Preferred Pride hotel program caters to LGBT travelers

Nearly 100 preferred hotel group members have joined together to create Preferred Pride, a network of independently owned and operated hotels that cater to the needs of the LGBT community. In addition to being “gay welcoming”, these hotels offer equal opportunity employment and are active in their efforts to support the LGBT community.

Certain requirements exist for hotels to be able to join Preferred Pride. Hotels must be either TAG Approved (Community Marketing’s Travel Alternative Group) or be a member of IGLTA (International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association).

The Preferred Pride program was created in order to bring together a diverse group of hotels from around the world who are committed to the LGBT community, as well as a way to learn more about what this community needs in order to have a more enjoyable travel experience.

Axel Hotels will bring its gay hotel chain to New York City

On Top Magazine is reporting that New York’s first ‘openly gay hotel’ will open its doors in 2011.

Spanish hotelier Axel Hotels currently operates “hetero-friendly” hotels in Barcelona, Berlin and Buenos Aires, and is bringing his newest hotel to Hell’s Kitchen. The hotel will feature amenities like a choice between a “Do Not Disturb” sign and a “Please Disturb” sign. (Sexy!)

Axel Hotels promotes a “heterofriendly” lifestyle and is the first hotel chain aimed at the gay community. A quick look at the hotel’s website and we found that every room is sound-proof, offers central air and heating, in-hotel spas with a full-service spa menu, a fitness center and bars.

On Top says the hotel plans to open up three additional U.S. hotels in Los Angeles, San Francisco and Miami.