You mean aside from the Four Queens? Ha! We jest. That's an interesting question and there are a few hotel-casino resorts that are actively pursuing the LGBT market these days. In tough economic times, it certainly makes sense to appeal to (typically) childless adults who might have a little more disposable income to spare and Las Vegas certainly caters to all the gay stereotypes in terms of nightlife, shopping, and an abundance of glitz, kitsch, and campy. Of course, stereotypes aside, it's also just a bargain destination right now with some great deals on rooms, dining, and entertainment, and the gay market is one among many of the niches that the more marketing-savvy hotels are trying to appeal to.
"Gay Par-eee?" Yes, indeed. Paris has a whole specialist sub-site that was an official nominee for gay.com's 2009 Travel Awards. As their blurb puts it, "Welcome to Paris Las Vegas, where dynamic nightlife, the world's best shopping, dining at world-renowned restaurants and the top names in entertainment have transformed Las Vegas into the ultimate destination for gays and lesbians. Paris Las Vegas is located in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip and has a gay-friendly staff."
In addition to suggesting available room packages like "Lovers' Relaxation," and "Honeymoon in Paris", this sub-site offers "gay-friendly links" to other amenities and attractions throughout the Harrah’s group that might be of interest – tickets for Cher, Bette Midler, or Jubilee!, for example, plus phone numbers for those of their wedding chapels that offer commitment ceremonies (Paris, Caesars, the Rio, and Flamingo). They also offer contact details for useful outside resources – QVegas, PRIDE, and so on, plus gay and lesbian stores.
The neighboring Planet Hollywood property is also getting in on the act, with a new "Krave Excitement" package that offers guests two complimentary admissions to Krave nightclub (essentially a gay club, although not exclusively so) and 2 complimentary admissions to the Planet Hollywood Spa by Mandara.
"Luxor welcomes LGBT" proclaims the website, and that property is doing a lot to woo gay and lesbian clientele. Much like Paris, the blurb states that "dynamic nightlife, world-renowned dining, and star-studded entertainment have transformed Las Vegas into the ultimate destination for gays and lesbians." It goes on to state that Luxor has a gay-friendly staff and "offers a unique diversity training program for all employees."
The property is currently running a special "PRIDE" room-rate offer called "Expect the Unexpected" (runs through May 31, 2010) and through the summer is running an LGBT pool party called "Sunkissed Sundays," which even buses patrons in from LA. CatHouse restaurant/nightspot has collaborated with with LocalitesMan.com to run a weekly event called "Closet Sundays." Hosted by Reichen Lehmkuhl and Jeffrey Sanker, it runs after the pool party and is apparently a glamorous night "fully-loaded with models, clothing companies, and fashion shows." Cool!
In addition to promoting its own gay-friendly entertainment options, this site also suggests and links to outside venues including KRAVE, Gypsy (Las Vegas' original gay dance club), the Liberace Museum, and Zumanity at New York-New York. Like Paris, its wedding chapel performs commitment ceremonies.
As far as other gay-friendly accommodations are concerned, the Wynn is notable, as recommended by our Gay Vegas guide book author Steve Friess. Designed by flamboyantly gay designer Roger Thomas, "queer is stamped on pretty much every corner" of this $2.7 billion property, Freiss observes. Bellagio and the Palms are among other high-end recommendations, while the more wallet-friendly Alexis Park has an established gay-friendly pedigree (and is handy for the "Fruit Loop" cluster of gay bars and businesses, as is the Hard Rock).
Finally, there's the Blue Moon Resort, Las Vegas' only bone fide gay (male) hotel. Here's the link the their website, plus you can read Steve's review in Gay Vegas, which also covers every other aspect of Vegas for the LGBT traveler.
