New York City Hotel Sells ‘Slumber Parties’ In New Multi-Person Rooms

by McLean Robbins on

It’s not what it sounds like – or is it? NYC’s The Out Hotel, the city’s first hotel targeted specifically at the gay audience (they call themselves “straight friendly”), is attempting to sell a hostel-style living situation where guests pay $99 per night to score a bed and an overnight reservation. These full-bedded bunk-bed style rooms will hold up to four guests and are charged per bed, and come with personal TVs, a bathroom, shower, full-length cubbies and privacy curtains.

While the concept is nothing new – hostels have been doing this for years – putting this type of accommodation just steps from Times Square and Broadway could do one of two things. The concept could be wildly successful, the perfect respite for budget-savvy solo travelers looking just to catch a few winks and maybe make a few friends in the process, or…. it could turn into a bit wilder. And don’t think about cuddling close to save money – the rate is for one person per bed only.

Either way, it’s a decent deal for a solo traveler with more liberal privacy issues. Rates with two doubles are going from around $309 a night for a weekend stay.

NYC’s ‘The Out’ hotel opens; Louisville plans their own gay hotel

by McLean Robbins on
NYC’s “The Out” hotel is finally opening its doors to guests today, reports HotelChatter, bringing to the city the first hotel actively marketing to the gay community. Rates start at $150, and the hotel says that if you tweet or share information online about your upcoming trip, they’ll give you a complimentary room upgrade.

Great. But let’s just say we’re not all that shocked by the opening of a hotel catering to the gay community in a city as big as New York.

But a gay hotel in Louisville, Kentucky? Now that’s news.

The Courier-Journal is reporting that plans are in the works for a 55-room boutique hotel in Louisville’s Smoketown neighborhood.

The hotel, called the Vu, will be located in a former warehouse with investments to be lead by a local businessman, also the owner of Louisville gay bar Connection, which bills itself as “one of the 60 best gay bars in the world.”

Rooms are expected to run just $150 – $175 a night and construction will hopefully begin this year.
What do you think – is a gay hotel in Louisville (or NYC) still scandalous, or is it just another hotel opening?

First gay hotel and entertainment complex, THE OUT NYC, to open in Hells Kitchen this fall

by McLean Robbins on


We’ve heard about boutique hotels, but this new one in New York City takes the cake. Opening in the fall, THE OUT NYC in Hells Kitchen will be the first hotel and entertainment complex targeted specifically at attracting the LGBT tourist and local community.

“This is an idea whose time has come. What makes THE OUT NYC a gay hotel is the comfort level and tailored amenities for the community,” said Ian Reisner, managing partner of Parkview Developers, the firm behind the concept. “THE OUT NYC will become a ‘can’t-miss’ for gay tourists as well as the epicenter of gay life for LGBT New Yorkers. With New York’s recent legislation, we look forward not only to hosting countless gay couples, but marrying them as well.”

The hotel complex will be situated on 42nd Street between 10th and 11th Avenues, and will encompass a 105-room boutique hotel, the 11,000 square foot XL NIGHTCLUB, lounge & cabaret by John Blair, Beto Sutter, and FV Events, a 24/7 café and a restaurant called KITCHEN.

The first phase of the project is set for completion with the opening of XL NIGHTCLUB, lounge & cabaret in the fall of 2011. XL NIGHTCLUB, lounge & cabaret is the newest project by noted gay nightlife impresarios John Blair and Beto Sutter. The club will be the first gay dance club to open in the city in 15 years.

Subsequent phases of the project include the boutique hotel, which looks to be targeting room rates starting about $250 per night. The 24/7 café and restaurant, KITCHEN, will be operated by the team behind the already-successful Hell’s Kitchen favorite, Eatery Restaurant.

The building will be centered on three courtyards and will also include a 5,000 square foot wellness center.