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Gay Vegas

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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