Gone are the days when a gay or lesbian couple need be concerned that at check-in their double room will be changed for a room with two single beds. Gay and lesbian customers can now search and book over 850 genuinely gay welcoming hotels on the newly re-launched World Rainbow Hotels website.
World Rainbow Hotels have launched a new website, making it even easier for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender customers (LGBTQ+) to find, book and share gay and lesbian welcoming hotels and travel information.
Nicolas Wijnants, Brand Director, World Rainbow Hotels said:
“Gay-friendly means that from the moment our guests make reservations to the time they check out at one of our member hotels, they can just relax. They won’t be placed in the awkward situation of being asked if they would prefer a double bed instead of twin beds and they won’t have to think twice about requesting room service when they are in bed with their lover. Guests won’t be pressured to explain anything or justify anything or “come out” to the hotel staff, it’s already taken care of. Going to a World Rainbow Hotel will be like going to a LGBTQ+ embassy, where guests can feel safe and welcome.”
Hotels listed on the website are not only offering an authentic gay welcoming and best available rates, but they are also encouraged to undergo training as well as put together an Out & About guide, providing World Rainbow Hotels’ bookers with useful information about the local gay & lesbian scene close to their hotel.
Out&About guides are available online via the hotel’s information page or through the concierge at the hotel. The guides provide information such as the best gay friendly restaurants in the city, local lesbian clubs or bars and events that are taking place. The information in the guides is being compiled by the staff at the hotel. To see examples of Out &About guides click here.
Mark Lewis Managing Director added:
“We have listened to the LGBTQ+ community and worked in close partnership to build a website that offers a wide cross-section of certified gay and lesbian friendly hotels as well as a wealth of information, including details on the top gay and lesbian events worldwide and guides to each of the destinations featured on the site.
Over the next few months, we will also be offering the opportunity for the community to get involved. World Rainbow Hotels will be launching an interactive platform, where visitors to the site can share their gay travel tips with other potential travelers. They will be able to provide other travelers with information about the local destination or about the actual hotel’s gay and lesbian vibe. This part of the site will be launched from September 2012.”
The World Rainbow Hotels website only lists hotels in countries and cities where attitudes to LGBTQ+ travelers are for the most-part friendly, however not all destinations listed on the website have changed their laws in-line with what is “tolerated”. The destination information provided by the World Rainbow Hotels website helps to explain the local laws and attitudes to LGBTQ+ visitors.
The hotel portfolio offers a comprehensive range of different accommodation types ranging from luxury hotels perfect for a honeymoon to budget chic hotels for the more cost conscious traveller. The collection includes hotels belonging to national and international chains as well as small boutique independent hotels.
The launch of World Rainbow Hotels website has been met with industry-wide praise:
“We’re excited about our new partnership with World Rainbow Hotels, which perfectly complements IGLTA’s efforts to work with businesses around the globe that truly welcome gay travellers. Creating a hotel booking process that is more in tune with our community’s needs can only lead to a better LGBTQ+ travel experience overall.” John Tanzella, President /CEO IGLTA
“Kimpton Hotels is committed to creating a culture that reflects the diversity of our hotel and restaurant guests. With that goal in mind, several of our hotels have partnered with WRH to show support of understanding, accepting, and celebrating differences among people. That includes different personalities, lifestyles, work styles, education, and experience. Our commitment to our internal clients (employees) mirrors our commitment to our guests from all backgrounds.” Yvonne Ruppert-Gordon, Director of National Accounts, Kimpton Hotels & Resorts
World Rainbow Hotels is celebrating the launch of the website with a monthly competition to win 2 night stays at one of their member hotels. In August 2012, visitors to www.worldrainbowhotels.com have a chance to win a two night stay for 2 people sharing a room at the Hotel Ellington in Berlin including continental breakfast and complimentary upgrade to a Superior Room category if available.
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About World Rainbow Hotels
World Rainbow Hotels is a carefully chosen collection of more than 850 Gay & Lesbian welcoming hotels located in over 129 destinations worldwide. Hotels are approved into the program based on World Rainbow Hotels’ acceptance criteria, which analyzes each hotels’:
- Location
- Characteristics and category
- Knowledge of local gay-scene
- Current involvement with the LGBTQ+ community
- Compliance with non-discrimination policies and same sex benefits for their staff
Hotels belonging to over 175 hotel brands have already signed up to the World Rainbow Hotels program including:
- Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts
- Kempinski Hotels
- Langham Hotels
- Design Hotels
- Taj Hotels, Resorts & Palaces
- Fairmont Hotels
- Raffles Hotels
- The Peninsula Hotels
- Thompson hotels
- Morgans Hotels group
- Kimpton Hotels
- Langham Hotels
- Joie de Vivre Hotels
- Preferred Hotels & Resorts
- Small Luxury Hotels of the World
- The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company
- Rocco Forte Hotels
- The Leading Hotels of the World
- Hyatt Hotels & Resorts
- Orient-Express Hotels
- Hilton Hotels & Resorts
- InterContinental Hotels Group
- André Balazs Properties
- Caesars Entertainment
A number of iconic hotels in the LGBTQ+ community have also joined the program including:
- The Lords South Beach Hotel, Miami Beach
- The Standard Spa, Miami Beach
- The Elysium Hotel, Mykonos
- The Mondrian Hotel, New York
- St Martins Lane Hotel, London
For information about World Rainbow Hotels, please visit www.worldrainbowhotels.com call us on +44 (0)845 004 9393 – ext 6523. For press enquiries please speak to Sharon Wimborne or Nicolas Wijnants. Website images, logos and photography can be provided on request.
Interested affiliates can contact us and hoteliers interested in joining can find out more via https://www.worldrainbowhotels.com/hoteliers