: Axel Hotel Barcelona has been built in a renovated building of the late 19th century, maintaining its façade and spectacular tinted windows from the early days of modernism. Its interiors, fully refurbished, have been conceived to offer design and comfort in a warm atmosphere. Furniture from Vitra, Kartell and Swan, the Axel mosaic and photography light boxes of Emilio Lekuona configure the exclusive Axel universe.
Its 60+ rooms include 10 Premium rooms and the Axel Suite, each with its own character and exquisite design. All rooms are soundproof, air-conditioned, luminous and extremely comfortable: with a king size bed, plasma TV with Internet, Wi-Fi connection for laptops and room service. Also features restaurant, bar, gym, saunas, pool.
And most important, the Axel team, carefully selected to offer personalized, genuine and professional service catering to all our guests requirements and anticipating their needs.
For all of the above reasons, Axel Hotel Barcelona has been chosen the “best gay hotel in the world” by the readers of prestigious travel magazine The Out Traveler (USA). Through the annual survey Reader’s Choice Awards, hundreds of readers voted for the Axel Hotel Barcelona to put it in the ranking’s top position.
Marketed as the first five-star gay hotel in Latin America (but also “heterofriendly”), the second AxelHotel Buenos Aires confirmed what many gay travelers already knew: the Argentine capital is becoming South America’s next party capital. Situated in the bohemian-chic neighborhood of San Telmo.
In San Telmo, you can let yourself go and be captivated by the Axel Hotel Buenos Aires – a cosmopolitan and enticing space that stimulates the senses. With tango in the air, design and comfort, Axel Hotel Buenos Aires seduces everyone with its play of lights and transparency, the sound of water, the Axel mosaic and furniture by Charles & Ray Eames, Mies van der Rohe and Eileen Gray.
48 designer rooms with captivating details. All guestrooms are air-conditioned, cosy and extremely comfortable, conceived and equipped for maximum enjoyment: king size bed, plasma TV, iPod On Stage speakers, Wi-Fi connection, hydro-massage bath or shower in a glass prism, safe and room service.
The hotel also offers a restaurant, cocktail bar, chillout zone, spa with a spectacular swimming pool on the top floor with a translucent floor visible from the main area of the hotel, a 5 floor atrium in the lobby, jacuzzi and sauna, a garden with an outdoor swimming pool and solarium, an outdoor bar & bistro, meeting room and Wi-Fi connection throughout the hotel.
The Buenos Aires property is situated in one of the oldest districts in Buenos Aires. The cradle of tango, San Telmo has a concentration of antiques businesses, bars and restaurants in its renovated 19th century buildings. A few blocks away are the Avenida 9 de Julio and the Casa Rosada, and every weekend the antique market fills the picturesque Plaza Dorrego with movement, people and colour.
Axel Hotel Buenos Aires was recommended by The New York Times “as one of the 53 places to go in 2008”.
Axel Hotel Berlin is the third and newest hotel in the chain. Opened last month, after a year and a half in construction, the new hotel relies on an investment of 13 million euros.
The Berlin hotel is situated at 13-15 Lietzenburger Street, in the neighbourhood of Schöneberg, heart of the city’s gay scene. Bars, restaurants, bookshops, discos, cinemas, and clothes shops with style and glamour make up an extensive hedonistic universe steeped in history. In the twenties Schöneberg was already the epicentre of the Berlin movement, becoming the inspiration for the mythical Cabaret. Axel Hotel Berlin is just one block from the mythical KaDeWe department stores and very close to Ku’damm, the famous shopping avenue which houses the main international fashion brands.
The new hotel has 86 designer guest rooms, equipped to provide guests with maximum comfort. According to Íñigo Hernández Tofé, Spanish architect, collaborator of Axel Hotels and creator of the architectural project of Axel Hotel Berlin, “the hotel plays with the colours black and gold representing simplicity and elegance. A distinctive touch is added by the transparencies of colour, inspired by the Axel Mosaic along with the optical effects which reflect the façade in various areas within the hotel”.
The building consists of 6 floors and a roof terrace. The restaurant with its terrace, the cocktail bar and the open air lounge-bar are its most representative spaces. Moreover, the hotel has a spa with an open air Jacuzzi with spectacular views over the city, sauna, Turkish bath, gym, relaxation area and massage cubicles; and business centers, comfortable and cosy reading areas with PC access and free high speed internet connection.
