Sherman's Travel

For a property that’s already redefined the “gay hotel” genre from cruisy all-male clothing-optional inns to a more snappy, design-driven all-inclusive affair, Lords South Beach is now staging what might be an industry first: a hotel takeover-pop-up at the hyper-modern Hotel on Rivington, just in time for New York City Pride, June 18-30. And saving you 15 percent while they’re at it.

And what does that mean exactly?

Design-elements from Lords like the iconic Marilyn portraits by Richard Bellino will be bringing Miami’s Art Deco District to the tenements and trendsters of the Lower East Side with re-styled rooms and a re-painted lobby (snappy neon pink, naturally). In essence, it’s the spirit of the brand dipping its toes into the NYC market – perhaps hinting at a full-blown property down the road – so it doesn’t just end at the design elements.

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Saving money: a trend that just won’t quit. And although pop culture tells us gays are the trendiest of the lot [buffs fingers on shirt], they’ve only just now got into the crowded flash sale game. Launching today with three week-long sales, Out Escapes carves a members-only gay niche from Jetsetter, Vacationist, Living Social Escapes, and Groupon Getaways, amongst others, with offerings given the LGBT stamp of approval, in addition to offering value-added perks above and beyond the discounts other sites may provide. Cool-with-it allies, you’re in luck, too; nobody’s going to ask whom you sleep with to sign up.

In dollar terms that means the possibility of free round-trip airport transfers, bottle of champers at check-in, comp meals, spa passes, and special guided tours. It also means group trips geared towards gays, like their last-minute Tel Aviv Pride package June 1-10, and an Events platform to securely buy tickets to circuit parties and social/charity outings not necessarily at a discount but again, with potential special perks like expedited club entry. According to the site’s co-founder/travel writing veteran, the ultimate goal is to become a full-service travel portal including a tongue-in-cheek Gay Tripper blog about fabbing it up the world over and social networking “Meet Me Here” component (live July 2012).

But for now, it’s all about the sales. Here’s a peek: Read more