SUITE DREAMS: NINE ZERO HOTEL, BOSTON

If Beantown is in your summer plans — and it should be! — check out the fabulous Nine Zero Hotel. Managed by the super gay-friendly Kimpton Hotels, Nine Zero is located in a historic part of town along the famous Freedom Travel, near the Boston Common.

Some of the rooms overlook a historic cemetery that’s a popular stop along the Freedom Trail. Have a glass of wine during the complementary happy hour, every evening from 5pm to 6pm in the lounge with floor-to-ceiling views of the hustle bustle along Tremont Street.

Or just grab your laptop and enjoy the free (with caveat) wireless. The very minor caveat is you have to join the In-Touch Loyalty program to get free wireless. You can even check a box letting them know you are LGBT and receive specials and deals you may find very interesting.

Speaking of gay, here is a list of Kimpton’s LGBT programs.

Originally published in GPS.OutTraveler.com.

SUITE DREAMS: OLD MONTEREY INN

 

By John O’Ceallaigh

Conditions weren’t ideal for our trip to theOld Monterey Inn B&B. The rain that day was so heavy it threatened to splinter the windscreen of our rental car, and we arrived weary, waned and later than expected.

The inn’s receptionist should consider a career in marketing though, because a few well-chosen words from her and all was well again.

The storm that raged outside meant we could cuddle up in front of the fire, she pointed out; and there was a double-size bath in our cottage, perfect for soaking in if the drive had left us stressed, she commented. They were good points, but it was the warm, respectful welcome that made the biggest impression on me. I have always favored hotels to B&Bs, partially because I had assumed some might be less receptive to gay couples, but at Old Monterey Inn we felt immediately at home.That’s partially because the property itself is a home, and we were to learn all about its history from an elderly lady also staying that night. Her grandparents built the gorgeous old country pile to resemble an English Tudor-style house, and it remains much the same as it was when she was a child. Our cozy little cottage was once a tool shed, it transpired, and even then the garden was a defining feature. Its focal points, now, are a huge old tree with low-slung branches, and vividly colored pockets of fragrant flowers. We met that lady again at breakfast.

Everyone dines together at one long table and we were lucky to have an engaging, quick-witted group. We debated and discussed as staff busied themselves serving that morning’s menu: peach and cherry cobbler with vanilla ice cream, and an asparagus and sun-dried tomato frittata. It was all delicious, of course, but it’s the interaction and homely, intimate atmosphere that I most remember. I’ve become a B&B convertee.

http://www.oldmontereyinn.com/

Originally published in GPS.OutTraveler.com.

SUITE DREAMS: THE LEVANTE PARLIAMENT HOUSE, VIENNA

By Jeffrey James Keyes

The Levante Parliament is the perfect launching pad for a comfortable stay in Vienna.  The building, which dates back to 1908, has been decorated around the four elements of life: Air, Earth, Fire, and Water.  The hotel itself can be considered an art gallery, featuring stunning glasswork by Nemtoi and photography by Kurt Themessl.

Follow Themessl’s portraits of dancers to one of the 70 rooms to find comfortable beds, many of which overlook a quaint garden.  Venture outside to explore what Vienna has to offer.  Check out the Sisi Museum at the Hofburg Imperial Palace, Klimt’s legendary Beethoven Frieze at the Secession, and walk in the footsteps of the Hapsburgs at the Schoenbrunn Palace during the day.  After your disco nap, head to Bar Restaurant Café Willendorf for a quick bite or Motto for a fabulous spread before going bar & café hopping.

Originally published in GPS.OutTraveler.com.

Suite Dream: Dream Inn, Santa Cruz, Calif.

By Louise Rafkin

Attention surfer dudes and dudettes: want to check the waves from your private balcony?  Maybe even from the comfort of your luxury king bed?

And be the first on Santa Cruz’s morning swell?  Get yourself beachside to Santa Cruz’s Dream Inn.

Under the management of the Joie de Vivre hotels, all rooms at the Dream Inn sport views of the town, boardwalk, and, on clear days, clear across Monterey Bay.  Sure there’s the great surf outside, but inside, modern rooms with mid-century modern furniture, i-pod docking and high-end linens underscore the cool vibe.With an outdoor pool and a Jacuzzi steps from the sand, there’s not much reason to leave the grounds.  A swank poolside set-up, with comfy couches, towel and bar service with cool cocktails is as good as it gets. But a carnival-like Boardwalk, a downtown mall, and many restaurant choices are well within walking distance.  Too much effort? Room service fare is reasonably priced and tasty.Santa’s Cruz’s surrounding beauty provides venues for all flavors of biking, hiking, and sea kayaking. Wine aficionado’s can head to the hills for a less crowded and more laid-back Napa-lite experience.  And a meal that rivals any found in foodie San Francisco can be had at The Cellar Door at Bonny Doon Vineyard.

The Dream Inn is reasonably priced, with value both inside and out. A luxury hotel in a fabulous location is a fabulous combination.  Check the Internet for special package rates that include fun extras and free add-ons.

