With a new slate
of casino-free hotels, Michelin-starred restaurants, and
amped-up shows, Las Vegas is once again beckoning the world
to its (reinvented) party, and this time it’s
inviting the gays. Take a look at what’s new in
Sin City.
Where to Stay
Much to the gay visitor’s advantage, the hotel
one-upmanship along the Strip continues as properties
try to out-wow one another with luxed-out rooms,
over-the-top shows, and splurge-worthy restaurants.
Perhaps no resort is reaching out to gays more than
Paris (3655 Las Vegas Blvd. South,
877-796-2096, Harrahs.com; rooms from $119), which is
owned by Harrah’s Entertainment, the first
casino operator to receive a perfect score on the
Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index. The
company’s gay hospitality includes health benefits
for same-sex partners of employees and active support
of prominent LGBT organizations like the Gay and
Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation and the National Lesbian
and Gay Journalists Association.
Hovering over the
sunny 24-acre grounds is a replica of the Arc de
Triomphe and a half-scale Eiffel Tower, getting visitors of
all orientations in the mood for romance. The French
theme is continued inside, where armoires replace
closets in rooms and guests can choose from 11
French-inspired restaurants -- including Mon Ami Gabi (MonAmiGabi.com), one of the few spots on
the Strip where guests can brunch on a sunny terrace
and watch the Bellagio’s dancing fountains
across the street. Mandalay Bay (3950 Las Vegas
Blvd. South, 877-632-7800, MandalayBay.com; rooms from $99) is so
popular with the gays it’s nicknamed Mandalay
Gay, but be sure to also check out its adjacent
property THEhotel, housed in a separate casino-less 43-story
hotel wing with 1,000-plus tastefully designed modern suites
that whisk you a world away from the clang and smoke
of the casinos but keep you within easy reach of the
action.
In the same vein,
MGM Grand’s three new casino-less Signature
towers (145 E. Harmon Ave., 877-612-2121, SignatureMGMGrand.com; rooms from
$249) feature comfortable and stylish suites with modern
kitchens, complimentary valet, free wireless, and
flawless concierge service, making it one of the best
values in Las Vegas and a welcome oasis from the
harried pace of many other hotels. It’s located
within walking distance of MGM Grand’s lobby,
the gay nightclub Krave, and a handful of other
nightlife destinations.
Not to be outdone
by rivals, The Flamingo (3555 Las Vegas Blvd.
South, 888-902-9929, Harrahs.com; rooms from $95) has not
only booked Toni Braxton as a headliner but created
the bright and mod Go Rooms, with iPod docking
stations, in-mirror TVs, and remote drapes.
On the gayer
side, the clean but drab-looking roadside property Blue
Moon (2651 Westwood Dr., 866-798-9194, BlueMoonLV.com; rooms from $149) is the
only all-gay men’s resort in Las Vegas, which
is what keeps the property’s occupancy rate
high. Its 45 rooms and suites are clustered around a
clothing-optional lagoon, grotto, and steam room.
Smaller but just
as gay, the Lucky You Bed & Breakfast (1248
S. Eighth St., 702-384-1129; rooms from $59) --
located in the private home of Ole Borresen, a friendly Dane
who was once Liberace’s executive
chef—has a pool, hot tub, indoor sauna, and
fireplaces.
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