The International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA) are holding their International Conference in Toronto in a couple weeks. At the event, Juan P. Juliá, president of Axel Hotels , will be honored for outstanding professional accomplishments.
“These awards recognize our friends and colleagues in the travel industry who are not only setting the bar, but making the world more accessible and enjoyable for gay and lesbian travelers in the process,” IGLTA Executive Director John Tanzella said.
Named the International Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce’s “Businessman of the Year” in 2008, Juliá will receive IGLTA’s Chairman’s Award, which recognizes individuals who blaze new and inspiring paths in their work to promote inclusiveness within the tourism industry. Known as the world’s first gay hotel chain, Juliá’s Axel Hotels has been recognized for its cosmopolitan atmosphere and focus on diversity by such leading publications as Out Traveler and The New York Times.
“Juan Juliá has made a significant commitment to developing quality accommodations that serve and appeal to the gay and lesbian community,” IGLTA Board Chairman Bryan Herb said. “ Axel Hotels are absolutely in line with where I see the gay travel industry heading. The properties have a gay sensibility with amenities and features that are important to gay and lesbian travelers, yet they are focused on being, as they say, ‘hetero-friendly.’ There’s a great vibe about it because these are places where gay and lesbian people can simply be themselves.”
According to Juliá, IGLTA’s recognition of his company and its unique culture could not have come at a better time. “2009 has been the year we opened our third hotel, and the start of a new stage in the group to export the Axel concept to the major cities of the five continents,” Juliá said. “This award is a great boost to keep forging ahead in this very special project.”
AXEL HOTELS
The New Gay Travel Guide and Best Gay Cities
Best Gay Cities! BUMP Gay Travel Information
Bump! is the world’s first gay and lesbian travel and lifestyle television series. It is unique and international in scope. In each episode Bump! presents a new gay-friendly destination in a stylish and upbeat format.
Bump! travels the globe in search of fascinating gay human-interest stories. From gay tourism hotspots like Miami and London, to urban centres such as Montreal and Los Angeles, Bump! focuses its lens on gay and lesbian communities around the globe.
Finding a gay and lesbian-friendly travel destination doesn’t mean having to focus on the well-known gay villages or tourism hotspots in urban centres anymore.
Charlie David, (from Dante’s Cove) Canadian co-host of the American TV series “Bump,” has found gay and lesbian-centric getaways in remote corners of the world as travel companies and governments cater to the culture.
“What I’m finding more and more and what we’re discovering through the series is gay and lesbian life around the world is becoming less and less ghetto-ized, which is fantastic,” David, who hails from Yorkton, Sask., said in a phone interview.
“I don’t mean ghetto in kind of a derogatory type of term, just, you know, a group of people living together. They were developed out of being kind of safe havens for people in many ways, and now it’s not as much needed.”
“Bump,” which kicks off its third season on Outtv in Canada this week, takes viewers to places and events that are of interest to the LGBT – lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender/transsexual – traveller.
David has been with the show since Season 2 and has journeyed to dozens of cities, some of which are hidden-gem vacation spots for LGBT tourists. Examples include a little fishing village in Brazil called Paraty, a ski resort in Telluride, Colo., and Calgary – one of David’s favourites.
“Oh my gosh, I loved Calgary … OK, I like cowboys,” David, who is openly gay himself, laughed over the line from Los Angeles.
“But Calgary for me, I guess, being from Saskatchewan originally, it’s very similar. It feels like home. But they are so friendly there. It is such a friendly city and we showcased the gay rodeo while we were there and to see the sportsmanship of those guys and gals out there riding the bulls and doing all their rodeo contests, it was crazy.”
That’s not to say the series doesn’t highlight the more popular gay neighbourhoods and events like splashy pride parades. It’s just that while there, David and his camera crew also seek out spots that are relevant to LGBT culture but not heavily promoted.
“I think the best example is when we did Paris, I didn’t go and do a piece on the Eiffel Tower,” said David, whose co-host is lesbian playwright Shannon McDonough.
“So pieces that I did there were a tour of Musee d’Orsay from a homosexual perspective in terms of which artists might have been gay or had that influence or through the art . . . Or a tour of Le Marais, which is almost like Church Street in Toronto, that type of thing.”
