About 15 hotels in the city have trotted out special packages targeting same-sex couples, but none have catered exclusively to this group—until now.
The Out NYC, which is being built on 42nd Street between Tenth and Eleventh avenues, appears to be the Big Apple's first same-sex property.
The 105-room hotel owned by Parkview Developers will open early next year. An 11,000-square-foot bar called XL Nightclub within the hotel is expected to open late 2011.
"In many ways (The Out NYC) is an extension of hoteliers efforts to align their hotels with customers' lifestyles," said Sean Hennessey, CEO of Lodging Advisors, a hotel industry consulting firm. "New York City can support such a tight focus like this, while many markets need a more generic style that reaches a broad audience."
It will be operated by John Blair, Beto Sutter and FV Events. The boutique hotel will also have a café called Kitchen, open 24 hours a day.
According to its agency, Nancy J. Friedman Public Relations, just one other hotel in the U.S., Lords South Beach, is geared toward the gay community. It opened earlier this year.
“This is an idea whose time has come. What makes The Out NYC a gay hotel is the comfort level and tailored amenities for the community,” said Ian Reisner, managing partner for Parkview Developers. “The Out NYC will become a ‘can't-miss' for gay tourists, as well as the epicenter of gay life for LGBT New Yorkers. With New York's recent legislation, we look forward not only to hosting countless gay couples, but marrying them as well."