• Santa Cruz Dream Inn
• 175 West Cliff Drive
• Santa Cruz, CA 95060
• 831.426.4330
• Reservations: 866.744 7735
• Fax 831.427.2025
• www.dreaminnsantacruz.com

Originally published in GPS.OutTraveler.com.

Suite Dreams: The Lodge at Sonoma

Just in time for the upcoming Gay Wine Weekend June 17-19, 2011 (which we wrote about here), the sumputous Lodge at Sonoma is offering a special deal to celebrate.

We’ll drink to that!

The Lodge at Sonoma’s fabulous “Living Out Proud” package is valid that weekend.  With rooms starting at $309 – the package includes a beautiful cottage room with a deep soaking tub and luxurious bedding, breakfast for 2 daily, sparkling wine upon arrival and 2 daily spa passes.

For more information about the lodge, visit their website www.thelodgeatsonoma.com

Game on: Borgata Trumps Other Atlantic City Resorts

By Jeff Guaracino; Originally published in GPS.OutTraveler.com.

Like your luck, Atlantic City casinos’ bet to win over the lucrative gay and lesbian traveler seems to turn as quickly as the roll of the dice. Last year, Trump Taj Mahal was wooing our community with a series of well-organized and even better advertised “Fun and ‘Gay’mes Weekends.” A possible game changer just arrived, Prohibition nightclub at Resorts Casino Hotel, Atlantic City’s first gay casino nightclub right on the boardwalk, joining the area’s two sole gay options (Club In or Out in nearby Hammonton and Westside Lounge in AC proper).

This summer, Borgata is trying a game of its own down the shore.

The Borgata Hotel, Casino and Spa is placing its bets on the GLBT traveler that wants a mix of luxury, fun, and sophistication. Their strategy appears to focus on weekends with big name entertainers who have large followings in our community. Kicking off this season was Ricky Martin (April) followed by Gay Icon Kathy Griffin. Wanda Sykes is on tap in June.The Water Club tower rooms and suites feature rain showers and a fully stocked mini-bar—a rarity in give-away-the-room-obsessed Atlantic City. Borgata passes the “how do you really know if you hotel is really gay friendly test”: it does offer (for a profit) adult in-room entertainment of interest to gay men. You would be surprised how many so-called gay-friendly hotels don’t do this. Of course, a weekend overnight stay at the Borgata Hotel does not come cheap but you can find deals mid-week all summer long starting around $150.Borgata Hotel, Casino and Spa takes its pools and spa seriously. The property has three pools—two outdoors and one indoor. The hotel is on the marina but the beach is a short drive away. Those looking for a perfect first date or a special occasion weekend should check in and spa! The men’s massage was a perfect beginning followed by a soak in the communal hot tub and swim in the top floor lap pool. Dining is an art here. The sushi and sake at Izakaya was among the very best.

Smart travelers will find that reward programs can be, well, rewarding. It is easy to sign up at many hotels like at the Borgata Hotel, Casino and Spa. It takes less than a minute to sign up when you visit www.myborgata.com. You can redeem comps for food, rooms and other perks.

How to Get There—It can be confusing!

Driving is definitely the quickest and easiest way to get to Atlantic City. Finding the Borgata can be confusing from the Atlantic City Expressway. Be sure to take Exit 1. You can Valet Park, but if you are like me and take your ZipCar, you will have to self-park. Self-parking will cost you $5. Taking NJ Transit from Philadelphia’s 30th Street Station or the ACES train from New York City. Air Tran and Spirt Airlines serve the Atlantic City International Airport. A warning, cabs in Atlantic City seem crazy expensive to me. Opt for the Jitney when you can.

Next for Atlantic City?

Atlantic City should have a gay beach! Perhaps we should “get our history straight,” and start returning to the original “Poodle Beach” in AC. And, our community also needs a collective welcome from the many resorts and casinos all year long to build loyalty and repeat visits. With the long-awaited Revel casino coming in 2012 combined, maybe we can reclaim our Playboy days at the many Resorts that Caesar himself would say is a Golden Nugget of an opportunity that is just about ready as shine bright as Harrah’s “welcome” signs to our community.

# # #

Jeff Guaracino is a vice president for the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation (GPTMC) and the author of “Gay and Lesbian Tourism: The Essential Guide for Marketing.” He has learned to how to find the best deals and travel resources out there for our community.  Traveling locally, check out visitphilly.com/gay and friend us at visitgayphilly.com/facebook.

Suite Dreams: Two New Orleans Options

By David Alport; Originally published in GPS.OutTraveler.com.

The Big Easy is hard to beat for an easy getaway full of fun, frolic and fabulous food.  If you’re looking for a comfy place to rest your head in the French Quarter, here are two terrific options.

The Soniat Houseis a dream of a New Orleans lodging experience.  Comprised of three historic townhouses and located on one of the most charming blocks in the charm-defining French Quarter, the Soniat House will take your breath away.  The two floors of guest rooms surround a lovely courtyard  lush with vegetation.  The soundtrack is trickling water and chirping birds.Rooms are gloriously decorated, with four-poster beds and period antiques you’ll actually covet.  Rooms with street-side balconies offer one of the most romantic French Quarter views imaginable.  For a New Orleans lodging experience that delivers a transporting vacation, this is your spot.