With travel corporations creating gay and lesbian cruises, resorts and hotels, “it’s more difficult to, in some ways, find some of those extremely gay-centric or gay-only type of neighbourhoods and places,” said David.
“Buenos Aires was an amazing example of that, as well as throughout Scandinavia,” he said.
“There, it’s not like you’ll have a Church Street (in Toronto) or a Davie Village in Vancouver or that type of thing. There are establishments that are either gay or lesbian-friendly, or gay-owned or lesbian-owned, throughout the whole city and it’s not so much of, like, ‘Oh, this is the only place that’s safe for us,’ which I think is a huge statement because that would not have been the scenario 20 years ago.”
Government sponsorship is also helping, he said.
“There are places in Greenland that are really strongly advocating, you know, ‘Hey, gay and lesbian tourists, come visit here. We’re an open city, we’re an open place, you can come dog sledding, you can have a completely different experience,’ and that’s awesome,” said David.
WATCH CLIPS ONLINE AT LOGO or buy the DVD’s!
Western History and Hollywood Glam Meet in Gay Tucson at Hacienda del Sol
How could you not love 350 days
of sunshine every year?!
TUCSON is the second largest city in Arizona with a growing metropolis of 1 million that keeps getting better and better. The city’s geography is a postcard image of cactus forests, rolling hills and awe-inspiring mountains.
Tucson is known as a laid back, casual place that is very gay friendly. While there are plenty of lively and trendy places to go, people tend to come here for a relaxing and grounding experience.
Colorful history and culture abound! Native American, Spanish Colonial, Mexican and pioneer influences are found in architecture, cuisine, festivals and attractions.
1n 1929, Hacienda del Sol was little known by the Tucson community. It was at first a private residence, that then became a girls’ college prep school – attended by members of Pillsbury, Vanderbilt, Maxwell, Westinghouse and Campbell families.
In the late 1940’s, the property became a guest ranch – and they quickly attracted the big names of Hollywood, who were looking to get away from it all. Clark Gable, John Wayne, Spencer Tracy and Katherine Hepburn were among some of the famous guests who stayed here.
Situated on 34 stunning acres, Hacienda del Sol has gorgeous gardens and grounds, historic buildings, hiking on the property, horseback riding on site, pool, hot tub, spa services, and a selection 30 unique rooms – no two are alike! And all of them feature custom built furniture and original artwork.
OUTDOOR is a keyword here. People are drawn by the spectacular beauty of the Sonoran Desert, hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, jeep tours and hot air ballooning. Designer golf courses, and world-class birding are options to experience the beauty of Arizona.
Besides the outdoors though, there is an eclectic mix of shopping and renowned attractions. The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum (part zoo and part botanical gardens), Old Tucson Studios (Old West theme park), Pima Air and Space Museum, and Kartchner Caverns – a stunning “live” limestone cave discovered in the 1970’s.
The Lost Barrio is a restored warehouse district filled with importers of really interesting furniture, architectural elements and cool home accessories from around the world. Costume designers from Los Angeles frequent the Fourth Avenue funky shopping district near University of Arizona, known for high-quality vintage clothes.
Of course, all of the big name retailers can be found at the upscale La Encantada along with trendy restaurants. Dining options from family-run cantinas that have been in business for half a century (El Charro downtown) to innovative and award-winning restaurants and chefs.
THE GRILL at the Hacienda del Sol was opened about 12 years ago and has been recognized as one of the finest restaurants in all of Arizona. No detail was spared in design, and it was built around the original dining room and kitchen.
The creative menus include fresh items right from the Hacienda gardens. The restaurant has been featured in national magazines and won awards such as “Best of” Award of Excellence by Wine Spectator. It also been named Best Grill, Best Special Occasion Place, Most Romantic Dining, Best Sunday Brunch! – And if you are a wine connoisseur, The Grill has one of the most extensive wine lists in the country!
Hacienda del Sol offers an authentic hospitality to GLBT guests that is so refreshing! And they are perfect hosts, with activities and amenities to keep you as busy – or as relaxed! – as you wish.
Voted one of the best Romantic Inns
Voted one of the best Inns in the US
Zagat has awarded them “Excellence in every category!”
Lush landscapes, crystal-clear water and breathtaking mountain peaks. From small communities to one of the fastest growing cities in North America, Arizona offers travelers amazing sights, adventure, and you will find many open arms and hearts to the GLBT community.
