This Month is a Reminder that LGBT Friendly Travel is a Year Round Event
As the U.S capital gears up for this month’s 40th Celebration of Pride in Washington, D.C., hotels ready themselves for the two week long festivities.
However LGBT friendly travel is far from merely a two week a year sign of support. As an acknowledgement of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) rights continues to grow, so do the ways to show support to the LGBT traveler. “We have always been a supporter of LGBT rights and our support for equality shows in our service and in how we celebrate diversity among our associates,” said Tim Bowes, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Crescent Hotels & Resorts, operator of over 100 hotels throughout North America including seventeen hotels in the Washington, D.C. area.
“We are proud to play a key role in supporting LGBT travel and glad to see other hotels are following our lead,” stated Bowes. “All Crescent Hotels in the Washington, D.C. area are TAG Approved, a designation that demonstrates our company’s commitment to the LGBT community. Also our LGBT website is an excellent resource, for those traveling to the area as well as locals planning events such as weddings, commitment ceremonies, social events and networking meetings.” Crescent Hotels has received great feedback from their wedding clients on these pages as they are a tremendous resource for wedding offers, online menus and many other details.
The newest hotel to join in hosting visitors for the Pride festivities is the DoubleTree by Hilton Largo-Washington D.C., which just opened last week. “We look forward to supporting the LGBT community, both locally, and our guests coming to the area,” said General Manager Joseph Galvan. The hotel has a location that is convenient to Washington, D.C., with complimentary shuttle service to the Blue, Orange and Silver Lines, as well as those coming in to enjoy the Baltimore Pride Celebration on the last weekend of July. This is also the 40th anniversary of Baltimore’s Pride celebration.
With last year’s addition of the Silver Line Metrorail, more hotels have become the perfect location for those that want direct access to the Pride events without having to worry about parking. The Sheraton Tyson Hotel, just two blocks from the Silver Line has been a longtime supporter of LGBT friendly travel and has hosted many LBGT meetings and events. Offering one of the largest ballrooms in Fairfax County, VA, has, the hotel has always been a “go to” venue for weddings. “We have hosted many civil unions and commitment ceremonies even before marriage equality was achieved last year,” said, Laura Mahon-Tinsman, Director of Catering of the hotel. In her capacity as an ordained minister, Mahon-Tinsman has also officiated over several weddings, including same-sex ceremonies.
The Westin Arlington Gateway, also just steps from a Silver Line station as well as various dining, shopping and entertainment options, supports LGBT travel year round. “We are proud to host receptions for the NOVA Gay & Lesbian Professionals twice a month,” said Michael Broadhurst, General Manager of the recently renovated hotel. “We reserve the lounge area for this event year round.” The Silver Line gives guests easy access to the Pride Festival held on Sunday, June 14, 2015.
The Sheraton Reston Hotel, offering complimentary shuttle to the Wiehl Station on the Silver Line, is another hotel that takes pride in their LGBT support year round. The hotel has hosted the Dulles Triangles, a social club for the LGBT community, for over nine years. “We are happy to have the Dulles Triangles call our hotel home once a week,” said Tim Bailey, the hotel’s general manager, who also oversees the adjacent Westin Reston Heights. “The fact that the group grows year after year shows the importance of our partnership with the LGBT community.” The new Silver Line Metrorail stop not only makes it easier for Washingtonians to join the Dulles Triangles’ events, it makes the two hotels ideal locations for those coming in to celebrate Pride.
Crystal City, just over the bridge from Washington, D.C. is also a popular LGBT location. “We are located just a short walk from 23rd Street, and it’s collection of LGBT (and LGBT friendly) bars and restaurants,” said Harold Bassler, General Manager of the Hilton Crystal City at Washington Reagan National Airport. “Combined with the fact that we are walking distance to Metrorail, which gives our guests direct access to downtown Washington, D.C. and all the Pride events, this makes us the perfect location for those that want to see the city like a local.” Hilton Hotels & Resorts has deep roots in the Gay & Lesbian community and was proud to host the first same sex wedding in California after Prop 8 was struck down. Additionally, the Hilton brand is a top sponsor for the 40th Celebration of Pride in the Nation’s Capital, including being the official host hotel partner for the two week-long event.
While proximity to LGBT establishments is a plus, it’s far from a necessity. “We have seen an uptick in volume of LGBT travelers,” said Mark Nelson, General Manager of the Hilton Washington DC/Rockville Hotel & Executive Meeting Center. “We have found the demographic has changed dramatically in just the last few years. We are seeing more LBGT families with kids and they are looking for great service at a fair price. Being on the Red Line Metrorail stop is a large plus for us. We are a direct ride to Dupont Circle, an area known for its LGBT restaurants, boutiques and bars, and access to all the sights and sounds of the nation’s capital.”