Also in the French Quarter is the newly remodeled Hotel Le Marais, located half a block from Bourbon Street, but a calm oasis nonetheless.  It calls itself an “upscale boutique” hotel, which means W-like design on a much smaller scale.  Rooms are modest in size, but quite nice, with black marble bathrooms and crisp cotton linens.

Many have small balconies overlooking a central courtyard, which features cushioned couches and chairs surrounding a lovely soaking pool.  There’s nothing especially gay about the place, but it’s got an unassuming staff and low key attitude that make for a viable alternative to the larger design-focused hotels which are mostly on the outskirts of the French Quarter.

Hotel Sé: Downtown San Diego Luxury for Less

Rising incongruously amid the lower, stucco-California-mission-style buildings more common in downtown San Diego, the luxurious Hotel Sé stands out with its glassy, steel-latticed façade.

A bevy of handsome, friendly valet/bellmen awaits visitors who are ushered through a massive swinging door to a swank, dark-toned lobby.

Built at the height of this never-ending recession, the hotel has had to adapt (its name, product offering, and pricing) to survive the times. Take advantage of that to experience a luxurious and modern hotel in the heart of San Diego’s historic Gaslamp Quarter. Check out the hotel’s current offers here.

More friendly professional staff process you efficiently through check-in to your room, most with a warm, masculine West Elm decorative motif and many with great views of the city, the bay and planes landing at the nearby (convenient) airport. The hotel features a modest but sufficient fitness facility and a very cool outdoor pool and deck area.Sweet and Tender, the hotel’s upscale bistro wins kudos for its contemporary American cuisine (straightforward options with bold and subtle accompaniments). The happy hour is fantastic with tasty bar nibbles and (non-premium) alcohol and a few really nice wines offered for $7 per item.The spa is small but they offer visitors an optional vodka-infused pomegranate based shot before their treatment (nice!). Ask for Eric, but beware he hurts (in a good way).A minor quibble: The hotel offers two tiers of Internet service at different costs: regular (slow) and premium (fast). Why not just fast for one price?

For great LGBT trip-planning information, visit San Diego’s official tourism website.

Suite Dreams: Brown Palace Hotel Denver Pride Package

The 36th annual Denver PrideFest is fast approaching (on June 18th- 19th). Denver PrideFest attracts more than 275,000 people for a parade, rally, entertainment, and more. In honor of this event, Denver’s luxury hotel, The Brown Palace Hotel & Spa, is offering a PrideFest Package.

The Palace PrideFest Package includes:

• Luxury accommodations
• Colorado Pride guide
• Two tickets to Lannie’s Clocktower Cabaret
• Champagne and strawberries delivered to your room
• Sunday brunch for two in Ellyngton’s

Starting at $269

Valid:  Available June 18 only

www.brownpalace.com

Originally published in GPS.OutTraveler.com.

Suite Dreams: New Hotel, North Beach, Miami

By Paul VanDeCarr

North Beach is perhaps not the first area that springs to mind for LGBT travelers to Miami. But it’s got a lot to offer, thanks partly to the hip and homo-friendly New Hotel.

Each of the hotel’s 10 guestrooms has an easy-on-the-eyes minimalist design that encourages lounging and late sleeping. But you won’t want to stay in your room. There’s low-key fun to be had out by the poolside at Lou’s Beer Garden, on the hotel premises, where guests and neighborhood residents alike mingle. Lou’s offers dozens of wines and beers, and a nice selection of tasty foods—cheese plates, wings, pulled pork, salads, crab cakes to die for, and more.Weekend brunches, regular art shows, and full-moon parties with live music and fire-dancers make for a festive atmosphere. Even with the activity at Lou’s, the guest rooms are quiet, and the feel of the place is intimate and relaxed. For the environmentalist in all of us, it’s good to know that the hotel sports a green roof, low-flow water, and energy-saving lighting systems. Guests also get free use of hotel bicycles, making it that much easier to venture out into the neighborhood (known both as “Little Buenos Aires,” and as the “MiMo District” for its Miami Modern architecture).

Within just a few blocks, you’ll find Latin American cuisine—including a Mexican restaurant, a Cuban café, an Argentine steakhouse, the pleasingly spacious café Manolo’s, and more. The hotel is just two blocks from the ocean, and only a few miles down the road from the clothing-optional Haulover Beach, where both straight and gay visitors disrobe. South Beach is about a 30-minute bus ride. The queer traveler looking for a place off the beaten path would do well to stay at the New Hotel.

THE NEW HOTEL: http://www.thenewhotelmiami.com/

LOU’S BEER GARDEN: http://www.lousbeergarden.com/

MONK IN THE TRUNK: http://www.inletbrewing.com/About.html

MANOLO’S: http://www.churrosmanolo.com/

PHOTO: The New Hotel patio, and Lou’s Beer Garden — a lazy morning before things have picked up. By Paul VanDeCarr.

Originally published in GPS.OutTraveler.com.