SPECIAL OFFER!
Book a stay at Hacienda del Sol by APRIL 1st – for anytime in 2009 – and choose a free bottle of wine from Hacienda’s Excellent 50 under $50 wine list. PLUS, enjoy early check in and late check out.
Enter code “progay” when you book online at Hacienda Welcome.com
or when you call 1-800-728-6514 mantion “hacienda welcome”.
Starwood and W Hotels spin off new hip chic ALOFT Hotels – Luxury at a Discount?
From the pictures I have seen, most of the rooms look kind of plain….but the open areas, lobby, food service areas, fitness center and such look pretty cool and hip. And that’s the idea.
For the traveler open to possibilities, ALOFT is a fresh, fun, forward-thinking alternative. Breeze into a hotel that offers more than a comfy bed and a friendly smile, and enjoy a whole new travel experience. Energy flows and personalities mingle in a setting that combines urban-influenced design, accessible technology, and a social scene that’s always abuzz.
Energizing public spaces draw you from your room to socialize, or just enjoy the hum of activity as you do your own thing. Sip a drink, read the paper, or work on your laptop in the re:mix(SM) lobby or w xyz(SM) bar, where lighting and music change throughout the day to set the perfect mood. The hotel’s open flow of features and help-yourself services inspire you to step outside the one-size-fits-all travel routine. Customize your stay and celebrate your style in a place where anything can happen.
So far there about 20 hotels open with another 70! scheduled over the next 3 years. Allegedly, they want to provide the equivalent of a $350 a night hotel for about half price. Bring the comforts of luxury hotels to those who enjoy “suites” but who could otherwise only afford a standard room.
Check them out and give us your feedback!
Luxury Camping in California – Perfect Spot For Your Gay Honeymoon ?
el captain canyon santa barbara gay camping gay marriage california los padres national forest luxury camping Turbo Tagger
Camping has never been big on my list! However, I discovered this place on the outskirts of the Los Padres National Forest near Santa Barbara, California – El Captain Canyon. – which has changed my mind!
While it is primarily a straight clientèle, they do welcome gay people. And with the recent Supreme Court ruling, gay marriage in California could be a reality in just weeks, and this could be a beautiful spot for a honeymoon. Luxury tents and cabins, massage/spa services, jacuzzi tubs and fireplaces, even Wi-Fi access in their cabins, this is a pretty fabulous place!
El Capitan Canyon caters to “luxury campers” with an assortment of the same comfortable accommodations any Santa Barbara hotel can provide. Southern California nature lodging near the beach has never been so enjoyable. All accommodations are furnished with willow beds, down-style duvets, western-inspired blankets and casual furnishings. Roomy tents have wood floors – some even have bathrooms and kitchens!
During the day, enjoy the great outdoors and fresh air! Hiking, biking, beach cruising, whale watching, swimming (beach or pool), horseback riding, Segway through Santa Barbara and more. All summer there is an outdoor concert series or you may choose to stay in your cabin and sip champagne in your jacuzzi or in front of the fireplace.
From off-road trails to lush valley vineyards, invigorating hikes to romantic sunsets and spectacular, mountain to ocean vistas memorable experiences and unique adventures await! Why haven’t the gays thought of this?
Rates range from $145 for tents and cabins from $225.
(866) 352-2729 El Captain Canyon
Gay Hotels With Attitude
Does your hotel have attitude? An international gay hotel brand has recently launched worldwide.
Attitude Hotels launched with the goal of providing travelers with a way a telling if a hotel is up to snuff.
Founder Pedro Castro, a Portuguese-born lawyer and travel marketer based in Zurich says the company would not own the hotels but license its name if the facility met its requirements. Attitude would inspect the hotels and do annual follow-ups to assure the standards are being met. And all the hotels can be booked through the main site Attitude Hotels.
So far, only two US hotels have been listed with the company; The Royal Palms and the Flamingo Inn, both in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Other hotels have been listed in Prague, London, Nice, Stockholm, Berlin, Budapest, Amsterdam and Barcelona. – “In the short term, Attitude Hotels hopes to increase its selection of hotels, first in France, Italy, Greece and Spain,” said Castro. “Thereafter, we will concentrate on providing a wider variety of travel possibilities in North America.”
Attitude Hotels properties range from small independent properties, including B&Bs and guesthouses, to 5-star quality leisure and corporate hotels. All hotels operating under the Attitude Hotels brand guarantee a warm welcome and high level of service which has been tailored to the needs of gays and lesbians. Their site allows travelers to book and choose their hotel stays out of 3 categories: Attitude Premium, Attitude Comfort and Attitude Value.
HEARST CASTLE & THE MADONNA INN
CALIFORNIA is such an amazing state. It’s really my favorite state. It has everything! San Francisco & Napa, Palm Springs, San Diego, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, Pebble Beach and the amazing 17 mile drive, and we’ll talk about all the areas in coming months.
But in this installment, we’re talking about San Luis Obispo area, home of the HEARST CASTLE / SAN SIMEON HISTORICAL MONUMENT and the MADONNA INN.
Halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles along the central California coastline is a meeting of land and sea that is an integral part of the California State Parks system. Beaches, waterfalls, natural and cultural preserves are all part of the Central Coast State Parks. In this breathtaking region, redwoods march down to the sea, wildlife thrives along the rugged coastline, and sand dunes protect endangered plants and animals as part of this natural treasure. This is where William Randolph Hearst decided to build his magical castle!
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The entire compound is 90,000 square feet, with the main house being 60,000 square feet, 38 bedrooms and 41 bathrooms. 3 guest houses and a spectacular outdoor pool as well as a magical indoor pool. Did I mention 41 fireplaces?! Hearsts’ father bought 40,000 acres initially and over the years, Randolph acquired another 210,000 acres around it!
The estate is a pastiche of historic architectural styles that Hearst admired in his travels around Europe. For example, the main house is modeled after a 16th century Spanish cathedral, while the outdoor pool features an ancient Roman temple front transported wholesale from Europe and reconstructed at the site. Hearst furnished the estate with truckloads of art, antiques, and even whole ceilings that he acquired en masse from Europe and Egypt.
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Originally known as “Camp Hill,” its wilderness offered a place for family members and friends to “rough it” on camping trips. Despite elaborate arrangements with separate sleeping and dining tents, Hearst envisioned more comfortable accommodations. His simple instructions to famed San Francisco architect Julia Morgan in 1919: “Miss Morgan, we are tired of camping out in the open at the ranch in San Simeon and I would like to build a little something.”
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Did he say “little something”? Hearst and Morgan’s collaboration has become one of the world’s greatest showplaces. The state of Californina owns it now and tours are given daily. It’s truly a MUST SEE. And when you are there, you might as well run over to the MADONNA INN, at least for dinner, if not a sleep over!
A landmark on California’s Central Coast for over forty-five years! The world-renowned Madonna Inn offers 109 rooms, each uniquely decorated with a special theme and color scheme, no two alike! It’s very dated 60’s-70’s, but very cool! Very over the top!Enjoy a great meal in the Copper Café & Pastry Shop or Alex Madonna’s Gold Rush Steak House. Dance the night away in the Silver Bar Cocktail Lounge. Shop in one of three specialty stores: Classic Gourmet and Wine Shop, “My Favorite Things” Boutique, and The Brass Tower Men’s Clothing Store. Indulge in a bit of pampering in the Whispering Hills Massage Center.
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Rooms run about $150-$250. And themes like the Bedrock Room with Waterfall shower are very popular! There is also the Austrian Suite, China Flower, Dot & Daisy, Love Birds, Manhattan Room, and Safari.
The restaurant is eye-popping and jaw-dropping! Treat yourself to unforgettable fine casual dining, indulge in a delicious oak-pit-barbecued steak or seafood dinner in the warm and inviting Gold Rush Steak House. It’s a spot to remember with outstanding service, superb wine list, mouthwatering entrees, and rich desserts. And they have elaborate fantasy holiday decorations— just spectacular! And don’t forget to pee before you leave!
A trip to San Luis Obispo wouldn’t be complete without visiting the men’s room at the Madonna Inn. As crazy as it sounds, this room is a popular stop for both men and women. Unfortunately, if you’re a man and need to use this for it’s original purpose, be prepared to be interrupted by giggling women with cameras. Once you enter the main building, go down the staircase at the right. This will take you to the wine cellar, and pay phone in the Flintstones-like rock cave. The men’s restroom is to the left. Here you’ll find the attraction… a urinal that looks like a waterfall which is activated when you break a beam of light.
This place is another MUST SEE!
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